Summary heading

Agency description

Abolition

Creation

Following a recommendation of the Senate Select Committee on Superannuation (the SSCS) in June 1992, the Superannuation Complaints Tribunal was established by the Australian Commonwealth Government.  The Tribunal commenced services on 1 July 1994, operating as a Commonwealth statutory authority under the Superannuation (Resolution of Complaints) Act 1993 (the SRC Act). 

Functions and activities

The Tribunal deals with complaints about superannuation, specifically in the areas of regulated Superannuation Funds, annuities and deferred annuities, and Retirement Savings Accounts.  The Tribunal's statutory objectives are set out in section 11 of the SRC Act.  The principal objective of the Tribunal is to provide mechanisms that are informal, unbiased and economical for the purposes of inquiring into, conciliating, and reviewing complaints.  It is an independent dispute resolution body offering a free alternative to the court system.

Tribunal proceedings generally aim to expeditiously resolve a complaint through conciliation.  If conciliation is unsuccessful however, a formal review of the decision or conduct to which the complaint relates may be undertaken by a panel of Tribunal members and a determination issued.

Legislation administered

Superannuation (Resolution of Complaints) Act 1993

Administrative structure

The Tribunal has a full-time Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson, appointed by the Governor-General.  The Chairperson is the executive officer of the Tribunal and is responsible for the overall operation and administration of the Tribunal’s powers and functions.

The Members of the Tribunal are variously drawn from superannuation, insurance, government, law, medical and actuarial backgrounds. They are part time and appointed by the Minister.  

Historical agency address

1994 - :           Level 15, 31 Queen Street, Melbourne VIC 3000

State/regional structure

Records created by the agency

Additional information

End notes

Sources

Superannuation Complaints Tribunal website: http://www.sct.gov.au/ - accessed 22 June 2012

Commonwealth of Australia Law website: http://www.comlaw.gov.au/Details/C2007C00167 - accessed 27 June 2012

2010-2011 Superannuation Complaints Tribunal Annual Report http://www.sct.gov.au/downloads/Annual%20Report%202010-2011.pdf – accessed 27 June 2012