Hearing into allowance

THE ADF has put forward a case seeking a 20 per cent increase in Service Allowance, which is being considered by the Defence Force Remuneration Tribunal (DFRT) at present.

Chief of Defence Force General Peter Cosgrove said the ADF had evidence to support its claim for an increase, which the DFRT is hearing on April 23-24.

Should the DFRT agree to the 20 per cent increase, the allowance, under the ADF proposal, would rise by $1464 a year for eligible personnel.

Service Allowance was last reviewed by the DFRT in 1994, at which time a 16.6 per cent increase was awarded. Since then the allowance has increased by 30.3 per cent as a result of pay increases under various agreements, and currently stands at $7321 a year.

However, the Armed Forces Federation of Australia (ArFFA) does not agree that a flat 20 per cent increase is sufficient.

According to the Federation, the ADF proposal does not recognise those who commit to extended periods of service. ArFFA’s submission to the DFRT calls for a tiered system that recognises length of service.

Under the current provisions, officers of the rank of Wing Commander (equivalent) and above are not eligible for the allowance and the ADF proposal does not intend to change this eligibility.

ArFFA believes that WGCDR (E) ranks should be included in the next Service Allowance increase,

The Federation has also proposed that the increase to Service Allowance – regardless of structure – be backdated to November 6, 2002.

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