CEO Online

WELCOME TO THE FOURTH EDITION OF CEO ONLINE

This month I am proud to announce the superannuation industry has recognised one of our longer-standing trustees, John Flitcroft, with a special achievement award.

I would also like to bring you up to date on audit governance in Australia, currently a hot news topic, and report on our FREE mobile seminar program, which visits members all over Australia.

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COMMITMENT TO MEMBERS RECOGNISED BY INDUSTRY

Recently retired trustee, John Flitcroft was presented with a Special Achievement Award for his outstanding contribution to the superannuation industry at this year's Conference of Major Superannuation Funds (CMSF) conference in March.

John is one of only five people to receive an award of this type in the CMSF's 12-year history. Most notably, the award was presented as a result of John's outstanding achievements as a trustee of the CSS and PSS Schemes.

John was appointed a Trustee of both Schemes when the Boards were established in 1990 and continued as a Trustee for eleven years until his retirement on 30 June 2001.

Apart from being involved in setting up the PSS fund, John has been particularly committed to advocating improved communications and services to members through simple and clear messages and improved access.

This has been reflected in enhanced communication channels such as the Schemes' web sites and Annual Reports to members.

John also took an active role in the investment of members' funds and he was particularly involved in the restructuring of our very substantial property portfolio to ensure that investment returns to members were maximised.

Drawing on his experience working in the Compensation program at the Department of Veterans' Affairs, John took a leading role in the development of the Boards invalidity retirement arrangements ensuring the fair and equitable treatment of all members seeking early retirement on health grounds.

As a part of his commitment, John was noted for being available to members to discuss superannuation issues personally or through workplace visits.

A strong advocate of the representative Trustee system, John was a founding member of the Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees (AIST). He served one term as the Public Sector representative on the AIST Board and this involvement with AIST continued throughout his time as a Trustee.

Despite his retirement, John's commitment to CSS/PSS continues. He is an alternate Trustee and maintains a keen interest in the Schemes' operation, particularly membership communication and education.

SCHEMES ACTIVE ON AUDIT GOVERNANCE

As an Australian superannuation leader, CSS 'responsibility to protecting members' interests is paramount.

As part of this commitment, we have lodged a submission in response to the recent RAMSAY REPORT ON INDEPENDENCE OF AUSTRALIAN COMPANY AUDITORS.

It is believed to be the first public confirmation of an institutional investor taking such an active interest in this topical matter.

There has been a lot of debate from companies and practitioners regarding the Ramsay Report - both before and after its release.

We are pleased to confirm that as an investor, CSS/PSS is actively seeking dialogue on the issue of audit governance as this has the potential to impact the value of our investment portfolios and therefore our returns to members.

If you would like further information on audit governance go to PSS/CSS active on Audit Governance and also find further information at - Position Paper - Audit Governance.

ALL PART OF THE SERVICE

Our FREE mobile seminars continue to be popular with members wanting to manage their super more easily and successfully.

Available since 1990, the half-day program has provided thousands of members with helpful information on topics such as CSS Scheme benefits, options for leaving, Super growth, taxation and rollovers.

The sessions have also provided an excellent opportunity for members to meet CSS Information Officers face-to-face and ask specific questions.

'I wish I had come to one of these when I joined. Sorry I left it so long.'

The program has rated highly with members who praise the seminars for relevance of subject matter and, most importantly, usefulness of information provided.

Members in some locations can also request individual sessions with an Information Officer, in private, to discuss their personal circumstances. This individual service, if available is advertised along with the upcoming seminar.

From Burnie to Derby

CSS mobile seminars have visited over 140 capital cities and regional centres within Australia over the past year. As part of our program for the 2001/2002 year, we will reach members in:

Burnie and Devonport in Tasmania;
Townsville and Rockhampton in Queensland;
Broome, Kununurra and Derby in Western Australia; and
Nhulunbuy and Alice Springs in the Northern Territory.

When members call we travel

A key factor in where to hold seminars is often determined by member demand.

If a member believes other colleagues may gain benefit from attending a seminar, a session can be arranged at their workplace.

For example, a seminar will be held on Norfolk Island this year in response to a request from staff from Environment Australia, Bureau of Metereology, Australian Federal Police and Department Transport.

Where next?

If you would like a FREE seminar in your local area or at your place of work call a CSS Information Officer on 1300 000 277 or go to National Seminars for more information.

I look forward to reporting to you again shortly.