Conroy slams ASIC deputy 'village idiot'

Senior opposition figure Stephen Conroy has taken a swipe at the man Labor hired to review the superannuation system, calling him a "village idiot".

Speaking against a government push for more independent directors on industry superannuation funds, recommended by Jeremy Cooper in his 2010 report, Senator Conroy told parliament Mr Cooper was arrogant and uninformed.

He blamed former prime minister Kevin Rudd for appointing Mr Cooper, now deputy chairman of the corporate watchdog, telling the Senate "cabinet had little to do with it".

Senator Conroy said Mr Cooper had no experience in superannuation when he was appointed to head the review.

"Let me give you a very succinct view of Jeremy Cooper: he is the village idiot," he told the Senate.

"I do not think I have met a dumber human being that has ever been appointed to the Australian Securities and Investments Commission board."

Senator Conroy urged crossbencher Ricky Muir to vote against the legislation saying it would impact people he cared about, like truck drivers, timber workers and metal workers.