The benefits of industry super funds will be the focal point of an expanded television campaign launched by industry super funds on Tuesday 12 February.

The expansion of the highly successful ‘Compare the pair’ television campaign is being launched as member statements begin arriving in the homes of millions of members of industry super funds across Australia.

The new drive sees the launch of symbol placed on member statements that articulates the superiority of industry super funds as retirement savings vehicles:
o Low fees
o No commissions to financial advisers
o Run only to profit members

“The Statement campaign builds on the highly successful, long-running series, ‘Compare the pair’,” Executive Manager of the Industry Super Network, David Whiteley, said.

“Since its launch in June 2005, ‘Compare the pair’ has highlighted how much more industry super funds can deliver to members’ retirement savings compared to retail master trusts.”

The new campaign asks viewers to compare their statement. Those with the symbol can be assured that they have low fees, pay no commissions to financial advisers and are run only to profit members.

Mr Whiteley said the new campaign is part of a broad education effort by industry super funds to inform industry super fund members about the benefits of their fund.

“Many industry fund members know and appreciate the qualities of industry super funds,” Mr Whiteley said. “Others are less aware of the benefits.

“Fifty per cent of members switch funds when they change jobs* and some go to funds that do not have these qualities and may deliver lower returns.”

Mr Whiteley said that nine of the top 10 performing balanced super funds over three, five and seven calendar years to 31 December 2007 are industry super funds, according to SuperRatings. The other fund is also a profit for members fund.

Industry super funds manage over $200 billion in superannuation assets.

“Half the workforce are members of industry super funds and mass media advertising is an efficient way to reach them alongside regular communication by specific funds,” Mr Whiteley, said.

“The statement campaign will feature television, print, online and outdoor advertisements to promote the potential benefits of belonging to an industry super fund.”

Media enquires - David Whiteley – 9657 4374; 0417 131 551

* Roy Morgan, Superannuation Choice, A Tracking Study into Consumer Behaviour and Fund Performance in Australia, January, 2008, Quarterly Report, Issue 9, July-September, 2007.