The Regulars Update is a monthly newssheet (except for January) containing items, of interest to the Service and ex-Service community.  This newssheet is distributed to some politicians, media outlets, senior Service officers and RDFWA branches.  Branches are encouraged to distribute Update further.  Input and feedback from all branches will enhance the content and quality of this newssheet.  Soon after its distribution Update is posted to our web site at www.rdfwa.org.au.  The website contains information about joining RDFWA.

 DRAWDOWN OF TIMOR DEPLOYMENT STARTS

The ADF has commenced a gradual drawdown of forces in Timor-Leste. At the height of operations, the ADF had about 3000 personnel from Army, Navy and Air Force deployed.  As the security situation continues to improve and the focus moves more to police operations, elements of the military force that were essential in the initial deployment will return to Australia and their families.

The ADF drawdown will not be conducted on a set time-line. Decisions to withdraw personnel and equipment will be based on careful monitoring of the conditions in Timor-Leste.  Although some personnel and equipment are returning to Australia, a robust Australian military force will remain in Timor-Leste. Australia remains committed to providing a stable environment to enable the people of Timor-Leste to resolve the issues that have caused recent tensions peacefully.

Naval assets involved in the sustainment of the initial deployment, including HMAS Kanimbla and three Army Blackhawk helicopters, have returned to Australia. Over the next few weeks it is planned that an infantry company, about 23 Armoured Personnel Carriers (APC) and crews, and some logistic and headquarters staff will also return. 

These reductions will leave an Australian force of around 2000 in Timor-Leste based on a reduced infantry battalion group, with APC and helicopter support.  Further reductions are anticipated in due course as the security situation continues to improve and a comprehensive civilian logistic support contract is implemented.

Future forces in Timor-Leste are likely to be underpinned by an international security force made up of police and military elements. Discussions are continuing with the Timor-Leste Government and the international community regarding the structure and contribution that Australia could make to this force.

OUTCOMES FROM THE COMBAT CLOTHING INQUIRY

The Government’s response to the Review of Combat Clothing procurement will improve the process to provide a high standard of clothing and equipment to ADF serving personnel.  The Report does not contain any findings to the contrary.

In March the Clothing Review Team was appointed to review the systems in place to ensure troops have the best possible clothing and personal equipment. The Review Team comprised Mr Mike Harding, Dr Alan Kallir and Air Vice Marshal Bob Treloar.  The Report has identified some deficiencies with the business practices, systems and management associated with the procurement of ADF clothing.  There are 29 recommendations that address five key areas of Business practices and processes; Management and organisation; Industry and commerce; Governance and probity; and Defence Science and Technology. The Defence Materiel Organisation is already acting on some of these recommendations. All of the Report’s recommendations will be implemented.

Advancements in technology will be further developed by a closer working relationship with the Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO).

SINGLE ADF MEMBERS TO PAY LESS FOR LIVING-IN ACCOMMODATION

The Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence Bruce Billson recently announced today that single ADF members will pay less for Living-in Accommodation (LIA).  Mr Billson said Defence had completed work on a new method for calculating the LIA contribution paid by many single ADF members.  The new method is based on the assessed average market rent for LIA using valuations produced by the Australian Valuation Office.

Members will pay a rate for their accommodation that is a proportion of the national average rental cost of similar accommodation in the private sector.  Using a national average protects ADF members from regional differences in rental markets as they move on posting.  The new method applies the same principle already used to calculate contributions paid by members with dependants who live in service residences.

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE TO post-armistice KOREA SERVICE REPORT

The Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence, the Hon Bruce Billson MP, has outlined the Government’s response to the Defence aspects of the Post-armistice Korean Service Review Report.  Some Australian ex-service personnel have strongly lobbied to have the Australian Service Medal 1945 – 75 upgraded to the Australian Active Service Medal (AASM) 1945-75 and accompanied by the issue of the Returned from Active Service Badge (RASB).

While acknowledging these efforts, Mr Billson said that after further consultation and careful consideration, the Government has accepted the view of Defence that the service of those in post-armistice Korea was not considered “warlike” for the purposes of awarding the AASM 1945-75 or RASB.  He reiterated that the end of the combatant phase of the Korean War was defined by the signing of the Armistice on 27 July 1953.  

Although the Working Party’s findings recommended the establishment and awarding of a General Service Medal (GSM) and RASB, only one Australian military service medal is awarded to recognise a single type of service in such circumstances. The ASM 1945-75 with Clasp ‘KOREA’ has been duly awarded for this service.  In line with this policy, the award of the RASB is considered inconsistent with the awarding of the ASM, as the RASB is only awarded for “warlike” service.”

Appointment of Managing Director for Defence Housing Authority

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Defence, Senator Sandy Macdonald, Special Minister of State, The Hon Gary Nairn MP and the Chairman of the Defence Housing Authority (DHA), have announced the appointment of Mr Michael Del Gigante as DHA’s Managing Director.  The appointment, by the Board of the DHA, took effect from 4 August 2006.

DHA is a Government Business Enterprise with over $6 billion worth of residential properties under its management.  Mr Del Gigante was appointed Acting Managing Director of DHA on 1 September 2005, and was DHA’s Chief Operating Officer from early 2004. Before joining DHA, Mr Del Gigante was Chief Executive Officer of TransACT Communications, and Chief Financial Officer of ActewAGL prior to that.

Mr Del Gigante has held senior positions with the World Bank and the Inter-American Investment Corporation in Washington DC. He has also worked for a large American telecommunication company (Verizon – previously GTE) both in Europe and the United States, and for the Banco di Santo Spirito in Italy.  He is a Fellow of CPA Australia and of the AICD. He is also a member of the Advisory Board of the Royal Australian Mint.

DHA was established in 1987 and provides high quality housing and relocation services to members of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and their families, to meet the operational requirements of the Department of Defence. 

The Authority manages around 17,000 residences across Australia and acquires houses through a mix of construction, purchase and leasing. Every year, DHA arranges around 30,000 relocations for ADF members and their families.  Through an innovative Sale and Leaseback Program (SLB), DHA develops quality residential properties in key locations across the country, sells them to investors and then leases them back.

Mr L.J. Bienkiewicz – 0411 444248
Commodore H J P Adams (Retd) - 02 6292 1452

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