Issue 212, October 2006
 |
Go to previous edition |
Go
to Home Page
|
 |
Go to next edition |
|
The Regulars Update is a monthly newssheet (except that December and January are combined) containing items which could be of interest to the Service and ex-Service community. This newssheet is distributed to some politicians, some media outlets, some 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. Update is posted to our web site soon after its distribution.
The federal Government has been forced to delay legislation to reform Australia’s military justice system following criticism from the Judge Advocate General of the Defence Force and the Law Council of Australia. The legislation, due in parliament on 18 October, was withdrawn when the Judge Advocate General Leonard Roberts-Smith told a Senate committee that legislation could be “catastrophic” and the Law Council said it would not be an advance on the present system. The government is having the legislation re-drafted and a further committee hearing is scheduled for 27 October on the revised legislation.
The Australian Defence Force Financial Services Consumer Council, which will provide independent financial education to Australian Defence Force members and their families, has been launched. The Consumer Council will assist ADF members in making informed decisions about their financial futures.
The Consumer Council is independent, consisting of a range of people within and outside Defence, combining service experience with extensive knowledge of the financial services industry. The Council will be chaired by Mr Ken Kipping AM, a long time supporter of the ADF and consumer advocate, with wide experience in the insurance, superannuation and financial services industries.
He will be joined by Wing Commander Robert M.C. Brown FCA, the current chair of the Institute of Chartered Accountants Australia’s financial planning committee and member of their national superannuation committee and RAAF Specialist Reservist; Mr Glen Tye, Defence’s Director of Personnel Support and Amenities; and the three Directors General-Personnel of the Navy, Army and Air Force, Commodore Nigel Coates, Brigadier Paul Symon and Air Commodore Lee Roberts.
Young Endeavour Youth Scheme
Prominent Australian companies have been encouraged to become members of the Young Endeavour Youth Scheme’s Admiral 100 Club. Since 1988, the Young Endeavour Youth Scheme (YEYS) has offered a dynamic development program for nearly 500 young Australians every year aboard the tall ship – Young Endeavour, in partnership with the Royal Australian Navy, corporate and community organizations.
Admiral 100 Club members sponsor a young Australian to be a youth crew member on an 11-day voyage which focuses on developing leadership, communication and teamwork skills. Crew learn to push personal boundaries in a uniquely challenging ocean setting. A majority of youth crew members are selected by a twice-yearly ballot process from Australian States and Territories, with YEYS also offering financial assistance to ensure the program is accessible to all young Australians. The Admiral 100 Club is another avenue for involving the Australian community in youth development.
NEW FAMILY STABILITY INITIATIVE FOR DEFENCE
The Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence Bruce Billson recently announced that Australian Defence Force members will have more flexibility in choosing geographical stability for their families to reduce the impact of postings on children’s education and spouse and partner employment. The new ADF Family Stability Initiative gives military personnel who are required to relocate on posting the opportunity to choose geographical stability for their families.
Families may elect to remain at their present localities to maintain housing and employment continuity for spouses and partners. Upheavals associated with packing up the household and moving away from friends, extended family and other community networks may also be avoided. Children may also be allowed to remain at their current schools in familiar education programs and among their friends.
Under the Initiative, ADF members who choose locational stability for their families will proceed to their new posting locations unaccompanied. To help overcome difficulties associated with family separation, ADF members will receive a comprehensive conditions of service package that includes accommodation or rent and meals assistance, up to six family reunion visits a year and assistance with additional costs associated with living away from their families.
The Family Stability Initiative will be introduced before the ADF’s end-of-year posting cycle and removes previous policy and administrative limitations for unaccompanied postings.
VETERANS’ REVIEW BOARD NEW MEMBERS ANNOUNCED
The Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Bruce Billson recently announced the appointment of 25 part-time members of the Veterans’ Review Board (VRB). The VRB is an independent tribunal that reviews decisions or determinations of the Repatriation Commission, the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission, and the Service Chiefs of the Navy, Army and Air Force in relation to rehabilitation programs for members of the Services.
Fifteen of the appointees are new to the Board and 10 are reappointments. They join 16 current members to bring the total membership of the Board to 41. All appointees exhibited strong administrative capacity and broad skills and life experience and a number were recommended by national ex service organisations. The appointments are:
Senior Members
Mr John Charles Cooke (NSW),
Ms Julie Cowdroy (QLD), Dr Marella Louise Denovan (QLD),
Mr Robert Walter George Hume RFD (QLD), Ms Hilary Lorraine Kramer (NSW),
Ms Loretta Margaret Re (NSW), Mr Alan Leslie Thompson AM (VIC), Mr Christopher
Charles Hamilton Wray (VIC), Mr Leslie James Young (NSW).
Services Members
Dr Robert Barham Black AM RFD (SA), Mr
Frank Edward Burtt OBE (NSW), Mr Anthony Michael Carwardine AO (ACT),
Mr Laurence John Lewis AM (SA), Mr Alexander Richard Main (QLD), Mr Roger Alfred
Tiller AM CSC (NSW), Mr Bruce Robert Wood (NSW), Ms Beverley Christine Wright
CSM RFD (ACT).
Members
Ms Sharon Elizabeth Brennan
(VIC), Mr Robert Anthony Brumm PSM (QLD), Ms Susan Denise Gillett (WA), Ms Elayne Joyce Hayes
(NSW), Ms Morag Angus McColm (QLD), Mr Anthony James Wales (SA), Mr David Symon Wilkins
(NSW), Ms Sylvia Winters (QLD).
Mr L.J. Bienkiewicz – 0411 444248
Commodore H J P Adams (Retd) - 02 6292 1452
|
|
Go to previous edition |
Go
to Home Page |
|
Go to next edition |
|
