Chairman's Overview
The DFRB and DFRDB schemes have for many years been closed to new Members and as a consequence contributory membership has generally steadily declined. Unusually, however, 2007–08 saw a slight increase in contributing Members as a result of recipient Members re-entering the Australian Defence Force and choosing to rejoin the DFRDB Scheme rather than the newer Military Superannuation and Benefits Scheme (MilitarySuper). Contributing Members (some 5600), and in excess of 50,000 pensioners, rely upon the Authority’s administrator, ComSuper, for proper management and delivery of their superannuation entitlements.
Increasingly, Members want to be fully informed of their entitlements and any legislative changes that might affect them. To meet this demand, the Authority approved significant ongoing enhancement of communication, seminar and counselling programs. A major upgrade was made to the DFRDB website, including the launch of improved online services, enabling Members to access information or complete many tasks without the need to contact the Schemes administrator, ComSuper, by phone or letter.
It is pleasing to report a number of activities successfully undertaken during the year. Important among these were:
- implementation of further tax changes flowing from the “Better Super” program
- introduction of Epass which allows for the transfer of employer information electronically
- preparation for the implementation of an automated invalidity case management system
- successful participation in a pilot project with the Australian Taxation Office allowing pension payment summary information to be pre-populated into tax returns lodged electronically by pensioners
- implementation of a program to identify and manage potential risks in compliance with Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing reforms
- development of an enhanced assurance framework addressing operational, strategic and compliance risks.
In late 2007 the Authority endorsed ComSuper’s participation in an interdepartmental working group set up to examine options for aligning and streamlining the delivery of services and benefit entitlements to ADF Members and their families. Areas for improvement being examined under this whole of government initiative include increased interagency sharing of information, listing of agency services into a single document for ease of Member reference and improved agency coordination, particularly in relation to Member medical discharges.
On behalf of all Authority members I would like to thank ComSuper staff for their continuing efforts in servicing Members of the schemes over the year. I commend my fellow Authority Members for their commitment and assistance throughout the year.
Yours faithfully
Leo Bator
Chairman
DFRDB Authority