SFWG charter

Purpose

Terms of reference

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) recognises the important role that large funds, fund administrators, industry representatives and software developers play in the administration of the Australian superannuation (super) system. In recognition of this role, the ATO has established the Superannuation Funds Working Group (SFWG).

The forum provides an opportunity for a candid exchange of views and for all parties to gain an understanding of their respective situations. This understanding will provide a sound basis for the forum to identify, discuss and jointly resolve significant administration issues in relation to:

• the integrity of the super accounts and registers, including the administrative processes that lead to the population of accounts and registers for the various super products
• the authenticity of the ATO's interest calculation systems
• interactions between ATO accounts, including offsetting practices
• account statements and timing
• refund processing controls
• the change program.

Within its scope the SFWG will:

• focus on collaborative approaches to making it easier for fund administrators to comply, in the framework of mutual goals
• identify systemic issues in both ATO and fund administrative practices that need to be resolved, and assist in putting in place strategies to resolve them
• share information about the future design of the administration of the tax system, to maximise consultation and collaboration on the implementation of the design
• identify opportunities for co-design of the administration of the tax system and assist in enabling co-design
• communicate its work widely to super fund administrators, industry representatives and ATO staff to foster a shared understanding of purpose.

Members are able to raise issues and provide feedback on the matters that are within the ambit of the group. The ATO will consider the feedback for possible implementation, depending on the limitations for enhancements to ATO systems.

Sections within Purpose

• Type of forum and length of term
• Governance and relationships
• History of establishment