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GESB vs Prime 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

GESB

Restricted public sector fund

GESB administers several Western Australian public sector schemes, so the account name is essential to a useful comparison.

Membership

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.

Prime Super

Industry fund

Prime Super is an independent fund with rural and regional roots. Its members work across agriculture, health, education, aged care, recruitment and other industries.

Membership

Serves members across several industries. Check the joining criteria and any employer-specific insurance arrangements in the current member guide.

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
MeasureChoose an investment optionMySuper
Return basisChoose an optionMySuper net return after administration costs, $50,000 representative member
3-year return, per yearChoose an option8.49%
5-year return, per yearChoose an option5.59%
7-year return, per yearChoose an option6.35%
10-year return, per yearChoose an option7.00%
APRA strategic growth allocationChoose an option75.75%
Reported total fees, net of tax, at $50,000Choose an option$505 a year (1.01%)
Administration and advice costs, net of tax (included in total)Choose an option$235 a year
2026 performance testChoose an optionPass
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

GESB and Prime Super: product features and conditions
What to compareGESBPrime 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.

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Serves members across several industries. Check the joining criteria and any employer-specific insurance arrangements in the current member guide.

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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

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Superannuation and retirement income products.

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Investment choices

Choose and compare options within the relevant account. A common administrator does not make the schemes interchangeable.

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Members can choose a mix of investment options or use the MySuper default. The menu includes diversified choices and sector options such as Australian shares, international shares, property and cash.

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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.

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Prime publishes returns by option and period. Its current page refers to periods ending 30 June 2026; any ranking needs the same dates, peer group and fee basis on both sides.

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Insurance

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

The member guide describes insurance choices. Use the cover available under your employer or personal membership arrangement when comparing benefits.

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Retirement income

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

Income Stream accounts are available. The investment option corresponding to MySuper is called Balanced for pension accounts, so comparisons must use the correct account phase.

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Advice and support

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

The fund has superannuation specialists and a book-a-chat service. Confirm whether you are receiving general guidance or personal advice, and the fee for any detailed plan.

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Fee details to check

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

Use the member guide and each option's current fee disclosure. Investment costs vary with the chosen portfolio, and insurance is a separate comparison.

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THE SUPERGURU VIEW

Our take on GESB

Editorial assessment

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.

Who might put it on their shortlist

  • Eligible WA public sector employees and existing GESB members.

What deserves a closer look

  • A closed West State or Gold State account cannot be reopened after closure.
  • Untaxed does not mean tax-free; tax timing can affect rollover outcomes.

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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 Prime Super

Editorial assessment

Worth researching for someone who values a fund with experience in rural work and care industries, particularly when its member support is useful to them.

What deserves a closer look

  • Industry familiarity does not establish whether the fees or insurance suit an individual.
  • Do not substitute a pension Balanced return for an accumulation MySuper return.

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

Before choosing between GESB and Prime 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 GESB profile · Read the full Prime Super profile · Choose another comparison

Sources for GESB

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

  1. GESB accounts and features
  2. GESB consolidation and reopening restrictions
  3. ATO Super Fund Lookup GESB Super

Sources for Prime Super

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

  1. About Prime Super
  2. Investments
  3. Member guide
  4. MySuper option