Your annual statement shows you what’s happened with your super and how much you have, so it’s a good idea to review it when it arrives each year.

We know that statements are often full of figures and terms that are difficult to understand, so we’ve put together a guide to help you make sense of the information provided.

Why your statement is important

Statements gather all the information about your super account in one place. Most members simply want to know ‘how much do I have?’ – but statements provide a lot more than just an account balance.

Each year your statement gives you the opportunity to review your balance, but also to make sure that your investment and insurance choices remain suitable for your current situation.

What you’ll receive in your annual statement communication

Member statements are one of the most important communications in our annual calendar, because we’re giving you information that can help you to make decisions about your future. Because of this, we’ll often send more than just your statement.

How you receive your statement pack will depend on your communications preference.

Electronic statements

If you’ve opted to receive digital communications, we’ll send you an email which will give you access to:

  • Your statement(s) online through Member Online
  • Your online statement summary, which gives you a visual snapshot of your statement so you can see the highlights at a glance
  • Details of our upcoming Annual Member Meeting, which all of our members are invited to attend
  • Our Annual Fund Update, which gives you an overview of our performance for the relevant financial year
  • Online news articles and tools to help you manage your account and stay up to date with the latest investment and super news

Paper statements

If you’ve notified us that you’d prefer to receive paper statements, we’ll send you a hard copy in the mail. This will include:

  • A printed cover letter which includes where to find information about our upcoming Annual Member Meeting, our Annual Fund Update and the latest news, tools and tips on our website
  • Your printed statement(s)

What's in your statement?

Your annual member statement details information for the relevant financial year ending 30 June.

It includes your:

Personal details

These appear at the beginning of your statement.

Account summary

For GESB Super, West State Super and Retirement Income accounts, this includes the opening and closing balance.

Gold State Super members will see a ‘total benefit’ balance.

Insurance details

For GESB Super and West State Super accounts, this will outline the value of your cover, type of cover, exclusions and total premiums paid.

Gold State Super accounts work differently, and insurance will be a lump-sum figure.

Fees you paid

A detailed breakdown of administration costs.

This doesn’t apply to Gold State Super accounts.

Investment details

For GESB Super members, West State Super members and Retirement Income accounts, this includes your current investment plan and outlines which assets you are investing in with a percentage breakdown of each asset class.

This doesn’t apply to Gold State Super.

Benefit components

These will vary depending on which account you hold with us. If you’re a GESB Super or West State Super member, or if you hold a Retirement Income account, there are generally three components to your benefit, each with different access rules and restrictions.

If you’re an active or deferred Gold State Super member, your benefit is made up of components unique to this scheme.

Contributions and transactions

For GESB Super and West State Super members, this is a detailed transaction history of each contribution made into your super account by your employer, plus any voluntary contributions you made. It also lists any fees and insurance premiums debited from your account. If you hold a Retirement Income account, this details your pension payments and withdrawals, if applicable.

For Gold State Super members, your contributions are calculated using a defined formula which is outlined in this section.

Things to keep in mind when reviewing your statements

Check your personal details

Login to Member Online

It’s a good idea to check that the details we have for you are still correct.

If we have the wrong email or postal address, it may create problems contacting you later.

You can change your personal details through Member Online, or by submitting a form.

Review your investment choice

Use our tool

You’ll be able to see how your investment plan has performed in the past financial year and compare its investment return to its benchmark. If your current plan no longer suits your needs, especially as you move closer to retirement, you could consider making some changes.

Note that investment returns may remain volatile due to COVID-19, so consider whether your investment option and level of risk are still appropriate for you. Learn more about investing in volatile markets.

Make sure your insurance suits your needs

Find out more

Review whether the amount of insurance you have is still suitable for your personal circumstances – particularly if things have changed at home, such as a new baby, or a recent change to your relationship status.

Consider whether your current level of protection would cover the regular bills or pay off the mortgage if something happened.

More information

Super news

Super news is your one-stop news and information centre for your super.

Read more Super news

Page last updated 27 October 2022