Houlihan, who joined the Board in June 2019, will replace Robin Bowerman, who retired from the Board yesterday after joining in 2011.

SMSF Association Chair Andrew Hamilton says: “Although it’s sad to farewell Robin after nine years, it’s a tribute to the calibre of the Association’s Board that Michael can step into this role.

“Michael has a very impressive CV, having spent 30 years in senior leadership roles in superannuation and financial services, including Head of Product and Technical Services at JBWere Investment Management and Vanguard Australia and his current role as Joint Managing Director of Strategic Wealth Services.

“Since joining the Board Michael has played a very constructive and diligent role in all our deliberations, making him an ideal choice to fill the Vice Chair position.”

Hamilton paid a strong tribute to Bowerman’s long service to the Association, especially the past three years as Vice Chair that included four months as Chair.

“There have been some challenging issues for the Association over this period, and the Board has always benefited from Robin’s sage advice, policy knowledge, and media background. His ability to see issues germane to the SMSF sector in the broader context of the superannuation industry has been particularly helpful over the journey.”

Houlihan says: “It’s an honour to be asked by my fellow directors to follow Robin who has served the Association with such distinction. I am excited by the challenges that await our vibrant sector of the superannuation industry and comforted by the fact that the Association is well positioned to resolve them.”

Bowerman, who is Head of Corporate Affairs at the fund manager Vanguard, says: “It’s been a privilege and a pleasure to serve the Association. Over this time there have been many positives changes in the SMSF sector, and the Association can take pride in its significant role in bringing them about.”

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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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Hay-Bartlem, a chartered tax adviser and member of the Society of Trust and Estate practitioners who specialises in issues such as tax and superannuation and estate planning, is the third Specialist Adviser to join the Board in the past month.

Tracey Scotchbrook, Vice Chair of the West Australian Local Community, and Michael Houlihan, Chair of the Victorian Local Community for the past four years, joined on 1 June.

Association Chair, Dr Deborah Ralston, says it’s extremely pleasing to have another Specialist Adviser join the Board, especially as Scott brings a distinguished record of service to the SMSF sector, including a notable role as a valued presenter to the Technical Day events and the National Conference.

“This appointment, when coupled with the recent appointments of Tracey and Michael, gives the Association a strong and diverse Board boasting a broad range of skills and experiences that will allow us to better meet the needs of members and tackle the policy challenges facing the SMSF sector.”

In 2016, Hay-Bartlem was awarded the 2016 Brisbane Wealth Management/Succession Planning Practice Lawyer of the Year and the 2019 Superannuation Lawyer of the Year.

He has also been selected by his peers for inclusion in the Eleventh Edition of Best Lawyers in Australia in the practice areas of: superannuation law, trusts and estates and wealth management/succession planning practice.

Hay-Bartlem says: “It’s a rare honour to join the SMSF Association Board. I have always found my involvement with the Association to be extremely fulfilling, believing it plays a crucial role in advancing the interests of the SMSF sector, so to be invited to join the Board is both exciting and humbling.

“I look forward to working with Deborah and the other Board members to enhance the interests and goals of the Association and the wider SMSF community.”

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Association Chair, Dr Deborah Ralston, says it’s extremely gratifying to appoint two members to the Board who bring a strong sense of duty to the SMSF sector, as well as complementary skill sets and industry experiences.

“Both Tracey and Michael met our selection criteria of having managed complex stakeholder relationships, experience at senior management and board levels, relevant tertiary qualifications and ongoing involvement with the SMSF sector.

“The fact that these members have had such a long and committed relationship with the Association bodes well for continuity at a time when we are undertaking Board renewal. It also reflects well on the strength and capabilities of our membership that we can make appointments of this calibre.”

Scotchbrook, a chartered accountant boasting SMSF Specialist and Public Practice certificates, has had significant involvement with the Association, including membership of the Professional Standards and National Membership committees and Chair of the West Australia Local Community from 2012 to 2016. She was also a Board member and Treasurer of Community Midwifery WA from 2009 to 2012.

“It’s a privilege to be asked to join the Board. I have always found it tremendously fulfilling to be involved with the Association, and especially the West Australian Local Community, so to have my commitment recognised in this way is enormously rewarding.”

Houlihan, with more than 30 years’ experience in financial services, brings an excellent understanding of market trends and dynamics across the different superannuation sectors to the Board. A member of the Victorian Local Community for the past seven years, he is also the Executive Director of Strategic Wealth Services, Non-Executive Director of Evergreen Consultants and Chair of Eltham College.

“I have always been a passionate supporter of the SMSF sector, believing it gives people who opt to do so the opportunity to take direct responsibility for their superannuation. It’s for this reason I chose to contribute to an organisation that’s rightly recognised as the peak body for the SMSF sector, and to have that contribution acknowledged in this way is extremely satisfying.”

Ralston says these two appointments are a direct response to the Expressions of Interest called for late last year. “What’s important to note is that we attracted a very strong field of almost 30 candidates, demonstrating to me and my fellow directors the commitment and enthusiasm our members have, not just to the Association but to the SMSF sector.

“These appointments, when coupled with the recent appointment of Bernie Ripoll, who has served on our Public Policy Committee since early 2017, allows us to build a strong and diverse Board with a range of skills and experiences that will enable us to better meet the needs of members and tackle the policy challenges facing the sector.”

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