Letters
to the Editor
Complications
for DTMO
I AM replying
to the letter by Maj John Roberts, 4CER, in Army newspaper, November
20, concerning the pending publication of tax supplements listed in
Defgram 98/2003.
As you
referred to in your letter, the Defence Tax Management Office (DTMO)
is faced with the often difficult task of compiling a user-friendly
and sound document that explains, in simple terms, the application of
tax exemptions for various Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel
on specific operations.
The task
is further complicated by the fact that extensive consultations must
occur between DTMO, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) and other stakeholders.
Reductions
in Defence civilian staff resources and turnover of responsible ATO
officers complicate an already difficult task.
The intention
of Defgram 98/2003 was predicated on target dates that were set between
the DTMO and the ATO.
Unfortunately,
due to unexpected liaison difficulties with the ATO, DTMO has not been
able to publish the relevant tax supplements.
To address
these difficulties, the DTMO has now forged stronger ties with the new
ATO officers.
Our revised
work plan foresees release of the Defgram-stipulated tax supplements
in the next three months, subject to ATO workloads and resource constraints,
over which we have no control.
Although
Defence provides such additional services to members, it should be noted
that individual taxpayers are responsible for their own tax affairs.
If ADF
members are concerned and not able to wait for the supplements, they
may wish to write to the ATO directly.
With respect
to your concerns about dissemination of tax supplement information,
DTMO has ensured that all tax-related information reaches all members
of Defence, the Armed Forces Federation of Australia (ArFFA), Returned
Service League (RSL), Defence Families Australia and other stakeholders.
Communication
methods used by the DTMO to disseminate tax information include e-mail,
the Defence Internet, the Defweb, Defgrams, signals, Service newspapers,
ADF discharge line areas, road-shows, special request presentations,
etc.
Indeed,
DTMO has already demonstrated the effectiveness of its communication
strategy with respect to:
- ADF Income
Tax Guides;
- East Timor,
Bouganville and Solomon Islands tax supplements;
- The Defence/ATO
Late Lodgment initiative; and;
- The change
in conditions of service for Op Citadel.
DTMO will
continue to provide the ADO with up-to-date and high quality tax information,
consistent with available resources.
Diva Divakaran
Director Tax Management
Defence Tax Management Office, Russell Offices, ACT
Was
PMKeys debugged?
I AM writing
in earnest with the hope that something will be done about the many
problems still facing Army with the implementation of PMKeys.
To date,
I've experienced many problems with the system, including leave accruals
being incorrect, problems with Locally Aproved Moves not being able
to be performed properly due to incorrect data being entered in previously
and ADO service records in many cases having incorrect data entered
into it.
On this
point I refer in particular to the postings section. These problems
are exacerbated by the fact that the PMKeys help desk is often the antithesis
of its namesake. I don't believe the problem lies at the grass roots
level but further up the chain in this establishment.
For want
of a better way of expressing myself, the way I see it, PMKeys is a
database program. The inception of which would have begun as a top-down
tree model design, followed by the writing of the algorithm, then the
writing of code and finally compiling and debugging the program to eradicate
any glitches found to lie within.
It is this
testing phase that has failed us and turned a good idea into somewhat
of a burden. I say this as more often than not valuable time is wasted
at soldier level in trying to rectify these problems.
As clerks,
I believe it is our responsibility to identify these problems, however,
I don't believe it should be our job to fix something the software programmers
caused.
It goes
back to the problem of debugging. If this was done properly to begin
with, we wouldn't have the angst of soldiers to deal with. I believe
that accountability should lie with those who implemented Army PMKeys
and that once a problem is identified, they should have to go through
the rigmarole of fixing it.
I don't
believe we should have to submit a leave fix spreadsheet. We should
just have to identify the problem and then those who created the beast
can tame it.
Until these
issues are resolved, PMKeys will always lie in the shadow of AUSMIS.
Cpl A.X. Paisley
6RAR
Gallipoli Barracks, Enoggera QLD
Brendan Davis, Personnel Systems Branch, DPE, responds:
Cpl Paisley raises a number of issues associated with using PMKeyS.
Cpl Paisley identifies data inaccuracies, insufficient help and inadequate
system testing as key areas of concern.
There are
data inaccuracies within PMKeyS in some areas and a significant body
of work is in progress to identify and correct this. A cooperative approach
across Defence is helping to complete this task as the source of data
errors is not unique. In many cases the data was incorrect in the legacy
system from which PMKeyS was loaded. This was particularly noticeable
in the area of leave data. Some errors were also introduced during data
load onto PMKeyS and these are progressively being identified and fixed
by our software team and the respective Service PMKeyS Cells where possible.
Army units
have gained from the recent delivery of supplementary Personnel Administration
and Leave training provided by HQ TC-A with assistance from the Army
PMKeyS Cell. A train-the-trainer approach is used to reduce costs and
expedite delivery. This training provides useful transactor knowledge
and access to a newly developed Leave Correction Panel that should go
a long way towards resolving user difficulties.
Cpl Paisley's
concerns with the PMKeyS Helpdesk are unclear. However, it should be
noted that the specific concerns raised about data are not the responsibility
of the Helpdesk. The Helpdesk acts as the interface between PMKeyS and
the user and serves to record and escalate data anomalies and errors
to the analysis teams for resolution. All problems are tracked and resolved
as soon as possible, consistent with staff capacity, development funding,
policy development where needed and so on.
The PMKeyS
organisation employs several layers of testing when amending or adjusting
the PMKeyS system or data therein. Unit, Functional, Regression and
User acceptance testing is undertaken for all system changes with Service
representatives contributing to all upgrades.
PMKeyS
represents a significant step into a whole-of-Defence personnel system.
It is a large and ambitious project and there remains much to do to
fully capitalise on the capabilities of the system. If we work together
to iron out the wrinkles in the system we will all benefit.
Camping
out
I OFTEN
sit back and listen to the singlies and the marriedies arguing their
cases about why one is better off than the other. And usually I don't
bother paying any attention or getting involved ... until now.
DHA has
just informed me that as a single member undertaking a Live Out to Live
Out removal to Melbourne means I have no entitlement to a motel.
Rather,
I am expected to spend the night before my delivery in a transit room
at the local mess.
I have
been to this mess - the transit rooms do not provide an ensuite, telephone,
television, radio, alarm clock or even a towel. If I were married and
had a motel room, I would have these facilities as standard.
Apparently
my being single means I don't need these mod-cons? If the transit rooms
had these all of these facilities, I would not be griping.
And not
to forget the meal money I am also not entitled to, as I am expected
to eat in the mess?
It is my
decision to now camp on my Army-issued stretcher in my unfurnished house
the night before my delivery.
After all,
I'm not exactly missing out on any amenities that staying in the mess
would have provided me now, am I?
Capt Stephanie Lacey
15 Tpt Sqn
Bendigo, VIC
Adrian Wellspring, Director Housing and Removals Policy, responds:
It is Defence policy that all members who are classified as MWOD, MWD(S)
and MWD travelling unaccompanied, and who hold the rank of Major or
below, will occupy Living In Accommodation (where available) when in
transit. The Commonwealth has an obligation to ensure that all reasonable
measures are taken to minimise the cost to the taxpayer by utilising
LIA where possible.
The member
has raised some valid points in relation to the lack of amenity provided
in transit living in accommodation.
It is reasonable
to expect that where a member is obliged to occupy LIA for transit purposes,
the Commonwealth will provide basic amenities such as bed linen and
a towel. This matter will be raised with Corporate Services and Infrastructure
Group. In general, Messes provide adequate amenities for all members
occupying LIA including television(s), public telephone(s), and general
facilities including a bar and games rooms.
All
webbed up
I ALWAYS
find some mild irony when a great new Defence initiative completely
derails another new defence initiative.
Examples
such as the refurbishment of buildings slated for demoliton, SED reviews
followed by retirement of equipment the SED was based around, providing
FTS soldiers with half a course of drugs then barring them when they
return to reserve service and now the introduction of chest mounted
rank slides.
I know
the hesitation of not being able to identify a senior officer because
their rank slides are strategically faded, the officer is extremely
tall, they are wearing a "Rex Hunt" or webbing.
The irony
comes with the introduction of chest webbing. Whereas you previously
couldn't identify an officer's rank when they wore webbing, now, with
the new chest harnesses, you won't be able to identify anyone's rank.
Both great
ideas - chest webbing is very effective for use in A vehicles, enclosed
spaces or if you are part of the "elite" (which I believe
now is defined as "anyone entitled to wear sunglasses as part of
ASODs") and chest rank is also useful. Just two great ideas whose
time shouldn't have come together.
I feel
for the staff in Combat Clothing. They give us what we ask for and then
have to listen to us whinge about it not being practical.
Capt Dan Hayes
LTS-CSIO
Randwick Barracks, Randwick NSW
Maj Nick Stanton, ACPEC, replies:
Thanks for your vote of confidence in the staff at Combat Clothing and
it is nice to see that some of the urban legends are still around. Two
points to note on your webbing comments.
First,
the initial procurement of chest webbing was rushed into service for
East Timor in response to user operational demands.
ACPEC was
not around in those days and the centrally located rank slide was still
a future idea. You may be surprised to know that all of those post-deployment
reports and RODUMs actually do work.
LAND 125
- The Combat Soldier System Project - has developed a new set of chest
webbing which has incorporated much of the user feedback provided and
is currently being trialed by 4RAR(Cdo).
The final
version will even have the provision for a centrally located rank slide.
The two great ideas will indeed come together where it counts - on the
soldier.
Saluting
DHA
DURING
recent years we have all, in some form or another, experienced the turmoil
of a move gone wrong or a housing drama turned nightmare.
Few will
forget the December 2001/January 2002 posting cycle and the ensuing
crisis, but fewer, still, appear to remember the significant efforts
made by DHA and Toll Transition staff, often after hours and most often
at no-notice - and many of those staff are members of service families,
or recent service members.
During
the 2003/2004 posting cycle Perth-based DHA and Toll staff leapt to
the fore to solve the dramas facing families of The Pilbara Regt moving
to one of Australia's most remote posting locations. Problem after problem
was met with the now all too familiar friendly voice, simple and swift
solution and on-going personal care synonymous with this region's staff.
Over the
past two years The Pilbara Regt, DHA and TOLL Transitions have developed
a great relationship, helping to overcome the unique difficulties associated
with our tyranny of distance. This relationship has seen our families
experience a little less turmoil and a little more dignity.
As we approach
yet another period of stress and drama The Pilbara Regt salutes the
efforts of our mates at DHA and TOLL in WA.
Remain
Mintu Wanta.
Lt-Col C.A. Johnston
CO The Pilbara Regt
Taylor Barracks, Karratha WA
Claim
an exemption?
I AM currently
posted to the Townsville area and I am receiving RA. I have just received
my electricity account which has had the Ambulance Cover added to it.
I am a
single member and as such I am entitled to free ambulance cover. Can
someone please explain to me and all others posted to Queensland how
we can claim for an exemption?
WO2 P. Dawe
3CSSB
Lavarack Barracks, Townsville QLD
Editor's Note: In the previous issue, November 20, we published a
response from the office of Queensland Premier Peter Beattie on this
issue. We have e-mailed his office again, asking for details of the
exemption.
A
lot more than $88
NOW here's
a thing you don't see every day; a soldier complaining about taxes over
which he has little or no control.
Sgt McGraa
[Army, November 20] should give up paying the $88 dollars a year in
ambulance tax and get himself posted somewhere else.
You see,
in "somewhere else" there is no tax for ambulance use ...
you simply pay as you go.
In fact,
the last time I had to call a "blood box" to my home (October),
it cost $640 to have my son transported 5km to the local hospital.
Had my
private health cover not picked up the tab there would have been a big
dent in the Christmas cheer this year.
If this
tax enables the Qld Ambulance Service to operate under Government funding
without placing the burden on the private or public health systems,
then I'm all for it. Stop whingeing and pay the tax.
WO1 Ross
[Army, October 23] was right - only death and taxes are guaranteed.
If you
look at everything you have to pay that has a tax attached or embedded
(superannuation, vehicle registration, third-party insurance, electricity,
gas, water, etc) you'd realise that you're paying a lot more than $88
a year!
Sgt Dave Gabel
CSI-SA
RAAF Edinburgh
Medals
returned
IN A recent
article in Army you were good enough to list all the Australian servicemen
who I am trying to locate so I can return their medals. I'm pleased
to report that in the past few days I have located the families of four
of these soldiers and returned their medals.
The soldiers are:
- Dvr
T. J. Lowth 11 FCE AIF
- Pte
E Mulholland 39 Bn AIF
- Sgt
M Dunne 3 FAB and
- Pte
J Hoare MM, 52 Bn AIF
Thank you
for your assistance.
Maj Glyn Llanwarne
DGLD
Russell Offices, ACT
What
was our return?
I, LIKE
many, have become aware that the projected profits for the rugby unions
from the Rugby World Cup is in the tens of millions.
Having
seen these very profitable organisations utilising ADF resources for
training, often with the exclusion of ADF personnel and families from
these venues and facilities, I would like to know what our return has
been.
Extra gym,
security and cleaning and support staff, wear and tear on facilities
and equipment, preparation of playing surfaces all cost money.
I hope
the ADF isn't the only participant to make a loss.
WO2 Rick Lovelock
DCO
Randwick Barracks, Randwick NSW
Thanks
and farewell
AS I approach
retirement after 28-years service, I would like to take this opportunity
of sincerely thanking all the soldiers, officers and Defence civilians
that I have served with.
I know
that there are many who have left the Army but still maintain links
via this paper. To you all, the camaraderie, friendship and support
I have had during my career is very much appreciated.
While we
all move on to different paths, the relationships I have formed will
remain an integral part of my past and future career.
I hope
you and your families have a safe and happy festive season and best
wishes for your future, be it continued service with the Army or in
your next career.
Maj Bernie Neugebauer
S3 HQ RTC
Canungra, Qld
Ask
the Chief
Would you
like to ask CA Lt-Gen Peter Leahy a question? It could be about acquisitions
or uniform, operational tempo or a general welfare issue.
As part
of hearing soldiers' views, CA has agreed to start Ask the Chief
in Army newspaper.
He wants
to know your questions so he can answer them in a future edition as
part of his look back at what the Army has achieved and been part of
in 2003.
As with
Letters to the Editor, it is the right of all soldiers to ask CA a question
through Ask the Chief in Army without using the chain of command.
Submit
your questions in e-mail form to armynews@defencenews.gov.au
with "ask the chief" in the subject line.
From
the kids...
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Service
Person Hi!
I
know you must be feeling pretty scared and probably want to be
at home with your family, but we are all hoping you are safe and
hope you're coming home soon. We admire your courage and confidence
to be over there.
Thank
you for everything you've done and are doing. Watching the civilians
celebrate their freedom was one of the most wonderful experiences
of my life. I hope you feel proud that you contributed to that.
Admirably yours Paul and Nicole
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