Final salute

Volume 48, No. 23, December 14, 2006

LAST STAND: After 22 years, the Armed Forces Federation of Australia will close its doors on December 28. Photo by AB Paul McCallum

DPE’s response MAJGEN Mark Evans, Head Personnel Executive, writes: ArFFA has played a significant advocacy role and made valuable contributions to the development of ADF conditions of service and remuneration over many years and it is unfortunate that the Federation has not been able to grow or sustain its membership. While it is fair to say that ArFFA’s views were occasionally contrary to those of the official Defence position, they were always respected and considered fully during departmental and Defence Force Remuneration Tribunal deliberations. Defence will continue to consult with ADF members to the maximum extent possible during the development of conditions of service packages and pay cases.

By WOFF Gina Goninon
Federation Federal President

IT IS with much sadness that I advise all ADF members that the Armed Forces Federation of Australia will turn out the office lights for the last time on December 28, 2006.

The dreaded day finally arrived when the Federal Executive Committee had to face the fact that depleted membership funds were insufficient to produce a balanced budget, maintain our office and staff, and continue to effectively represent our members in all matters relating to remuneration and conditions of service.

Ironically, while membership has been falling over the years, our involvement with ADF remuneration and conditions of service has continued to increase. We’ve been doing more with less and enjoyed quite a few successes for members along the way.

All the while we continued, through our regional representatives and executive members, to encourage more ADF members to join the Federation. But for whatever reasons, we have not been able to stimulate sufficient interest in membership and the downward spiral has continued to a level that is untenable.

ADF members may recall the ArFFA survey form that was circulated in all Service newspapers last February. The purpose of that survey was to gain feedback on members’ knowledge of the Federation and whether there was sufficient support for the organisation to continue.

While only a small percentage of survey forms were returned, the vast majority of respondents supported the continued operation of the Federation. Sadly though, those indicating support chose not to assist the Federation by putting their hands in their pockets to become financial members.

Also, we became starved of members who would take up a leadership role. Many indicated they were committed to the Federation’s goals but they were time-poor and, again for whatever reason, unwilling to step up and represent their fellow members. Sad really, when the ADF prides itself as an organisation that is focused on its people and leadership skills. Closing the Federation appeared to be the only responsible way ahead.

We informed the CDF of our plight at our scheduled meeting with him on August 29. He asked what could be done for the Federation to continue operations, stating he valued the independent voice the Federation provided to him, and saw us as a legitimate way for ADF members to raise issues of concern outside of the chain of command.

Our immediate response was to request office space in a Defence complex in Canberra similar to that provided to the DFA, RDFWA and various other associations. That would assist us reduce our operating costs and release funds for the Federation to re-group and rejuvenate itself. Closure action was suspended for this possible lifeline to be examined, but yet again, office space was denied. That became the last nail in the coffin and we now prepare to lay the Federation to rest.

It is with much sadness that we farewell Jean Bruce, our steadfast operations manager, and Graham Howatt, our courageous and highly effective industrial officer.
Unbeknown to most ADF members, the commitment of these two people, along with Federation leaders past and present, has delivered us all - members and non-members – the hard-won benefits we enjoy today.

The only question now is, who will ADF members turn to for help when the Defence bureaucrats, both civilian and military, see an opportunity to save money at members’ expense? And who will be the voice to protect our interests regarding pay and conditions of service when the Federation ceases to exist? Let‘s hope history doesn’t repeat itself.

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