Value Added Services

Industry SuperFunds aim to make the administration of superannuation as easy as possible for employers. Their goal is simple, hassle-free administration using your choice of access methods:

• electronic – secure online facilities for submitting regular contributions and remittance data for your employees.
  most funds also make it easy to undertake routine tasks such as adding new members, updating the details of existing members or advising when members cease employment. Contribution details can be checked and confirmed online.
• paper – contribution payments and data can be completed using paper-based forms and submitted by mail if you prefer.

Most Industry SuperFunds offer a choice of payment methods including:

• BPAY®
• Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT)
• direct debit
• direct credit
• Postbillpay™
• cheque.

Many Industry SuperFunds offer access to a clearing house facility that makes it easy to contribute to multiple funds on behalf of your employees.

With this service you electronically transfer the necessary data and contributions to the clearing house and it then distributes the various payments to the super funds chosen by your employees – saving you valuable time and paperwork.

Industry SuperFunds ensure the employers they work with can pick up the telephone and talk to a real person about the fund and their administration needs.

For the cost of a local call, you can talk to dedicated staff who will walk you through any administration issues in relation to making superannuation contributions for your employees.

Most Industry SuperFund call centres are open 8am to 8pm, Monday to Friday and the support staff will be happy to answer your questions.

Industry SuperFunds are dedicated to keeping both you and your employees informed about the fund and the latest developments in superannuation.

Regular fund communications include:

• newsletters – both employers and members receive regular newsletters explaining the fund and its services, the latest developments in investment markets and any important changes to superannuation legislation.
• brochures and fact sheets – employers and members can learn more about specific topics relating to the fund from a suite of publications.
  For employers, these include fact sheets on the superannuation rules in relation to different types of employee wage and salary payments.
• half-yearly member statements – to help members stay in touch with their superannuation, many Industry SuperFunds send members an account statement every six months.

Industry SuperFunds offer their participating employers lots of help and support including:

• relationship managers – funds have a team of client service managers working around Australia who make regular site visits to assist employers with any superannuation issues.
• dedicated staff – some funds like AustralianSuper assign dedicated administration clerks to an employer with 10 or more employees to ensure the employer has a regular and familiar contact to help with their administration needs.

Industry SuperFunds are keen to help look after the superannuation needs of their employers and there are no joining or ongoing administration fees for employers using their services.

Industry SuperFunds are all complying funds for the purposes of the Choice of Fund legislation and they can be a great choice for your organisation's default fund.

They can provide help with:

• confirmation of complying fund status
• Choice of Fund forms and documentation
• compliant insurance cover under the Choice of Fund legislation requirements.

Industry SuperFunds are happy to assist employers improve their employees' knowledge about superannuation, retirement and investment choices by holding workplace education seminars.

Topics can include:

• retirement planning
• financial planning issues
• retirement income streams
• choosing the right investment option
• insurance cover
• consolidating superannuation accounts.

Many funds also offer free online education courses and calculators to help members learn more about superannuation and key financial concepts.

Employers can access a range of great value banking products designed to help with their business banking needs and their own personal financial requirements.
ME Bank is ultimately owned by a number of industry superannuation funds, so the emphasis is on keeping fees low. It offers a range of banking services including:

• business finance solutions – ME Bank offers a great range of finance solutions designed to meet the needs of different businesses at consistently low interest rates and with no ongoing account keeping fees. Products include small business loans, residentially secured loans and commercial loans.
• business home loans – An ME Bank business banker can also help with home loan products, including both standard home loans and interest only investment loans.
• business leasing – ME Bank offers a range of asset finance solutions to meet the needs of different businesses when it comes to purchasing plant and equipment. It can also help with financing solutions for purchasing business motor vehicles.
• business deposit accounts – ME Bank offers a choice of low cost transaction accounts and high interest online savings accounts with competitive interest rates and no hidden catches.
• business term deposits – For cash not required for everyday business needs, ME Bank offers a selection of business term deposits with very competitive rates.
• industry specialisations – Through ME Bank some industry super funds also offer products and services for employers operating in specific industries.

Investors can also access the wide range of managed investment funds offered by ME Investment Funds.

With an investment of as little as $80 per month, investors can choose from a selection of managed funds investing in shares, property, fixed interest and cash, both in Australia and overseas.

ME Investment Funds can help with investments designed to achieve a range of financial goals such as:

• investing for the cost of a child's education
• building a share portfolio
• investing in property without the hassle of tenants.

Industry SuperFunds can be a great choice for employers running their own fund who would like someone else to take over the complex responsibilities of administering and managing a superannuation fund.
Experienced fund staff can help employers work through moving their employees to a new fund, making the process smooth and efficient.
Many Industry SuperFunds can even help with transitioning existing defined benefit members into a new super fund.

Many employers are keen to ensure their employees have appropriate insurance protection and Industry SuperFunds can help with a choice of tailored insurance options.
For employers, it can also be a great way to ensure your own life and income are protected.
Industry SuperFunds offer a range of insurance products including:

• life insurance – value for money insurance cover in the untimely event of death. This cover can help provide for the member's partner or children and can make life a little easier at a difficult time.
• life insurance & TPD – combined Death and Total & Permanent Disablement (TPD) cover through an Industry SuperFund can be more cost effective than buying direct. By using their bulk buying power, funds ensure their members receive great cover for a very cost-effective and competitive monthly premium.
• income protection – protection against temporary loss of income due to illness or injury is available through many Industry SuperFunds. This insurance cover can provide an invaluable source of income to pay bills while recovering from an illness.

A good financial plan can be the key to building financial security.
Employers and their families can access affordable financial planning advice through Industry Fund Financial Planning (IFFP).

IFFP's financial planners can help with advice on most financial matters, including:

• saving and planning for retirement
• everyday budgeting
• debt management
• investing money outside superannuation
• establishing appropriate insurance cover.

The initial appointment with an IFFP financial planner is free of charge and free of any obligation. A fee quote is provided before the planner develops a personalised financial plan.