Overview

The unit aims to develop an understanding of retirement planning with a particular focus on the superannuation industry. 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 will be discussed. The unit will cover topics such as superannuation funds, regulatory framework, investment decisions, superannuation taxation issues, allocated pensions, and aged care planning.

Teaching periods
Location
Start and end dates
Last self-enrolment date
Census date
Last withdraw without fail date
Results released date
Semester 2
Location
Hawthorn
Start and end dates
29-July-2024
27-October-2024
Last self-enrolment date
11-August-2024
Census date
31-August-2024
Last withdraw without fail date
13-September-2024
Results released date
03-December-2024
Semester 1
Location
Hawthorn
Start and end dates
03-March-2025
01-June-2025
Last self-enrolment date
16-March-2025
Census date
31-March-2025
Last withdraw without fail date
24-April-2025
Results released date
08-July-2025
Teaching Period 1
Location
Online
Start and end dates
10-March-2025
08-June-2025
Last self-enrolment date
23-March-2025
Census date
04-April-2025
Last withdraw without fail date
02-May-2025
Results released date
Teaching Period 3
Location
Online
Start and end dates
03-November-2025
08-February-2026
Last self-enrolment date
16-November-2025
Census date
28-November-2025
Last withdraw without fail date
02-January-2026
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 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 aged care sector and taxation implications of death benefits
  • Work effectively in teams

Teaching methods

Hawthorn

Type Hours per week Number of weeks Total (number of hours)
On-campus
Class		2.00 12 weeks 24
Online
Lecture		1.00 12 weeks 12
Unspecified Activities
Independent Learning		9.50 12 weeks 114
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
AssessmentIndividual 40 - 60% 1,2,3,4 
Assignment 1Individual 20 - 30% 3,4 
Assignment 2Group 20 - 30% 1,2,3,4,5 

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
  • Aged care planning
  • Retirement income streams
  • Retirement planning issues: death, divorce and complaints

Study resources

Reading materials

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