DFRDB is a closed Defence pension scheme with benefits determined by salary and service rules.
Membership
The scheme serves eligible existing members and pensioners.
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
DASH Super Simplifier and DFRDB: product features and conditions
What to compare
DASH Super Simplifier
DFRDB
Membership and access
The PDS requires an authorised financial adviser to be nominated on the application.
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.
This detail has not been verified for this profile. Check the current product documents.
Fee details to check
Include platform fees, underlying investments, trading, cash-account margin and adviser charges. Check the cash interest calculation in the current disclosure.
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 DFRDB
Editorial assessment
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.
Based on the cited product features. These are general reasons to investigate the fund, not a personal recommendation. Supporting sources.
Before choosing between DASH Super Simplifier and DFRDB
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.