WRA
views widely canvassed
The
following is a reply to the Armed
Forces Federation column that appeared in the December 4 edition
of Navy News:
A
new WRA is prepared every few years and after exposing it to ADF
people through ‘roadshows’ and the chain of command
it is submitted to the Defence Force Remuneration Tribunal (DFRT)
for approval.
Roadshow presentations for WRA 2004-06 have been in progress since
early November. They offer ADF people the opportunity to learn
about the pay arrangements to be proposed and to express their
views and ideas. They are one of many sources of information available
to ADF units and members.
As the roadshow is now coming to an end, it is time to seek the
views of ADF members on the proposed arrangement – that is,
the offer being made for pay increases and productivity issues
for the 30 months from May next year.
In recognition of the special conditions that need to apply to
members of a disciplined armed force, no ADF members vote on either
their WRA or the Star Ranks Remuneration Arrangement (SRRA) (for
officers of Brigadier and Major General and equivalent ranks).
The perception that star rank officers voted on the 2002 revision
of their SRRA is incorrect. The views of this relatively small
group (about 240 in total) were canvassed informally in an email
message from DPE staff, as the most practical method to assess
the views of such a widely dispersed group.
Commanders and commanding officers are expected to select and
use the most suitable means at their disposal to obtain the views
of their people on the WRA and SRRA, and communicate them through
their chain of command.
The most suitable means of obtaining these views will differ from
unit to unit.
Whilst this is not a formal vote, each member does have the opportunity
to express their view and these are taken into account.
CAPT
Marcus Peake, RAN
Director Salaries and Allowances.
Mascots
missing in action
In
the old days we used to have all manner of mascots and furry friends
to help keep us company on long watches at night, give friendly
welcomes to visitors and add character to our bases and shore
establishments.
I recall the old fella at HMAS Huon, LSMTP (later SBLT ME) D.O.G.
Bass, a real friendly woofer who often kept guard and sometimes
helped us polish off a Cascade or leftover scran.
When a ship pulled in alongside (or took out a harbourmaster’s
hut) he used to really enjoy greeting all the visiting sailors.
There used to be woofers and other creatures in many other dockyards
and establishments.
Where have they all gone? Have they all passed away without replacement?
Which mascots are still on duty and where? How are they progressing
in their careers?
I would be interested to help track them down.
Ian
Yadrims,
Canberra, ACT
PS: Further correspondence will be aired
via the letters page.
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