Important
message from DCAF, AVM John Blackburn
Volume 48, No. 15, August 24, 2006
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Deputy
Chief of Air Force, AVM John Blackburn.
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Frontline
is a Commonwealth authority that supports Army and Air Force with
canteen and tavern services on bases and on certain operations
and exercises. These services are important to the morale and
welfare of our personnel and, in some locations like Tindal, also
support Air Force families.
Air Force has participated in a departmental review of Frontline
and it is clear that the organisation requires renewal if it is
to be an effective provider of services. Over the last five years
several factors, including smaller base populations and increased
retail competition, have adversely affected its profitability.
Unless action is taken to improve its profitability, we will lose
this support.
My staff are working with Frontline, Army and other Defence Groups
to put in place sustainable arrangements that provide a good level
of service to customers. I ask you for your patience and support
while these changes are made. Most importantly, I ask you to continue
to support Frontline with your custom. Frontline exists to serve
Air Force and Army people and relies on your custom.
While Frontline will continue to operate canteen services, some
changes, such as store opening hours, should be expected. Some
may already have noticed the closure of the Pay Plan facility.
Though I appreciate that Pay Plan was attractive to customers,
there are ready alternatives for most of the products sold under
the scheme. The RAAF Welfare Trust Fund also provides loans for
a variety of purposes.
There is still a great deal of work to be done to determine the
new arrangements for canteen and tavern services. As these become
clearer over the next few months, more details will be provided.
Air Force arrangements with Frontline are staffed by AIRCDRE Ken
Birrer, who may be contacted on (02) 6127 4152 or at ken.birrer@defence.gov.au.
