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| CRA extended Edition 4907, May 3, 2007 |
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The changes recognised that age was no longer a good predictor of a member’s ability to serve and contribute effectively to the ADF, Dr Nelson said. “Our people are remaining fit, capable and keen to serve beyond the former retirement age of 55 for permanent members,” he said. The necessary changes to the Defence (Personnel) Regulations 2002 are expected to be implemented by July 1. The key changes are: - Increase the CRA for permanent ADF forces personnel up to AIRMSHL to 60 and 63 for ACM; - Increase CRA for Reserves to 65; - Remove the upper limit for age extensions in respect of all permanent and Reserve ADF personnel; - Amend CRAs for permanent and Reserve chaplains and age extensions as indicated above. - Increase of five years in the maximum recruiting age, in line with the increase in CRA. “Permanent ADF members may now serve until 60, giving them greater career flexibility and certainty in planning for later retirement,” Dr Nelson said. “It also addresses a key separation issue cited by members, namely the need to leave the ADF ‘while still young enough to start a second career’. “CRA 60 better reflects community standards and allows the ADF to retain the skills and experience of its highly-trained people longer. This is significant, particularly when the ADF is facing the challenge of recruiting more people and reducing its separation rate.” It also meant that the potential recruitment pool had been expanded and older candidates may be considered for ADF entry as long as they met aptitude, health and physical fitness standards. Some careers such as aircrew, commandos and entry through the Australian Defence Force Academy would maintain an upper age limit for entry. “Superannuation arrangements will remain unchanged for current ADF contributors and eligible members of the Military Superannuation and Benefits Scheme may access retirement benefits at age 55 if they choose to leave the workforce at that point,” Dr Nelson said. “Continued military service remains subject to ADF members maintaining their health and physical fitness standards, irrespective of age. “As a transition measure, Air Force personnel who will reach CRA before December 31 this year are invited to apply for an age extension up to 60. “Those who have already applied for an age extension, albeit possibly years in advance of reaching CRA, will be advised of the status of their application by DP-AF no later than May 1.” To avoid unnecessary administrative effort, members due to reach CRA after December 31 should await the regulatory changes rather than submit a CRA extension request. For more information, visit the DPE website at http://intranet.defence.gov.au/pac/ |
