Mr Hay-Bartlem, who has been a director since 1 July 2019, will assume the role from Andrew Hamilton, who is stepping down from the chair and board after serving two stints as chair from February 2012 to February 2014 and from February 2020 and more than 11 years as a director.

A business/law graduate from the Queensland University of Technology and an SMSF specialist adviser, Mr Hay-Bartlem brings a wealth of knowledge and experience about superannuation, and SMSFs, more specifically, having practised in this area of the law for nearly three decades. He was appointed a partner at Cooper Grace Ward in 1999.

“The association will be well served by having Scott in the chair for the next two years. Aside from his undoubted legal skills in superannuation, he is one of the most keenly sought-after speakers on the SMSF circuit who continually demonstrates the ability to convey complex messages in a concise, informative and entertaining manner,” Mr Hamilton said.

“Since joining the board in 2019, his extensive client work in estate planning, administration and disputes, and all forms of superannuation tax, has enabled him to bring a fresh perspective to our deliberations that have been greatly appreciated by his fellow directors and the executive team.”

Mr Hay-Bartlem said it’s a privilege to follow in the footsteps of Mr Hamilton, who has given so much of his time, experience and knowledge of the SMSF sector to the association as the chair on two occasions, 2012-14 and 2019-22, and as a director.

“For the association to have someone with three decades of active involvement in the SMSF sector, whether it be establishing and building the SMSF provider Cavendish Superannuation, managing director of AMP SMSF administration, or as managing director of Hamilton and Associates, we have all benefited from his insights over the years,” Mr Hay-Bartlem said. 

“But if I had to highlight Andrew’s unique contribution to the association it would be his experience in running an SMSF business and how that has allowed him to understand and appreciate the concerns of our members in an environment where the regulatory and legislative boundaries often change.”