Dear MBF Members,
The MBF Board of Directors, would like to take the opportunity to clarify a few outstanding issues in regards to the ongoing Rules Voting, specifically drawing attention to Rule 6c discussed throughout this thread.
Rule 6c proposed changes are a clarification of the existing rule only, which currently allows the Trustee not to make payments to members if their Class 1 has been suspended temporarily, or cancelled permanently where members are receiving payments for any disability recognised by any repatriation or statutory authority. WorkCover currently falls into this category. Hence the proposed rule change is solely a clarification of the existing rule to make it clearer to members. The treatment of WorkCover benefits is no different in the new or old Rules.
This does not mean that you are ineligible to claim your benefits, you could receive 12 months from WorkCover and there would be nothing preventing you from receiving your MBF benefits for the FULL two years afterward. If the condition were to be permanent, after the waiting period, you could make a claim for your Capital lump sum payment (which has been preserved by taking WorkCover payments). Your Capital payment is then free of tax.
The advantage of 'mutual benefit' is that we are driven by rules designed to look after YOU the member rather than profits or returns to shareholders. The Trustee Board is comprised of pilots who understand the needs of pilots but exercise a rigorous process of assessment to ensure all statutory entitlements are taken into account. This governance is why the MBF is in such a good position to support those pilot members who need our help each month, none of whom would be affected by this change.
The suggestion that the MBF could refuse a payment based on your assertion is extreme. It seems predicated on an assumption that there is something to be gained by refusing claims without good reason. Remember, the Board are all members (looking for the same protections as you) and volunteer their time and efforts specifically to help provide a robust Fund that will look after all of us as well as the next generation of pilots.
It’s not accurate to say that this constitutes a major shift. It was and will remain the case that: were you to work whilst receiving MBF benefits that there would be no reduction in monthly benefits. If your employer pays salary continuance, you have a farm or work part time, none of that is taken into account. During this time, it’s not uncommon for members to actually receive much more income than they would by flying alone.
Every month the Board exercises its discretion in the interests of the members. Judgements are made about hardship and early payments on a regular basis. Where the Board is satisfied of the genuine nature of a claimant, everything is done to assist the Member.
We encourage you to write your concerns to the Board so that it can be discussed formally. Whilst this process is well and truly under way, rules can change any time and this can come from the membership. Every email that comes to the Board is read to the Board and discussed. The Board is very mindful that the MBF is in a competitive space and it is with this in mind that the product has been massively enhanced over the past few years (based on an exhaustive consultation with the membership).
If you have any further questions, we urge you to speak directly with our Chairman, David Harget. Please call 03 9928 4500 or email
[email protected] and the MBF staff will put you in contact with him.