Compare what each fund offers, then choose investment options to put their published costs and returns side by side.
Restricted public sector fund
ADF Super holds retirement savings for eligible current and former Australian Defence Force members.
Entry is tied to ADF service. Members who meet the continuous-service rules can keep contributing after leaving Defence.
Industry fund
BUSSQ focuses on the building and construction industries. Its insurance is designed to accommodate high-risk jobs, including eligible casuals and contractors.
The fund also provides cover for white-collar workers. Check the product's joining rules and the insurance eligibility rules for the job you actually do.
Choose the actual investment pathway for each account. For lifecycle products, select the named stage relevant to you. No stage is selected automatically.
| Measure | ADF MySuper | MySuper |
|---|---|---|
| Return basis | MySuper net return after administration costs, $50,000 representative member | MySuper net return after administration costs, $50,000 representative member |
| 3-year return, per year | 9.65% | 7.41% |
| 5-year return, per year | 6.68% | 5.02% |
| 7-year return, per year | 6.99% | 6.24% |
| 10-year return, per year | Not reported | 6.66% |
| APRA strategic growth allocation | 69.06% | 69.77% |
| Reported total fees, net of tax, at $50,000 | $455 a year (0.91%) | $470 a year (0.94%) |
| Administration and advice costs, net of tax (included in total) | $75 a year | $95 a year |
| 2026 performance test | Pass | Fail |
| New-member status at reporting date | Check the current product eligibility rules | Check the current product eligibility rules |
At $50,000, the reported annual total-cost difference is $15. ADF Super's selected reporting pathway has the lower reported cost on this measure. The figures cover the year to June 2026; current prices, insurance and separately charged advice can change the comparison.
The growth allocations are 69.06% and 69.77%. A return gap can reflect different exposure to growth assets, and similar headline allocations can still contain different investments.
A performance-test pass is a benchmark result for the tested product or pathway. It is not an endorsement or a guarantee of future performance.
Source: APRA Comprehensive Product Performance Package 2026, published 28 August 2026. Fees reflect the reporting year to 30 June 2026, are net of tax, use standard arrangements and exclude member-activity fees. Dollar figures are rounded. They are not a current quote. Check the latest PDS for changes, insurance premiums and any separately charged advice.
Returns are annualised historical results. Different return bases, risk levels and periods cannot be treated as interchangeable. MySuper net returns use a $50,000 representative balance even when you change the fee balance. A lifecycle stage return does not track a person moving between stages. Missing figures mean not reported, not zero. Past returns do not predict future returns. Read our method and APRA's definitions.
| What to compare | ADF Super | BUSSQ |
|---|---|---|
| Membership and access | Entry is tied to ADF service. Members who meet the continuous-service rules can keep contributing after leaving Defence. Sources123 | The fund also provides cover for white-collar workers. Check the product's joining rules and the insurance eligibility rules for the job you actually do. Sources1234 |
| Accounts and products | Accumulation super for eligible Defence personnel; ADF Cover is a separate death and invalidity arrangement. ADF Super ADF Cover lifePLUS Protect after service Sources123 | BUSSQ Super and Income accounts, with existing term allocated pensions. Sources1234 |
| Investment choices | MySuper Balanced The four options are MySuper Balanced, Cash, Income Focused and Aggressive. Sources123 | The fund offers a diversified Balanced Growth portfolio and other investment choices under its Foundation + Flex approach. The menu changed in 2026, including a new Bonds option. Sources1234 |
| Insurance | Eligible serving personnel receive ADF Cover death and invalidity benefits at no extra cost. Eligible former members may obtain lifePLUS Protect, including automatic death and TPD cover or cover applied for separately. Sources123 | Death, TPD and income protection cover are available. BUSSQ says casuals and contractors can access its insurance options when they meet minimum-hours conditions. Sources1234 |
| Comparing investment performance | Compare the selected investment option separately from ADF Cover and any civilian insurance premiums. Sources123 | BUSSQ's published long-run headline uses Balanced Growth and includes specified administration deductions. Match those deductions before comparing it with another fund's investment-only return. Sources1234 |
| Retirement income | This detail has not been verified for this profile. Check the current product documents. | Income accounts and transition-to-retirement arrangements have separate investment and fee information. Existing term allocated pensions should be compared under their own rules. Sources1234 |
| Advice and support | This detail has not been verified for this profile. Check the current product documents. | Personal advice about BUSSQ insurance, investment choice, contributions and retirement is included in administration fees. The scope is limited to BUSSQ products. Sources1234 |
| Fee details to check | This detail has not been verified for this profile. Check the current product documents. | The current page lists a balance-based administration fee, capped annually, plus investment and transaction costs that depend on the option. Include any insurance charge separately. Sources1234 |
THE SUPERGURU VIEW
A useful comparison for Defence members starts with service status. The retirement account, serving-member cover and insurance after discharge have different rules. Treating them as one ordinary retail insurance package can obscure what changes when you leave.
Based on the cited product features. These are general reasons to investigate the fund, not a personal recommendation. Supporting sources.
THE SUPERGURU VIEW
A relevant fund to examine for construction workers who need to check whether another insurer excludes or limits their occupation.
Based on the cited product features. These are general reasons to investigate the fund, not a personal recommendation. Supporting sources.
Use the membership rules to establish which accounts are available to you. Then compare the total price of the investment option and cover you need. A lower fee or higher historical return alone does not tell you which fund is suitable.
Ask both funds to confirm insurance acceptance, exclusions, waiting periods and whether cover would change when you leave your employer. Obtain advice before giving up a defined benefit or an insurance policy you may not be able to replace. ASIC Moneysmart explains the comparison checks.
Read the full ADF Super profile · Read the full BUSSQ profile · Choose another comparison
Checked 2026-09-11. Documents and product terms can change after this date.
Checked 2026-09-11. Documents and product terms can change after this date.