[Mins] The Question about IOOF and Masonic Lodges connection superannuation

Mon May 27 13:05:22 UTC 2013

Dear Fellow Ministers and members of CRCA super fund,

Following John Westendorp's email pointing out that IOOF was originally
formed by one of the Masonic Lodges, I made inquiries with IOOF whether that
connection still exists.

I am glad to be able to report that this connection has been broken when
IOOF was demutualised  as the following email from the Corporate Affairs
Manager makes clear:

Hi Peter

I can confirm that IOOF Holdings Limited does not currently have, nor has it
had, a masonic influence within its management since the mid to late 1980s.

Following the appointment of the first non-associated CEO to the
organisation in 1982, IOOF looked to revitalise itself beyond its origins as
a Mutual Society in 1846 to become  a provider of savings, superannuation
and retirement services. (Blainey G. (1991) Odd Fellows - A History of IOOF
Australia, Allen & Unwin).

Like other large Australian Mutuals and Friendly Societies, IOOF
demutualised in 2002 and listed on the Australian Securities Exchange in
2003.  In addition to the current IOOF management's independence from its
historic connections, as a listed entity, it is considered good corporate
governance practice to have an independent Chairperson and a majority of
independent Directors.  Five of IOOF's six Directors (including the
Chairman) are considered  independent of management. 

I hope this addresses any concerns your client may have.  I would be happy
to take them through IOOF's Leadership Group credentials if this would
assist.

Regards

Melinda

Melinda Hofman

Corporate Affairs Manager

IOOF Holdings Limited

I hope that allays any concerns that you may have about Masonic connections
.

With kind regards,

Peter

Rev Peter Abetz MLA

(Associate Pastor)

67 Froudist Circle

Southern River 6110

Phone:  Home +61 (0)8 9456 2712

Electorate Office: +61 (0)8 9256 4900

Mobile:  0409 076 155

E-mail:  pabetz at crca.org.au

Grace Christian Reformed Church

Current place of worship:

Seveth Day Adventist Church

Wendling Rd

North Beach WA 6020

Worship times:  Sundays:  8:30 am & 10.30 am

Website:  www.gracecrc.org.au

From: John Westendorp [mailto:tcrc at aapt.net.au] 
Sent: Friday, 24 May 2013 5:50 AM
To: 'Peter Abetz'; crca at crca.org.au
Cc: mins at crca.org.au
Subject: [SPAM] RE: [Mins] Important message for ministers and employees
regarding superannuation

Wow, Peter, that brings back memories for me.

When we first came to Australia my parents took out health insurance with
IOOF.  We were living in Bonnie Doon in central Victoria at the time.  Six
years later the family moved to Dandenong.  I recall a home visit the family
had from the elders of the church where the question of Masonic Lodge
membership and other secret societies came up.  It was a real issue in those
days as many Reformies left the Presbyterian Church over that issue and
liberalism.  My Dad acknowledged involvement with the Masons - but only
through their  mutual health fund.  The upshot of the discussion was that my
Father was convicted that he was wrong in staying with them as he was
indirectly supporting the Masonic Lodge.  You are now telling his son that
his super will now be handled by the Independent Order of Odd Fellows - a
Masonic order.  I'm going to have to think about that and maybe others will
too.  Do we support the Masons just for some financial gain?  Good question,
or what?

Shalom

John Westendorp

Westy's Weekly Blog

Keep it to yourself

This past week I was following a discussion on the Internet about the growth
of atheism in Australia.  Apparently, according to figures from the latest
census, the number of professing atheists in Australia has grown.  Our local
newspaper triggered the debate by asking whether there was still a future
for religion.

Read <http://www.crca.org.au/Blogs/John_Westendorp/Keep_it_to_yourself>
more.!

From: mins-bounces at crca.org.au [mailto:mins-bounces at crca.org.au] On Behalf
Of Peter Abetz
Sent: Friday, 24 May 2013 1:15 AM
To: crca at crca.org.au
Cc: mins at crca.org.au
Subject: [Mins] Important message for ministers and employees regarding
superannuation

Dear CRCA Super Fund Members,

Back in April, you would have received a letter from Plan B, advising that
IOOF had taken over the business of Plan B, which means that IOOF (or more
specifically IOOF Investment Management Limited  - abbreviated to IIML)  is
now the trustee for the Lifetime Superannuation Fund  - CRCA Employer Super
Fund. (The CRCA Super Fund is a sub-plan of the Lifetime Superannuation
Fund).

The reason for this friendly takeover was that Plan B realised that in an
ever more competitive market, the cost of operating a relatively small
business becomes more difficult, and made its fees increasingly less
competitive.

In the second half of 2013 all CRCA Super accounts will be transferred over
to IOOF's product known as Spectrum Super, which is one of the largest
corporate super funds used by employers, including names like Bendigo Bank
Staff, The Perth Mint, Ausdrill, BGC, Blackmores and Crown Equipment.  IOOF
has offices in every capital city of Australia with dedicated Relationship
Managers able to assist members.

There are two big benefits to you:

1.       The fees drawn from your account each year will be significantly
less

2.       You will have a much larger range of investment options.  You can
still chose to simply leave your funds in the default account setting (very
similar to the current default setting), or you can choose from a wide range
of investment options (over 400!).  You will be able to invest in ready made
portfolios (much like the various Plan B options), or self selected managed
funds,  or you can choose to virtually manage your own investment portfolio
via their website, where you can allocate your funds  to buy /sell ASX300
shares or you can opt for  term deposits.   

When the change occurs you will be notified in writing and receive
information about all your options, or you can visit www.spectrumsuper.comau
<http://www.spectrumsuper.com.au>  for further details.

As the church has an obligation to provide for ministers and their families
in the event of serious illness or death, the current default Death and
Total Permanent Disability (TPD) insurance levels will be carried over to
your new Spectrum Account.  If you wish to increase your life and TPD
insurance within Spectrum Super you can do so, but (as previously) you can
not go below the minimum with out the approval of the denominational
committee responsible for looking after superannuation issues.

The purpose of this letter is just to keep you informed as to what is
happening with your current superannuation account.   

Any new employee /minister will automatically be joining Spectrum Super and
not Plan B's Lifetime Superannuation Fund.  

With kind regards

Peter

(Member of the CRCA Super Policy Committee)

Rev Peter Abetz MLA

(Associate Pastor)

67 Froudist Circle

Southern River 6110

Phone:  Home +61 (0)8 9456 2712

Electorate Office: +61 (0)8 9256 4900

Mobile:  0409 076 155

E-mail:  pabetz at crca.org.au

Grace Christian Reformed Church

Current place of worship:

Seveth Day Adventist Church

Wendling Rd

North Beach WA 6020

Worship times:  Sundays:  8:30 am & 10.30 am

Website:  www.gracecrc.org.au

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