The 2024 CEO Award was posthumously awarded to Brooke Hepburn-Rogers while Leigh Mansell was awarded the prestigious Chair Award.

Michael Lorimer was recognised for achieving the highest examination score in 2024 for the Association’s SMSF Specialist Advisor accreditation program, while Ryan Ding was recognised for achieving the highest examination score for the Association’s SMSF Specialist Auditor accreditation program.

Association CEO Peter Burgess said the awards were richly deserved, with all award winners embodying the Association’s values as well as showcasing a high level of professionalism.

“Our Specialist Advisor and Specialist Auditor designations are highly regarded across the industry, not just as a test of knowledge but as a demonstration of deep SMSF expertise and the ability to apply that knowledge in practice.

“Those members who have undertaken the comprehensive Specialist Adviser and Specialist Auditor programs understand that earning these designations requires a commitment to professional development, technical proficiency and the highest standards of SMSF practice.

Burgess said the CEO Award was conferred on a member who had made a significant contribution to foster the SMSF community and embodied the values of the Association.

“No one better fits that description than Brooke, the Founder and Director of the ACT-based Foxton Financial, who had more than 22 years’ experience in the sector, was Chair of the ACT Local Community Committee from March 2020 to July 2023, and always a strong advocate of our Association.

“Sadly, Brooke passed away last year, so this Award is a poignant reminder and tribute to her unwavering support and dedication to the sector over many years.”

Association chair Scott Hay-Bartlem said Heffron Director, SMSF Technical & Education Services, Leigh Mansell, has been a highly influential figure in the SMSF sector for over two decades and was a worthy recipient of this year’s Chair Award.

“This award recognises a member who has made an outstanding contribution to the growth and sustainability of the SMSF sector, and no one better symbolises this description than Leigh who has been a major contributor via her exceptional education skills.

“In addition to her contributions to education, Leigh’s leadership and insights during the 2024 Treasury legacy pension amnesty consultations were instrumental. Her influence played a key role in shaping a legislative outcome that will benefit many SMSF members.”

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Peter Burgess

The SMSF Association 2024 Technical Summit, a premier technical event on the SMSF calendar, will focus on enhancing and improving the expertise of professionals dedicated to delivering high-quality retirement solutions to their clients.

The Summit, being held on 24-25 July at Sydney’s Hyatt Regency, features a curated program of interactive workshops and sessions on a range of technical issues critical to SMSF specialists.

SMSF Association CEO Peter Burgess emphasised the importance of bringing the industry together to explore strategies and share knowledge that upholds the highest standard in our industry. “The Technical Summit is an essential event for SMSF professionals committed to providing quality advice and staying at the forefront of industry developments.

“This year’s event promises to deliver an unparalleled lineup of workshops designed to enhance the knowledge and skills of professionals across the financial planning, accounting, legal, and auditing sectors.”

Managing Director at Ethics Advisory Services, Professor Melinda Edwards, will bring a thought-provoking perspective to the Summit with her workshop on ethical dilemmas and the future impact of AI in financial services.

Head of Education at ASF Audits, Shelley Banton’s workshop will help guide professionals through the intricacies of accurately valuing SMSF assets and Tim Miller, SMSF Technical & Education Manager at Smarter SMSF, is set to deliver an interactive workshop testing long standing contribution strategies in a post Div 296 environment.

In a joint workshop, Craig Day, Head of Technical Services, Colonial First State, and Linda Bruce, Senior Technical Manager, Colonial First State will take a holistic look at the minefield of superannuation issues that need to be understood when protecting clients from the risks associated with becoming permanently incapacitated.

Director, Cooper Partners Financial Services, Jemma Sanderson’s workshop will delve into the complexities of handling SMSFs within blended families and Leigh Mansell, Director SMSF Technical & Education Services, Heffron, is set to deliver a comprehensive workshop, focused on managing SMSF death benefits.

In addition to these workshops, we have assembled an expert lineup of speakers, all of whom are industry leaders and need no introduction. Renowned speakers such as Bryce Figot, Special Counsel, DBA Lawyers, Louise Biti, Director, Aged Care Steps, Melanie Dunn, Principal, Accurium and many more will impart their wealth of knowledge on attendees, whether they join virtually or attend the Summit, in person.

This year’s Technical Summit will also be top and tail-ended by keynotes from two of our most popular presenters.  Peter Burgess will kick off with his fast paced update on the latest legislative changes, sharing first hand insights on the SMSF Association’s Division 296 advocacy efforts, Whilst, Scott Hay-Bartlem, Partner, Cooper Grace Ward, is set to deliver the closing keynote with his signature flair,  addressing  strategies to resolve  death benefit disputes.

Burgess concludes: “This year’s Summit promises to be a dynamic and invaluable event for SMSF professionals, offering a unique opportunity to stay ahead of legislative changes, enhance technical expertise and network with industry peers.”

Significant savings are still available, with Early Bird pricing ending this Friday 23 June. Don’t miss the opportunity to buy at this great rate, connect with industry leaders and gain insights from a wide range of industry experts this July.

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John Maroney

The SMSF Association has constructed an exciting technical program for its annual National Conference that is attracting enormous interest from SMSF specialists and advisers hungry for knowledge about how to better serve their clients through this difficult period.

Association CEO John Maroney says delegates will be impressed with the variety and quality of sessions at the National Conference being held in Adelaide from 16 to 18 February, with three sessions, in particular, having strong appeal

“One of our most anticipated sessions is with SuperConcepts Executive Director Graeme Colley who will address the issue of related parties in SMSFs, identifying the entities that qualify as related parties, clarifying misconceptions, and discussing situations where non-related parties may become related.

“This will be a critical session for those looking to better understand the rules and definitions that guide SMSFs. We are navigating a challenging time, as we all know, and the demand for sessions that give members clarity around rules, exemptions and unique circumstances is high

“For those interested in the broader regulatory framework impacting on SMSFs, we have a comprehensive session on financial services law, focused on SMSF advice fee disclosures, sophisticated investor definitions, DDOs, TMDs, PDSs and much more, which will be run by the Managing Partner at Holley Nethercote, Paul Derham.

“The session is one of our more comprehensive legal sessions to date. Paul will also provide an excellent summary of key regulatory developments and practical tips for 2022.”

Maroney says the address by Leigh Mansell, Director of SMSF Technical & Education Services at Heffron SMSF Solutions, on clarifying the differences between the transfer balance account, transfer balance cap and total superannuation balance is long overdue.

“TBC, TBA, TSB, DTLs, these are all concepts we have been living with for years now, but there remains a gap in SMSF knowledge about how each of these concepts operate and what they actually affect.

“Leigh will unpack each concept and identify what is the impact of each on a fund in terms of regulation and reporting and explain how to calculate each concept considering things such as deferred tax liabilities and termination costs.

“She will also reveal some of her best tips and alert delegates to some traps to avoid. I’m particularly looking forward to this session for its practical value.”

Maroney concludes: “It’s great that the South Australian borders have reopened so that everyone can have confidence coming to Adelaide in February and possibly staying for the weekend to enjoy some of the wonderful attractions in the city and nearby wine regions.”

Early bird registrations for the National Conference close on 26 November 2021.

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