Pay reform receives green light

By Graham Howatt, of the Armed Forces Federation

AFTER hearing submissions from the ADF, the Commonwealth, the Federation and a joint submission from the Regular Defence Force Welfare Association and RSL on August 25, the Defence Force Remuneration Tribunal (DFRT) gave the green light for development of the eagerly awaited Remuneration Reform Program (RRP) to press forward.

The Tribunal was presented with the fi rst three of eight “blocks” of work, together with a proposed timetable for the completion and presentation of each block.

Owing to the complexity and signifi cance of the RRP, the Federation supported the approach taken by the ADF.

Block 1

Proposed a benchmark valued remuneration framework of 12 grades. Grades 1 and 2 would be established below the current Officers Common Scale (OCS) set at Grade 3. Incremental advances beyond the OCS are to be based on the Q&S components of Specialist Operations Allowance and Submarine Service Allowance and establish pay Grades 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8.

Grades 9, 10 and 11 have set increments to provide potential flexibility for placement of employment categories valued higher than Grade 8.

Grade 12 is the highest grade and incorporates the Q&S component of Special Action Forces Allowance. Flying Allowance is to be dealt with as “block X” of work to be presented to the DFRT.

Block 2

The underpinning principles and business processes to provide broad guidance on the new structure. It also provides for ADF internal systematic control and governance processes.

Block 3

The placement methodology to be adopted for the movement of employment categories within the new structure.

The day after the initial hearing the Tribunal released the following statement: “On the basis of material put before us, the Tribunal encourages continuation of the ADF’s work program and timetable for further development of the RRP.

While we recognise there are still issues to be addressed, we see no barrier to continuing the planned work program. We are supportive of the approach proposed, including the role of certain allowances in the operation of the system in the future.

We agree with the parties on the need for consultation.” While this means there is now a light at the end of the RRP tunnel, it will be quite some time before the train fi nally pulls into the station.

That said, the Federation believes member consultation is paramount to the successful rollout of the RRP, knowing that members understand and accept the proposed pay reform with confi dence.

For more information or views on the RRP or the proposed timetable of events to follow, contact the Armed Forces Federation on 1800 806 861 or visit www.arffa.org.au.

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