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.
Retail investment platform
Super Simplifier is an adviser-access super and pension account with direct investments and no MySuper default.
The PDS requires an authorised financial adviser to be nominated on the application.
Choose the actual investment pathway for each account. For lifecycle products, select the named stage relevant to you. No stage is selected automatically.
The costs and returns belong to the selected product, option or lifecycle stage.
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 | DASH Super Simplifier |
|---|---|---|
| Membership and access | Relevant to existing contributors, deferred members and pensioners. Some returning employees must or may resume contributing. Sources12 | The PDS requires an authorised financial adviser to be nominated on the application. Sources12 |
| Accounts and products | Commonwealth Superannuation Scheme, including defined benefit and accumulation components. CSS defined benefit CSS accumulation component Sources12 | Personal Super, Transition to Retirement Pension and Standard Account-Based Pension. Sources12 |
| Investment choices | Investment earnings affect the funded component; they are only part of the overall benefit calculation. Sources12 | The menu includes ASX300 securities, ETFs, managed funds and term deposits. Eligible investments can be transferred in or out without selling, subject to the product's rules. Sources12 |
| Retirement income | The main retirement benefit is generally a pension. Age, service, reason for leaving and sometimes final salary affect its calculation. Sources12 | Account-based and transition-to-retirement pensions are available, with payment limits appropriate to each account. Sources12 |
| Comparing investment performance | Explain benefits beside other schemes without treating CSS as a fund anyone can join. Sources12 | Returns depend on the chosen portfolio and cash holding. There is no MySuper option to use as a universal benchmark. Sources12 |
| Insurance | This detail has not been verified for this profile. Check the current product documents. | Eligible personal super members can apply for life and terminal illness, total and permanent disablement, and income protection cover through MetLife. Sources12 |
| Advice and support | This detail has not been verified for this profile. Check the current product documents. | The authorised adviser helps build the investment strategy and can give instructions for the account. Sources12 |
| Fee details to check | This detail has not been verified for this profile. Check the current product documents. | Include platform fees, underlying investments, trading, cash-account margin and adviser charges. Check the cash interest calculation in the current disclosure. Sources12 |
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
For members who want an adviser to implement a specific portfolio inside super.
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 DASH Super Simplifier 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.