The
Federation relies heavily on its representatives and members to
keep it fully informed of burning issues in order to champion
the fight to enhance ADF employment conditions and ensure they
are not being eroded.
Those who regularly talk with us often express feelings of being
undervalued and disillusioned with management. There is an obvious
frustration with lack of expertise at unit level in regard to
members’ entitlements and not knowing where to turn to for help.
Many personnel believe that no matter what they have to say, it
will be taken with a grain of salt.
Perhaps that is one reason why member participation the last round
of ADF pay negotiations was at an all-time low. Or was everyone
too busy?
Operational tempo is at an all-time high and deployment commitments
are not expected to ease the foreseeable future.
The catchcry of doing more with less as the ADF attempts to meet
the demands of Government will continue to echo for some time
yet. The Federation wants to assist in turning this situation
around to one that is far more positive.
We support the initiatives taken by the ADF to stamp out drug
abuse but much more needs to be done in regard to opening up communication
links with members and having their concerns taken directly to
the highest ADF authorities without being filtered.
The CDF has already endorsed the conduct of ArFFA information
and awareness presentations at military bases throughout Australia
provided they do not interfere with operational activities and
he encourages personnel to attend.
If you have concerns with your conditions of employment share
them with us. If we don’t know what your problems are we can’t
do anything to help fix them.
To arrange for us to visit your unit, ship, base or establishment,
contact our office on (02) 6260 5100,
1800 806 861 or arffa@bigpond.com.
