Australian Retirement Trust welcomes the opportunity to participate in today’s Queensland Housing Summit

Media release - 20 October 2022

Australian Retirement Trust (ART), the super fund formed by the merger of Sunsuper and QSuper earlier this year, welcomed the opportunity for Chief Executive Officer Bernard Reilly to participate in today’s Queensland Housing Summit in Brisbane.

“As a large investor with more than two million members across Australia, this was a great opportunity for us to participate in the discussion around ways to tackle the housing pressures being experienced around the country,” said Mr Reilly.

“We recognise that secure and affordable housing is one of the most significant contributors to the financial wellbeing of our members throughout their working lives up to, and through retirement.”

Australian Retirement Trust welcomes the Queensland Government’s announcement of an extra $1 billion investment in the Housing Investment Fund.

“Housing is a complex issue that requires a coordinated policy response from all levels of Government as well as the private and community sector, and today’s Queensland Housing Summit is a strong sign of commitment towards affordable housing solutions,” said Mr Reilly.

“Institutional investors and the private sector have a role to play in carefully examining where there are opportunities for investment, or barriers that we can help to clear.

“We are actively looking to participate in these opportunities across Australia where they represent appropriate risk-adjusted returns. Through collaborative forums, like today’s summit, we’re collectively taking crucial steps in the right direction.”

Earlier this year ART announced its intentions to finance new social and affordable housing supply in Queensland in partnership with QIC. While the deal is subject to finalisation, ART plans to invest up to $150m for a subordinated debt tranche, with QIC as investment manager. Up to 1,200 new homes are to be delivered through the partnership, largely consisting of social and affordable housing.