Index

DCO launches FamilySMART for Defence families

FamilySMART is a series of group programs that help Defence families further develop their resilience, giving them the psychological resources they need to manage stressful situations—like deployment, parental absence from home, moving house, or a partner returning after a long time away.

Without the emotional and practical support of their families, ADF members simply could not do the job they are required to do. FamilySMART recognises that an ADF member has to be confident that their family is healthy and happy before they can wholeheartedly commit to doing their job and doing it well. 

FamilySMART draws on the inherent courage and strength of Defence families, enhancing their ability to cope with the stressors and challenges presented by the military lifestyle.

The programs have been developed by the Defence Community Organisation in consultation with the Defence Mental Health Branch. They will be delivered by Defence Social Workers to the partners of ADF members.

Some of the strategies discussed during a FamilySMART session include grounding techniques, progressive muscle relaxation, changing self talk, problem solving and expressing emotions.

Contact your local DCO office for more information on FamilySMART. 

Defence expands the PEEP program

The success and popularity of the Partner Education and Employment Program (PEEP) has resulted in over 700 partners benefiting from the great education and training opportunities offered by the program. However, we know that there are many more waiting their turn.

To help out some of those partners sooner rather than later, PEEP is being expanded with a new second tier. PEEP Tier Two is an in-financial year ‘one-off’ payment of up to $3000 to be used for vocational courses, up to and including first time undergraduate courses.

PEEP Tier Two will be available for the next three years and is aimed at the partners of the more junior officer and enlisted ranks. Applications will be open to the partners of Private to Sergeant ranks (and their equivalents) and to the partners of Lieutenant to Captain ranks (and equivalents).

Applications for PEEP Tier Two will be opening in November 2011 for courses starting in 2012. Further information regarding eligibility criteria and conditions will be available on the PEEP section of the DCO website, at www.defence.gov.au/dco/peep, very soon. In the meantime, contact Sharon Fisher, Manager Defence Community Support Programs, on 02 6265 8835 if you have any questions.

Military Health Outcomes Program (MilHOP)

All ADF members are being encouraged to take part In the Military Health Outcomes Program (MilHOP). This research program aims to better inform Defence on the health challenges faced by ADF personnel across the Services and is being run independently by the Centre for Military and Veterans Health (CMVH) to ensure confidentiality of your personal information.

One of the most extensive studies ever conducted on the health and well-being of Australian serving and ex-serving personnel, MilHOP will provide Defence with the information it needs to continue to develop appropriate health services for you and your mates in the future.  If you haven’t received your invitation to participate or would like more information about MilHOP, log onto the CMVH website and follow the MilHOP link. Alternatively you can contact the MilHOP team direct on free call number 1800 886 567 or email milhop@cmvh.org.au

Provision of Healthcare to ADF Families

Australian Defence Force Family Health Trial - Update - July 2011

The ADF Family Health Trial enables ADF Families to access to free basic healthcare when residing in the following regional or remote locations.
 
New South Wales—Singleton

Northern Territory—Alice Springs, Darwin, Katherine and Nhulunbuy

Queensland—Cairns, Mount Isa, Thursday Island, Townsville, Tully and Weipa

Victoria—Puckapunyal and Sale

Western Australia—Broome, Carnarvon, Derby, Exmouth, Karratha, Kununurra, Newman, Port Hedland and Tom Price.

*** News Flash ***

Allied Health benefit level increases to $330 on 1st July 2011. In line with current inflation a review of the benefits has been undertaken.  With effect 1 July 2011 the Allied Health benefit allocation will be increased to $330 per calendar year per dependant. 

About the Trial - Last year a mid-trial evaluation was conducted which included feedback from 700 Defence families. The findings of the evaluation showed that ADF families wanted greater choice in how they access the trial benefits. As a result significant changes to the trial were introduced in April 2011.

Families can visit any general practice - Eligible families are able to visit any general practice and be reimbursed for gap expenses — the difference between the general practice fee and Medicare rebate.

All Medicare-recognised services will be eligible - All Medicare-recognised medical services provided in a general practice are eligible for reimbursement. Families should claim the Medicare rebate and then claim any outstanding amount through the ADF Family Health Trial.

No Fringe Benefits Tax on Bulk Billed services - No fringe benefits tax (FBT) liability is attracted on services that are bulk billed. Only amounts claimed for reimbursement will attract FBT.

More flexibility - ADF dependants can now access a range of allied health services within the $330 limit. The Allied Health vocational groups included in the trial are Dental, Optical, Physiotherapy, Chiropractic / Osteopathologist, Psychology, Audiology, Speech Therapy, Dietician and Podiatry / Chiropodist.

http://www.defence.gov.au/health/Dependant_Healthcare/i-healthcare.htm

INFORMATION DEFGRAM NO 135/2011 - Australian Defence Force Family Health Trial - Introduction of Revised Model