Chairman's message
During the year, the Defence Force Retirement Benefits (DFRB) and the Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits (DFRDB) schemes’ administrator, ComSuper, maintained
a focus on improving their performance against key deliverables. These were:
paying correct and timely benefits
to Members
- sending correct and timely statements to Members
- improving service delivery,
- both internally and externally
- improving data management capability and the quality of data.
I am pleased to report that the performance against each of these areas has improved during the past financial year.
The Authority was pleased to note the strong results of the annual customer satisfaction survey again in 2008. These results reflect the importance of providing clear and accessible information to our Members. Communication remains a high priority for the Authority, which is committed to ensuring that you can understand more about your superannuation.
In 2008-2009, additional functions were introduced to the DFRDB website. Members are now able to change their details online, download statements and view transactions and investments online. Pensioners are now able to change their bank details online and download payment summaries for the previous financial year.
Whilst online services are an important development in communication and service delivery, the Authority recognises some Members’ preference for face-to-face service. In 2008-2009, ComSuper provided 38 seminars and facilitated individual consultations for 1283 DFRDB Scheme Members.
Unfavourable returns in global financial markets over the past year, have once again reinforced the advantages in being a member of a superannuation scheme that offers defined benefits.
DFRB and DFRDB Members have the reassurance of guaranteed entitlements in these times of financial uncertainty.
On behalf of the Authority members,
I would like to acknowledge the ongoing efforts of ComSuper staff in serving our Members.
Leo Bator
Chairman of the DFRDB Authority