Compare what each fund offers, then choose investment options to put their published costs and returns side by side.
Restricted public sector fund
ESSSuper's Accumulation Plan serves eligible Victorian emergency services and State Super members, including their spouses.
The March 2026 PDS identifies current or former Victorian emergency services employees, State Super members and eligible spouses or de facto partners.
Retail fund brand
Superhero Super offers managed investments, thematic choices and direct shares and ETFs within super.
Public membership under the applicable MySuper or Choice documents.
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 | Superhero Super MySuper |
|---|---|---|
| Return basis | Choose an option | MySuper net return after administration costs, $50,000 representative member |
| 3-year return, per year | Choose an option | 9.95% |
| 5-year return, per year | Choose an option | 5.96% |
| 7-year return, per year | Choose an option | 6.67% |
| 10-year return, per year | Choose an option | 6.79% |
| APRA strategic growth allocation | Choose an option | 80.50% |
| Reported total fees, net of tax, at $50,000 | Choose an option | $350 a year (0.70%) |
| Administration and advice costs, net of tax (included in total) | Choose an option | $195 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.
| What to compare | ESSSuper | Superhero 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. Sources1 | Public membership under the applicable MySuper or Choice documents. Sources1234 |
| Accounts and products | This profile focuses on the ESSSuper Accumulation Plan; defined benefit memberships require separate calculations. Accumulation Plan Separate ESSSuper defined benefit schemes Sources1 | Superhero Super Choice and MySuper. Sources1234 |
| 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. Sources1 | Diversified, single-sector, thematic and direct options. At least 25% of a Choice balance must remain across diversified or single-sector options. Sources1234 |
| Insurance | Eligible members can access death-only, death and TPD, or income protection insurance. Sources1 | MySuper and Choice insurance terms differ. There is no insurance in the retirement division; retaining accumulation cover requires a sufficiently funded super account. Sources1234 |
| Comparing investment performance | Use the Accumulation Plan PDS when comparing market investment options. Sources1 | The website's investment returns exclude administration fees and costs. Direct portfolios have member-specific returns. Sources1234 |
| Retirement income | This detail has not been verified for this profile. Check the current product documents. | Retirement and transition-to-retirement accounts are available, with a $20,000 minimum under the PDS dated 2 June 2026. Sources1234 |
| Advice and support | This detail has not been verified for this profile. Check the current product documents. | The service supports self-directed investment decisions. Personal advice should be arranged where needed. Sources1234 |
| Fee details to check | This detail has not been verified for this profile. Check the current product documents. | Choice administration is $52 a year plus a balance-based fee; investment fees vary and direct investing adds costs. MySuper has its own schedule. Sources1234 |
THE SUPERGURU VIEW
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.
Sources1
Based on the cited product features. These are general reasons to investigate the fund, not a personal recommendation. Supporting sources.
THE SUPERGURU VIEW
Relevant for an investor who wants more control but accepts the portfolio limits and costs.
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 ESSSuper profile · Read the full Superhero Super 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.