Remuneration on the agenda

By Graham Howatt

Armed Forces Federation of Australia
The ADF Workplace Remuneration Arrangement (WRA) was presented to Defence Force Remuneration Tribunal (DFRT) on September 27 without the support of the Armed Forces Federation of Australia.

After examining the details of the ADF’s submissions, the Federation said it would be an injustice to ADF members if it did not object to the WRA, as presented. The Federation submitted to the DFRT that ADF members should not be locked into an arrangement for more than two years.

The proposed 12.6 per cent pay increase over three years greatly undervalues the contributions ADF members would be expected to make regarding productivity and efficiency expectations of management. An increase of 12 per cent over two years would be more realistic and necessary to gain the Federation’s support.

We also drew the DFRT’s attention to continuing anomalies between Defence Collective Agreement (DeCA) for APS employees and the WRA regarding the treatment of allowances that are considered as salary for the purposes of superannuation.

Military members are not treated equitably by Defence for Language Proficiency Allowance and Duty at Sea Allowance and we made submissions to have that corrected.

 Regarding Service Allowance (last reviewed in July 2003), we submitted that the exclusion of operational tempo as a consideration in determining the amount on offer requires the ADF to present Service Allowance to the DFRT for a fundamental review during the (reduced) life of the WRA.

The Federation remains critical of the ADF methodology used for member consultation and feedback, and seeks to have processes standardised for the future, with reconsideration by the CDF regarding the members’ right to vote on their WRA. The DFRT adjourned and will advise its decision in due course.
■ Further information regarding the Federation’s submissions to the DFRT hearing of the WRA case can be found at www.arffa.org.au or by phoning 1800 806 861.

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