Bonuses approved
Critical trade incentive for SNCOs

THE Defence People Committee (DPC) has endorsed an initiative to offer completion bonuses to selected corporals and sergeants in three critical trades.

The initiative covers members of the trades Operator Command Support Systems (ECN 256), Technician Telecommunications Systems (ECN 405) and Supervisor Engineering Services (ECN 385), including the feeder categories of Electrician (ECN 125-3) and Plumber (ECN 314-3).
SO1 Strat HR, DGPers-A, Lt-Col Bob Gibson said the completion bonuses aimed to sustain the staffing levels of the trades while more enduring measures were put in place to address personnel shortfalls. An offer of a completion bonus will be made based on an individual’s performance, AIRN compliance, conduct record and ability to offer unrestricted service.

“The bonus will be offered to selected individuals in the selected categories from December 1, 2005, to May 31, 2006,” Lt-Col Gibson said.

“A bonus comprises two elements: there’s a commitment element which is $10,000 on acceptance of the offer for 12 months effective service from the date of the offer and there’s a completion element which is $30,000 for a corporal and $25,000 for a sergeant on completion of a total of four years’ effective service.

“If the initial 12 months of effective service is not completed then all of the commitment element must be repaid.”

The four years’ effective service is to be served at the completion of any ROSO or UFFS associated with the MSBS Retention Benefit.

“Soldiers will be given three months to consider the offer and I would strongly urge them to seek financial advice,” Lt-Col Gibson said.

“Depending on the success of the current set of completion bonuses, it is possible that another round of completion bonuses will be considered for FY06/07.”

Further information on the Completion Bonuses can be obtained by contacting Capt Kym Engler at SCMA on (03) 5258 0623 or Kym.Engler@defence.gov.au.