By Maj John Walpole
2003 has been a significant year in the history of AACC with the presentation parade of the Governor General's Banner in March, and the successful outcome at the recent hearing by the Defence Force Remuneration Tribunal (DFRT).

Since 1978, the last time the corps was reviewed by DFRT, the corps has undergone environmental, training and qualification changes whilst maintaining the core business of providing sustainment for soldiers both in barracks and the field.

A proposed trade re-structure for AACC other ranks was presented to the Tri-service Employment Category Review Committee (ECRC) in November last year, which progressed for further review of both structure and pay group placement by the Directorate of Salaries and Allowances (DSA).

The AACC case was endorsed to proceed to the DFRT.

The AACC proposal sought to replace the existing two-tiered skill grade cook trade structure at pay group two and three with a five tiered structure remunerated at pay groups two, three and four.

The proposed structure for the Steward trade sought to increase the remuneration from the existing pay groups one and two, to that of pay groups two and three.

The AACC case was presented before the DFRT in Canberra when changes were awarded, which are summarised in the tables, right.

Transition to the new trade structure will commence throughout the rest of the year and the pay group movement, when effected, will be backdated to August 12, 2003.

A separate case for the reserve component of AACC will be submitted to the ECRC in 2004.

The determination recognises an increased work value, training and qualification requirement of Regular Army Cook and Steward trades.

The corps consists of about 550 personnel with postings across Australia.

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