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BUSSQ vs PSS

Compare what each fund offers, then choose investment options to put their published costs and returns side by side.

By SuperGuru Group · Research checked 11 September 2026 · Historical APRA figures to 30 June 2026

BUSSQ

Industry fund

BUSSQ focuses on the building and construction industries. Its insurance is designed to accommodate high-risk jobs, including eligible casuals and contractors.

Membership

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.

PSS

Closed public sector scheme

PSS is a closed defined benefit scheme for eligible Australian Government employees.

Membership

Existing contributors and preserved members retain scheme-specific rights. Limited re-entry rules can apply when returning to eligible employment.

Compare fees and investment returns

Choose the actual investment pathway for each account. For lifecycle products, select the named stage relevant to you. No stage is selected automatically.

APRA product data to 30 June 2026
MeasureMySuperChoose an investment option
Return basisMySuper net return after administration costs, $50,000 representative memberChoose an option
3-year return, per year7.41%Choose an option
5-year return, per year5.02%Choose an option
7-year return, per year6.24%Choose an option
10-year return, per year6.66%Choose an option
APRA strategic growth allocation69.77%Choose an option
Reported total fees, net of tax, at $50,000$470 a year (0.94%)Choose an option
Administration and advice costs, net of tax (included in total)$95 a yearChoose an option
2026 performance testFailChoose an option
New-member status at reporting dateCheck the current product eligibility rulesCheck the current product eligibility rules

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.

How the products differ

BUSSQ and PSS: product features and conditions
What to compareBUSSQPSS
Membership and access

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.

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Existing contributors and preserved members retain scheme-specific rights. Limited re-entry rules can apply when returning to eligible employment.

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Accounts and products

BUSSQ Super and Income accounts, with existing term allocated pensions.

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Public Sector Superannuation Scheme. This is different from PSSap.

PSS defined benefit

Preserved benefit

Eligible PSSap ancillary account

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Investment choices

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.

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Contributors use the default fund. Preserved members can choose Default or Cash for funded amounts.

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Insurance

Death, TPD and income protection cover are available. BUSSQ says casuals and contractors can access its insurance options when they meet minimum-hours conditions.

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Contributing members receive built-in death and invalidity cover, subject to scheme conditions.

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Retirement income

Income accounts and transition-to-retirement arrangements have separate investment and fee information. Existing term allocated pensions should be compared under their own rules.

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Eligible benefits may be paid as an indexed pension, a lump sum or a combination.

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Advice and support

Personal advice about BUSSQ insurance, investment choice, contributions and retirement is included in administration fees. The scope is limited to BUSSQ products.

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This detail has not been verified for this profile. Check the current product documents.

Fee details to check

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

This detail has not been verified for this profile. Check the current product documents.

Comparing investment performance

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.

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Do not rank the defined benefit using accumulation investment returns.

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THE SUPERGURU VIEW

Our take on BUSSQ

Editorial assessment

A relevant fund to examine for construction workers who need to check whether another insurer excludes or limits their occupation.

What deserves a closer look

  • Minimum hours and policy definitions still apply; industry branding does not guarantee a claim.
  • A return since 1985 is not comparable with a competing fund's five-year number.

Sources1234

Based on the cited product features. These are general reasons to investigate the fund, not a personal recommendation. Supporting sources.

THE SUPERGURU VIEW

Our take on PSS

Editorial assessment

Contribution choices and retirement timing can matter more here than a published investment return. A benefit estimate tied to your employment history is the useful starting point.

Who this profile is for

  • Existing PSS members considering contributions, preservation or retirement.

What deserves a closer look

  • PSS and PSSap should never be combined into one comparison entry.
  • Opting out has scheme-specific consequences and does not necessarily release preserved benefits.

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Based on the cited product features. These are general reasons to investigate the fund, not a personal recommendation. Supporting sources.

Before choosing between BUSSQ and PSS

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 BUSSQ profile · Read the full PSS profile · Choose another comparison

Sources for BUSSQ

Checked 2026-09-11. Documents and product terms can change after this date.

  1. BUSSQ insurance
  2. Investment options
  3. Fees and costs
  4. Investment performance basis

Sources for PSS

Checked 2026-09-11. Documents and product terms can change after this date.

  1. CSC PSS overview
  2. CSC membership eligibility