DIRECTOR General Work Force Planning Recruiting and Retention Air-Cdre Lee Roberts has a word for all personnel about Defence's Attitude surveys - "Please fill them in and send them back."

Responses to the Defence Attitude Survey, or Your Say survey have dropped although most service personnel have received them at some time.

Air-Cdre Roberts cites survey burn out and the operational tempo as reasons for this.

"We must get response rates back up so that our decision makers can use this information when making policy decisions that affect our sailors, soldiers and airmen/women; in other words, you," he said.

"You may ask, 'Why do we have these surveys?' Or feel that nothing's ever done with the results, so why bother replying?

"Both surveys are invaluable. They are used regularly by decision makers at all levels to monitor our workforce's attitudes and opinions on a whole range of topics."

Survey results have contributed to a wide range of projects, including:

• review of Service Allowance (the result was a pay rise);
• pay case claims;
• the Mental Health Strategy;
• development of improved Leadership and Communication programs;
• continuing development of the Spouse Employment Assistance Program;
• expansion of child care services;
• re-establishment of RLLT;
• provision of air-conditioning allowance;
• investigations into housing and accommodation arrangements; and
• examination of options to roll-over leave.

The surveys also assisted with the work/life balance concerns highlighted in policies such as DI (G) Pers 49-1 Temporary Home Located Work, DI(G) Pers 49-2 Variable Working Hours and DI(G) 49-3 Part Time Leave Without Pay.

"I am conscious of the need to feed back the survey results to members so they know that filling out a Defence Attitude Survey does make a difference."

The Directorate of Strategic Personnel Planning and Research will continue to publish the Your Say publications in the Service newspapers to provide feedback and a summary of results to members.

"The more voices that contribute to the surveys, the more strength the results have in putting forward cases to Defence decision-makers, so that issues important to you can be heard and addressed."

• Questions regarding the Defence Attitude or Your Say Surveys, should be directed to the Defence Attitude Survey Project Officer, Emma Gorny on (02) 6266 3245 or e-mail emma.gorny@defence.gov.au.

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