ADF
personnel joining the coalition to disarm Iraq will receive a
comprehensive package of service conditions, including tax-free
salary and allowances.
The
Government has decided the nature of service for Operation Falconer
is warlike for the purpose of conditions of service entitlements.
All
salary and allowances will be tax-free for personnel deployed
on the operation.
Those
directly involved in combat operations inside Iraq, including
Iraqi territorial waters and air space, will receive a tax-free
international campaign allowance of $200 a day.
Those
deployed elsewhere within the area of operations will receive
a tax-free allowance of $125 a day.
Other
conditions of service include:
-
Comprehensive compensation and rehabilitation coverage under
the Veterans’ Entitlements Act and the Safety Rehabilitation
and Compensation Act.
-
Enhanced assistance under the Defence HomeOwners Scheme.
-
Additional War Service leave of 1.5 days per completed month
of service on deployment.
-
Pre-embarkation leave or reunion with a partner, where practicable,
before deployment if appropriate.
This
package of allowances and entitlements is designed to be as comprehensive
as possible and to provide appropriate support to our Defence
Force personnel while they conduct a dangerous mission in Australia’s
national interest. It is commensurate with the conditions of service
for those personnel who have served in the war against terrorism
under Operation Slipper.
Similarly,
in recognition of their service, ADF personnel deployed on Op
Falconer will be awarded the Australian Active Service Medal.
The
Government has also put in place support mechanisms to assist
families, recognising that deployed personnel cannot function
without their support and understanding.
DCO,
the Defence National Welfare Coordination Centre in Sydney and
the Department of Veterans’ Affairs will continue to provide
the highest level of support to the families of those personnel
deployed.
As
part of the package of service conditions for personnel deployed
on Op Falconer, Defence may in some circumstances assist family
members to relocate to be with extended family for support during
the deployment.
