Hello fellow super enthusiasts!

I was just reviewing some exceptionally insightful comments from a young super enthusiast and it reminded me of another contributor to the world of super still in its infancy; the Medicare Small Business Superannuation Clearing House!

Minister for Human Services and Social Inclusion, Tanya Plibersek, announced last Wednesday that it was Medicare’s birthday. Ok, that’s not really what the Minister announced, but I love any excuse for a bit of cake and a cup of tea! What the Minister really announced was that the Medicare-run free Clearing House has churned through $50 million in payments during its first year in operation.

About 92,000 employee super payments have been processed through Medicare and about 4,600 small businesses have now registered to use the Medicare service….not bad. Personally, I’m supportive of anything that helps improve the efficiency of the super industry and makes it easier for stakeholders to comply and participate in the system for the ultimate betterment of members.  

The Minister goes on to say that “….98% of [the Medicare] clearing house users are satisfied or extremely satisfied with the service.  Some 99% said they would recommend the service to other small businesses, and 96% agreed or strongly agreed it saves them time.” 

So, here is the big question for this week…..and here is where we need your brilliant ideas! 

What can we do to promote this great service so that more small employers – and yes there are about 750,000 small employers who employ less than 20 employees – can enjoy the same great experience as these early adopters.  Maybe we should ask Matt Preston from MasterChef to do a quick Clearing House demo in between making a simple “Roasted Pheasant Breast with a Quick Game Sauce, Beetroot and Tomato Puree, Potato and Truffle Gratin and Beans” and whipping up an easy “Flourless Chocolate Cake with Morello Sour Cherries, Grand Marnier Crème Fraiche & Pomegranate Molasses”.  

I understand it is easier to process super contributions through the Medicare Clearing House than making this cake!  Anyway, maybe you have a better idea.  Please share! Happy New Year!

Yours in Super,

 Hans