Better deal for families
Volume 11, No. 54, October 19, 2006

Top honour: Musn Andrew Trudgian receives the skill at arms award from Minister for Defence Brendan Nelson. Dr Nelson took time out of his busy schedule to visit 1RTB for a recruit course march out parade. Photo by Kerrie Stewart, The Wagga Daily Advertiser.

MEMBERS with dependants who are being posted for more than six months will now receive the same benefits as the old MWD (Separated).

Part of the Family Stability Initiative, Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence Bruce Billson announced the change in policy on October 9 to lessen the impact postings have on children’s education and spouse’s employment.

“The new ADF Family Stability Initiative gives military personnel who are required to relocate on posting the opportunity to choose geographical stability for their families,” Mr Billson said.

The CA is aware that the posting turbulence associated with Army life can place significant pressure on Army families. Over the past two years, AHQ has played an integral part in shaping the policy governing MWD (S) to secure more flexible workplace arrangements. As a result, ADF Senior Leadership has agreed to broaden the eligibility for members to proceed on posting unaccompanied.

Under the new initiative, personnel can either be accompanied by their family on posting or proceed on posting unaccompanied under the new category Member With Dependants (Unaccompanied).

The package includes continuing of RA or occupation of Service residence for the family; member to receive meals and accommodation at departmental expense; six reunion visits per year; and separation allowance.

Should the unaccompanied posting prove not to have been the best option, families will retain an entitlement to be relocated to the new posting locality, provided there remains at least six months posting tenure.
Housing assistance and other support provisions will then be made available in the new locality.

To apply for entitlements under MWD (U), personnel need only be classified as MWD first and be posted to a different location for more than six months.

Members who did not qualify for MWD (S) and have proceeded to a posting unaccompanied at their own cost can now apply for MWD (U).

Recruits who are categorised as MWD upon enlistment are entitled to MWD (U), as are Reservist proceeding on CFTS postings of more than six months.

CA remains committed to keeping families together. Any member considering utilising the MWD (U) option should seek advice and support through the Defence Community Organisation (DCO) before making a decision.

For more information go to http://intranet.defence.gov.au/pac/ or www.defence.gov.au/dpe/pac/ and look in the “What’s New” page.

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