New promotion process

By CPL Simone Liebelt

A COMMON promotion promulgation process is being used for airmen and officers for the first time this year.

Before an Air Force-wide release on People Central, a consolidated list of promotees within the chain of command was forwarded to all affected group captains (E). Commanders were requested to advise personnel identified for promotion as soon as practicable before the lists were publicly released.

And unlike previous years, DPAF is not seeking confirmation of the notification of promoted members from commanders, but has released the promotion list to all Air Force personnel about three days after notifying the chain of command.

The airmen promotion lists were released to affected group captains (E) on March 29, and the consolidated lists on People Central occurred on March 31.

A consolidated listing of officer promotions is expected to be released in mid-late April and promulgated on People Central some time after that. After the interview with the commander, individuals should access People Central and print the promotion acknowledgment from that site.

For those unable to access People Central, a copy of the acknowledgement will have been appended to the promotion list provided to the chain of command.

Promoted personnel are to notify their acceptance of the promotion conditions contained on the acknowledgement and return it to DP-AF as soon as possible after it is witnessed by the chain of command.

For queries, contact SQNLDR Mia Ploughman on (02) 6265 2221.

Life insurance options

MAKING some decisions about the financial security of family following death is often not considered until it’s too late.

Life insurance is expensive, and some agencies charge premiums higher than the annual premium for a life insurance policy because of the nature of Defence members’ duties.

The cost of this additional risk insurance sometimes stops members from owning a life insurance policy.

The ADF may reimburse a Defence member a maximum of $1585 each financial year for any extra risk insurance.

Details about the entitlement for extra risk insurance are located in PACMAN part 2, Chapter 11a. Defence Health provides a Defence health term life insurance policy that has been specifically designed for serving members and families of the ADF (including Reservists), Defence civilians and Defence Health members.

Information about the Defence health term life insurance is available at http://www.defencehealth.com.au.

Sometimes, all you want to know is that your nominated next of kin will be financially secure during the immediate period following your death.

Defence and APS members have a number of options available to them to ensure their families are provided for.

For a nominal fortnightly rate, the APS Benefits Scheme (formerly VIC and TAS) can provide funeral benefits paid within 24 hours of notification of death to the organisation.

APS benefits can also provide low interest unsecured loans, which can be approved within 24 hours. Details about APS benefits are available at www.apsbs.com.au.

The RAAF Welfare Trust Fund has a group life scheme which will provide a $15,000 death cover for $1 per pay and loans of up to $3200 for any worthwhile purpose after six months’ membership.

The RAAF Welfare Trust Fund can also provide home improvement and personal development loans among others that are available.

The secretary of the RAAF Welfare Trust Fund can be contacted at CP4-2-133, Department of Defence, Canberra, ACT, 2600, phone (02) 6266 3650, fax (02) 6266 4200 or email russ.thomson@defence.gov.au.

The ADO provides for financial recompense for higher than normal insurance premiums.

Additionally, other support organisations can provide, at a nominal fee, immediate death benefits or other low interest loans for Defence members.

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