Federation
seeking feedback
By
Graham Howatt, of the Armed Forces Federation
THE Federation relies heavily on its representatives and members
to keep it fully informed of burning issues in order to champion
the fight to enhance ADF employment conditions and ensure they
are not being eroded.
Those who regularly talk with us often express feelings of being
undervalued. There is frustration with lack of expertise at unit
level in regard to members’ entitlements and not knowing
where to turn to for help. Perhaps that is one reason why member
participation in the last round of ADF pay negotiations was at
an all-time low. Or was everyone too busy?
Operational tempo is at an all-time high and deployment commitments
are not expected to ease in the foreseeable future. The catchcry
of doing more with less as the ADF attempts to meet the demands
of Government will continue to echo for some time yet.
The Federation wants to assist in turning this situation around.
We support the initiatives taken by the ADF to stamp out drug
abuse but much more needs to be done in regard to opening communication
links with members and having their concerns taken directly to
the highest ADF authorities without being filtered.
Collective representation through the Armed Forces Federation
can be and has been a very effective weapon.
The CDF has already endorsed the conduct of ArFFA information
and awareness presentations at bases throughout Australia provided
they do not interfere with operational activities and he encourages
personnel to attend. He also expects the Federation to “ginger
him up”, as he put it, when issues arise and we meet regularly
to present matters to him openly, honestly and without fear or
favour. We enjoy the same arrangement with ADF policy makers and
meet with Defence Ministers whenever the need arises.
If you have concerns with your conditions of employment share
them with us. If we don’t know what your problems are we
can’t do anything to help fix them.
To arrange a visit your unit, ship, base or establishment, contact
our office on (02) 6260 5100, 1800 806 861 or arffa@bigpond.com.
