The Benefits

Total Earnings vs. Total Fees – average Industry SuperFund vs. average retail super funds over five years to 30 June 2010. (Source SuperRatings, commissioned by Industry Fund Services P/L ABN 54 007 016 195 AFSL 232514.) For more information refer to the Assumptions page .

Disclaimer – past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. Comparisons use average chargeable fees and average actual investment returns for 16 Industry SuperFunds and 16 retail super funds (refer to the Assumptions page for details of further assumptions used in this comparison). Current at 30 June 2010 and may be revised if further information becomes available.

Assumptions - opening balance of $20,000, starting salary of $50,000; super contributions 9%; 3.5% salary increase per annum; actual earnings figures provided by funds for 1, 3 and 5 years; contribution fee for master trusts assumed to be nil, with asset and investment fees based on standard rates for each fund; employer asset size $150,000. Refer to the Assumptions page for further details of assumptions used in this comparison.

Projected Account Balance for 40 years – comparisons modelled using average fees for 16 Industry SuperFunds and 16 retail super funds (source SuperRatings, commissioned by Industry Fund Services P/L ABN 54007016195 AFSL 232514). For more information refer to the SuperRatings website.

Disclaimer - The modelling shows the effect that fee differences alone have on the growth of your superannuation. The figures shown as a result of the modelling are not predictions or estimates of actual outcomes. The effect of fee differences on your super balance will vary between individual super funds and be affected by the fund’s performance. The comparison shows projected outcomes, applying today’s average fees of Industry SuperFunds and retail master super funds, over 40 years. Differences in fees may change in the future and this would alter the outcome. Current at 30 June 2010 and may be revised if further information becomes available.

Refer to the Assumptions page for further details of assumptions used in this comparison. The variable model assumptions used in this case are contained in the 'Over a 40 working life' scenario.

Rainmaker, an independent financial services information company , found that financial planners received $1.4 billion in sales commissions from retail superannuation funds in 2008. This included over $546 million in commissions from super guarantee contributions made by Australian workers. These planners often recommend under-performing retail funds.*

Over the past three years, more than $5.3 billion in commissions has been paid by retail super funds to financial planners.
Over $1.7 billion has been paid in commissions on compulsory super guarantee contributions.*

*Rainmaker Information Commissions Revenue Report May 2009