CHAPTER THREE

RETIREMENT SAVINGS ACCOUNTS LEGISLATION
CONTENTS

CHAPTER THREE

ISSUES

A mixed response

3.1 The introduction of the RSA legislation has provoked a mixed response among those organisations who contributed to the inquiry. Potential RSA providers have a number of concerns about aspects of the legislation. However, a number of submitters to the Committee did welcome the concept of a simple, flexible and portable superannuation account. For example, the Credit Union Services Corporation (Australia) Ltd (CUSCAL) welcomed the initiative, advising the Committee that:

3.2 It should be noted that CUSCAL has long sought a "on balance sheet" superannuation product and made several submissions to this Committee to that effect during 1994/95.

3.3 The Association of Permanent Building Societies (APBS) cast a significant level of doubt on whether its members would be willing to offer RSA accounts. While supporting the concept of a simple, deposit based retirement account, the APBS expressed concern at the Government's approach as requiring RSAs to have too many characteristics of superannuation products. The Association advised the Committee that the viability of small accounts in ordinary savings accounts is already causing problems for deposit taking institutions and expressed disappointment that "more complex and special attention will be required for small RSA accounts".

3.4 It should be noted that the Australian Bankers' Association (ABA) assessed RSAs cautiously, expressing the view that its members had a range of concerns about the nature of the product. The Chief Executive of the ABA, Mr Mark Addis, told the Committee that the ABA was "anxiously awaiting the regulations that will accompany the legislation." He expressed the view that it was difficult to assess what sort of product could be developed until these regulations became available. [2]

3.5 The Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA), questioned the need for RSAs, arguing that the existing superannuation system already met the needs of most individuals.

3.6 The Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) expressed a number of fundamental concerns regarding RSAs, although noting that this did not mean that the ACTU opposed the RSA concept. In arguing the case before the Committee, Ms Elana Rubin, Senior Industrial Officer for the ACTU noted that prior to the introduction of the trustee system in superannuation, financial institutions operated for the benefit of their shareholders rather than policy holders. She highlighted the competing interests of shareholders as compared to members, emphasising that the trustee system has played, and continues to play, a significant role in reforming that system. The ACTU's concerns centred around the issue of "choice" in the superannuation system and potential implications of allowing employers to open RSAs for their employees without their consent.

3.7 The Council of Small Business Organisations of Australia, represented by Mr Rob Bastian, supported the concept of passbook superannuation. To the extent that RSAs meet this simple, flexible and fully portable requirement, COSBOA was broadly supportive of the introduction of RSAs. He did advise the Committee that he favoured bank operated superannuation vehicles over superannuation funds, because of what he considered to be a relative inaccessibility of superannuation monies to the small business capital market:

3.8 It should be noted that this conclusion was premised on the assumption that the increased loan book available to banks as a result of RSAs would provide small businesses with increased opportunities to access cheap funds. The extent to which this will occur cannot be determined and the Opposition members of the Committee note with some concern the degree to which COSBOA based their support for passbook superannuation on this access issue.

3.9 Mr Bastian also indicated that he supported a general simplification of superannuation:

3.10 Mr Bastian also annunciated a significant degree of concern regarding the possible disclosure that may become applicable to employers who open accounts on behalf of employees. Mr Bastian suggested that his membership would be less than supportive, if they were required to disclose all relevant documentation regarding RSAs to employees. He said:

3.11 He was very supportive of establishing a nexus between the RSA provider and the superannuant, as opposed to between the employer and the RSA provider. As he stated, the first premise that must be foremost is the fact that superannuation is in fact employees retirement incomes.

 

Issues canvassed in this report

3.12 Submissions and evidence received by the Committee during the inquiry identified a number of broad issues associated with RSAs. These included:

3.13 These issues are examined in the following paragraphs of this chapter of the report.

3.14 The Committee also took evidence about a range of more technical issues associated with the operation of RSAs. Chapter 4 deals with these issues.

 

Who can offer RSAs?

3.15 Under the provisions of the Retirement Savings Accounts Bill 1996, banks, building societies, credit unions, life insurance companies, friendly societies (see para 1.6) and prescribed financial institutions can market RSAs. Several witnesses and submitters argued that existing superannuation trustees should also be able to offer RSAs, including the right to use the term "RSA" as a product description.

3.16 The Investment Funds of Australia (IFA), for example, argued essentially, there was no difference between an RSA and a cash based superannuation fund. Accordingly, the IFA submitted that superannuation fund trustees should "have access to the simpler and cheaper structure that is being proposed for RSAs." The IFA contended that this was "an important issue of competitive neutrality". [5]

3.17 Similarly, the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA) submitted that all providers of RSAs and RSA equivalent products, including those operating within trust structures should be able to use the single identifying term 'RSA'. ASFA argued that to do otherwise would confuse consumers and provide RSA institutions with an unfair competitive advantage.

3.18 The Committee sought clarification of this issue from the Insurance and Superannuation Commission (ISC). Dr Darryl Roberts, First Assistant Commissioner, Policy, Legal and Actuarial Division, ISC, advised the Committee that this issue "is likely to be in the regulations" and that the term "RSA" could be used by "lookalikes" that met the requirements:

3.19 Opposition members of the Committee note that the Coalition parties explicitly stated in their March 1996 Election Campaign statement that superannuation funds would be allowed to offer individual superannuation, RSAs. Opposition members also note that the leaked Cabinet Submission regarding RSAs notes in its opening paragraph, " The Government announced its commitment to allow banks, building societies, credit unions, life insurance companies (life office), complying superannuation funds and other financial intermediaries to offer Retirement Savings Accounts (RSAs).."(emphasis added). [7]

3.20 Opposition members of the Committee therefore believe that in the interests of providing real choice, a level playing field and competitive neutrality, it is imperative that Government move to amend the legislation in order to allow complying superannuation funds to offer RSAs.

 

Choice

3.21 Clause 51 of the RSA Bill permits an employer to open an RSA without the consent of an employee.

3.22 This issue was one of the most canvassed issues during the course of the Committee's examination of the RSA bills. The ability of an employer to open an RSA account on behalf of an employee raises a number of issues regarding the efficacy of the provision of choice to consumers.

3.23 In addition to this, the ability of an employer to open an account on behalf of an employee raises privacy concerns. For example, at present the RSA bill does not require any physical proof of the existence of the proposed RSA holder nor any proof of the relationship between the proposed RSA holder and the employer.

3.24 ASFA suggested that there may be instances where a partner may request his or her employer to open an RSA on behalf of their partners, in order to access the announced 18 per cent superannuation tax rebate. [8]

3.25 ASFA indicated a number of concerns regarding the provision of consent on behalf of the spouse whose name may used to open the RSA. [9] Given the current absence of a 100 point identity test, which is standard procedure when opening a deposit account, there is nothing to prohibit this kind of behaviour.

3.26 Representatives of the ISC explained that under section 51, the employer may fill out an RSA application form with the employees' details and lodge that form with an RSA provider. The RSA provider will then open the account and send the relevant disclosure documentation to the employee. On receipt of this documentation, a "cooling off" period applies and the employee has 14 days in which to decide whether to retain funds in the RSA or transfer them to another fund. [10]

3.27 Several contributors to the inquiry expressed concern about this provision. They argued that over the longer term, savings held in RSAs would earn interest at a lower rate than is likely to be achieved in a conventional superannuation fund. Accordingly, the question of employee choice about whether the employer contributed to an RSA or a superannuation fund is important, as an employee whose superannuation savings are in a RSA might be financially disadvantaged in the longer term.

3.28 The majority of submissions received by the Committee questioned adequacy of the "14 day cooling off period", arguing that employees were often in a weak position in respect to the balance of power in negotiations with employees:

3.29 The Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees (AIST) raised similar concerns. AIST contended that it was essential that employee choice was built into the legislation. Dr Diana Olsberg told the Committee that:

3.30 The AIST argued that the issue of choice was compounded by other factors, such as any commercial arrangement that may exist between an employer and an RSA provider. This relationship might influence the nature of the choice that the employer might make for the employee. This point was supported by the ACTU, the Community and Public Sector Union, the Transport Workers Union, the Australian Consumers Association and a number of others.

3.31 Dr Darryl Roberts of the ISC advised the Committee that the Section 51 provision directly mirrors section 153 of the SIS Act, under which an employer can apply to make contributions to a public offer superannuation fund without the consent of an employee. He stated that under both SIS and the RSA Bills, employers can fill out a single application form for multiple employees.

3.32 Dr Roberts pointed out that the RSA legislation does not make any change in relation to the freedom of employers to choose a fund for Superannuation Guarantee contributions. Neither does the legislation disrupt any existing industrial framework. Dr Roberts confirmed that following amendments to the Superannuation Guarantee Act, employers could make SG contributions to RSAs as well as regulated superannuation funds. However, this does not mean that employers have an automatic right to shift their SG payments to RSAs:

3.33 The ISC argued that the legislation incorporates two important protections for employees whose employers open RSAs on their behalf:

3.34 Opposition members of the Committee however are inclined to question the soundness of the ISC arguments. Whilst section 153 of the SIS Act does provide for a sponsor employer entity to lodge an application form on behalf of an employee, it does not provide for an employer to unilaterally transfer superannuation monies from one fund to another without some indication of employee consent. The Opposition members' understanding of section 51 of the RSA Bill is that an employer is granted such a right.

3.35 Opposition members also note that section 153 of the SIS Act does not allow an employer to open a number of superannuation accounts for a number of employees with only one form. Opposition members' understanding of section 51 of the RSA Bill is that an employer need only provide to an RSA provider one application form, even if the employer is opening a number of employee accounts.

3.36 The Opposition members of the Committee also note that an employer under section 153 of the SIS Act must comply with industrial awards. Employers, must therefore comply with rulings of the Industrial Relations Commission. The Industrial Relations Commission has made a number of rulings regarding the ability of an employer to choose and open an RSA on behalf of an employee.

3.37 Opposition members of the Committee note the comments of Ms Elana Rubin, Senior Industrial Officer, ACTU regarding this issue,

3.38 The Opposition members of the Committee consider that due to the employees' undeniable ownership of the superannuation contribution, it is unacceptable that the employer has the ability and legal right under the RSA bill to direct employees superannuation contributions to their own choice fund. Opposition members believe if the RSA product is to be remotely consistent with the policy intentions of the Coalition Government, the legislation must be amended to ensure that the choice associated with taking out an RSA is that of the employee's, not the employer's.

3.39 The ISC acknowledged that RSA institutions can require up to 12 months notice for liquidity and administrative reasons, or because of the terms of the contract. For this reason, it may take up to twelve months for the balance to be moved to the employees' nominated fund. However, the ISC maintained that:

3.40 The Opposition members of the Committee consider that for the RSA to be a fully portable account, RSA providers must be required to roll over accounts to other funds in a much shorter period of time than the currently provided for period of twelve months. Opposition members of the Committee recommend that the RSA bill be amended to require RSA providers to roll over such monies in 30 days from the time of an employee notifying the provider of his or her choice.

 

Nature of the Capital Guarantee

3.41 A number of potential RSA providers questioned the inclusion of the capital guarantee provisions for RSAs, arguing that deposits in banks, credit unions and building societies are already capital guaranteed. Mr Raj Venga, Director, Policy and Compliance, APBS, summarised the view:

3.42 The Committee further explored the meaning of the capital guarantee that is expected to be an essential feature of this product. Under questioning, representatives of the ABA acknowledged that while the capital is guaranteed against negative earnings, situations may arise where a deposit in an RSA might be eroded by bank fees. Mr Addis told the Committee:

3.43 Opposition members of the Committee note that S38(2)(i) of the RSA Bill gives reserve powers to the ISC, permitting standards to be prescribed in relation to "fees that may be charged for the provision of RSAs".

3.44 Opposition members also note that CUSCAL indicated that they did not believe it would be commercially worthwhile for their institutions to charge fees. Ms Barbara Livesey, Senior Policy Adviser CUSCAL indicated that CUSCAL did not expect any of its credit unions to charge fees. She also indicated that if the Committee were so inclined as to attempt to recommend the regulation of fees and charges, CUSCAL would be supportive of a Committee recommendation prohibiting fees and charges rather than regulating them.

3.45 Ms Livesey also noted the need for consumers to be able to easily compare fees, charges and interest rates across a wide range of RSA products. [18]

3.46 Opposition members of the Committee consider that the ISC should survey the fees and charges applied to RSA accounts to ensure the capital guaranteed nature of RSAs is not undermined by unreasonable fees and if necessary, consider the use of its S38 reserve powers. Opposition members also consider that all fees and charges should be disclosed up front to the prospective RSA holder. Additionally, Opposition members consider such monitoring is essential to ensure that the Governments' objectives for RSAs to be a simple, low cost product are met.

 

Incentives to employers

3.47 A number of contributors to the inquiry considered that the Government should prohibit RSA providers from offering incentives or inducements to employers to use a particular RSA product. For example, a bank might offer a business a reduced rate of interest on borrowing's if the employer opens RSA accounts for employees with that bank. Submitters argued that there were a number of shortcomings associated with such a practice:

3.48 Representatives of the Australian Banking Association took a different view. Mr Addis of the ABA told the Committee that as long as they are not improper, incentives are part of normal business relationships:

3.49 The Australian Consumers' Association (ACA) drew the Committee's attention to Section 47(IV) of the Trade Practices Act which prohibits 'Third Line Forcing' and other exclusive dealing in general terms. However, the ACA and others considered that there is a clear need to clarify the types of practices that should be prohibited as unreasonable and specify appropriate penalties. [20]

3.50 Opposition members of the Committee consider that this issue has the potential to be very damaging. Opposition members recommend that such a prohibition should be placed in the legislation so as to avoid any such behaviour.

3.51 The Opposition members take this view especially given the presence of a due diligence defence within the legislation. The Opposition members note that the Wallis inquiry is currently studying Part V of the Trade Practices Act and there is increasing speculation about the possibility of it being removed in so far as it impacts on the financial services industry.

3.52 In this uncertain environment, the Opposition members consider it important that consumers, -RSA holders, are provided with every available opportunity to protect themselves.

3.53 In keeping with this sentiment, the Opposition members also note with interest the ACTU's point regarding the level of disclosure that should occur where the RSA provider and the employer have a business or commercial relationship.

3.54 The ACTU, AIST and the ACA all noted that in circumstances where the employer and the RSA provider have a business relationship, the nature of this business relationship should be disclosed to the employee.

3.55 All three organisations emphatically noted this point should the situation remain that employers are able to open an account on behalf of an employee.

 

Regulatory regime

3.56 A variety of financial and other organisations expressed reservations about the regulatory regime that will apply to RSA providers.

3.57 The Australian Association of Permanent Building Societies (AAPBS) expressed disappointment about the regulatory environment that is to apply to RSA providers. AAPBS considered that the structure imposed under the RSA legislation was excessively and unnecessarily complex, giving rise to higher administrative costs and making the product a marginal economic proposition. Mr James Larkey, the executive director of the APBS, summed up the society's position:

3.58 ASFA also expressed concern that there will be no clear separation of responsibilities, for example in complaints resolution, suggesting that in the longer term, it would be simpler to move towards a singe complaints regulator.

3.59 Dr Darryl Roberts of the ISC addressed concerns about the dual regulatory regime at the Committee's first public hearing. Dr Roberts acknowledged that the ISC is conscious of potential problems that might arise as a result of adopting a dual regulator approach. He explained the ISC's proposed approach in the following terms:

3.60 Dr Roberts emphasised that should this system of self assessment break down, the ISC would intervene promptly:

 

Disclosure

3.61 The RSA Bill does not specify disclosure standards. Rather, it enables the Government to make regulations that will set standards in this area. These regulations were not referred to the Committee and indeed had not been made available during the Committee's examination of the legislation. However, the Opposition members of the Committee consider that it is appropriate to advise the Senate of the nature of concerns about disclosure requirements that emerged during the inquiry.

3.62 A common theme was that consumers should be provided with adequate information to make informed choices, including fees and expected returns. However, excessively detailed material was considered counterproductive as experience has demonstrated that excessively large amounts of material is likely to be ignored. Additionally, excessive disclosure requirements will impose excessive costs on RSA providers.

3.63 For example, the IFA representative, Mr Richard Gilbert advised the Committee that the prospectus documents required for ordinary, cash based funds can be as long as 50 pages. He said that the key features statement should not exceed six pages. [24]

3.64 Other general points raised include that:

3.65 The Opposition members of the Committee consider it appropriate to offer a number of guiding principles in relation to the area of disclosure. The Committee is agreement with the Australian Consumers' Association, Jacques Martin, the ACTU, AIST, ASFA and CUSCAL. In order to ensure free and effective choice it is imperative that prospective RSA holder receive all relevant information regarding fees and charges, the rate of return, the level of risk associated with the product in addition to a health warning at the time that the RSA holder is contemplating establishing a RSA.

3.66 The Opposition members also consider it important to ensure that the RSA holder receives all such information on a regular basis. The Opposition members are attracted to the cigarette style health warning regarding the $10,000 proposed limit. The Opposition members also consider it to be highly desirable if such health warnings could be distributed regularly, preferably annually to the RSA holder.

3.67 Should employers remain legally capable of opening an RSA on behalf of an employee, the Committee considers it appropriate that the responsibility to disclose fees, charges, rates of return and risk profiles as well as the health warning should also fall to the employer. That is the Committee considers the burden to be too onerous on RSA providers if they are required to provide information in the first instance to the employer and then upon having an account opened for them the RSA provider has to inform the RSA holder.

3.68 The Committee is of the opinion that the best relationship would be between the RSA holder and provider. However if the relationship is to be brokered at the outset, the intermediary, the employer must be liable for some of the responsibility associated with disclosure.

 

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Footnotes

[1] CUSCAL Submission, p. 1.

[2] Evidence, 21 Feb 1997.

[3] Evidence, 21 Feb 1997.

[4] Evidence, Mr Bastian 21 February.

[5] Submission, p. 2.

[6] Evidence, 25 Feb 1997.

[7] 1996 Cabinet Submission regarding RSAs, which was leaked to the Opposition and made publicly available via the internet.

[8] On August 20 1996, the Treasurer announced that an 18 per cent tax rebate of up to $3000 would be available to spouse who contributed to the superannuation accounts of a low income or non working spouse. Treasurer's Budget Press Release titled "Superannuation Reform".

[9] Evidence, Mr Foxton 21 February.

[10] Evidence, 25 Feb 1997, Dr Roberts, opening statement.

[11] Evidence, 21 Feb 1997.

[12] Evidence, Ms Elana Rubin, Senior Industrial Officer of the ACTU, 21 February

[13] Evidence, 25 Feb 1997, Dr Roberts, opening statement.

[14] ACTU submission p 5 - 6.

[15] Evidence, 25 Feb 1997, Dr Roberts, opening statement.

[16] Evidence, p. 22.

[17] Evidence, 21 Feb 1997.

[18] Evidence, 25 February.

[19] Evidence, 21 Feb 1997.

[20] Submission, Australian Consumers' Association, p. 3.

[21] Evidence, p. 17.

[22] Evidence, p. 26.

[23] Evidence, p. 26.

[24] Evidence, p. 5.