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ESSSuper vs Resource Super

Compare what each fund offers, then choose investment options to put their published costs and returns side by side.

By SuperGuru Group · Research checked 11 September 2026 · Historical APRA figures to 30 June 2026

ESSSuper

Restricted public sector fund

ESSSuper's Accumulation Plan serves eligible Victorian emergency services and State Super members, including their spouses.

Membership

The March 2026 PDS identifies current or former Victorian emergency services employees, State Super members and eligible spouses or de facto partners.

Resource Super

Retail fund brand

Resource Super concentrates on people working in Australia's resources sector, with employer-specific insurance arrangements.

Membership

People joining through an employer and people joining individually face different insurance processes.

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

ESSSuper and Resource Super: product features and conditions
What to compareESSSuperResource Super
Membership and access

The March 2026 PDS identifies current or former Victorian emergency services employees, State Super members and eligible spouses or de facto partners.

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People joining through an employer and people joining individually face different insurance processes.

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Accounts and products

This profile focuses on the ESSSuper Accumulation Plan; defined benefit memberships require separate calculations.

Accumulation Plan

Separate ESSSuper defined benefit schemes

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Resource Super employer and individual arrangements within Russell Investments Master Trust.

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Investment choices

Balanced Growth Managed

The PDS lists ten options: eight diversified portfolios plus Shares Only and Cash. The default has a ten-year suggested investment timeframe and a High risk rating.

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Use the investment menu in the current PDS and plan documents; the brand shares the Russell investment structure.

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Insurance

Eligible members can access death-only, death and TPD, or income protection insurance.

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Eligible employer members can receive automatic cover once age and balance conditions are met. Individual joiners must apply and be accepted by the insurer. Limited-cover provisions can apply.

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Comparing investment performance

Use the Accumulation Plan PDS when comparing market investment options.

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Russell's combined APRA product label does not establish an individual employer plan's net member outcome.

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Retirement income

This detail has not been verified for this profile. Check the current product documents.

Check the retirement pathway and product available under the current plan.

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Advice and support

This detail has not been verified for this profile. Check the current product documents.

The fund can refer members for personal advice. Confirm the service and fee first.

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Fee details to check

This detail has not been verified for this profile. Check the current product documents.

The employer's Super Plan Booklet sets out the insurance and fees applicable to that plan. A corporate employee and a field worker can have different terms.

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THE SUPERGURU VIEW

Our take on ESSSuper

Editorial assessment

The accumulation account can complement a defined benefit. Compare each part on its own terms: investment choices and costs for accumulation, benefit rules for the defined benefit.

Who might put it on their shortlist

  • Eligible emergency services and State Super members wanting an accumulation account, and eligible partners.

What deserves a closer look

  • Membership is restricted.
  • The default's name does not make it low risk.
  • An accumulation account's return does not measure a member's defined benefit.

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 Resource Super

Editorial assessment

Particularly relevant for mining and resources workers comparing cover for their occupation.

What deserves a closer look

  • Check waiting periods, income definitions and limited-cover terms in the actual employer booklet.
  • The Russell, Resource and Nationwide brands should not be counted as separate legal funds.

Sources123

Based on the cited product features. These are general reasons to investigate the fund, not a personal recommendation. Supporting sources.

Before choosing between ESSSuper and Resource 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 ESSSuper profile · Read the full Resource Super profile · Choose another comparison

Sources for ESSSuper

Checked 2026-09-11. Documents and product terms can change after this date.

  1. ESSSuper Accumulation Plan PDS, 1 March 2026

Sources for Resource Super

Checked 2026-09-11. Documents and product terms can change after this date.

  1. About Resource Super
  2. Insurance FAQs
  3. 2026 employer plan example