Wentworth loss opens Coalition to FASEA changes

That’s according to AIOFP executive director Peter Johnston, who, together with financial advisers, met with seven Coalition politicians in Canberra this week to explain the issues with implementing new educational requirements for financial advisers.

Mr Johnston told ifa there are more than 1,500 financial advisers including their support staff living in the seat of Wentworth. He noted that following the loss of the constituency at Saturday’s byelection, Coalition MPs have grown fearful of losing their seats at the next federal election.

“We had a better than expected meeting with seven Coalition politicians at Parliament House on Monday,” Mr Johnston said.

“We had just over 60 minutes to put our case forward to Minister Stuart Robert, Minister Kelly O’Dywer, Whip Nola Merino MP, Craig Kelly MP, Bert van Manen MP, Tim Wilson MP and Alan Tudge MP.”

Mr Johnston said six financial advisers were also present at the meeting in Canberra this week.

“Our chair, Dr Adrian Raftery, did a great job explaining the logistical problems with delivering the education demands from the universities perspective,” he said.

“Advisers Phil Windsor and Colin Benvenuto and manufacturer Matt Johnson spoke about the unfair demands on advisers.”

The AIOFP leader said he made the Coalition aware of the negative political ramifications and reputational damage the government that the FASEA reforms could trigger.

“The message from the minister and back benchers was that the original FASEA proposal will be mitigated and adjusted significantly. That’s the impression we got,” Mr Johnston said.

“Based on direct feedback from the committee and the positive support we received from the group, we feel FASEA will be greatly mitigating the legislative instruments [LI] due to be released next month.”

The committee has asked the AIOFP to provide direct and immediate feedback on the LIs, which will outline the terms and conditions of the FASEA reforms.

“Our message to all advisers is please wait until the LIs are released before making any medium- to long-term plans with your career and practice. The escape from this nightmare is going in the right direction. Putting pressure on your local federal member would also be a great idea,” Mr Johnston said.

The market has four weeks to respond to LIs once they are released.