BRIEFS

Rwanda tax update

Rwanda veterans waiting for tax exemption refunds should see them shortly after a review by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). On July 30, the ATO confirmed that ADF personnel who served in Rwanda would be eligible for tax exemption on foreign service income under section 23AG of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936, provided they meet the 91-day criteria. Director Defence Tax Management Office (DTMO) Diva Divakaran said the decision has been welcomed by many Defence members who had been awaiting the outcome of the ATO review for two months. The ATO has also set about contacting affected ADF members to advise them of the decision.

More information can be found in DEFGRAM 415/2004 - Rwanda Tax Supplement..

Ministerial changes

A Federal Cabinet reshuffle has resulted in two changes within the Defence portfolio. Fran Bailey is the new Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence. She replaces Mal Brough, who has been appointed the Minister for Revenue and Assistant Treasurer. Teresa Gambaro has been elevated to Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Defence, the position Mrs Bailey previously occupied.

PT reunion planned

The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Physical Trainers (PT) Reunion will take place at the Scared Heart College, Sorrento, Western Australia, on September 3, 4 and 5. It is expected to be the largest reunion ever held by RAN Physical Trainers with some 140 past and current serving members and their spouses planning to attend. Some of the PT’s attending the reunion served in the Royal Australian Navy from as early as 1949, and others are travelling from as far away as Canada to attend. The first Physical Trainers course commenced in 1924 and 2004 will be the 80th anniversary of PT’s in the RAN.

The reunion contact is WOPT Allan Von Senden, (08) 9553 2943, fax: (08) 955 32827, mobile: 0428 922 993, e-mail: allan.vonsenden@defence.gov.au.

Army to provide security

Op Relex II ships can expect to have some extra security onboard. Army Reserves will provide additional security elements for RAN vessels deploying to Op Relex II. Defence Minister Robert Hill said Reserves would deploy on Australian warships later this year as Transit Security Elements. “They will be tasked with providing general security augmenting Navy boarding parties and providing security and support onboard intercepted vessels when required,” Senator Hill said.

TSEs have previously deployed on Op Relex II as well as other operations as standard Defence procedure. They consist of about 55 personnel. “This decision reinforces the growing importance of Reserves as an integral component of Australia’s Defence Force, particularly the domestic security capability,” Senator Hill said.

Operation Relex II is the ADF operation which contributes to the whole-of-government program to detect, intercept and deter vessels carrying unauthorised arrivals from entering Australia.

Customs get more teeth

A $75.4 million Customs funding package aimed at providing a major boost for Australia’s maritime security has been outlined. The new funding will allow Customs to increase by 25 per cent the number of imported containers subjected to x-ray examination, double the number of Australian ports covered by its national waterfront closed circuit TV (CCTV) network, maintain “first port” boardings at up to 80 per cent and identify information which could streamline the maritime security task for industry and deliver enhanced security for the Australian community. Ten extra Customs officers will go to ports in Western Australia and eight extra officers will go to Queensland ports.

Lifesaver acknowledged

A sailor who helped save the life of a person suffering a heart attack has had his actions formally acknowledged. The commanding officer of HMAS Watson, CAPT Ian Middleton recently presented a Commanding Officer’s citation to LS Alan Kirk. The presentation came during a Biggest Morning Tea gathering in the Junior Sailors’ Mess on May 27.

.