Information Statement

Our structure and functions

GESB is a statutory authority with powers and functions conferred on us by the State Superannuation Act 2000 (WA) (SSA). The State Superannuation Regulations 2001 (WA) contain the rules of each superannuation scheme.

Structure

Our Board is responsible for our overall governance and performance in accordance with the SSA and is ultimately accountable to the State Treasurer.

Our Board is assisted by a number of committees to help carry out our functions. Our CEO reports directly to the Board on our operations.

GESB has four operational divisions each with distinct roles and responsibilities:

• Corporate Services - business-related services, including legal, secretariat and governance, information security, records and data, risk and compliance, IT, and people and culture
• Investments - investment governance, investment strategy, asset allocation, portfolio construction and investment monitoring
• Finance - investment operations, management accounting, budgeting and forecasting, procurement, financial reporting and tax
• Member Experience - brand, communications and digital, insurance, product, employer relationship management, member education, and fund administration

Our organisational chart is shown below.

Functions

As the default super provider for most of the WA public sector, our functions affect current and former WA public sector workers who are also our members.

Our members’ best interests are at the centre of our Board’s decision-making. Our Board decides how best to manage the Government Employees Superannuation Fund (GES Fund) and administer our schemes to maximise returns for members.

In administering our schemes and managing the GES Fund, the Board acts in accordance with our stated objectives and ensures that we comply with super related legislation and policies. The Board sets high standards of governance, with a focus on risk, return, diversification, liquidity and sustainability to meet the needs of members.

The SSA provides the Board with some discretionary powers in relation to the products and services it offers members (for example, providing insurance within super) and how certain benefits are paid to members.

Members have the right to an internal review and an independent review through the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) if they are dissatisfied by a decision of the Board.

Public participation

There are no specific arrangements where members of the public can directly affect our policy or performance.

Superannuation policy is not set by us. It is primarily set by the Australian Government and applies to regulated super funds. We are not a regulated super fund, but as a signatory to the Heads of Government Agreement, WA (including GESB) has undertaken to comply, as far as practicable, with the retirement income policy set by the Commonwealth. Our schemes’ rules are in line with most regulated super funds.

The WA State Government (through the Treasurer) may have a policy position about aspects of the defined benefit scheme as there is a financial impact to the State in operating these schemes. The Government may also make policy decisions on super that differ to Commonwealth policy if it is unable to comply or wishes to offer its employees greater benefits than those required by the Commonwealth retirement income policy.

Our members may indirectly participate in the creation of super policy related to our schemes through:

• Member Directors on our Board
• Their employers
• Public sector unions

Members of the public may participate in super policy through submissions to the State or Commonwealth Minister responsible for super.

Types of documents held and public access

In line with the WA State Government’s Open by Design principles, we aim to make information available to the public promptly and at the lowest possible cost.

The documents we hold and how to access them, both within and outside of the FOI process, are set out below. This list is not exhaustive, and we encourage members of the public to discuss their request with us before making an FOI application.

To obtain documents outside of the FOI process, or to make an appointment to view documents at our offices, contact our Member Services Centre on 13 43 72, Monday to Friday, 7.30am to 5.30pm (AWST), or via Live Chat until 5.15pm.

Making an FOI application

The public has a right to access certain documents that are not available outside of the FOI process, in accordance with the FOI Act.

To learn more about accessing documents through our FOI process, download our Freedom of information fact sheet and form.

Download form

You can contact the FOI Coordinator in person, by post or by email:

• In person:
  FOI Coordinator
  QV1 building, Level 12/250 St Georges Terrace
  Perth WA 6000
• By post to:
  FOI Coordinator
  GESB PO Box J 755
  Perth WA 6842
• By email to:
  FOI Coordinator
  memberservices@gesb.com.au

Amending personal information

We only hold personal information about our members. A member may request the amendment of any incorrect personal information. This request must be in writing and clearly demonstrate how or why the personal information is inaccurate, incomplete, out of date or misleading.

Requests should be sent to:

Manager
Member Services
PO Box J 755
Perth WA 6842

If, for any reason, we decline the member’s request to amend personal information, the member has the right to both an internal review and external review under the provisions of the FOI Act.