WRA challenge for chain of command

I WAS disappointed to read that DPE will persist with using the chain of command to provide consolidated feedback to the Defence Force Remuneration Tribunal (DFRT) in relation to ADF members’ views on the WRA (Air Force News, November 6).

Having recently completed the RAAF Commanders Course, very little time was spent developing the skill sets to deal with issues on workplace agreements and remuneration arrangements in the context of what I suspect DPE and the DFRT seek.

The lack of understanding on WRA matters was reinforced while attending a recent DPE brief on the WRA 04-06. It became obvious that the ADF members present were concerned at the content of the proposed WRA, however, they found it difficult to articulate their points of view.

The comments provided during the WRA presentation came across as a whinge for more money without really providing a constructive argument as to why it was deserved. As such, their views, while valid, will run the risk of being perceived as trivial during the consolidation process by the chain of command.

As a rank-based organisation, the ADF cannot escape the fact that it will continue to be seen as a paternal organisation where junior ranks rely on their leaders to look after their interests through providing appropriate and impartial advice. As such, the ADF must now look to provide adequate training to those charged with leading if they expect the chain of command to be capable of consolidating members’ views on WRA matters. If appropriate training is not provided, the chain of command runs the risk of inadvertently misrepresenting the views of those most vulnerable to a weak WRA.

SQNLDR Tony Wennerbom
SO OTM
HQSCG

Star ranks did not vote on pay deal

THIS letter is in response to the Armed Forces Federation of Australia’s column in the December 4 edition about the proposed Workplace Remuneration Agreement.

A new WRA is prepared every few years and after exposing it to ADF people through roadshows and the chain of command, it is submitted to the DFRT for approval.

Roadshow presentations for WRA 2004-06 have been in progress since early November. They offer ADF people the opportunity to learn about the pay arrangements to be proposed and to express their views and ideas. They are one of many sources of information available to ADF units and members.

As the roadshow is now coming to an end, it is time to seek the views of ADF members on the proposed Arrangement – that is, the offer being made for pay increases and productivity issues for the 30 months from May next year.

In recognition of the special conditions that need to apply to members of a disciplined armed force, no ADF members vote on either their WRA or the Star Ranks Remuneration Arrangement (SRRA), which is for officers of air commodore and air vice-marshal and equivalent ranks.

The perception that star rank officers voted on the 2002 revision of their SRRA is incorrect. The views of this relatively small group (about 240 in total) were canvassed informally in an email message from DPE staff, as the most practical method to assess the views of such a widely dispersed group.

Commanders and commanding officers are expected to select and use the most suitable means at their disposal to obtain the views of their people on the WRA and SRRA, and communicate them through their chain of command.
What is the most suitable means of obtaining these views will differ from unit to unit. While this is not a formal vote, each member does have the opportunity to express their view, and these are taken into account.

CAPT Marcus Peake, RAN
Director Salaries and Allowances

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