DFRDB
Closed public sector scheme
DFRDB is a closed Defence pension scheme with benefits determined by salary and service rules.
Membership
The scheme serves eligible existing members and pensioners.
DFRDB vs Equip Super
Compare what each fund offers, then choose investment options to put their published costs and returns side by side.
Equip Super
Industry fund
Equip Super combines a conventional super investment menu with retirement income products and a MyPension investment strategy.
Membership
Public joining is available, with separate terms for certain employer and defined benefit arrangements. A workplace plan may differ from the standard accumulation offer.
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.
Choose an investment option to see the figures
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.
How the products differ
| What to compare | DFRDB | Equip Super |
|---|---|---|
| Membership and access | The scheme serves eligible existing members and pensioners. Sources1 | Public joining is available, with separate terms for certain employer and defined benefit arrangements. A workplace plan may differ from the standard accumulation offer. Sources12345 |
| Accounts and products | Defence Forces Retirement and Death Benefits Scheme. DFRDB pension and scheme benefits Separate MilitarySuper ancillary account where eligible Sources1 | Accumulation super, retirement income and transition-to-retirement accounts, alongside existing defined benefit arrangements. Sources12345 |
| Insurance | Serving members have built-in death and invalidity protection. Sources1 | Use the insurance guide for the relevant membership or employer category. Standard and workplace arrangements should not be treated as interchangeable. Sources12345 |
| Retirement income | Service and super salary affect retirement pay. Eligible members can consider a pension and an optional lump-sum commutation under scheme rules. Sources1 | MyPension is a strategy for managing retirement savings across investment options. It is not a guaranteed lifetime pension. Sources12345 |
| Comparing investment performance | Keep the pension and ancillary accumulation account separate. Sources1 | Use current option names and the same account phase. The June 2026 option closure and earlier integration mean old menus and performance screenshots may mislead. Sources12345 |
| Investment choices | This detail has not been verified for this profile. Check the current product documents. | The menu includes diversified and sector options, with MySuper as the default for accumulation members who do not choose. Check the current menu: the Future Focus option closed on 17 June 2026. Sources12345 |
| Advice and support | This detail has not been verified for this profile. Check the current product documents. | Members can receive advice about their super at no extra cost. Ask about the scope and separate fees before proceeding with broader financial planning. Sources12345 |
| Fee details to check | This detail has not been verified for this profile. Check the current product documents. | Use the schedule effective for the current year and chosen product. Equip published investment fee and cost changes effective 1 July 2026. Sources12345 |
THE SUPERGURU VIEW
Our take on DFRDB
DFRDB belongs in an explanation of retirement entitlements. It does not belong in a league table of funds to switch into. The value of pension income and any commutation decision needs individual calculation.
Who this profile is for
- Current DFRDB members and pensioners reviewing entitlements.
What deserves a closer look
- Any investment menu applies to a separate ancillary account, not to the core DFRDB pension.
- A commutation changes the form of retirement benefits; compare its full effect before deciding.
Sources1
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 Equip Super
Worth comparing for someone who wants support moving from super to pension, or who already belongs to an Equip employer plan.
Based on the cited product features. These are general reasons to investigate the fund, not a personal recommendation. Supporting sources.
Before choosing between DFRDB and Equip Super
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 DFRDB profile · Read the full Equip Super profile · Choose another comparison
Sources for DFRDB
Checked 2026-09-11. Documents and product terms can change after this date.
Sources for Equip Super
Checked 2026-09-11. Documents and product terms can change after this date.