Public sector workers — federal, state and local government employees — often have higher average super balances thanks to stable employment, consistent SG contributions, and salary sacrifice arrangements. Several funds specialise in this space: Aware Super (NSW/VIC public sector), Active Super (NSW local government), Vision Super (VIC local government), and Brighter Super (QLD local government).
The best super fund for public sector workers should offer strong long-term returns, competitive fees on larger balances, and integration with government payroll systems. Many public sector funds also offer defined benefit divisions for longer-serving members.
Top 5 Super Funds for Public Sector Workers
Ranked at a typical balance of $120,000. Data current as of April 2026.
8.60% annualised return over 10 years. total fees of $762/year (0.64% of balance) at $120,000. 2.3M members. $300B in assets under management. sector alignment: public-sector-workers, public-sector.
- Second-largest fund in Australia at $300 billion — massive scale advantage
- Strong 10-year returns of 8.6% across both legacy products
- Competitive fees at $275 on $50k balance
7.80% annualised return over 10 years. total fees of $942/year (0.78% of balance) at $120,000. 0.1M members. $35B in assets under management. sector alignment: public-sector-workers, government.
- Long heritage — established 1931, one of Australia's oldest funds
- Strong in infrastructure and property allocation
- Defined benefit products still available for eligible members
7.50% annualised return over 10 years. total fees of $894/year (0.74% of balance) at $120,000. 0.1M members. $22B in assets under management. sector alignment: public-sector-workers, local-government.
- Strong NSW local government and transport sector presence
- Defined benefit products for eligible council workers
- Infrastructure expertise from local government heritage
7.50% annualised return over 10 years. total fees of $918/year (0.77% of balance) at $120,000. 0.34M members. $28B in assets under management. sector alignment: public-sector-workers, public-sector.
- Strong presence in Tasmania with local member centres
- Formed from MTAA Super (transport) + Tasplan — broad industry coverage
- Physical branches for face-to-face service
7.50% annualised return over 10 years. total fees of $942/year (0.78% of balance) at $120,000. 0.12M members. $18B in assets under management. sector alignment: public-sector-workers, local-government.
- Strong Queensland presence with local offices
- Heritage in local government and energy sectors
- Face-to-face advice available
Fee Comparison at $120,000
How the top 5 funds compare on total annual fees at a $120,000 balance:
| # | Fund | Admin Fee | Inv. Fee | Total $/yr | Total % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Australian Retirement Trust | $78 | 0.42% | $762 | 0.64% |
| 2 | Equip Super | $78 | 0.50% | $942 | 0.78% |
| 3 | Active Super | $78 | 0.48% | $894 | 0.74% |
| 4 | Spirit Super | $78 | 0.50% | $918 | 0.77% |
| 5 | Brighter Super | $78 | 0.48% | $942 | 0.78% |
Use our comparison calculator to see how these funds stack up at your actual balance and contribution level over 10, 20 or 30 years.
How We Ranked These Funds
Our ranking considers multiple factors relevant to public sector workers:
- Fees: Total annual cost (admin fee + investment fee + indirect costs) at a $120,000 balance
- Performance: 10-year and 5-year annualised returns on the default MySuper option
- Sector alignment: Whether the fund has specific expertise or tailoring for this segment
- APRA heatmap: The fund's fee and return ratings on APRA's MySuper Product Heatmap
- Fund size and stability: Total assets under management and member numbers
No fund pays for placement. Rankings are based on publicly available data from APRA, ATO, and individual fund disclosures.
Read Full Reviews
- Australian Retirement Trust Review
Formed from the merger of QSuper and Sunsuper — one of Australia's largest funds.
- Equip Super Review
Industry fund serving members across a range of industries including energy, rail, and government.
- Active Super Review
Industry fund for transport, logistics, and local government workers in NSW.
- Spirit Super Review
Tasmania's largest industry super fund, also serving members nationally.
- Brighter Super Review
Queensland-based industry fund formed from the merger of LGIAsuper and Energy Super.