REST (Retail Employees Superannuation Trust) is one of Australia’s largest industry super funds, primarily serving workers in the retail sector. It has approximately 1.8 million members and manages over $80 billion in assets.
This review provides general information only and is based on publicly available data. It is not a personal recommendation. Always read the fund’s product disclosure statement (PDS) before making decisions about your super.
REST Super at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Fund type | Industry fund (profit-to-members) |
| Target industry | Retail, hospitality, fast food, community services |
| Members | ~1.8 million |
| Funds under management | ~$80+ billion |
| Default option | Core Strategy (lifecycle) |
| Regulated by | APRA, ASIC |
Fees — REST Super
REST’s fee structure for the Core Strategy (default) product:
| Fee Type | Approximate Amount |
|---|---|
| Administration fee | $1.50/week (~$78/year) flat |
| Investment fee | 0.16–0.55% of balance (varies by option) |
| Indirect cost ratio | 0.1–0.2% (varies by option) |
| Total fee (example: $50k Core Strategy) | ~$370–$450/year (~0.74–0.90%) |
Fees are competitive for a fund of this size, though not as low as Hostplus’s index options or Vanguard Super.
Investment Performance — Core Strategy
REST’s default Core Strategy is a lifecycle option — it automatically shifts from growth to more defensive assets as you approach retirement.
| Age Band | Approx. Growth/Defensive Split |
|---|---|
| Under 45 | ~90% growth / 10% defensive |
| 45–54 | ~75% growth / 25% defensive |
| 55–64 | ~65% growth / 35% defensive |
| 65+ | ~45% growth / 55% defensive |
Investment returns (Core Strategy — indicative):
| Period | Approximate Annual Return |
|---|---|
| 1-year (FY2024–25) | ~8–10% (indicative) |
| 5-year average | ~6–8% per year |
| 10-year average | ~7–9% per year |
Returns are approximate and based on publicly available data. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. Always verify current figures directly with REST.
Investment Options Available
REST offers a range of options beyond the default Core Strategy:
| Option | Approx. Growth Assets | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|
| High Growth | ~95% | Very High |
| Growth | ~80% | High |
| Balanced | ~65% | Medium |
| Conservative | ~35% | Low–Medium |
| Cash | ~0% | Very Low |
| Sustainable Growth | ~80% (ESG screened) | High |
Insurance — REST Super
REST provides default insurance cover to eligible members:
| Cover Type | Default for Members Under 25 / Small Balances |
|---|---|
| Life (death) cover | Yes — age-based units |
| Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) | Yes — any-occupation definition |
| Income Protection (IP) | Yes — 2-year benefit period, 90-day waiting period |
The Protecting Your Super Act means members under 25 or with balances below $6,000 do not receive automatic insurance unless they opt in.
TPD cover uses an “any occupation” definition — this is less member-friendly than “own occupation” (which some retail funds offer). Members with professional occupations may want to review whether this cover is adequate.
APRA Performance Test
REST’s Core Strategy has passed the APRA Annual Superannuation Performance Test in recent years. Funds that fail the test must notify members and are prohibited from accepting new members if they fail two consecutive tests.
REST Super — Who Is It Best Suited To?
REST is a solid industry fund with competitive fees and good default lifecycle investment. It is commonly suited to:
- Retail, hospitality, and service-sector workers whose employer defaults to REST
- Members who want a straightforward lifecycle default without actively managing their investment option
- Members comfortable with “any occupation” TPD cover
Members seeking ultra-low fees (especially for index-only investing) or “own occupation” TPD may find better matches at funds like Hostplus or Aware Super.
For further comparisons: Best Super Funds Australia, AustralianSuper Review, Hostplus Review. For advice tailored to your situation, speak with a licensed financial adviser through MoneySmart.