CEO Update – July 2026

By Kate Farrar, Chief Executive Officer, Brighter Super

14 July 2026

As we begin a new financial year, I'd like to thank you for being part of Brighter Super, a member-owned fund.

Whether you're growing your super, preparing for retirement or already enjoying it, our focus remains the same: helping you achieve better retirement outcomes through strong long-term investment performance, low fees and award-winning advice and support. It's what sets Brighter Super apart.

In this update, I'm pleased to share some of the ways we’re continuing to support members and create brighter futures.

Performance and low fees driving member outcomes

Despite a year marked by market volatility, Brighter Super's investment options continued to deliver resilient outcomes for members.

The table below shows returns for MySuper and ready-made diversified options for 12 months to 30 June 2026, for Accumulation and Pension accounts¹.

Returns for Brighter Super’s full range of diversified and single asset class options over different time periods are available on our latest performance page.

These results were achieved during a period of significant uncertainty as global markets responded to changing economic conditions, interest rate expectations and international events.

While investment performance plays an important role in growing retirement savings, fees matter too. By combining competitive long-term returns with low fees, we're helping members keep more of their money invested for the future.

As always, our focus remains on delivering strong long-term outcomes through a disciplined and diversified investment approach.

New super rules create opportunities

Several important superannuation changes took effect from 1 July 2026, including changes to how and when super is paid, contribution limits, retirement income settings and Government support. With superannuation rules continuing to evolve, having access to trusted guidance and advice can make a meaningful difference.

One of the most significant reforms is the introduction of Payday Super, which requires employers to pay Superannuation Guarantee contributions at the same time as salary and wages. For many Australians, this means their super will be invested sooner, providing more opportunity to benefit from long-term investment returns and the power of compounding. To learn more about the changes and what they mean for members, read our recent article: Millions of Australians set to benefit from Payday Super.

With the significant industry-wide system changes required to support Payday Super, we anticipate there may be an impact on the timing of 2025/26 Annual Statements.

Annual Statements will be issued progressively from September through to the end of December 2026. You can also generate your own Member Report through your account in Member Online at any time, without having to wait for your Annual Statement.

Other changes from 1 July include increases to annual contribution caps, higher income thresholds for Government co-contributions and the introduction of super contributions on Commonwealth Paid Parental Leave. For members approaching retirement, the increase in the Transfer Balance Cap from $2 million to $2.1 million may provide greater flexibility when transitioning to retirement income.

For members with larger balances, the introduction of Division 296 may affect future tax outcomes. Whatever your stage of life, taking time to review your super and retirement plans can help ensure you're making the most of the opportunities available to you.

That's why we encourage members to review their super regularly and seek guidance when needed. Whether you're building your savings, planning your retirement income or already retired, our team is here to help.

Read our full article: Changes to super rules for 2026/27 and what they mean for you.

Award-winning advice and education

One of the greatest advantages of being a Brighter Super member is having access to expert guidance and advice throughout your financial journey.

Whether you're deciding how much to contribute, reviewing your investment options, planning your retirement income or simply wanting confidence that you're on the right track, having access to trusted advice can make a meaningful difference.

This year, Brighter Super was recognised as Best Fund: Advice Services at the 2026 Chant West Awards. We were also named a finalist for both Super Fund of the Year and Pension Fund of the Year, while earlier this year we received the Super Review Member Education Award for the second consecutive year.

These awards are welcome recognition of something we're deeply committed to: helping members make informed decisions and feel more confident about their financial future.

Over the past year, thousands of members connected with us through seminars and webinars, workplace education sessions and one-on-one advice conversations. We know that members who engage with their super are often better placed to make informed decisions and take advantage of opportunities that can improve their retirement outcomes.

To make expert insights even more accessible, we will soon be launching our new podcast, In the Hammock, hosted by retirement advocate David Koch. Each episode features practical conversations with Brighter Super specialists on topics including superannuation, retirement planning and financial wellbeing, helping members stay informed wherever and whenever it suits them.

Because confidence in retirement doesn't come from navigating complex decisions alone. It comes from having the right information, the right support and a trusted partner by your side.

In the Hammock will soon be on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube. You'll hear from us again when the first episode is available.

Building confidence for retirement

This month, we released our 2025/26 State of Retirement Report, providing valuable insights into how Australians are feeling about retirement.

The findings showed that economic uncertainty continues to influence retirement confidence across the country. Encouragingly, Brighter Super members reported higher levels of retirement confidence than both Queensland and national averages.

We believe that's no coincidence. Members who engage with their super, understand their options and access support when they need it are often better placed to feel confident about their future.

That's why we continue to invest in member education, retirement planning tools and award-winning advice services that help members prepare for the retirement they want.

To learn more, read the full 2025/26 State of Retirement Report.

Investing in Queensland's future

As a Queensland-based fund, we're committed to identifying investment opportunities that deliver strong outcomes for members while supporting the state's long-term growth.

Since announcing our Queensland Investment Strategy in 2024, we've committed $225 million towards our goal of investing an additional $500 million in Queensland assets. These investments span sectors including infrastructure, agriculture, property, logistics and high-growth businesses.

Importantly, every investment must meet the same return, risk and cost requirements as any other investment in our portfolio. This disciplined approach helps ensure we're delivering value for members while investing in opportunities that support Queensland's future.

Read more about our Queensland investments.

Thank you

As we enter the new financial year, our commitment remains unchanged: delivering strong long-term performance, keeping fees competitive and providing the advice and support members need to feel confident about their future.

Thank you for trusting Brighter Super with your retirement savings. We look forward to continuing to support you at every stage of your journey.