Falconer conditions of service

The RAN Operating in the Gulf.

Australian Defence Force personnel joining the coalition to disarm Iraq will receive a comprehensive package of service conditions, including tax-free salary and allowances.

Australia’s contribution to the coalition, known as Operation Falconer, will involve about 2000 Australian Defence Force personnel. These personnel are already deployed in the Middle East.

The Government has decided the nature of service for Operation Falconer is warlike for the purpose of conditions of service entitlements.

All salary and allowances will be tax-free for personnel deployed on the operation.

Those directly involved in combat operations inside Iraq, including Iraqi territorial waters and air space, will receive a tax-free international campaign allowance of $200 a day.

Those deployed elsewhere within the area of operations will receive a tax-free allowance of $125 per day.
Other conditions of service include:

At a glance

Comprehensive compensation and rehabilitation coverage under the Veterans’ Entitlements Act and the Safety Rehabilitation and Compensation Act; Enhanced assistance under the Defence HomeOwners Scheme; and Additional War Service leave of 1.5 days per completed month of service on deployment Pre-embarkation leave or reunion with a partner, where practicable, before deployment if appropriate. Campaign allowance of $200 a day. Elsewhere within the area of operations $125 per day.

This package of allowances and entitlements is designed to be as comprehensive as possible and to provide appropriate support to our Defence Force personnel while they conduct a dangerous mission in Australia’s national interest.

It is commensurate with the conditions of service for those personnel who have served in the war against terrorism under Operation Slipper.

Similarly, in recognition of their service ADF personnel deployed on Operation Falconer will be awarded the Australian Active Service Medal.

The Government has also put in place support mechanisms to assist families, recognising that our deployed personnel cannot function without their support and understanding.

The Defence Community Organisation, the Defence National Welfare Coordination Centre in Sydney and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs will continue to provide the highest level of support to the families of those personnel deployed.

As part of the package of service conditions for personnel deployed on Operation Falconer, Defence may in some circumstances assist family members to relocate to be with extended family for support during the deployment.

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