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Role acknowledged
By MAJGEN Mark Evans
Head DPE
ArFFA has played a significant advocacy role and made valuable
contributions to the development of ADF conditions of service
and remuneration over many years and it is unfortunate that
the Federation has not been able to grow or sustain its
membership.
While it is fair to say that ArFFA’s views were occasionally
contrary to those of the official Defence position, they
were always respected and considered fully during departmental
and Defence Force Remuneration Tribunal deliberations.
Defence will continue to consult with ADF members to the
maximum extent possible during the development of conditions
of service packages and pay cases.
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Volume 49, No. 23, December 14, 2006
By WOFF Gina Goninon
Federation Federal President
It
is with much sadness that I advise all ADF members that the Armed
Forces Federation of Australia – which has been in existence
since 1984 – will turn out the office lights for the last
time on December 28, 2006.
The dreaded day finally arrived when the Federal Executive Committee
had to face the fact that depleted membership funds were insufficient
to produce a balanced budget, maintain our office and staff, and
continue to effectively represent our members in all matters relating
to remuneration and conditions of service.
Ironically, while membership has been falling over the years,
our involvement with ADF remuneration and conditions of service
has continued to increase. We’ve been doing more with less
and enjoyed quite a few successes for members along the way.
All the while we continued, through our regional representatives
and executive members, to encourage more ADF members to join the
Federation. But for whatever reasons, we have not been able to
stimulate sufficient interest in membership and the downward spiral
has continued to a level that is untenable.
ADF members may recall the ArFFA survey form circulated in all
Service Newspapers last February. The purpose was to gain feedback
on members’ knowledge of the Federation and whether there
was sufficient support for the organisation to continue.
While only a small percentage of survey forms were returned, the
vast majority of respondents supported the continued operation
of the Federation. Sadly though, those indicating support chose
not to assist the Federation by putting their hands in their pockets
to become financial members.
Also, we became starved of members who would take up a leadership
role. Many indicated they were committed to the Federation’s
goals but they were time poor and, again for whatever reason,
unwilling to step up and represent their fellow members. Sad really,
when the ADF prides itself as an organisation that is focused
on its people and leadership skills. Closing the Federation appeared
to be the only responsible way ahead.
We informed the CDF of our plight at our scheduled meeting with
him on August 29. He asked what could be done for the Federation
to continue operations, stating he valued the independent voice
the Federation provided to him, and saw us as a legitimate way
for ADF members to raise issues of concern outside of the chain
of command.
Our immediate response was to request office space in a Defence
complex in Canberra similar to that provided to the DFA, RDFWA
and various other associations. That would assist us in reducing
our operating costs and release funds for the Federation to rejuvenate
itself. Closure action was suspended for this possible lifeline
to be examined, but office space was denied. That became the last
nail in the coffin and we now prepare to lay the Federation to
rest.
It is with much sadness that we farewell both Jean Bruce, our
steadfast operations manager, and Graham Howatt, our courageous
and highly effective industrial officer. The commitment of these
two people, along with Federation leaders both past and present,
has delivered us all – members and non-members – the
hard-won benefits we enjoy today.
The only question now is who will ADF members turn to for help
when the Defence bureaucrats, both civilian and military, see
an opportunity to save money at members’ expense? And who
will be the voice to protect our interests regarding pay and conditions
of service when the Federation ceases to exist?
