Hamilton, who joined the board in February 2011 and was Chair from February 2012 to February 2014, takes over from Robin Bowerman, who will remain on the board as Deputy Chair.

Bowerman assumed the Chair in September 2019 after Professor Deborah Ralston stood down (her term was due to end at this conference) to avoid any perceived conflicts of interest after being appointed to the Retirement Income Review panel.

From 21 February, the board will comprise Andrew Hamilton – Chair, Robin Bowerman – Vice Chair, Robyn FitzRoy, Liam Shorte, Bernie Ripoll, Tracey Scotchbrook, Michael Houlihan and Scott Hay-Bartlem.

Bowerman says the Chair could not be in better hands with Andrew stepping into the role.

“He brings enormous knowledge of the industry, a wide experience about the Association, and a deep understanding of the issues facing our members.

“I also want to acknowledge the enormous contribution of my predecessor, Professor Ralston, in what was a challenging period for our Association, as well as the full support I received from the staff under the leadership of our CEO, John Maroney.”

Hamilton says it’s an honour to again be asked to chair the organisation. “Although our industry is in a period of enormous change, I remain confident that the new regulatory, legislative, and educational framework, which aims to raise the standards across the industry, will be conducive to a business environment in which the SMSF specialist can flourish.”

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Shorte, who has chaired the Association’s NSW Local Community since 2015 and is a member of the Magnitude Advisory Committee, will join the Board on 1 September 2018.

He will replace Andrew Gale, who is stepping down after being a Board member since 2012, including chairman for two years between February 2016 and 2018.

SMSF Association chairperson Professor Deborah Ralston says: “It was a carefully considered choice to appoint Liam. His practical knowledge of the sector derived over many years from dealing directly with clients will be of enormous value to the Board, the Association, and the wider SMSF community.

“Liam has established a deserved reputation as an expert in this field. His blog, The SMSF Coach, which helps break down strategies and industry jargon into plain English for SMSF trustees, has a keen following.”

Ralston also paid tribute to Andrew Gale’s contribution to the Association over the past six years.

“Andrew’s lead as a strong and effective chairman of the Board, his contribution to strategic thinking for the Association, oversight of a smooth CEO succession, and service through the Public Policy Committee has been highly appreciated.”

Shorte, who has a Bachelor of Business majoring in accounting and economics, boasts 27 years’ experience in financial services, having worked in Ireland, the UK and the Middle East before moving to Australia in 2001. His experience and knowledge comes from working in banking, insurance, accounting and financial planning firms before starting his own business in 2006.

Liam, who was awarded SMSF and accounting professional of the year – NSW metropolitan in the SMSF and Accounting Awards, says he is delighted to join the Association’s Board.

“Having joined the Association in 2008, I appreciate its enormous contribution to the policy and technical debates in the SMSF sector, as well as recognising the genuine regard it is held in Canberra for its positive contribution, and I look forward to adding my voice to this collective effort.

“In particular, I am hoping that the practical lessons I have learnt since establishing my own SMSF business will afford me the opportunity to bring a practitioner’s perspective and insights to the Board.”

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