Volume 11, No. 51, September 07, 2006
Quicklinks
to Letters
Singing praises of Army Band
Declining standards
Member gets no
quarter
Campaign shame
Left floored over lost key
Why the two-year
pregnant pause?
Excellent medical care
HOW
TO GET A LETTER PUBLISHED
Singing praises of Army Band
I WOULD like to take this opportunity to pass on my congratulations to the Australian Army Band.
I attended the recent concert in Canberra featuring the Army Band with Marina Prior in support of Legacy. What a most enjoyable night.
The band played with enthusiasm and professionalism that brought great credit to the Army. All members on stage that night appeared to be having just as much fun as the audience.
I appreciate the role the band plays (no pun intended) in maintaining the operational effectiveness of personnel in the ADF. Morale is often understated in maintaining the balance in the war fighting capability of the ADF.
The evening was very well received by the public and presented an image that the ADF conducts business in a very professional manner.
I was proud to be a part of such an organisation. To all those personnel that contributed to the evening – well done.
WOFF Col Peat
DP-AF
Russell Offices.
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Declining standards
- IN RESPONSE to Capt Steve Bovey’s letter (“Termites’ LIA Tucker”, Army, June 29), although he directed his concerns to the LIA at Larrakeyah Barracks, this issue should extend to all LIA in all military establishments.
As an environmental health officer, one of my roles is to promote health and safety (albeit sometimes constrained by the ADF) to members of the ADF. One of the issues dear to my heart is the standard of the LIA, and also the transit lines, across the country. I agree that the LIA at Robertson Barracks is of a high standard comparatively, however should not all LIA be of a high standard, in line with the high standard of our soldiers?
We keep hearing that “personnel are the ADF’s greatest asset”, but I beg to differ. The ADF actually spends more money housing equipment than it does housing its members. I believe a tank and a helicopter lives better than some live-in soldiers.
This housing also extends to work and office space. You only have to look at the work log to get a better understanding of the amount of relatively inexpensive and justifiable building maintenance proposals logged by personnel, long awaiting approval and which would enable personnel to work more effectively and have a better work environment.
The ADF currently has a retention issue, and one of the main points extracted from those surveys that we do is the unsatisfactory LIA. I remember completing those surveys back in 1994.
The blocks at Gallipoli Barracks still remain at the same standard from when I was there. In fact, they are possibly worse due to poor maintenance because of the old excuse that no money is to be spent on maintenance because the buildings are to be replaced. I heard that back in 1994 and I am hearing it now.
The ADF will, however, approve $85 million to build a new facility at Holsworthy for 4 RAR (Cdo), but prolong the upgrade of the LIA. I believe inmates actually live better than some of our live-in soldiers.
Capt Mark Tamblyn
1CSSB
Robertson Barracks
I AM amazed at the response to Capt Bovey’s letter.
If the photos are a true reflection of the state of the accommodation, I find it hard to believe that the system is inflexible enough to downgrade them until the major renovations have taken place.
If my married quarter had this amount of termite damage (even though structurally sound) it would be downgraded or I would be moved out.
One would assume that all living in members had been kept fully informed with meetings, engineer reports and written updates on repair timetables for their accommodation.
As an aside, as termite-damaged wood is far more flammable than normal timber, I wonder if fire orders have been updated to reflect this?
Renting is not a viable option for soldiers who spend a lot of time away from their normal workplace even if they find a place within their rent allowance. There are the problems of furniture, paying energy/telephone bills while away and the cost of transport to/from barracks. It is instances like this that cause soldiers to vote with their feet.
WO1 Stephen Targett
DMO
Fyshwick, ACT
Brig Elizabeth Cosson, DG Regions and Bases, responds:
DEFENCE Support Group is aware of the requirement to upgrade Living In Accommodation (LIA) across the regions.
The NT/Kimberley is no exception and there is considerable work planned.
Specific works priorities have already been focused on the OR’s LIA at Larrakeyah and this will address the concerns in the three letters to Army newspaper on this matter.
Four of the OR’s LIA at Larrakeyah are to be given midlife upgrades wherein termite damage, concrete spalling, wear and tear and basic room functionality are being addressed.
Recent work has already been undertaken to install air-conditioning and insect proofing in the rooms.
Funds are being sought to similarly upgrade the remaining LIA in the following financial year and, if successfully funded, will result in all LIA being fully functional LIA Level 3 by the end of the 2007/2008 financial year.
Further, other LIA precinct work has already been approved, including air-conditioning the OR’s mess and kitchen; air-conditioning upgrade, spalling repairs and repainting of the Sergeants’ Mess; and spalling repairs, repainting and installing a service lift in the Officers’ Mess.
Bids for funding to improve street lighting in the vicinity of the LIA and to further remediation of the OR’s LIA, as mentioned above, will also be submitted in the 2007/2008 FACOPS program.
Throughout the region, considerable other LIA precinct refurbishment has been identified, some of which has already been completed. Robertson Barracks, remote Norforce sites at Alice Springs and Kununurra, and RAAF Bases Darwin, Tindal and Curtin have recently had LIA refurbishment work undertaken for both permanent LIA and for exercise occupancy.
So far, a total of $10.4 million has been provided in the 2005 to 2007 period for LIA refurbishment and repairs, with a funding submission of $21 million for further identified works.
I am advised that an LIA meeting is held regularly at both Robertson Barracks and Larrakeyah Barracks and is hosted by the Manager Base Services on each base to deal with issues arising from or regarding the LIA.
I would also like to take this opportunity to remind LIA occupants of the need to report damage or problems with LIA to the Comprehensive Maintenance Services Contractor through the help desk in the regions.
The Single LEAP project is also considering options for providing Level 5 LIA on Larrakeyah Barracks, RAAF Base Darwin and Robertson Barracks.
This project recognises that the living environment provided by Defence has a direct impact on capability and the attraction and retention of ADF members.
The current standard of Defence LIA varies considerably across Australia, and much is below community standards and does not meet the expectations of Defence personnel.
Following the 2003 Review of Accommodation Arrangements for ADF Members Without Dependants, Project Single LEAP was announced in May 2004.
The Government allocated an initial outlay of $113 million, followed each year by a further commitment of funding, to upgrade up to 6400 permanent LIA rooms for ADF members required to live in for Service reasons, around Australia.
The Single LEAP accommodation will feature self-contained rooms with kitchenette facilities, internet and telephone connections, covered parking and storage space in line with Defence’s Level 5 accommodation standards.
Project Single LEAP Phase 1 sites are at the three highest priority sites of Enoggera Barracks, Holsworthy Barracks and RAAF Base Amberley. Five hundred units are to be delivered each at Enoggera and Holsworthy, and 295 units at RAAF Base Amberley.
Defence intends to engage a strategic partner (through a Public Private Partnership/Private Financing relationship) to design, construct, finance, operate and maintain accommodation services for a 30-year period.
Following Government announcement of the preferred strategic partner for Phase 1, an expression of interest is expected to be released to the market for the remaining Single LEAP LIA at a range of other Defence bases around Australia.
Defence expects to complete delivery of all 6400 new Level 5 rooms by FY2010/11. Further information relating to Project Single LEAP can be obtained at http://intranet.defence.gov.au/csig/.
It is unfortunate that the standard of LIA is not always pristine, but the Defence Support Group is committed to investing in improving the standards through several initiatives.
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Member gets no
quarter
- I AM a single member currently posted in Hobart. I am entitled to full Rental Allowance and currently rent through a real estate which I am not happy about.
There are a number of vacant married quarters around Hobart that have been vacant for some time now yet I’ve been told that under no conditions will DHA rent them out to single members.
Would it not be a better option for these properties to be rented out and not sitting vacant?
Pacman Volume 2 Chapter 7.5.10 states that I have the right to chose to live in a married quarter as long as I’m entitled to RA. I was told by the DHA representative here that they’re kept available for families who get posted in even out of the posting cycle and that’s supposed to compensate for being left out of pocket.
Has anybody actually taken a look at the cost of living here? Hobart might have been cheap to rent once but it’s certainly not any more. I pay $210 a week for a small two-bedroom unit yet in Townsville I could get a four-bedroom house for that.
I had a ceiling of $230 a week in Townsville and now I have a ceiling of $193 in Hobart.
There is a big difference, especially when the cost of living is more in Hobart as well as the fact we’re paying more for electricity.
How about a bit of fairness for the regular serving soldiers here in Tassie whose only crime is to be single.
Cpl Tara Pow
2FSB
Derwent Barracks
Kevin O’Brien, General Manager Operations, DHA, responds:
CPL Pow is correct in that Defence policy does provide the opportunity for single ADF members to occupy surplus Services Residences.
However, the policy (Pacman Chapter 7, Part 5, Paragraph 7.5.3) states that a surplus Service Residence must meet both of the following conditions:
- no member with dependants needs the home; and
- there is no plan for a member with dependants to use the home in the next 12 months.
Unfortunately, in Tasmania, quality housing is limited, and all current vacant properties are being held for incoming members with dependants (MWD) in accordance with that policy
As Cpl Pow has elected to live out under the MWOD +5 policy, this Defence policy also prevents DHA from being able to approve a ceiling increase for RA. Consequently, the rent ceiling will remain at $193 a week until the ceilings are reviewed by the Department of Defence.
DHA agrees that single members need improved arrangements for off-base accommodation and have proposed to Defence that DHA be empowered to provide apartments under similar arrangements to that for MWD. We envisage that this would mean that entitled MWOD would use HomeFind to find DHA apartments. We have currently been approved to trial these arrangements in Darwin and early results indicate that satisfaction with this service is very high.
TOP
Campaign shame
I’M WRITING this letter in growing frustration as I would like to know where the campaign medals are for those who served from May to September 2004 as part of Secdet in Iraq?
I’m also aware of Secdet 1 members (May 2003) who haven’t received theirs either.
Quite honestly, I think it’s a disgrace that it’s taken so long. I have attempted to find out information but get the runaround, everyone blames someone else and I end up back at square one – so where are they?
And now I find out that if your ADM doesn’t appear on your PMKeys you have to apply for it. Once again I’ve been overlooked.
Sgt Jason Moriarty
Kapyong Coy
RMC Duntroon
Irene Wilson, Director Honours and Awards, responds:
ALTHOUGH the creation of the Afghanistan and Iraq Campaign Medals was announced in April 2004, the medals were not available until the Royal Australian Mint began to manufacture them in February 2006.
The long period between announcement of the creation of the medals, and dispatch of the medals to eligible ADF members, is due to the design and approval processes for the medals, tendering and manufacturing of the medals and concerns that arose during 2005 with regards to the quality of the medals.
Since February 2006, over 5700 Iraq and 2700 Afghanistan Campaign Medals have been dispatched to eligible recipients. The Directorate of Honours and Awards (DH&A) is currently having further stocks of the campaign medals manufactured. These medals will be dispatched as soon as they are available.
It should be noted that before DH&A can process an ADF member for awarding of the campaign medals, HQ Joint Operations and/or the Environmental Commands need to advise DH&A that a person is eligible for the award. There may be some delays with this process due to the ongoing high level of operational tempo.
With regard to the ADM, permanent ADF members are being assessed for the ADM via PMKeyS. The most junior members are being assessed for the medal first, with more senior members being assessed later. There is no need to apply for the ADM if you are a permanent member. The details of the award will eventually be uploaded in to PMKeyS records (Defgram 433/06 refers).
You do, however, need to apply for the ADM if you are a reservist, as DH&A is unable to assess you automatically using PMKeyS. To be eligible for the ADM, you need to have completed four years’ efficient service. Efficient service is based on the number of paid days of service. This data is only available from Cenres or pay records kept by Defpay and requires manual verification by DH&A.
In addition, the address details for reservists, especially inactive reservists, is not current on PMKeyS. Current details are required if DH&A is to effectively process and dispatch the ADM to the correct person.
It is recommended that Sgt Moriarty contact DH&A on toll free 1800 111 321 so that he can speak to one of our staff about his particular circumstances.
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Left floored over lost key
CURRENTLY live in a secure building on the fourth floor in Sydney.
About 4½ months ago my wife accidentally dropped her access card between the floor and the elevator – although a silly thing to do, accidents do happen.
Soon after we had our annual inspection where I was informed by the DHA rep that the card would be replaced at no cost to me since we were known to be good tenants.
After numerous phone calls, I was informed that it had been dropped off in my letterbox. After I explained that his was not the case as I check my mail each day, I received the excuse from DHA that “they must have put it in the wrong letterbox”.
After more phone calls I was informed by the DHA rep that this would be rectified as soon as possible.
After no action, I called DHA again and was asked to provide my contact details so they could contact me after they found out where this issue was at.
I am aware that DHA could be going through a busy period – as with us all – but god help the people who are going to rely on DHA during the posting cycle.
Could someone please explain why it has taken so long to have a simple access card replaced?
Sgt Peter Hooper
LHQ
Victoria Barracks, Sydney
Kevin O’Brien, General Manager Operations, DHA, responds:
NORMALLY, it is a tenant responsibility to replace lost keys to a property, either by getting a new key cut or, as in this case, obtaining a new access card from the strata manager.
In this instance, while DHA interceded on the tenant’s behalf with all the best of intentions, the outcome was to only delay replacement of the card.
I understand a new access card has now been provided to Sgt Hooper and I sincerely apologise for the time it took to arrange the replacement.
TOP
Why the two-year
pregnant pause?
I WOULD like to thank Mr Bob Jones for his response to my query on the disparity between the maternity and parental leave conditions for APS and ADF members (Army, June 15), however I believe he failed to answer my main point.
I acknowledge that many leave provisions for ADF and APS members of the Department differ, and so they should in acknowledgment of the different ways in which the groups contribute to outcomes.
However, where they have been the same, it should be incumbent on DPE to ensure that, where appropriate, parity is maintained when one group’s entitlement is changed.
In the case of maternity and parental leave, I would be most surprised if prior to January 2004 there had ever been a difference in the entitlements to paid periods for ADF/APS personnel.
The changes to the periods of paid leave for APS members were “on the table” for some months before they became effective, surely enough time for the situation for ADF members to be reviewed.
I reiterate the statement I made: “If it is justifiable for ADF members to get paid for 14 weeks maternity leave in 2006, why not on January 1, 2004, when their APS colleagues were awarded it?”
Lt-Col Nick Read
DHOC
RAADC
Kay Austin, Director of Service Conditions, responds:
LTCOL Read has queried the different dates on which the Defence APS and ADF introduced changes to maternity leave.
The ADF aims to maintain an attractive and appropriate conditions of service package for ADF members. This is done through the provision of financial and non-financial conditions of service, including various forms of leave. The introduction, or changing, of a form of leave by the Defence APS does not, of itself constitute justification for the ADF to do the same.
Unlike Defence APS conditions, the provisions governing many of the conditions of service enjoyed by ADF members, including leave, are maintained through the Senior ADF committee process.
Fully justified cases including the expected attraction and/or retention benefits and cost (yes leave has a dollar value) must be placed before the various personnel committees for consideration. Only once the change has been approved by all three Services, and often the Minister, can it be introduced.
Continuous improvements are being made to ADF conditions of service with emphasis on those changes that will achieve the best value for money in terms of attraction and retention.
The result can be that what is most important to Defence Public Servants has a lower priority for the ADF which may be focused on other, more significant issues.
Excellent medical care
I WOULD like to offer my sincere thanks to the Australian Army.
I am currently a student on the Australian Command and Staff Course at the Australian Defence College in Canberra.
In April I suffered severe leg injuries while parachuting. After initial hospitalisation in Sydney I was transferred to the military hospital in Holsworthy and then to the RMC Duntroon Hospital, where I received further surgery and have been receiving ongoing physiotherapy.
The care I have received has constantly been of the highest profes
sional order. It was a timely reminder to me of one of the significant benefits of military service.
When injury occurs it is reassuring to know that the best care is made available, both immediately after the accident and on the road to full recovery.
I would like to thank all personnel involved in my care and treatment and congratulate the Australian Army on providing a medical service that is second to none.
Maj I.C. Garnett
New Zealand Army
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