Give
and take
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Are
single members being short-changed on RA contributions?
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WHO
conducts the annual review of housing-related allowances and charges?
I have read through the information provided in a message sent
to all members and I feel rather discriminated against as MWOD
living in RA accommodation and not sharing.
The various increases in contributions for Defence housing or
LIA range up to about 5 per cent.
I noticed with bemusement that these figures are mentioned in
the message traffic and that there is no reference to percentage
increases in RA contributions. I am not surprised that the RA
figures are not expressed in percentages.
The RA ceiling for an individual at my level has been increased
from about $433 to $437 – by my calculations about 0.9 per cent.
This is “matched” by my contribution increasing from $125.40 to
$146.05 – about 16 per cent. Who does the assessment of who pays
what and deems these anomalies as fair?
It would seem that single members are discriminated against for
not being married. Who are the people who make these unfair decisions
accountable to?
And where can we contact them to discuss our feelings regarding
their findings and recommendations?
FSGT
Christopher Hunter
SLCC HQJMOVGP
Defence Plaza – Sydney
In
1998, various housing policy changes were introduced to begin
aligning some MWOD housing arrangements with those of Members
with Dependants (MWD).
One of the changes was that the MWOD RA ceiling and contribution
for full RA and not sharing would be set at 90 per cent of the
ceiling and contribution for a MWD of the same rank. In effect,
this is the same ceiling and contribution rate that would usually
apply to a MWD occupying two-bedroom accommodation.
The 90 per cent ceiling was introduced on September 3, 1998. However,
it was not possible to move to the full (i.e. 90 per cent level)
contribution immediately because of the significant financial
burden such a large increase would have had on affected MWODs.
Instead, the contributions have been adjusted since 1998 on a
transitional basis at the same time as the annual review of housing
allowances and charges.
The intention was for the relevant contributions to reach their
mature levels by mid 2004. Before the 2004 annual review, a MWOD
on full RA living alone was only paying 81.5 per cent of the MWD
contribution for the same rank.
The MWOD RA contribution for a member not sharing was the only
contribution rate that had not achieved the full level before
2004.
As a result, this contribution was adjusted by an amount greater
than other contributions. From December 2 last year, a MWOD on
RA who is not sharing now pays a contribution of 90 per cent of
the MWD contribution for the same rank.
The 2004 RA contribution adjustment for a MWOD on full RA and
not sharing completes the transition commenced in 1998 to the
90 per cent level.
The RA ceilings and contribution rates are set under authority
delegated by the Minister to the Director General Personnel Policy
and Employment Conditions in DPE. Significant policy changes that
affect movements in rates require Ministerial approval before
they can be implemented.
Adrian
Wellspring
Director Housing and Removals
Policy
Don’t
pay to have your compensation claim heard
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Volunteer
advocates provide free assistance to current and former
Defence members lodging a compensation claim.
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Photo
by PTE John Wellfare
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I
RECENTLY obtained a copy of Air Force newspaper and read an advertisement
about making claims under the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation
Act.
There is no need for anyone to pay lawyers in their dealing with
the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) [about claims].
There are a group of volunteer advocates from all around Australia
ready to assist any Service members and ex-serving members with
any DVA claims.
These advocates are ex- Service members and fully understand service
conditions and life, having completed 20 years’ or more service
themselves.
They have been fully trained to assist in the completion of disability
claims, either under the Veterans’ Entitlements Act or Military
Rehabilitation Compensation Act. If people do require assistance,
they can contact their local RSL or RSL state headquarters regarding
volunteer advocate help.
There
is no need for any Service member (or ex-member) to outlay fees
to lawyers; the volunteer advocates are here to help.
Jon
Mason
Yanchep/Two Rocks RSL
Wanneroo, WA
More than one master went to the Pan Pacific
I
was reading in Air Force News [December 2, 2004] about Squadron
Leader Michael Spencer and his great result in the Pan Pacific
Masters Games.
I too completed in the Games and had some success in the tennis.
I played in six events, winning three gold, one silver and two
bronze medals.
I also played in the games in 2000, winning eight gold and one
silver medal.
I have never thought of writing to Air Force news about my wins,
but after reading about the squadron leader I thought I might
as well put in my two cents worth.
WOFF
Robert Sciffer
Regional Commercial Liaison
Office – Sydney
