Depending which camp you stand in, it's either rotten timing or simply inevitable that the draft Future of Financial Advice (FOFA) legislation finds itself mixed in among talk of a new government.
However, it seems as with the first announcement of the federal government's overhaul of the country's industry, the sector faces similar battle lines.
Twelve months ago the industry was banding together to lobby against a reform package that left many aghast at the weak ties industry associations had with government. The simple misunderstanding of whether something was a product or service tripped up many within power.
Yet, as in 2010, the level of political interest in the industry has risen. In fact, perhaps more than ever politics comes into play this time.
The predicament of a hung parliament you would think would perhaps play to the industry's advantage. Never before have there been so many involved in the discussion yet such little outcome.
While the industry waits for the independents and Greens to reveal their cards, many have lamented the length of time FOFA has taken to create change.
Yet the wheeling and dealing is far from over.
The political football term has surfaced once again, many disgusted by the lack of action and lack of interest in how FOFA will change the industry.
Though what would a new government mean for FOFA? Would it be naïve to think FOFA would disappear under a coalition government? What benefit does FOFA or the industry have for government?
From an outsider's view, a change of government might not be the fix the industry needs.
In the broader scheme of the industry, for many clients, FOFA means naught.
It seems for all involved the stakes remain high.
Correction
In IFA issue 570, on page 14 a photo of Plan B chairman Bryan Taylor was incorrectly labelled the company's new chief executive, Andrew Black. IFA apologies for the error.
