Chapter 9 of the Nunn Review is dedicated to ADF leave entitlements and is considered worthy of support. In summarising their findings, the panel stated:

'ADF members currently have access to a large number of leave types, many of which can accrue concurrently. At times, members are being granted more than one form of leave for the same occurrence. Recreation leave is not being used for the purpose it is intended, that is, provide members with a regular break from the workplace. Rather, the current interplay of leave types is encouraging members to consider recreation leave as a form of deferred pay. Rationalisation of leave entitlements is therefore required to ensure that leave meets the needs of members of the ADF.'

The panel went on to make four recommendations:

1. Individual Service Chiefs have responsibility for managing leave, within a CDF determined framework.

2. The CDF leave framework covers policy for legislated leave, basic recreation leave, war service leave, leave without pay and leave for compassionate and career purposes and includes:

• restricting the level of accruable leave for basic recreation leave to 12 weeks;
• allowing basic recreation leave to accrue fortnightly;
• changing war service leave to non-accruable leave;
• the partial or full cash out of long service leave after 10 years; and
• allowing maternity leave to be taken at half pay

3. Additional recreational leave currently granted for flying duties, seagoing service, field service, prolonged duty, service in a relative remote locality, trainee duty, and all other provisions of leave be discontinued and replaced by a discretionary, non-accruable commander's and supervisor's leave.

4. All leave be reportable.

Many recommendations of the panel echo the view of the Federation's submission to them and the ADF Leave review conducted earlier this year, with a few added features. Implementing these changes would rightly place the onus on Unit Commanders to properly accommodate the necessary respite care for their troops with precision. And, if made accountable and properly managed it will not only enhance leadership responsibilities, but also achieve greater efficiency.

Having said that, there may be a need to increase the environmental allowances granted in conjunction with leave types such as field allowance, flying leave and seagoing leave in order to compensate for the non-accruable nature of the replacement commander's or supervisor's leave.

Further, a full cash out option should be made available for leave about to be forfeited, where reducing leave credits below the proposed 12 week limit is beyond the member's control. The current philosophy of 'use it or lose it' is at odds with operational tempo in the ADF and must change.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

CONTACT THE ARMED FORCES FEDERATION

TELEPHONE: (02) 6260 5100 OR 1800 806861

Email: arffa@bigpond.com