Compare what each fund offers, then choose investment options to put their published costs and returns side by side.
Restricted public sector fund
GESB administers several Western Australian public sector schemes, so the account name is essential to a useful comparison.
GESB Super is available to current WA public sector employees and qualifying continuing members after moving into private employment. West State and Gold State are closed to new members.
Retail fund brand
Pearler Super is a digital accumulation account for members who want to choose ETFs and other approved ASX securities.
The PDS allows a zero initial investment, but an operating cash balance is required once the account is funded.
Choose the actual investment pathway for each account. For lifecycle products, select the named stage relevant to you. No stage is selected automatically.
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.
| What to compare | GESB | Pearler Super |
|---|---|---|
| Membership and access | GESB Super is available to current WA public sector employees and qualifying continuing members after moving into private employment. West State and Gold State are closed to new members. Sources123 | The PDS allows a zero initial investment, but an operating cash balance is required once the account is funded. Sources123 |
| Accounts and products | GESB Super accumulation. West State Super, Gold State Super and retirement accounts have different structures and identifiers. GESB Super West State Super Gold State Super Retirement Income Pension Sources123 | Pearler Personal Super accumulation. Sources123 |
| Investment choices | Choose and compare options within the relevant account. A common administrator does not make the schemes interchangeable. Sources123 | Members can choose from a menu of ETFs and other ASX-listed securities through the Pearler apps. Sources123 |
| Comparing investment performance | GESB is a state government scheme outside the APRA RSE fund register; absence from that register does not mean it is not a legitimate fund. Sources123 | Performance depends on the actual securities and cash held. There is no single Pearler portfolio return that applies to everyone. Sources123 |
| Insurance | This detail has not been verified for this profile. Check the current product documents. | There is no integrated insurance. Moving an entire balance from another fund can end the cover held there. Sources123 |
| Retirement income | This detail has not been verified for this profile. Check the current product documents. | The current PDS does not offer a pension account. Sources123 |
| Advice and support | This detail has not been verified for this profile. Check the current product documents. | The app offers investment tools. Any advice arrangement should be assessed separately from access to those tools. Sources123 |
| Fee details to check | This detail has not been verified for this profile. Check the current product documents. | Administration fees apply to the first $500,000, with eligible family-group caps. Add underlying investment costs, transactions and the effect of the cash account. Sources123 |
THE SUPERGURU VIEW
Identify the scheme before doing any fee or return comparison. For someone holding West State or Gold State, the first issue is the value and tax treatment of existing rights, not the convenience of combining accounts.
Based on the cited product features. These are general reasons to investigate the fund, not a personal recommendation. Supporting sources.
THE SUPERGURU VIEW
May suit a member who can construct and maintain a diversified listed portfolio and has separately considered insurance.
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 GESB profile · Read the full Pearler 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.