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GOPS paves way for pay
Volume 50, No. 11, June 28, 2007 |
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Defence is reforming ADF pay with a view to retaining existing members and growing the workforce.
A major milestone for improving officer pay was the introduction of the Graded Officer Pay Structure (GOPS) on October 5, 2006.
GOPS is a 10-graded pay structure that spans the salaries for officer from A/SBLT to CAPT and has rolled in the qualification and skill components for flying, submarine service, special operations and special action forces allowances. GOPS does not cover officers at the ranks of CDRE-RADM, who have a separate banded salary structure.
“The best thing about GOPS is that it provides a structure that allows members to be paid based on their contribution to ADF capability, rather than time spent in rank,” the Director of Military Salaries and Allowances Policy, COL Terry McCullagh said.
Under the ADF proposal, “contribution” will be measured against the three principles of work value, capability and sustainability. The ADF proposal also recognises the enduring nature of command value. This principle recognises that when a member works in a command role, they gain valuable skills that benefit their future non-command roles, and so their pay should stay at the command rate.
The ADF has submitted its proposal to the Defence Force Remuneration Tribunal (DFRT) to place all officer employment categories in the GOPS based on these principles. GOPS placement has been requested to take effect from August 9, in line with changes to the sailors’ pay structure.
The proposal is being considered by the DFRT. The ADF is hopeful that the proposal will be approved by the end of July. If successful, changes should be reflected in pays by Christmas with back pay to August 9.
While work value, capability and sustainability are the agreed principles for officer placement within GOPS, each of the Services has its own view on which principles should have greater emphasis. “Navy’s proposal is focused on applying and sustaining sea power,” CDRE David Letts of Navy Personnel and Training, said. “Therefore, attainment of the career competencies required to operate and sustain warships at sea is a significant factor for us when placing our officers within GOPS.”
The DFRT conducted a focus group with Navy officer representatives at HMAS Watson on May 28 to hear views on the Navy proposal. The discussion will no doubt be the in forefront of the DFRT’s minds when they make a decision on the overall ADF proposal. For remuneration reform updates go to: DEFWEB: http://www.defence.gov.au/dpe/pac/ |
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