SMSF Association names new chair

Lawyer Scott Hay-Bartlem has been named chair of the SMSF Association, effective yesterday.

Hay-Bartlem, a partner at Brisbane law firm Cooper Grace Ward, will replace Andrew Hamilton, who is stepping down from the board after serving two stints as chair over the years and more than 11 years as a director.

An SMSF specialist adviser, Hay-Bartlem, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience about superannuation and SMSFs specifically, having practised in this area of the law for nearly three decades.

The Association will be well served by having Scott in the Chair for the next two years. Aside from his undoubted legal skills in superannuation, he is one of the most keenly sought-after speakers on the SMSF circuit who continually demonstrates the ability to convey complex messages in a concise, informative, and entertaining manner," said Hamilton

"Since joining the Board in 2019, his extensive client work in estate planning, administration and disputes, and all forms of superannuation tax, has enabled him to bring a fresh perspective to our deliberations that have been greatly appreciated by his fellow directors and the executive team."

Hay-Bartlem added that the Association has benefitted from having someone with three decades of active involvement in the SMSF sector.

"But if I had to highlight Andrew's unique contribution it would be his experience in running an SMSF business and how that has allowed him to understand and appreciate the concerns of our members in an environment where the regulatory and legislative boundaries often change."