THE PERSONAL COST FOR SERVING THE NATION - V7 - 15 Aug 2011

The Politics Of Military Entitlements – The Personal Cost For Serving The Nation.

Prepared by AVM Peter Criss AM AFC (Retd).

A chronological collation of the history of Defence Force superannuation schemes.

[Relevant Links:]
The Politics Of Military Entitlements

DFWA Update 262 - 15 July 2011

Included in this issue:
• A Serviceman and Womens Right to Privacy - Who Cares ?
• Meeting with Departmental Officials
• Review of Military Compensation Arrangements

[Relevant Links:]
DFWA Update 262

DFWA Update 261 - 16 Jun 2011

Inclded in this issue:
• Senate turns its back on the ADT
• Defence families of Australia Survey
• Operational Allowances
• ADF Workplace Renumeration Arrangement
• Farewell CDF and Service Chiefs

[Relevant Links:]
DFWA Update 261

DFWA Update 260 - 15 May 2011

Included in this issue:
1. MR TANNER CALLED TO ACCOUNT
2. DEFENCE SUBMISSION MISSES THE POINT
3. GREENS ON NOTICE!
4. DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE CLAIMS A RETROSPECTIVE UPGRADE (oh really?)
5. BUDGET DISAPPOINTS

[Relevant Links:]
DFWA Update 260

Nature Of Military Service Paper (AL1) October 2010

This paper is intended to help clarify and strengthen an understanding of the elements of military service which render it unique as an activity (or vocation) within a democratic society such as Australia. It should be seen as an exploratory discussion rather than a definitive and complete examination of the question.

[Relevant Links:]
Read the Nature Of Military Service Paper

ADSO Fair Indexation Bill Submission - 14 Apr 2011

You are probably aware there is a Bill before the Senate, introduced by the Coalition, to provide fair indexation of DFRDB pensions. After initial debate, the Bill was referred (yet again!) for another Senate Inquiry. The Committee is due to report back to the Senate by 10 May. Very little time was allowed for public submissions. Nevertheless, The Alliance of Defence Service Organisations (ADSO) has made a submission to the Inquiry, and this is attached for your information.

Before the Senate votes on this Bill, The Alliance is also sending a letter to all Senators to argue for their support for the Bill.

The Fair go Campaign (through the Alliance) is also asking everyone with Non-Coalition Senate Representation to write to their Labor, Green or Independent Senators, and strongly express their personal support for the Bill. The Fair Go Campaign is developing a standard format letter to use as a base line for this and it will probably be released shortly. However, the more personal the letters are the better. Every letter they receive is another unhappy constituent, and they do count them. If you feel inclined to support this action, the attached submission can be used for as much ammunition as you feel necessary.

Please feel free to circulate the attachment widely among your contacts. In fact, it would be very helpful if you did.

[Relevant Links:]
ADSO Fair Indexation Bill Submission 14 APR 2011

DFWA Update 258 - 15 Mar 2011

Topics:
GOVERNMENT’S POSITION CONTINUES TO CONFUSE
INCREASED FUNDING TO THE AUSTRALIAN WAR MEMORIAL WELCOMED
THE FAIR INDEXATION BILL
DFWA LOOKS FORWARD TO MEETING WITH FINANCE OFFICIALS
DEFENCE COMMUNITY FORUM

[Relevant Links:]
Read the Update

DFWA Media Release - Coalition Indexation Bill - 03 Mar 2011

[Relevant Links:]
Read the Full Media Release

DFWA Update 257 - 15 Feb 2011

Includes information and updates about the following topics:
THE FAIR INDEXATION BILL (see link below)
LIVING-COST RISES OUTPACE INFLATION
SENATE QUESTIONS ON NOTICE
REVIEW OF DVA FUNDED ADVOCACY AND WELFARE SERVICES REPORT
MINISTER’S RESPONSE - RELEASE OF SERVICE RECORDS

The Association, along with its partners in the Alliance of Defence Service Organizations, expresses its thanks to the ADF for the support provided in the recent natural disasters that have plagued Australia. Once again the true grit of the members of the ADF was on display for the Nation to see and the community owes them a great deal.

We offer our sincere and profound sympathies to all those who were adversely impacted by the disasters.

[Relevant Links:]
DFWA Update 257
Bills Digest No 55, 2010-2011 :: DFRDB Amendment (Fair Indexation) Bill

DFWA Update 256 - 15 Dec 2010

Includes information and updates about the following topics:
THE ALLIANCE OF DEFENCE SERVICE ORGANISATIONS
SENATE PUT ON NOTICE
DEFENCE COMPENSATION WOES CONTINUE
DEFENCE RESERVES - EFFICIENCY

[Relevant Links:]
View This Document

Legal Brief - DFRDB Commutation Swindle 3Dec2010

This document is a Legal Brief Prepared By Wing Commander J. A. Treadwell (Retd) Setting Out The Facts Surrounding The Defence Force Retirement Benefit Authority (DFRDB) Commutation Swindle

[Relevant Links:]
View This Document

DFRDB Amendment (Fair Indexation) Bill 2010 - 18 Nov 2010

The Shadow Minister for Defence Science, Technology and Personnel, Mr Stuart Robert MP, and the Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Senator the Hon. Michael Ronaldson, tabled the Coalition’s introduction of the Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits Amendment (Fair Indexation) Bill 2010 into the Senate.

Senator Ronaldson’s second reading speech has now been tabled in the Senate.

Senator Ronaldson tabled his speech when he formally introduced the Coalition’s Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits Amendment (Fair indexation) Bill 2010 on behalf of military superannuation spokesperson and Shadow Minister for Defence Science, Technology and Personnel, Mr Stuart Robert MP.

For further information, please contact Richard Briedis (Mr Robert) on 02 6277 2106 or 0401 056 054, or Robert Hardie (Sen. Ronaldson) on 02 6277 3582 or 0418 432 909.

[Relevant Links:]
View DFRDB Amendment (Fair Indexation) Bill
View Speech - SEN Michael Ronaldson
View Joint Media Release

DFWA Letter To Senator Wong - 15 Sep 2010

Re: Governance of Australian Government Superannuation Schemes Bill 2010

DFWA Summarises its concerns and position regarding the passage of this Bill

[Relevant Links:]
DFWA Letter To Senator Wong

DFWA Update 254 - 17 Sep 2010

DFWA Puts New Government And Opposition Appointees and The Independents On Notice

[Relevant Links:]
UPDATE 254 - 17 Sep 2010

DFWA Press Release - 2 Sep 2010

Independents and Indexation

David Jamison, the National President of the Defence Force Welfare Association and spokesperson for the Fair Go! Campaign, has welcomed the support provided by Bob Oakeshott, Bob Katter, Tony Windsor and now Andrew Wilkie, to change the indexation arrangements for military superannuation. (...more)

[Relevant Links:]
DFWA Press Release -

DFWA Update 253 19 Aug 2010

The 2010 Election Special Edition

As advised in UPDATE #252 of 20 July 2010, the Association along with our partner organizations embarked on a public awareness campaign calling on all parties for their intentions in regard to four key matters affecting the Defence Family:

[Relevant Links:]
DFWA Update 253 - 19Aug2010

DFWA Update 252 - 20 Jul 2010

Four topics are presented in this issue:

 •   Matthews Report Now Proven Beyond Any Doubt To Be A Falsity.
 •   Gulf War Syndrome
 •   Defence Removals Not Under Threat, But Under Review
 •   The 2010 Election And Indexation

[Relevant Links:]
View the Document

Swan Response Re DFRDB Pension - 30 Jun 2010

Sidestep and Forked-Tongue Expert? No Comment

[Relevant Links:]
Wayne Swan MP Member For Lilley

Letter From Premier Rann To Julia Gillard 01/07/10

This letter distributed from Ray Payne through the VeteranWeb Network.

[Relevant Links:]
View the full document

RAR Association Newsletter Updates

This topic lists the various updates that arrive from the Royal Australian Regiment Association.

This is a great initiative; note that you are invited by RARA to distribute these widely via your respective networks.

[Relevant Links:]
Fair Go Campaign Update 1
Fair Go Campaign Update 3

DFWA Monthly Update 8 July 2010

The Greens support the removal of discrimination in ADF superannuation indexation arrangements.

The National President of the Defence Force Welfare Association, David Jamison, has welcomed a pledge by the Greens Party to ‘fix’ the indexation of Commonwealth and Defence Force superannuation pensions.

[Relevant Links:]
Full Release

DFWA UPDATE - COALITION INDEXATION POLICY INITIATIVE

David Jamison the National President of the Defence Force Welfare Association has welcomed the announcement that from 1 July 2011, under a Coalition Government, DFRB/DFRDB members aged 55 years or over will have their superannuation pensions indexed in the same manner as Age and Service Pensions.

In briefing DFWA on this policy initiative today, the Leader of the Opposition Mr Tony Abbott acknowledged that this was a matter of fundamental justice and the time had come for it to be fixed . . . . .

[Relevant Links:]
DFWA Coalition Indexation Policy 26June10

JOINT PRESS RELEASE - COALITION - INDEXATION ARRANGEMENTS

INCREASED SUPPORT FOR AUSTRALIA’S VETERANS AND EX-SERVICE PERSONNEL

A Coalition Government will introduce new indexation arrangements for Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits Scheme (DFRDB) members as part of its commitment to supporting Australia’s veterans and ex-service personnel.

Under a Coalition government, from 1 July 2011 those DFRDB members aged 55 years or older will have their military superannuation pensions indexed to the greater of the Consumer Price Index (CPI), Male Total Average Weekly Earnings (MTAWE) or the Pensioner and Beneficiary Living Cost Index (PBLCI) . . . . . (more)

[Relevant Links:]
Full Press Release

DFWA MEDIA RELEASE - 10 JUN 2010

Both the government and opposition have failed to take any meaningful action to index military superannuation pensions in a fair and equitable manner. However, they continue to ask us to participate in an endless charade involving countless hours of work by the Ex-Service Organisations (ESO) community in making submissions to government, which are then ignored.

The suggestion by Mr Chris Hayes MP (ALP) to “encourage veterans associations to work with government to determine the best long-term method for indexing military superannuation pensions” is nothing more than a sham and an excuse for not taking action. What a travesty of justice.

It is about time that these MPs took the time to sit down and read all the submissions that ESOs have already made to the reviews that have been conducted in the past. All reports from Jess in ’72 through to this day, with the exception of the one by Matthews, have recommended that our DFRB/DFRDB pensions be indexed in line with movement in a wage based index. All have been ignored by government, past and present, with the one exception – Matthews.

Please take the time to make sure that your local MP is aware of the shameful way in which those who were willing to put their lives on the line for this country are being treated by our political representatives. Out time will come; the Federal election is not too far off. Make your vote count.

[Relevant Links:]
DFWA Media Release (PDF)

House Debate on Military Superannuation 24 May 2010

This is the transcript of the House debate on Military Superannuation on 24 May 2010. Debate resumed, on motion by Mr Oakeshott.

Put succinctly the Labor party will do absolutely nothing to improve or rectify the many deficiencies that exist in our military superannuation arrangements. Will the Coalition do anything different? First you have to note that whilst in government for 11 years they did nothing. Now they would have us believe that once they have extinguished the debt piled up by Labor they may do something.

The only thing that we can be sure about is that one can NEVER trust a politician.

[Relevant Links:]
House Debate on Military Superannuation

DFWA Monthly Update May 2010

UPDATE is a monthly newssheet produced by the Defence Force Welfare Association containing current items of interest to the Service and ex-Service community. It is widely distributed to politicians, media outlets, senior Service and Public Service officers and DFWA members.

This issue reports on the following topics:
INCREASE IN SUPERANNUATION GUARANTEE FROM 9% TO 12%
BUDGET RESPONSE
A STRANGE COMMENT BY THE MINISTER FOR VETERANS’ AFFAIRS AND DEFENCE SUPPORT
ADF MEMBER REPRESENTATIVE APPOINTMENTS TO THE COMMONWEALTH SUPERANNUATION BOARD
MP PAY GRADES

[Relevant Links:]
Click to view the document

Nick Champion MP - Letter To Lindsay Tanner MP Re: ComSuper and Defence Force Pensions

Dated 15/02/2010 - this letter tackles the lack of Government action in correcting the situation of indexation of pensions.

[Relevant Links:]
Click to view the document

SCOA Indexation Fact Sheet May 2010

Discusses unfair pension indexation for more than 300,000 Commonwealth superannuant pensioners (former Federal Government and Defence Force employees), and their dependants. Their Commonwealth superannuation pensions are indexed by the CPI, and as such, are not keeping up with the cost of living.

[Relevant Links:]
Click to view the document

DFWA Monthly Update Apr 2010

UPDATE is a monthly newssheet produced by the Defence Force Welfare Association containing current items of interest to the Service and ex-Service community. It is widely distributed to politicians, media outlets, senior Service and Public Service officers and DFWA members.

This issue reports on the following topics:
RESPONSES FROM THE PRIME MINISTER AND MINISTER TANNER
INDEXATION - RESPONSES FROM MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT
ANZAC DAY – RESERVISTS
AMALGAMATION OF MILITARY AND CIVILIAN SUPERANNUATION BOARDS

[Relevant Links:]
Click to view the document

Report - Senate Standing Committee - Govt Super Schemes Bill 2010 - 17 Mar

This is the outcome of the Senate Committee Inquiry:

To determine whether it is necessary to retain a separate board to administer
the military superannuation schemes and whether these schemes differ
markedly from other Commonwealth Government administered schemes.

The Committee received 197 public submissions and three confidential submissions, as well as 188 form letters, relating to the Bills.

The Committee Conclusion:

1. The Committee considers that it is important to note that the proposed reforms do not change member benefits, death and disability benefits or any other entitlements such as indexation of pensions. The individual military schemes will remain under their own legislative basis and with their own identity. ComSuper will remain responsible for administering the schemes.

2. The intent of the legislation is to introduce reforms which will improve governance and administration of both military and civilian superannuation funds. These funds provide benefits to thousands of former ADF personnel and public sector employees and their dependants. It is therefore imperative that industry best practice is the basic standard for trustee operation, structure and governance, that there are continued improvements to reduce costs and that the potential to improve investment returns is available for the benefit of all members. The reforms proposed by this legislation will ensure that Commonwealth superannuation arrangements are strong and sustainable into the future.

The Committee Recommendation:
Despite two dissenting Senators, the committee recommended that the bills be passed.

[Relevant Links:]
Full Report - Senate Hearing - Govt Super Schemes Bill

DFWA Submission Senate Committee Super Boards - 7Mar2010

[Relevant Links:]
DFWA Submission Document

RSL-Submission_SuperAnnuation_Reform_Bill - 2Mar10

[Relevant Links:]
RSLSubmission_ProposedSuperannuationBoardMergers

DFWA Comment on ABC Q&A Program - 16 Feb 2010

TANNER WAFFLES ON AGAIN - AND VETERANS CONTINUE TO SUFFER

The Minister for Finance Lindsay Tanner did not cover himself with glory with his shallow and patently inadequate response to Peter Thornton's question to him on last night's ABC Program Q & A . . . . . . .

[Relevant Links:]
View Document

Governance of Australian Government Superannuation Schemes Bill 2010 - 10 Feb 2010

Message from David K Jamison - National President - Defence Force Welfare Association.
". . . . the Government is proposing is to disband all the military and civilian Commonwealth Superannuation Boards/Authorities and replace them with a single board of 10 members plus an independent chair. . . ."
". . . If this bill is allowed to pass it will not only result in our superannuation being tightly controlled by individuals with no understanding of service conditions . . ."
". . . Let there be no doubt the Federal administration is trying to wind back existing service or “employment” conditions and is resisting fixing the present inequities and discriminatory provisions . . ."

A couple of points of concern contained in the proposed Government Superannuation Schemes Bill 2010:
Please note Clause 10(2):
Under subclause 10(2), the employee directors are nominated, in writing, by:
· the President of the ACTU who represents the interests of members of the civilian schemes and nominates 3 directors; and
· the Chief of the Defence Force who represents the interest of members of the military schemes and nominates 2 directors.

All veterans, retired ADF members and currently serving ADF members should be most concerned about this proposed Bill, especially this Clause. If the Bill is approved and enacted as proposed, we may have very little chance of getting any changes made to our existing superannuation schemes. This smacks of yet another serious threat to civilianise the ADF so that we lose any special consideration for the uniqueness of military service. Note that under this Clause ACTU directors outnumber ADF directors.

All ex-ADF members and currently serving members are encouraged to make submissions on this proposed Bill. It is hoped that our ADF Senior Officers will oppose this Bill so that military supperanuation schemes remain under separate arrangements and under separate governing bodies.

<Click Here to View the Proposed Bill>

Read On:

[Relevant Links:]
Full Message from David Jamison
DFWA Briefing Notes for MPs
Information Sheet - Unique Nature ADF

Milsuper Relevant Information Links - 20 Jan 2010

Senator Kate Lundy Links

Campaign background for pension indexation
The Matthews Report
ComSuper & Defence Pension
Address to Canberra Public Meeting
Response from Minister Tanner to our letter re: Matthews Review
Letter from Minister Tanner – 26th Oct 2009

Miscellaneous

Retirees point finger at index

MESSAGE FROM BRIGADIER NEIL WEEKES, AM, MC (RETIRED) - 11 Jan 2010

In a report of a meeting, Brigadier Neil Weekes reminds his audience of the forthcoming federal election:

"To force the Government to reconsider its decision to accept the Matthews Review recommendation to retain the CPI, then we must write individually to our local Federal Member to voice our strong objection to that decision."

To help members join the action to avoid continual erosion of pensions, the message contains two draft letters . [To download a letter for your own use, just right click the link and select Save Target As. . .]

Enclosures:
1. Letter from Military Superannuant
2. Letter from Surviving Spouse

[Relevant Links:]
Read Full Text of Message
Click This Link to Find the Postal Address of Your Local Member

Message - Ted Hawkins - National Vietnam Veterans Museum (Australia) - 11 Jan 10

Email Ray Payne - Vet Web Network - 11 Jan 2010

For the widest dissemination to DFRDB recipients
The DFRDB issue is something I know little about, mainly because I’m not a recipient.  As you are all aware I do not use the Veteran web network to push any barrows, I simply provide information.

MPs are only interested in hearing from and responding to their constituents. The best way to address the issue of DFRDB Indexation is to have a letter writing campaign by all of the recipients, that includes the widows of former ADF members. . . . . . . . .(-more-)

[Relevant Links:]
< Read Full Email Message>
Contact Ray Payne OAM

The Honourable Peter Lindsay, MP, Federal Member for Herbert - 9 Jan 2010

The Federal Member for Herbert, the Honourable Peter Lindsay, MP, and Brigadier Neil Weekes AM MC (Retd) recently had a number of discussions on the complex issue of DFRB/DFRDB superannuation.

As a result, Mr Lindsay has issued the following email to his parliamentary colleagues. He has advised that he has no objections if this message is distributed to the veteran community and to retired ADF members who may be receiving a DFDB/DFRDB superannuation.

[Relevant Links:]
Email By The Hon Peter Lindsay, MP

AVADSC Indexation Initiative - 8 Dec 2009

The Australian Veterans and Defence Services Council Inc (AVADSC), a national organisation which represents its member ex-service organisations, provides a forum for consideration of and, where necessary, joint representations on repatriation and conditions of service matters of importance and concern to the Defence and veteran communities.

For many years the erosion of the superannuation benefits to retired service personnel has been a major source of concern, particularly the method of indexation, which has resulted in a decline of living standards of retired service personnel.

A number of government enquiries have occurred to which the RSL, DFWA and AVADSC have made submissions. However, nothing has been changed and no progress has been made to adjust the declining situation.

[Relevant Links:]
<More>

Military Superannuation Indexation - 23 Nov 2009

The Chairman of the RAAF Association Working Party on the matter of Indexation of Military Superannuation has distributed the following information:

1. An extract from Hansard from Senate proceedings on 18th Nov 2009 entitled:
   Australian Defence Force
   Senator FIELDING (Victoria—Leader of the Family First Party)
2. A submission to the Review Committee of Superannuation Indexation by the late LTCOL John Graham.

[Relevant Links:]
1. Extract from Hansard from Senate proceedings.
2. Submission to the Review Committee of Superannuation Indexation.

Information Bulletin Issued By The RAAF Association National Council - 16 Sep 2009

The RAAFA National Councillors have agreed to the widest distribution of this document by whatever means you have. The intention is to assure our individual members that the National Council is acting with vigour and timeliness in the matter that is addressed. The document will also be displayed on the national website.

[Relevant Links:]
<View Document>

A Rethink on the Way We Approach Government on Superannuation Matters - 22 Jun 2009

John Graham discusses a variety of strategies and actions needed in the mission to reverse the damage done by successive Governments over the years to our retirement funds.

[Relevant Links:]
<More>

Military Super Review- 19 Mar 2008

The Review of Military Superannuation was conducted in accordance with a directive issued by the Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence in February 2007.

The following documentation is the ESO (Ex-Servicemen's Organisations) response to the recent review of ex-servicemen's superannuation. It has been prepared by the Returned and Services League of Australia (RSL) and the Defence Force Welfare Association (DFWA) in conjunction with the Ex-Service Organisations (ESOs) listed on the cover of the Detailed ESO Response (Item 2).

[Relevant Links:]
1. Covering Letter
2. Detailed ESO Response