Queensland MP Bert van Manen has become an ubiquitous voice in advice.
As a former adviser, the member for the Gold Coast electorate of Forde is comfortable speaking about the challenges advisers face and does so on numerous platforms, from parliamentary joint committee enquiries to industry and association events.
“I had my own advice business for nearly 12 years before entering politics so I have a good understanding of how advice can help people,” he tells
Professional Planner.
He also holds considerable influence within the government; van Manen has served as chief whip since 2019, which means it’s his job to make sure liberal party members toe the sitting government’s policy line.
Department of Defence
The Hon Bert van Manen MP Member for Forde
A Queensland-based bulk liquid storage manufacturer has signed a $30 million contract with Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles to deliver fuel and water modules that will be fitted to Defence’s fleet of logistics trucks.
Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price said the contract with Loganholme-based company Holmwood Highgate would support ongoing jobs for the company’s 150 Queensland employees.
Minister Price said Holmwood Highgate had previously secured more than $108 million worth of work supporting Phase 3B of Defence’s Land 121 Program.
The new contract would support new modules for additional trucks being delivered under Land 121 Phase 5B.
Financial advisers are keen on regtech but don’t like digital advice according to ASIC, which provided feedback on its landmark consultation into affordable advice as part of a Parliamentary Joint Committee hearing held in March.
In response to a question from Liberal MP Bert van Manen that was taken on notice by Commissioner Danielle Press, ASIC published this week a series of observations about advisers’ views on technology.
The common view, ASIC reports, is a widespread reluctance among advisers to embrace investment technology solutions that fall under the ‘digital advice’ umbrella.
“There is very little appetite for digital advice among existing advisers,” ASIC stated after going through 469 submissions from advisers, licensees and other industry stakeholders.
An expanded RoA regime is one of many actions ASIC is considering after trawling through almost 500 submissions to its landmark consultation paper on access to affordable advice. Another – the need to fix its own “turgid” guidance documents.
Advertisement
Coalition MPs have been urged to vote down the governmentâs planned overhaul of the $3 trillion superannuation sector, with Labor warning a proposal to let the treasurer block investments by funds could set a dangerous precedent for corporate Australia.
The Morrison government unveiled major super reforms in last yearâs federal budget to make the retirement sector more accountable, limit the creation of multiple super accounts and cut fees.
Labor financial services spokesman Stephen Jones: âWe are unaware of another instance where, during peacetime and without any national security concerns, a Treasurer has been given the power to cancel an investment decision.â