RAAF salary update?

[Arm out the window]

This came up a while ago, as it does regularly, and I'd just like to resurrect it again - any news from whoever may know about the 'allowances into salary' rumour?

It would be pretty dandy for me if it happened in the next few months, but I'm certainly not holding my breath!

Thanks in advance to all the fonts of knowledge who have their fingers on the pulse.

[doublehelix]

I've heard nothing for the last few months.

I have a sneaking suspicion that the RAAF feels that pilot retention is no longer a problem since Sept 11.

doublehelix

[GCP]

Lots of good work was done in Canberra on this matter. Things did go a bit quiet whilst the report of the 'Nunn Review' into ADF remuneration was prepared, given to Government and a response decided. A week or two ago the Govt released its response. The CAF told all CO's to brief their personnel on the government's response, so you should know all about it!!?? You can find it on DEFWEB and read it yourself if need be.

One of the recommendations would have the effect you (all of us) desire, Arm out the window, for salary related allowances.

The government's response was to declare a six month consultation period so that Service Chief's can get the views of members on the recommendations. I won't say any more on that, and I don't know what happens if the government changes in a few weeks time.

I am afraid that if you are to get your pension boost you will have to wait until the Chiefs' report and then a claim is made in the DFRT. I would be surprised if a case was not ready to put very soon after the consultation period. Meantime, watch the election results and let your bosses know your views. If a claim is to be made it may be worth your while to stick out an extra few months to get the long-term benefit.

DNA - Yes, some people display that view. I think they will be set straight. People are still working on it and having some success, considering that September gives a little breathing space to do the job properly. The reality is that September will have little long term effect on us. Paradoxically, the collapse of AN could make loss rates increase. Hardly anyone went to AN in recent years but a big percentage go to the now dominant and growing player.

Regards.

[ozy_rotorhead]

If you are about to retire Arm Out The Window, even if it takes effect soon you probably won't get much benifit as I understand pensions are calculated on Final Average Salary (laste 3 years). I could be wrong though. Best of luck.

[Arm out the window]

Towers, thanks very much for that. Unfortunately it looks like I'll miss out, as I'm locked into departing in Jan. Perhaps a retrospective claim would be the go (fat chance!).

Reference the 3 years, Ozy Rotorhead, I thought that too, but (unless I'm still confused) I think I read advice recently that has it based on your salary when you actually depart, rather than averaging it over the last while.

[Roller Merlin]

Arm,
If you are still on DFRDB, the three year thing probably does not apply. Also don't burn your bridges on exit and maintain contact with the system, since some accrued 4J3 Reserve service here and there may get you into the next increment in the future.
RM (reserve specialist!)

[guvner]

This big boost to pensions is that flying pay may get rolled into calculations for your FAS. (final average salary) For those on 25K per annum flying allowance that makes a 'kin big difference!

[GCP]

To clarify for all.

If you are on DFRDB your benefits are based on the salary you are earning on the day you leave.

If you are on MSBS your benefits are based on final average salary over the last three years.

At the risk of changing the topic I wonder whether it is well known that the govt and tax dept recently changed the bonus payment tax rules for the Pilot Retention Bonus that many still have. A bunch of ex-mil pilots got some legal advice and raised the issue with their local members with success! If you get out before your PRB period has expired you have to pay it back pro rata on the gross amount before tax (ie more than you got). You can now ask the tax department to re-assess your return for the year you received the bonus to decrease your income by the amount you repaid and get a tax refund for that portion repaid.
Regards.

[Booger]

So, the $64000 question (literally!) is:

IF the Nunn review sees fit to roll flying pay into base wage for FAS calculations, how will the "sunset clause" work for MSBS types?

eg. If it's implemented now - does 'Arm out the Window' get two years of base wage + 1 year of base+flying pay averaged, or will he get a retrospective 3 years of base+flying pay average???

I foresee huge MSBS discrepancies for many similar time/experience RAAFies if the formula is the former...

Anyone care to comment? :confused: