From:
Steve Hartigan Email:
[email protected]
Subject: AVADSC Indexation initiative
Recipient Group:
AVADSC Indexation initiative
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I have been requested to pass on the following information Please note that if you respond your personal details will not be included in any onwards submission.
The Australian Veterans and Defence Services Council Inc (AVADSC), a national organisation which represents its member ex-service organisations, provides a forum for consideration of and, where necessary, joint representations on repatriation and conditions of service matters of importance and concern to the Defence and veteran communities.
For many years the erosion of the superannuation benefits to retired service personnel has been a major source of concern, particularly the method of indexation, which has resulted in a decline of living standards of retired service personnel.
A number of government enquiries have occurred to which the RSL, DFWA and AVADSC have made submissions. However, nothing has been changed and no progress has been made to adjust the declining situation.
AVADSC, in its submissions, has argued, amongst other issues, the uniqueness of military service highlighting that those who join the Defence Force commit to conditions distinct from other employment. The submissions have also highlighted that the readiness of the Defence Force is, and always has been, a critical factor that allows this country to grow its international standing with all the economic, political and social benefits that go with it.
The regular Defence Force is the force at immediate readiness to meet government commitments and is custodian of the integrity and quality of the capabilities and values that have made it possible for governments to commit the Defence Force in ways that have advanced Australia’s national objectives. Also members of the Defence Force experience conditions of the military lifestyle that disadvantage them when compared with civilian employment whether private sector or the Public Service.
This contribution to an Australian lifestyle enjoyed by the general community and the disadvantages of military service, recognised by government studies over many decades, set the Defence Force apart from all others in the community. In view of this uniqueness of military service, AVADSC has argued that the superannuation provisions of defence personnel should be segregated from those in civilian employment whether in the private sector or the Public Service.
However, despite the force of AVADSC and other submissions, nothing has been changed and the deterioration of the standard of living of retired service personnel continues to decline to the extent that many are now being forced to seek financial assistance from the safety net provided by social services. This is degrading to those who are forced to do this and is an inappropriate image of the outcome of Defence Force service. Hence, AVADSC and the other larger organisations of current and ex-military personnel have committed to continue the fight to achieve an improved standard of living of ex-military personnel. – all that is expected is that they will be able to live to a reasonable standard, not an unreasonable expectation of people who have served this country in its military services and one which places a true value on their worth.
To further its case with the Government, AVADSC is developing a portfolio of actual case studies without names but based on real people to demonstrate in each case the failure of retired pay to maintain quality of life standards. The information we are seeking is:
• Rank on discharge;
• Number of years’ service;
• Age on discharge;
• Retired pay on discharge;
• Current retired pay under military superannuation;
• Employment and superannuation history after discharge;
• Employment and superannuation history of spouse;
• Home ownership factors, ie, whether still paying a mortgage;
• Sources of income other than superannuation and social welfare;
• Annual rate of pay for same rank in Defence Force;
• Access to social welfare.
• Children still living at home.
Accordingly, it would be appreciated if your organisation could distribute this request for case studies amongst your members or constituencies and request their consideration of it. Any queries or responses to this letter should be sent to
Doug Roser
C/o AVADSC
PO Box Q314
QVB Post Office
SYDNEY NSW 1230
or to him at email
[email protected].
We are encouraged in the merit of our argument for recognition of the unique circumstances of military service by an article in the respected UK weekly, The Economist, which states that there is ‘an argument for giving some public-sector workers, such as the police or the armed forces, higher pay and benefits in the form of pensions’.
Ian Crawford
RADM RAN (RET’D)
National President