CEO of Australia’s largest super fund to visit Townsville
Date published: 18 May 2018
The head of Australia’s largest superannuation fund has accepted Mayor Jenny Hill’s invitation to visit Townsville and provide his insights into the global economy to local business and community leaders.
AustralianSuper Chief Executive Ian Silk will arrive in Townsville later this month, to meet with key government and industry stakeholders and discover what the city has to offer.
Mr Silk will speak at a breakfast in conjunction with the Townsville Business Women’s Circle where he will provide his insights on the global economy in the post Brexit and Trump era, and provide advice to local businesses and members on how to help work to reduce the superannuation gender gap facing female workers.
AustralianSuper has more than $130 billion in members’ retirement assets and more than 2.2 million members.
Cr Hill said having the CEO of AustralianSuper visit Townsville was a rare opportunity for employees and businesses.
“AustralianSuper is the country’s biggest super fund with more than $130 billion of members’ money invested in Australia and around the world,” Cr Hill said.
“It’s fantastic Mr Silk is sharing his knowledge of the superannuation system – and the global economy – with our workers to ensure they understand what they need to do to become financially fit for their retirement.”
Cr Hill said she hoped the breakfast would generate ideas about how local workers and employers can reduce the superannuation gender gap.
“It is real and it’s going to affect a lot of local women no matter how long they have been in the workforce,” Cr Hill said.
“I’m hoping the breakfast will help generate a lot of practical ideas about how the Townsville business community can do its part to reduce the superannuation gender gap.”
Mr Silk will also meet Council staff to speak about being financially fit for retirement.
Cr Hill said Council’s blue-collar workforce had received a 0.5 per cent increase in their superannuation entitlements as part of the wage deal secured last year.
“Council has taken a big step in preparing its workforce for retirement with the most recent wage deal,” Cr Hill said.
Media opportunities during the visit:
Wednesday, 30 May
- AustralianSuper and the Townsville Business Women’s Circle will co-host the Super and You Breakfast and Panel Discussion on reducing the superannuation gender gap. AustralianSuper Chief Executive Officer Ian Silk to provide a key note address.
Thursday, 31 May
- Ian Silk will meet with Townsville City Council workers to discuss how to boost their savings before retirement
