The recent pattern of snubs to the concerns of the SMSF sector regarding legislative change seems to confirm the government is contemptuous of the sector which is bad news for trustees and practitioners.

Members will be able to contribute more into their SMSF from 1 July when the concessional contributions cap is once again indexed.

Speculation of another round of general transfer balance cap indexation serves as a reminder of how complex this measure is for trustees.

The final announcement from Canberra in 2023 affecting the superannuation sector does not paint a rosy picture for SMSFs in the coming year.

The current year has thrown up more questions than it has provided answers with regard to the myriad superannuation policy changes on the table.

With the criticism of the $3 million superannuation earnings tax from the SMSF sector being joined by comments from the representative body for retail and industry funds will the government persist with the proposal or heed the concerns raised by many?

Despite the SMSF sector showing fund members are highly engaged and actively accessing retirement income streams when appropriate the current government has no praise for it and is putting forward tax legislation that unfairly targets SMSFs in comparison to other funds.

Draft legislation to create an objective for superannuation has been released and while it terms seem harmless the proposed application raises questions if the government will direct where and how superannuation is invested.

Government plans to lock down the purpose of superannuation is being undermined by its introduction of policies diverting retirement savings to other purposes.