Up to 11,000 ex-Ansett workers who have been waiting nearly a decade for their superannuation entitlements are a step closer today, with the Trustees advising the Government they will issue an interim distribution statement to members of the Ansett Residual Superannuation Fund in the next six to eight weeks.
Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Superannuation, Bill Shorten, said "The statement, from trustees Mercer Investment Nominees Limited, will provide clarity to members by giving them an indication of the distribution amount they are likely to receive and inform them about the winding-up process and the timing of this process."
"Finally, Ansett workers will know how much they can expect and when they can expect it."
"At 1 July 2010 there was $17.5 million in the Fund, which I am advised has remained invested on behalf of members and has achieved a positive return since then to date. The latest value of the Fund's assets, after remaining member disablement claims and all costs have been met, will be distributed to the 11,000 members."
The Ansett Residual Superannuation Fund was established in 2004 by the former trustees of the Ansett Australia Ground Staff Superannuation Plan and the Ansett Australia Flight Attendants Superannuation Plan to pay outstanding death and disablement claims before distributing the remaining assets to members.
This fund was established to, in part, ensure those members of the funds who had unresolved claims were given the opportunity to have those claims fully considered, and were not disadvantaged by the need to wind up the former funds.
"I have their assurance that Mercer Investment Nominees Limited will keep members, as well as the Australian Prudential Regulatory Authority, informed throughout the wind up process," Mr Shorten said.
Any members seeking more information should contact the Ansett Residual Superannuation Fund Helpline on 1800 815 903.