· 8 December 2017

^{[Proposal_for_ATO_to_administer_compassio]}Proposal for ATO to administer compassionate early release of super

In a press release dated 8 December 2017, the Minister for Revenue and Financial Services announced the government’s intent to give the ATO responsibility for administering early release of superannuation on compassionate grounds during 2018. The ATO will take over this responsibility from the Department of Human Services (DHS).

^{[How_it_may_affect_you]}How it may affect you

In this statement, the Minister has also confirmed that the government will allow the ATO to notify a superannuation fund when it has authorised early release of superannuation benefits on compassionate grounds.

This transition will require changes to the relevant legislation and regulations. At this stage, the legislative changes are expected to be introduced in the Autumn sitting of Parliament in early 2018.

Until these changes become law, you should note that administration of this program will remain with the DHS and you should continue to contact the DHS with any enquiries regarding approved applications for members.

We'll keep you updated on the progress of these legislative changes via further alerts and other communications.