Leave provisions introduced

 

Sergeant Dan Falzon, of No. 25 Squadron, sees out Hawk A27-019 for an aerial display.

Photo by CPL Steve Martyn

RESERVE capabilities took another step forward when supportive leave provisions for Reservists serving in the Australian Public Service were included in new workplace arrangements.

Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence Mal Brough and CDF General Peter Cosgrove launched the policy in Canberra last December.

Australian Public Service departments, agencies and authorities are now required to include in their workplace agreements leave policies and employment practices that support the release of Reservists for training and deployment.

The Government has also strongly encouraged Commonwealth agencies to actively promote the benefits of Reserve service to their employees.

Head of Reserve Policy Major-General Greg Garde said the Public Service was leading the way in establishing workplaces that supported Reservists.

“More and more we are drawing on the skills and expertise of the Reserves to maintain the ADF’s capability,” he said.

“For Reservists to be able to operate effectively they need to have appropriate leave arrangements in place with their employers.

“With the implementation of these new workplace arrangements the APS, which is one of the largest employers of Reservists, has set the standard for equitable and effective Defence leave policies.”

The leave policy was developed by the Defence Reserves Support Council, which provides a link between the ADF, employers and peak business and community organisations.

The council is now working to have similar policies adopted for Reservists employed by state, territory and local governments.

It has also developed Defence leave guidelines for private-sector employers with Reservist employees.

The guidelines are expected to be launched in March.

Further information is available from the Defence Reserves Support Council on 1800 803 485.

The policy’s main points

Under the new policy, APS agencies are required to:

• provide four weeks’ (20 working days or 28 calendar days) leave on full pay each year for Reservists undertaking Defence service;
• provide an additional two weeks’ paid leave to allow for a Reservist’s attendance at recruit or initial-employment training;
• provide scope for additional leave for Defence service, either with or without pay or on top-up pay;
• not require Reservists to pay their taxfree Reserve salary to their agency in any circumstances;
• allow Defence leave entitlements to accumulate and be taken over a twoyear period;
• treat leave for Defence service, whether with or without pay or on top-up pay, as service for all purposes – the exception being that periods of leave without pay in excess of six months not count as service for annual leave purposes;
• provide Reservists with continued access to other components of their remuneration package – such as superannuation, study assistance, salary reviews and cars – during periods of Defence service;
• keep Reservists informed of developments in the workplace. For example, if a new workplace agreement is negotiated during a Reservist’s absence on Defence service, he or she should be given the opportunity to vote on it.

Active support for cracker of a show

FOR only the second time since the Hawk Lead- In Fighter’s introduction, flightline operations at No. 79 Squadron have been performed entirely by Active Reservists.

The occasion was the recent Australia Day fireworks display in Perth, which has traditionally been preceded by light aircraft performing aerobatics or formation flypasts.

This year the public was treated to a more exciting aerial display, with a 79SQN Hawk performing some exciting high-speed manoeuvres over the Swan River. No. 25 (City of Perth) Squadron volunteered to provide the personnel required to prepare, launch and recover the aircraft.

Assembled by Sergeant Dan Falzon, the crew from 25SQN Engineering Flight again demonstrated their commitment and capability to support flying operations at 79SQN.

The crew included Flight Sergeant Henry Burnett, Sergeants Mark Richards, Maurice Ryan and Dan Falzon, and Corporals Brad Hilton, Steve Martyn and Andy Gough.

The electrifying flying display by Flight Lieutenant Dwayne Sharrock and the support of Reservists from 25SQN Engineering Flight was greatly appreciated by the crowds lining the Swan River.

Particularly thankful were members of the rostered 79SQN flightline crew who would otherwise have been required to come in and work on the public holiday.

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