Credit
due for groundies
Redefining categorisation of members is essential
for Members With Dependants (Separated) in de facto relationships,
argues Graham Howatt, of the Armed Forces Federation.
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CPL
Damien Cairns directs a Roulettes PC-9 into position after
the display team’s performance at the Australian International
Air Show.
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Photo
by PTE John Wellfare
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I
WAS pleased to see the story in the May 5 edition of Air Force
newspaper giving some exposure to the Roulette ground crew.
Although one of the greatest aspects of our ground crew is their
humble approach to their work, I feel that some of the quotes
and the “tone” of the article go too far in downplaying
the role of our ground crew.
I know the story said as a closing comment that the pilots “know
it” when it comes to the importance of the groundies, but
we know it a lot more than they are prepared to portray for fear
of being seen to “blow their trumpets” in an un-Australian
way.
As you have alluded to, our appreciation of Roulette ground crew
does extend well beyond “just a token gesture” and all
members of the team appreciate just how much they do to enhance
our safety in the air, but also free us to do the important on-the-ground
PR work like meeting the public and signing the thousands of posters
that were handed out at the air show.
We all work very hard at events like Avalon and we wouldn’t
be anywhere near as effective without the support that we receive.
SQNLDR Dennis Tan
Roulette 1
Central Flying School, East Sale
Inequality
in remote localities
Members Without Dependants serving in remote
localities have to forfeit their next of kin travel to receive
the same remote leave entitlement as members with families, says
Graham Howatt, of the Armed Forces Federation.
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Remote
locality leave travel is designed to provide members relief
from the climate and isolated conditions of a remote locality.
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Photo
by PTE John Wellfare
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THE
ADF completed a review of the remote locality conditions of service
package in July last year, but we are yet to see members who are
posted to designated remote areas enjoy any fruits from their
labour.
The current package of entitlements has prevailed without much
change for more than 30 years. It is comprised of district allowance,
remote locality leave travel (RLLT), airconditioning allowance
(for some locations) and additional recreation leave.
The Federation welcomes an enhanced package of entitlements being
delivered to members sooner rather than later and would also welcome
a better deal being provided for single members, in particular,
regarding RLLT.
There is a strong perception by single members in the ADF that
they get “dudded” when they are posted to a locality
that attracts eligibility to RLLT. As you read on it will be easier
to understand why they feel that way.
The purpose of RLLT is to “provide relief from the climate
and isolated conditions of a remote locality, and at the same
time provide for access to medical, dental and shopping facilities
not available there”.
It stems from a long-standing APS entitlement and is available
to members and family (where applicable) living in the remote
locality. The frequency of the entitlement is either annual or
biennial, subject to the grading of the locality with regard to
district allowance. Travel is to the nearest capital city by air.
In the case of Darwin, for example, this would be to Adelaide.
Fair enough for a member with a family, but if a Member Without
Dependants (MWOD) accesses the entitlement to RLLT he or she forfeits
the next of kin (NOK) free travel entitlement. Why? The NOK free
travel is granted for an entirely different purpose and should
not be affected by the remote conditions package.
This situation creates the perception that the family member gains
an entitlement while the single member loses one. Surely this
is a disincentive for the MWOD to serve or remain in a remote
locality and creates an inequity that requires urgent correction.
The Federation has raised this issue with ADF management and we
urge them to address this aspect of the remote conditions of service
package without further delay.
Graham
Howatt is the industrial officer of the Armed Forces Federation
of Australia.
