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 NGS Super
Compare what each fund offers, then choose investment options to put their published costs and returns side by side.
NGS Super
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.
Membership
Use the current joining criteria and insurance guide for the membership being considered; workplace arrangements can affect cover.
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.
| 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.
How the products differ
| What to compare | DFRDB | NGS Super |
|---|---|---|
| Membership and access | The scheme serves eligible existing members and pensioners. Sources1 | Use the current joining criteria and insurance guide for the membership being considered; workplace arrangements can affect cover. Sources123 |
| Accounts and products | Defence Forces Retirement and Death Benefits Scheme. DFRDB pension and scheme benefits Separate MilitarySuper ancillary account where eligible Sources1 | Accumulation, transition-to-retirement and Income accounts. Sources123 |
| Insurance | Serving members have built-in death and invalidity protection. Sources1 | Insurance is available under the current guide. Compare cover definitions, insured amounts and premiums rather than relying on a general service award. Sources123 |
| 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 | 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 | Keep the pension and ancillary accumulation account separate. Sources1 | 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 |
| Investment choices | This detail has not been verified for this profile. Check the current product documents. | 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 |
| 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
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 NGS Super
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.
Before choosing between DFRDB and NGS 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 NGS Super profile · Choose another comparison
Sources for DFRDB
Checked 2026-09-11. Documents and product terms can change after this date.
Sources for NGS Super
Checked 2026-09-11. Documents and product terms can change after this date.