Issue 16
December 2011

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From the CEO - year in review

I am pleased to introduce this issue of Aspire, our quarterly online newsletter for CSS members. It is designed to help make sense of your super and CSS benefit options.

2011 was a busy year for your Trustee. Australian Reward Investment Alliance (ARIA) merged with the MilitarySuper Board to form Commonwealth Superannuation Corporation (CSC).

CSC now manages all Commonwealth super schemes, for both government employees and military personnel. CSC invests over $23.2 billion in retirement benefits. Over time, we believe that CSC's economies of scale will help to deliver significant member benefits.

Another major focus in 2011 was investment governance and performance. CSC's investment governance approach is driven by our primary objective to maximise long-term real returns for members within certain risk constraints.

During the year global investment markets remained volatile, affecting all superannuation funds. CSC's performance has remained competitive despite this volatility, with the CSS Default Fund returning 7.5% for the year to 30 June 2011.

In 2011 we also continued to assist our members in making the right decisions for their super through our At Work for You seminar program. During the year we ran 52 CSS seminars for 1280 members in six states and territories across the country.

As 2011 draws to a close, I thank you for your continued support. On behalf of the CSC Board and staff, I wish you and your family a safe and happy Christmas period.

Peter Carrigy-Ryan
CSC Chief Executive Officer

Your investment choice

It is a good idea to review your choice from time-to-time to ensure it remains appropriate to your tolerance of risk and your investment timeframe. As a CSS member, you can choose one of two options – the Default Fund and the Cash Investment Option.

More information on CSS investment choice is available online.

Customer Information Centre availability

Your CSC Customer Information Centre (CIC) will be available on 29 and 30 December 2011 from 9:00am to 5:00pm (AEST), but not on the other days from 24 December to 2 January inclusive.

Should you ask for a benefit estimate?

Yes, if you plan to retire in the next 12 months.

You may be close to your 55th birthday and thinking about 54/11. Or 2012 may be the year you decide to step out of the workforce into new and exciting opportunities. Either way, a benefit estimate will help you to better understand your options.

It is a projection of your likely retirement benefit, based on your most up-to-date scheme and personal details. Keep in mind, your estimated benefit is not guaranteed (it is a projection only) and can be no more than 12 months into the future.

To request your estimate, call ComSuper's Customer Information Centre on 1300 000 277 or complete the Estimate Request form.

Before calling, please ensure you have the following handy:

• Your Australian Government Service number
• Your type of exit (resignation or age)
• Your likely date of exit
• Your exit salary.

If retirement is at least 12 months away, please use our i-Estimator. Accessed via the secure Member services online area, it provides an immediate projection of your potential final CSS benefit.

Contact us

Email members@css.gov.au
Phone 1300 000 277
Fax 02 6272 9612
Web www.css.gov.au
TTY 02 6272 9827
Post CSS, PO Box 22, Belconnen ACT 2616
Street Unit 4, Cameron Offices, Chandler St, Belconnen ACT 2617

WARNING – THIS DOCUMENT CONTAINS GENERAL ADVICE OR INFORMATION ONLY
The information in this document is general information only and has been prepared without taking into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. You should consider any advice in this document in light of your personal objectives, financial situation or needs before acting on it. You may wish to consult a licensed financial planner to do this. If you are looking at acquiring a financial product you should obtain a Product Disclosure Statement and consider its contents before making any decisions.