How to seek review

BEFORE entering the Redress of Grievance (ROG) process, members should seek advice on the best way to resolve a complaint at the lowest possible level through normal command channels and administrative arrangements.

This advice is available from unit administrative staff, chaplains, medical staff or legal officers. Further support and advice can be obtained through other related internal organisations, including the Defence Community Organisation, the Directorate of Alternative Dispute Resolution and Conflict Management, the Defence Equity Organisation, Defence Whistleblower Scheme and the Inspector-General of the ADF.

If the complaint cannot be resolved by using these resources, a formal complaint can be made as a written ROG submission to the CO.
Assistance with writing the submission is available from the Defence Legal Service.

This is a formal mechanism for complaints to be reviewed and, where necessary, to correct wrong or unfair decisions or actions.

The ROG process is a legally-protected provision that allows an individual to complain about any matter that affects his or her Service.

The ADF provides free legal assistance to all ADF members who wish to make an internal complaint.

Once the ROG submission has been received, the CO needs to acknowledge its receipt by writing to the member. The complaint is then investigated and the CO decides whether the member has grounds for complaint.

At this point, the CO can resolve the matter and inform the member in writing of the outcome and the reasons for the decision.

If the member is not satisfied with the ROG outcome, he or she may request the complaint be referred to the appropriate Service Chief or delegate through the Complaint Resolution Agency for a decision.

In addition, members who hold a rank of warrant officer and above may refer the complaint to the CDF, through the Complaint Resolution Agency, for further action. The decision by a Service Chief or CDF or their delegates is the final internal step in the formal ROG process.

If the ROG process is unable to resolve a complaint, the ADF member may also, at any point, refer it to an external agency, such as the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission, the Defence Force Ombudsman, or even the Federal Court.

For further information contact WGCDR Andrew Elfverson on (02) 6266 7560. The Complaint Resolution Agency web site contains a great deal of generic information about the ROG process and can be found at http://defweb.cbr.defence.gov.au/dpecra/.

HDA approval

DGPERS-AF is the approving authority for Higher Duties Allowance (full or partial) for two or more ranks.

Full performance Higher Duties Allowance for two ranks more or higher should be only requested in exceptional circumstances. The strongest justification is required and you must make it clear that the member is competent to perform all the duties at the higher rank.

Applications should not be forwarded to pay sections for action until approval is received.

DGPERS-AF may approve partial performance where full performance has been recommended by the directing authority.

For further information contact Squadron Leader Jenny Weekes on (02) 6265 2233.

Correction

LAST edition’s column incorrectly referred to software to use to submit Employment Preferences and Restrictions forms.

The software to use is PMKeyS Self Service (PSS) rather than PMKeyS as was stated.

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