NAMBAWAN Super Limited (NSL) is reaffirming its long-term commitment to NSL Members and Employers in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville (AROB) emphasising that the need for financial security, employment and retirement savings will remain important to Bougainvilleans as the region considers its future.
The message was delivered during NSL’s initial Regional Member Engagement and Awareness Program in AROB, where the Board and Executive Management engaged with Members, Employers and stakeholders in Buka and Arawa.
This engagement comes at an important time for Bougainville, with ongoing discussions about the region’s future administrative arrangements.
Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Lachlan Baird, said NSL was not in a position to speculate on political outcomes, but fundamental needs, including superannuation would remain regardless.
“Whatever the future administrative arrangements may be, Bougainvilleans will continue to need jobs, businesses, financial security and retirement savings,” Mr. Baird said.
“Superannuation operates within a legislative and regulatory framework. Any future changes would therefore need to be considered through the appropriate processes. NSL remains
committed to engaging constructively with relevant authorities and supporting arrangements that protect the interests and retirement security of our Members in AROB.”
Following a recent engagement in Buka and Arawa, NSL has travelled back to AROB this time extending it’s the engagements to NSL Members and Employers in Buin.
Mr. Baird said NSL’s focus remains firmly on protecting and growing Members’ savings through strong governance, sound investment decisions and operational excellence.
“Our purpose is to remain a trusted institution and constructive partner to the people and workforce of Bougainville. Whatever the future holds, our responsibility is to ensure our Members have confidence in their superannuation and in the institution entrusted with their retirement savings.”
He said NSL viewed its relationship with Bougainville as a long-term partnership, extending beyond its role as a superannuation provider.
“Behind every Member account is a worker, a family and a future. Our responsibility is to ensure Members understand their superannuation, know how their savings are being managed and have confidence that their retirement savings are being protected and grown for their future.”
Mr. Baird said Bougainville’s economic development would also depend on a strong and growing workforce, supported by responsible employers and greater financial awareness.
“A growing economy needs a growing workforce, and that workforce needs a strong foundation of financial security. Employers have an important role to play by helping their employees understand the value of superannuation and take an active interest in their long-term financial future.”
He said the changing nature of the workforce also presented an opportunity to broaden participation in superannuation.
“The next phase of superannuation growth cannot come only from traditional large employers.
As businesses grow, new enterprises emerge and more people participate in the formal economy, we need to make retirement savings relevant and accessible to a broader workforce.”
This aligns with NSL’s ‘For Everyone’ ethos, which recognises the changing nature of work and the importance of superannuation across public and private-sector employment, small and medium-sized businesses, entrepreneurs and eligible Choice Super Members.
The presence of the NSL Board and Executive Management throughout the engagement reinforced the importance placed on maintaining direct relationships with Members, Employers and stakeholders in AROB.
“Our commitment is clear: to remain a trusted, responsible and long-term institution for our Members in Bougainville. We will continue to listen, engage and work constructively with stakeholders as the region moves forward,” Mr. Baird said.