Separation policy under review

By CPL Cameron Jamieson

* The current policy on determining a member’s eligibility for classification as Member with Dependants (Separated) is under review.

A WORKING Group has been established to review the current ADF policy on classifying members as Member with Dependants (Separated) (MWD(S)).

MWD(S) refers to members who maintain a home for dependants but are separated from those dependants for Service-recognised reasons.

According to the Director of Service Conditions, Group Captain John Price, the MWD(S) working group will look at the changing nature of ADF service requirements as well as changes in the demographics and expectations of members.

“The working group will assess whether the current policy meets contemporary needs and, if appropriate, recommend changes to improve the policy,” he said.

The terms of reference for the review include:

• identifying the factors that impact upon a member’s decision to choose not to live with his or her dependants at the posting locality. This will include factors such as location, spouse employment opportunities and family needs;
• examining the effect of the MWD(S) policy on the decision by members to stay in the Service. This will determine whether the option of MWD(S) categorisation encourages members to continue a career in the ADF; and
• examining alternative options for providing a package of entitlements for members who elect to proceed on posting unaccompanied. The current MWD(S) policy and package of entitlements is very specific. The review will consider ways in which the policy could be managed with greater flexibility.

The working group will be using data gathered through surveys conducted by Defence, such as the Defence Census and the Your Say surveys, as part of the review.

“This data provides a useful insight into the demographics, attitudes and personal views of ADF members and their families. The time and effort devoted to completing these surveys is very much appreciated,” GPCAPT Price said.

“Membership of the working group consists of representatives from the three Service headquarters and Defence Personnel Executive. Defence Families Australia and the Armed Forces Federation of Australia have also been invited to provide comments and feedback on the review.

“I invite members and spouses to also contribute to the review, particularly those members who currently are, or have been, categorised as MWD(S).”

To meet the review timeframe, comments are needed as soon as possible, but no later than April 15.

Email comments to dpe.serviceconditions@defence.gov.au.

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