Overview

The unit aims to develop an understanding of retirement planning with a particular focus on the superannuation industry and estate planning. Students are introduced to the complex world of superannuation saving industries in Australia and the process of transferring this wealth into a retirement plan. Government regulations and policies applicable to the superannuation industry and estate planning will be discussed. The unit will cover topics such as superannuation funds, regulatory framework, investment decisions, superannuation taxation issues, allocated pensions, power of attorney, succession planning and the taxation implications of death benefits.

Teaching Periods
Location
Start and end dates
Last self-enrolment date
Census date
Last withdraw without fail date
Results released date

Learning outcomes

Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:

  • Demonstrate an understanding of the nature of the Australian superannuation industry and evaluate a range of retirement products and structures
  • Demonstrate a specialist knowledge of taxation on superannuation funds and the impact of the various regulatory bodies on the financial planning industry
  • Develop strategies and recommendations on superannuation and retirement planning based on clients’ specific requirements
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the estate planning process and evaluate the role of powers of attorney, estate planning, trusts, wills and taxation implications of death benefits
  • Work effectively in teams

Teaching methods

Hawthorn

Type Hours per week Number of weeks Total (number of hours)
Face to Face Contact (Phasing out)
Class
2.00 12 weeks 24
Unspecified Learning Activities (Phasing out)
Independent Learning
9.50 12 weeks 114
Face to Face Contact (Phasing out)
Tutorial
1.00 12 weeks 12
TOTAL150

Swinburne Online

Type Hours per week Number of weeks Total (number of hours)
Online
Directed Online Learning and Independent Learning
12.50 12 weeks 150
TOTAL150

Assessment

Type Task Weighting ULO's
Assignment 1Individual 20 - 30% 3,4 
Assignment 2Group 20 - 30% 1,2,3,4,5 
ExaminationIndividual 40 - 60% 1,2,3,4 

Content

  • Background of Australia superannuation system and regulation
  • Types of superannuation funds and taxation
  • Contributions and transfers to superannuation funds
  • Superannuation guarantee scheme
  • Self-managed superannuation funds
  • Superannuation benefit payments and provision/conditions to release
  • Social security safety net
  • Estate planning process
  • Testamentary Trusts and Incapacity planning
  • Business succession planning
  • Retirement planning issues: death, divorce, complaints and others

Study resources

Reading materials

A list of reading materials and/or required textbooks will be available in the Unit Outline on Canvas.