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First Super vs Retirement Benefits Fund

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

First Super

Industry fund

First Super has a compact investment menu and offers super, transition-to-retirement and retirement income accounts. Members can get help with their investment choice without a separate advice charge.

Membership

The fund accepts new members through its public joining process. Read the relevant PDS and target market determination before opening an account.

Retirement Benefits Fund

Closed public sector scheme

RBF retains defined benefit and pension arrangements for eligible Tasmanian public sector members.

Membership

Existing members, preserved members and eligible pensioners should check their particular membership category.

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.

APRA product data to 30 June 2026
MeasureBalanced - accumulationChoose an investment option
Return basisMySuper net return after administration costs, $50,000 representative memberChoose an option
3-year return, per year8.35%Choose an option
5-year return, per year6.94%Choose an option
7-year return, per year6.62%Choose an option
10-year return, per year7.25%Choose an option
APRA strategic growth allocation79.50%Choose an option
Reported total fees, net of tax, at $50,000$560 a year (1.12%)Choose an option
Administration and advice costs, net of tax (included in total)$175 a yearChoose an option
2026 performance testPassChoose an option
New-member status at reporting dateCheck the current product eligibility rulesCheck 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

First Super and Retirement Benefits Fund: product features and conditions
What to compareFirst SuperRetirement Benefits Fund
Membership and access

The fund accepts new members through its public joining process. Read the relevant PDS and target market determination before opening an account.

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Existing members, preserved members and eligible pensioners should check their particular membership category.

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Accounts and products

Accumulation super, transition-to-retirement account and Retirement Income account.

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Tasmania's RBF Contributory Scheme and eligible life pensions.

RBF Contributory Scheme

Eligible RBF Life Pension

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Investment choices

Balanced is the MySuper default. The other options are Conservative Balanced, Growth, Shares Plus and Cash. Members can split their balance across options.

Sources1234

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

Insurance

Insurance through super is available. Check the current insurance guide for the cover offered to your membership category and the cost at your age.

Sources1234

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

Retirement income

A Retirement Income account allows a choice of investment mix and payment frequency. Pension payments can be fortnightly, monthly, quarterly, half-yearly or yearly, subject to the required annual minimum.

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RBF life pension eligibility and conversion terms depend on membership history. Some withdrawals can remove access to particular pension conversion terms.

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Advice and support

The fund says advice about its investment options is available to members at no extra cost. A wider advice request needs a separate scope and cost check.

Sources1234

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

Fee details to check

The current fees page gives a $50,000 Balanced example of $465.80 a year, including administration, investment and transaction costs, before any additional applicable fees. This is an example for that option and balance, not a universal member bill.

Sources1234

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

Comparing investment performance

Compare Balanced with portfolios carrying a similar growth allocation, over the same dates. Shares Plus and Cash have different risk profiles and should not be ranked as though they pursue the same outcome.

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A pension estimate and survivor-benefit terms are more informative than a generic accumulation return.

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THE SUPERGURU VIEW

Our take on First Super

Editorial assessment

A useful shortlist candidate for someone who wants to choose among a small number of diversified strategies rather than manage individual securities.

What deserves a closer look

  • The fixed weekly administration charge matters proportionately more on small balances.
  • A limited menu may not meet a need for direct shares or a specific index exposure.

Sources1234

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 Retirement Benefits Fund

Editorial assessment

A remaining right to an RBF pension can be the most important part of an account. Ask for written confirmation of what would survive a withdrawal or transfer before comparing the balance with another fund.

Who this profile is for

  • Existing Tasmanian RBF members weighing preservation, a lump sum or an eligible pension.

What deserves a closer look

  • This is not a fund open to the general public.
  • Historical pension terms should not be assumed to apply to every member.

Sources123

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

Before choosing between First Super and Retirement Benefits Fund

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 First Super profile · Read the full Retirement Benefits Fund profile · Choose another comparison

Sources for First Super

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

  1. Investment options
  2. Fees and costs
  3. Retirement Income account
  4. Why join First Super

Sources for Retirement Benefits Fund

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

  1. Tasmanian legislation, continuing closure of contributory scheme
  2. RBF definitions and pension conversion restrictions
  3. RBF pension eligibility and fund ABN