East Timor underpayment fixed

By Lt Rosemary Johnston

During the various rotations in East Timor (EM) the interpretation and payment of Separation Allowance (SA) varied. A number of members, after they undertook their Relief Out Of Country Leave (ROCL) were required to serve fourteen days to re-qualify for the allowance.

Others had their SA ceased only for the period of their ROCL and then had the allowance re-commenced as soon as they returned to EM.

The anomaly and variation in the ADF Pay and Conditions Manual (PACMAN) interpretation was referred to the Directorate of Entitlements, their ruling is that members do not have to re-qualify after ROCL.

An investigation of all deployed members who have breaks in their SA was undertaken and 943 members from all Services were identified as being underpaid $77.84 each.

Discussions with Defence Pay and Conditions (DEFPAC) indicate that they will be able to run a small program centrally which will make a payment to the 943 members who have been underpaid.

.