Christmas trekking

A snapshot of the Defence Highway Rest Stop promotional poster showing participating locations around Australia. Illustration provided by OHSC

Domestic travel – plan to arrive alive

Following the success of the Defence Highway Rest Stop Program in recent years, the Occupation Health Safety and Compensation Branch (OHSC) is this year offering a safe and cost effective means of accommodation for Defence members and their families while they travel Australia during the peak posting and holiday period.

Gary Skewes, OHSC, says many Defence members will travel to various places throughout Australia to visit family and friends in what can be the worst time of the year to be on the roads.

“After-hours vehicle accidents are a major cause of Defence deaths every year,” he says.

He says one of the factors that contributes to motor vehicle accidents is driver fatigue, resulting from driving long distances without adequate rest breaks.

“Research has shown that driver fatigue could be a factor in up to half of all motor vehicle accidents in Australia.”

In an effort to reduce fatigue-related accidents, the Defence Highway Rest Stop Program allows all Defence military and civilian personnel and their families to make use of transit accommodation and facilities at nominated Defence bases at a nominal cost.

“Many people are tempted to drive long distances in order to save money on accommodation costs and in doing so experience a higher risk of a fatigue-related accident.

“They are encouraged to plan ahead, and break up their trip by making use of the Defence Highway Rest Stop Program.”

Bases participating in this year’s program, and booking information, may be found on the OHSC Internet and Intranet web pages. Other road safety information and links to State motoring associations are also located there to help you plan your trip during the holiday season. The reference for Visits / Travel can be found in the Defence Security Manual Part D Chapter 15 and is also found at the DSA website. Visit www.defence.gov.au/dpe/dsma.

International travel and contact reporting

The Defence Security Authority (DSA) advises that all ADO personnel are required to do the following when undertaking personal travel overseas.

• Visit the Unit Security Officer (USO).
• Fill in an AB 644 – Notification of Proposed Overseas Travel.
  
• Have the USO provide a copy of the Defensive Briefing Before Overseas Travel.
• Access travel advice from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) website www.dfat.gov.au/travel well in advance of intended travel to familiarise yourself with prevailing conditions.
• Complete Certification of Security Advice Given for Overseas Travel (from USO).
• On return, visit the USO to complete the AB 645 – Overseas Travel – Debriefing Certificate.

The DSA website at http://defweb.cbr.defence.gov.au/dsa contains further information on Personal Protective Security Measures and Travel Reporting.

Being a smart traveller

If travelling overseas, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) website will dircet you to http://www.smartraveller.gov.au, which is an excellent place to gather information on your destination and what the current security climate is.

It offers regularly-updated general advice to Australian travellers on topics that include:

• Safety and security.
• Local law and customs.
• Entry and exit requirements.
• Health issues.
• Travel and health insurance.
• Consular assistance and legislation.
• Destination specific travel advice.

The site also offers travel advisories by destination, including countries DFAT advises against all travel and non-essential travel and general advice for Australian travellers on world-wide risks to Australians overseas. Unlike civilians, Defence personnel do not have the choice to ignore the Department of Foreign Affairs travel advice.

Last year CDF Gen Peter Cosgrove directed that ADF commanders do not approve leave for ADF personnel intending to travel to any global areas covered by foreign affairs advisories for non-essential travel.

Additionally, you can subscribe to receive travel advice via e-mail, which is updated when advice changes.

The DFAT site also encourages you to take five minutes to register your details, so the information provided by you can be used to help you in case of an emergency – whether it is a natural disaster, civil disturbance or a family emergency.

DSA’s Top 10 tips for a safe trip:

1. Read up on where you’re going.
2. Get professional advice on in-country travel from your travel agent.
3. Get the necessary visas for travel.
4. Take out appropriate travel insurance.
5. For longer stays in a country, or where the security situation is volatile, register your details at the local Australian embassy, or preferably online.
6. Know where to get help if you’re in trouble.
7. Keep in regular contact with friends and family in Australia.
8. Check with health professionals for information on recommended vaccinations or other precautions.
9. Protect your personal information and make copies of your passport, insurance policy, travellers cheques and credit card numbers.
10. Don’t get involved in illicit drugs. Some countries carry the death penalty for drug offences.

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