Compare what each fund offers, then choose investment options to put their published costs and returns side by side.
Closed public sector scheme
CSS is a closed Commonwealth scheme whose benefit depends on more than the investment return shown on a statement.
Relevant to existing contributors, deferred members and pensioners. Some returning employees must or may resume contributing.
Industry fund
NGS Super combines a MySuper default with indexed, diversified and sector options. Its advice service starts with limited help about a member's NGS account.
Use the current joining criteria and insurance guide for the membership being considered; workplace arrangements can affect cover.
Choose the actual investment pathway for each account. For lifecycle products, select the named stage relevant to you. No stage is selected automatically.
| Measure | Choose an investment option | NGS Diversified (MySuper) |
|---|---|---|
| Return basis | Choose an option | MySuper net return after administration costs, $50,000 representative member |
| 3-year return, per year | Choose an option | 9.96% |
| 5-year return, per year | Choose an option | 6.67% |
| 7-year return, per year | Choose an option | 7.01% |
| 10-year return, per year | Choose an option | 7.72% |
| APRA strategic growth allocation | Choose an option | 78.94% |
| Reported total fees, net of tax, at $50,000 | Choose an option | $515 a year (1.03%) |
| Administration and advice costs, net of tax (included in total) | Choose an option | $140 a year |
| 2026 performance test | Choose an option | Pass |
| New-member status at reporting date | Check the current product eligibility rules | Check 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.
| What to compare | CSS | NGS Super |
|---|---|---|
| Membership and access | Relevant to existing contributors, deferred members and pensioners. Some returning employees must or may resume contributing. Sources12 | Use the current joining criteria and insurance guide for the membership being considered; workplace arrangements can affect cover. Sources123 |
| Accounts and products | Commonwealth Superannuation Scheme, including defined benefit and accumulation components. CSS defined benefit CSS accumulation component Sources12 | Accumulation, transition-to-retirement and Income accounts. Sources123 |
| Investment choices | Investment earnings affect the funded component; they are only part of the overall benefit calculation. Sources12 | Diversified is the MySuper option. Other choices include High Growth, Balanced, Defensive, Indexed Growth and sector options such as Australian shares, international shares, infrastructure, property, bonds, cash and term deposits. Sources123 |
| Retirement income | The main retirement benefit is generally a pension. Age, service, reason for leaving and sometimes final salary affect its calculation. Sources12 | Income and transition-to-retirement accounts have separate disclosure documents. NGS explains that investment earnings are treated differently in these account types. Sources123 |
| Comparing investment performance | Explain benefits beside other schemes without treating CSS as a fund anyone can join. Sources12 | Compare the same option, dates and account phase. The Indexed Growth and Diversified strategies should be assessed against their own asset mix and objectives. Sources123 |
| Insurance | This detail has not been verified for this profile. Check the current product documents. | Insurance is available under the current guide. Compare cover definitions, insured amounts and premiums rather than relying on a general service award. Sources123 |
| Advice and support | This detail has not been verified for this profile. Check the current product documents. | Single-issue advice limited to an NGS account and its insurance is available without a separate charge. Broader tailored advice is offered on an agreed fee-for-service basis. Sources123 |
| Fee details to check | This detail has not been verified for this profile. Check the current product documents. | The current page separates fixed administration, a balance-based component, reserve-paid administration costs and option-specific investment costs. Indexed Growth has a different investment cost from Diversified, so quote the actual chosen option. Sources123 |
THE SUPERGURU VIEW
For a CSS member, an ordinary fund ranking answers too little. Get a benefit estimate for the actual exit date and compare the pension and lump-sum choices before considering any transfer.
Based on the cited product features. These are general reasons to investigate the fund, not a personal recommendation. Supporting sources.
THE SUPERGURU VIEW
Worth comparing if you want a conventional industry fund but also want an indexed portfolio or help with a specific super question.
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 CSS profile · Read the full NGS Super 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.