If you're a HESTA member or employer click this link to Contact us
Sam Riley
General Manager - Media Relations
Phone: +61 3 8660 1684
Email: mediarelations@hesta.com.au
HESTA is the acronym for Health Employees Superannuation Trust Australia so it should always appear in capitals.
In 1987, HESTA was formed for people working in health and community services, to accommodate the 3% superannuation payment that employees were receiving for the first time.
As a regulated public offer super fund, HESTA is open to anyone eligible for super to join and is run only to benefit members.
We have regularly received recognition for our achievements in the form of rankings, ratings and awards.
Debby Blakey, Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Debby has been CEO of HESTA since February 2015, after joining the Fund in 2008 as an Executive leading the Member Advice Unit and assuming the role of Deputy CEO in 2012.
A proven leader with more than 25 years' experience in super and financial services, Debby has a wealth of experience having held a range of senior positions within a number of financial institutions.
Debby leads an active and hands-on team of Executives who are focused on helping members enjoy a retirement they've worked hard for.
Debby is also a leader in the wider spheres of super and financial services. She is a Director of Fund Executives Association Limited (FEAL), an organisation dedicated to supporting the professional development of leaders in the super industry, Industry Super Australia Ltd (ISA) and the Australian Council of Superannuation Investors (ACSI).
To request an image email HESTA Media Relations at mediarelations@hesta.com.au
For information about HESTA our annual report is a great place to start.
Have a sponsorship request?
We're proud supporters of the individuals and organisations in health and community services. But, we’re also trusted custodians of our members’ money and we pride ourselves on our wise financial and investment decisions. Sponsorship requests undergo rigorous vetting by our partnerships team.
To ensure your request is considered, kindly complete all details in this online form and we’ll be in touch soon.
HESTA aims to be the gutsy advocate driving meaningful change for generations to come.
We are actively involved in public policy debates that affect our members and women more broadly.
An example of our work is the Vital Signs Report that took a pulse check of the state of equality for women in Australia and outlines HESTA’s continuing efforts to make a positive impact through advocacy, investment, and our conduct as an organisation.
We engage directly with decision makers and also contribute to policy debates through our membership of Industry Super Australia, the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia, and the Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees.
HESTA policy submissions are available below. For any policy-related questions please contact James Bennett on (03) 8665 9217 or jbennett@hesta.com.au
HESTA welcomes the opportunity to make a submission to the Technology Investment Roadmap discussion paper and to work with the Government to develop a clear pathway for a cleaner future.
Australia has a sophisticated retirement system; however, its design rewards those with unbroken careers.
HESTA supports the standardised definitions of key insurance terms; however, having standardised terms should not necessarily imply standardised cover or eligibility for insurance cover.
HESTA welcomes the opportunity to comment on the 'Superannuation binding death benefit nominations and kinship structures' consultation paper released by Treasury.
The proposed changes will significantly amend the ‘value’ that insurance offerings can provide to superannuation members.
Early access to superannuation before retirement should only occur in limited circumstances.
HESTA is generally supportive of the requirements of the Corporations (Relevant Providers Continuing Professional Development Standard) Determination 2018 (‘the CPD instrument’); however, we do have substantial concerns around implementation.
HESTA welcomes the opportunity to make a submission in response to the Australian Law Reform Commission (ALRC) consultation paper on the Family Law System released in October 2018.
We maintain our concern on the premise of the enquiry which argues a direct correlation between what is regarded as a lack of efficiency and increased competition.
HESTA welcomes reform to the superannuation system that truly promotes a member’s best interest and community wellbeing.
HESTA welcomes the opportunity to make a submission to the Technology Investment Roadmap discussion paper and to work with the Government to develop a clear pathway for a cleaner future.
Australia has a sophisticated retirement system, but its design rewards those with unbroken careers.
media releases
06 April 2021
The extraordinary work of nurses and midwives to protect their communities during COVID was today recognised with nine finalists announced for the 2021 HESTA Australian Nursing and Midwifery Awards.
Read the full article23 March 2021
International investors involved in engagement with Rio Tinto on how it will address failings that led to heritage destruction at Juukan Gorge have welcomed the company’s announcement today on new disclosure and governance oversight measures aimed at rebuilding trust with Traditional Owners.
Read the full article16 March 2021
If ASX companies want to increase their long-term market value they need to act now and increase the number of women in CEO and executive leadership positions. This was one of the many views expressed during a panel discussion at a virtual event today for the 40:40 Vision initiative launched last year by industry super fund HESTA with industry partners Chief Executive Women, Australian Council of Superannuation Investors (ACSI), 30% Club and the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA).
Read the full article08 March 2021
HESTA is today calling for nominations of dedicated professionals working in disability, allied health, aged care and community services in Australia for the 2021 HESTA Excellence Awards.
Read the full article25 February 2021
The winners of the first-ever HESTA Impact Awards were last night announced as part of a national celebration of health and community services professionals working to protect the future of our people and planet.
Read the full article24 February 2021
HESTA has pledged support for equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines worldwide, saying uneven vaccination rates pose a risk to global health and economic activity in 2021. The industry superannuation fund for the health and community services sector is among the first Australian super funds to sign an investor statement pushing for urgent government action.
Read the full article19 January 2021
Eleven finalists were today announced for the first-ever HESTA Impact Awards, recognising health and community services professionals taking positive steps to create a better world.
Read the full article11 January 2021
HESTA today announced Michael Sommers has been appointed as the new General Manager Portfolio Construction & Risk, joining the Fund’s redefined investment leadership structure.
Read the full article14 December 2020
HESTA is calling on Australians to show their appreciation and support for the nation’s nurses and midwives by submitting a nomination to the 2021 HESTA Australian Nursing and Midwifery Awards.
Read the full article10 December 2020
The interim recommendations of a Parliamentary Inquiry into Juukan Gorge have confirmed HESTA’s view that without an independent review of agreements between mining companies and Traditional Owners, investors cannot be confident this clear financial risk is being appropriately managed.
Read the full article01 December 2020
HESTA has committed $20 million as a cornerstone investor in Australian Unity’s inaugural issuance of Mutual Capital Instruments, helping to establish a new capital source for the For Purpose, Mutual sector in Australia.
Read the full article27 November 2020
Winners of the inaugural HESTA Excellence Awards were last night revealed, with eight organisations and teams recognised across disability services, allied health, aged care and community services in a virtual celebration of excellence.
Read the full article