GESB (Government Employees Superannuation Board) is the superannuation fund for Western Australian public sector employees. GESB operates multiple products — including both accumulation and legacy defined benefit schemes.
Key Facts
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Fund type | Public sector super fund |
| Open to | WA State Government employees and eligible WA entities |
| Regulator | WA State-regulated (not APRA) — operates under its own legislation |
| Website | gesb.com.au |
Important: GESB is regulated by WA State legislation, not the Commonwealth’s APRA framework. This means some Commonwealth super regulations (e.g., certain SIS Act provisions) may not apply in the same way.
GESB Products
West State Super (WSS)
A defined benefit scheme closed to new members. Features an untaxed element (contributions have not been taxed in the fund — unlike most super). This has significant withdrawal tax implications for members approaching retirement.
Gold State Super (GSS)
Another closed defined benefit scheme. Very old scheme — most members are now in accumulation.
GESB Super (Accumulation)
An accumulation fund open to new WA public sector employees. Features:
- Competitive fees
- Range of investment options
- Normal 15% tax treatment
West State Super — The Untaxed Element Issue
For West State Super members, the untaxed element means:
- Contributions to the fund were NOT taxed at 15% (unlike normal super)
- At withdrawal, the untaxed component is taxed at marginal rate (up to 47%) not 0%
- Even for those over 60, there is a 15% tax on the untaxed element (with a 10% offset), or marginal rate minus 10% offset for larger amounts
This is a significant consideration for West State Super members planning their retirement — the tax on withdrawal is materially different from most Australian super.
Investment Options (GESB Super)
GESB Super offers multiple investment options including:
- Growth
- Balanced
- Stable
- Cash
- Socially Responsible
Who GESB Applies To
GESB is only open to eligible WA public sector employees. It is not a fund available to the general public. Private sector employees in WA use standard APRA-regulated industry and retail funds.
For GESB-specific retirement advice — particularly for West State Super members with untaxed element calculations — speak with a specialist financial adviser familiar with WA public sector super. Find an adviser via MoneySmart. For more: Super Fund Reviews, Defined Benefit Funds, Super Tax Components.