Many ADF members have recently experienced unsatisfactory relocation services from the Defence Housing Authority.

"Postings are often stressful times for ADF members and their families and we aim to make sure that the problems experienced during the recent posting cycle are not repeated," Mr Ken Moore, Head Service Delivery said.

The majority of members' complaints related to late payment of entitlements and lack of communication from DHA when enquiries were being made.

In addition to putting resources into DHA to help overcome the problems, Defence has suspended finalisation of the Relocations Agreement with DHA and has commissioned an independent review of what went wrong and how to fix it. DHA is also conducting its own review of internal processes.

The aim of the review is to provide Defence and DHA with a common strategy for restoring relocation services to a standard that ADF members deserve and should be able to take for granted. This strategy will include specific performance targets to ensure timely and efficient services to members in their relocation. Defence will closely monitor achievement against these targets.

By LEUT Fenn Kemp