Defence

Defence Personnel Executive

PACMAN Version 2 - coming to a PC near you!

No, it's not a computer game. It's Version 2 of the Pay and Conditions Manual (PACMAN) and it goes live on 31 May 2005.

The Pay and Conditions Manual Version 2 (PACMAN v2) project represents an innovative new approach to Defence Human Resources policy writing, for the first time making the end-users' needs the primary focus. It will provide administrators with a policy reference tool that can be applied accurately and consistently. The PACMAN stands behind the administration of ADF conditions of service, as well as the conditions of Defence civilians posted overseas. This achievement reflects the long-term vision of Roger Bacon (Director Conditions Information and Policy Services) to simplify the rules for ADF conditions of service.

This key policy Manual has now been completely revised, following wide consultation with users, and employs the techniques of information mapping and the application of 'Plain English' principles to enable administrators and service personnel to locate key policies easily. PACMAN v2 maintains the legal effect and outcomes of existing policy, but are written in plain English instead of obscure jargon.

The Member's Guide to ADF Pay and Conditions of Service has also been completely revised. The 2005-2006 edition reflects the structure of the new Manual and will be reissued simultaneously.

Importantly, the policy behind the Manual has not changed. Version 2 retains the structure of the original Manual, with the addition of a companion folder - the Pay and Conditions Manual, Administration and Technical Explanation (PACMATE). The PACMATE contains a detailed index to the other three volumes, the Instruments of Authorisation and two new documents: The Decision Maker's Guide on Defence Conditions of Service, and a section dealing with taxation issues.

This handy new feature was developed in conjunction with the Defence Tax Management Office and details the impact of Fringe Benefits Tax on certain benefits.

PACMAN v2 has been designed with online use in mind to efficiently manage and maintain the currency and consistency of information.

PACMAN v2 will be available in its electronic format from 31 May, with the release of the printed version of the Manual to follow soon after. Those administrators who do not have access to the Internet will receive a copy of the Manual on CD-ROM.

Administrators should note that the Pay and Conditions websites (both internal and external) have also been updated and improved. In addition, the online versions of the Manual contain hyperlinks to other external documents as well as internal cross-references. The DEFWEB site will also provide an improved search function within the Manual.

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