A leading superannuation fund has come out in support of a Federal Government campaign to help Australians improve their financial skills.

The campaign will be co-ordinated by the government - initiated Financial Literacy Foundation which is chaired by finance commentator Paul Clitheroe and includes representatives of industry associations, consumer groups and financial services on its advisory board.

$41 million over five years has been allocated to ‘ help Australians improve their financial knowledge and make better, more informed choices with their money'.

Tasplan General Manager, Neil Cassidy has endorsed the government initiative and believes it will deliver significant benefits to the Australian community as people learn to manage their money ( including their retirement savings ) better.

“For its part, Tasplan has already held discussions with the Tasmanian Government about introducing some teaching about superannuation into the educational curriculum.” Cassidy said.

“In our view, the best time to run a short module on superannuation would be in years 11 and 12 – just prior to many students entering the workforce”. Cassidy said.

“ Many young Tasmanians have casual and part – time jobs where they have had superannuation contributions made by employers on their behalf.”

According to Cassidy, it is only commonsense that we should seek to ensure that these young people have an awareness about their options in a choice of superannuation environment.

Cassidy said that Tasplan was committed to helping young members improve their financial knowledge and make better, more informed choices with their money. He said that the Fund would continue discussions with the Tasmanian Education Minister about the introduction of a superannuation unit into the secondary curriculum.

?If we can help to establish a successful program in Tasmania , we will look to flow it to other State and territories.? Cassidy said.