Daniel Kemp

Unlisted assets, including infrastructure, continued to deliver solid returns for Australian superfunds but returns were down on 2017-18 as listed assets bounced back.

With growing scrutiny of rising debt levels in Australia’s state governments, the stage is set for another round of privatisations.

Peter Durante talks to Infrastructure Investor about his role and how the fund manager thinks about technology.

The two industry superfunds, which both have significant infrastructure commitments, hope to increase returns and lower fees for members.

The coalition government retained power in the federal election. But the surprise result means inaction on a federal policy looks set to continue.

The state-backed entity will commit up to A$100m for investments through Warada Capital, which will also be ‘actively seeking’ funds from other institutional investors.

Solar panels in the state can continue to be installed by trained labourers instead of licensed electricians as state regulations introduced in May would have required.

Industry Super Australia said that its members ‘stand ready to help’ with the transition to renewable energy but called on the government to do more to help create the right conditions for investment.

Right-of-centre coalition’s surprise victory means lower targets for emissions reductions and continued support for coal.

Just 12% of respondents to a MinterEllison investor survey said regulatory and political uncertainty was the main barrier to investing in the sector, notwithstanding the lack of a federal energy policy.