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BREAKING NEWS….INDEPENDENT AUSTRALIA EXCLUSIVE
KNOW YOUR ENEMY — DIGGERS VERSUS THE GILLARD GOVERNMENT
by Tess Lawrence
By Tess Lawrence | Contributing editor-at-large
“In 30 years as a member of the Labor Party, I continually found greed, corruption, self-interest, branch stacking and elected representatives who often scoffed at the plight of their constituents…” ~ Former NSW Labor politician Ian McManus
Our Diggers are at war.
Not with the Taliban.
Not with Al-Qaeda.
But with the Australian Government.
Our Diggers have been betrayed.
Not by the Taliban.
Not by Al-Qaeda.
But by the Australian Government.
They have been subjected to political waterboarding and demeaned by the ‘scuttling’ of the Coalition’s Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits Amendment Bill (Fair Indexation) 2010 that would have afforded them and their heirs a few more paltry dollars in the event they lived long enough — or didn’t.
Yesterday was the first anniversary of what must rank as the most ill thought political assassination in Australia since Federation.
It saw Julia Gillard, the Red Queen, eased by her ambitious and needy courtiers into the Labor Party’s High Chair, already heavily stained with bodily fluids, over the (quelle horreur) workaholic incumbent Kevin Rudd.
Julia Gillard kisses retiring former head of the Armed Forces Air Chief Marshall Angus Houston
The previous night, in fitting ceremony, all sides of parliament quite rightly paid tribute to the retiring Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, who is stepping down as Defence Chief.
Never mind that he’s reigned over a period of extraordinary disquiet — one enquiry alone dealing with about a 1000 allegations of sexual assault.
No doubt, as a civilian, Mr Houston will quite rightly enjoy a pension suitable to his station in life.
Sadly, our Vets and serving Diggers will not.
Some soldiers become bureaucrats more easily than others.
Retired Brigadier Neil Weekes is not one of those.
Yep, he was called up in Nasho and served with the 1st Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment, serving in South Vietnam where as a Platoon Commander he was awarded the Military Cross for Gallantry.
Fast forward to a lifetime of deaths. Today he is Patron of the Vietnam Veterans’ Association (Townsville Branch) and Patron of the National Servicemen’s Association of Australia (Townsville Branch and Patron of the Townsville Branch of the Returned and Services League of Australia (RSL) and a whole lot more.
He’s also a bit of a sacred elder. Not only to retired Diggers. But also to younger Diggers overseas.
But Neil and other military elders have told these kids to keep their heads down. He and others will take the hits for them.
One of those ‘others’ is none other than former NSW Labor politician Ian McManus. Neither Neil nor Ian intend to surrender. There will be no white flag.
Letter from Neil Weekes to Kate Lundy - click to open full letter
On June 22, a couple of days ago, Neil Weekes wrote to our prime minister Julia Gillard.
She’s the one who, in rightly sombre voice, wears the widow’s weeds for our grieving nation.
And we have much to grieve about in our unwinnable wars.
Especially given the increasing death toll in Afghanistan, where the body bags number 27 with about 179 of our kids now wounded. Our grieving family members are in their hundreds.
We have all witnessed the prime minister and leader of the Opposition, Tony Abbott express their profound sorrow and sympathy. These are becoming common prayers. Amongst us all.
America’s withdrawal leaves a vacuum that we can never fill. Save for our young corpses.
The tears of our politicians might as well be courtesy of Actor’s Equity.
Neil also sent Senators Xenophon, Wong, Brown and Opposition Leader Tony Abbott a copy of the letter.
And he also sent Senator Kate Lundy a copy. And this is important. Because Senator Lundy, as it turns out, is the Tokyo Rose of the Labor Party. Might as well make that a whole bouquet.
How so?
Firstly, in Neil’s words:
“It is a complete mockery for members of our Parliament to attend the funerals of our young warriors who have been killed in action, and to observe a minute’s silence in the House of Representatives and in the Senate and yet you reject a Bill which would have aligned the increases…with our old age pensioners.
“….This is immoral, it lacks the principle of a “fair go” espoused by all politicians and especially by the Labor Party.
“How do you explain this to a Veteran who has fought for his country, who has been sent into action by his Government, who has seen his mates fall in action, who has readily surrendered his own freedoms so that our nation can meet its international commitments and to ensure our nation remains free?”
How so indeed.
In an extraordinary and forthright letter to Senator Kate Lundy, Ian McManus vented a injured spleen.
The Bill was lost by one vote. That one vote was Kate Lundy’s. She had pledged her vote to the lads. Silly us. We forget the basics of war. It is the enemy within that will undo us.
Ian McManus email to Kate Lundy (click on image to see email at full size)
I quote McManus:
“It has come to my notice that you may have voted in the negative recently on a motion, supported by the “peoples” house against the above bill (Fair Indexation Bill).
“…this is a shameful act against veterans of the past, present and future….”
Ian McManus outlined agonising with his conscience between his Labor working class family ethics — and the veterans.
He chose his brethren. The Vets.
His outpouring is astounding and reveals the hypocrisy and contempt shown for ‘ordinary people’.
“In 30 years as a member of the Labor Party, I continually found greed, corruption, self-interest, branch stacking and elected representatives who often scoffed at the plight of their constituents.
“In contrast, I continued to meet with veterans who continue to help each other find peace in their troubled lives.
“I am giving up on the once great ALP.
“Countless Millions of taxpayer dollars is (sic) pouring out of this country every day to placate countries who have little regard for our way of life, seemingly in a vain effort to win their governments over, at the expense of people like our returned servicemen and women.”
There is much that is disturbing in all of this; not the least is the morale of our defence forces serving overseas. And their families here in Australia. They also serve who stand and wait.
Australians in Vietnam
Every time there is a news flash about a bombing or an incident, Australian defence families hold their breath.
The reality is that morale is at an all-time low. The Gillard Government and the Coalition are preoccupied with popularity polls.
The obscene and tragic reality of spinmeistering means that presiding over sombre and funereal rituals of our fallen military dead, and donning faux camouflage in situ in protected and fortified green zones, can indeed enhance one’s popularity ratings. Except it isn’t working for either the Government or the Opposition.
Australians have had a gutful. The Vets have had a gutful.
The morale of our mostly young Defence Forces is at stake. On home ground, it is clear from the level of bullying and sexual harassment that has been publicly identified that leadership has been wanting. Don’t forget that there is much that hasn’t been made public.
Kids serving overseas are concerned that if they are killed or wounded, disabled, or suffer from post-traumatic stress, or from the impact of deadly and toxic weaponry, their families may not be looked after by our Government.
It is simply not fair that our defence personnel should fight two battles. One, against an impervious ‘enemy’ and the other, against their own miserly Government.
Independent Australia salutes Neil Weekes and Ian McManus, and the many others who are fighting for justice for our Vets.
Lest we forget to remember.
George Mansford poem on the issue
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Australia License
2,141 Comments
The deceit and hypocrisy of this shambolic Gillard government is no more manifest than the recent scuttling of the Coalition’s Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits Amendment (Fair Indexation) Bill 2010 after gaining the veteran vote in 2007 on a promise to rectify the erosion of those benefits. But then, this is Labor all over- reneging on promises it made while sweeking power. Well here’s the promise of veterans to both Labor and the Greens- we will remember you, next election.
DON TATE, you are a champion and I thank you
for your service to this country. Spread the word
to all your mates about this. How dare Kate
Lundy tell you vets that no further correspondence
will be entered into over this matter!
This article says it all and I extend my sincere thanks to Tess Lawrence the author.
Yes I am afraid that no amount of name dropping or schmoozing by Senator Kate Lundy in the Senate or the public arena will soften the blow that Lundy and the other 32 conspiratorial Senators laid upon us on Wednesday the 16th of June 2010. As a consequence, Lundy (and local ACT MPs Leigh and Brodtmann) can expect a huge backlash from the 120, 433 members who are or will be affected in the local Canberra region (i.e. the 61,138 electors in the Division of Fraser and the 59,295 electors in the Division of Canberra …. and this does not include their spouses). It seems to be lost on Labor that it could have indeed been our vote nationally (at the last election because of the Matthew’s Review debacle) that nearly ousted them from Government in 2010.
I am truly at a loss as to how Labor can keep backing a bureaucratic estimates horse that has been proven to be completely lame. I am sure most have seen my various analyses (and that of DFWA/ADSO and RSL) that have shown how the Establishment’s unfunded liability estimates are completely flawed because of data errors, ill-conceived ideas and false assumptions.
I for one am not in favour of a new Living Cost Index (as suggested by Lundy) because it is not based on any solid science and because the Australian Bureau of Statistics has quite emphatically stated that “purchasing power” is a factor of “income” and “wealth” in real terms … not inflation alone. The constant suggestion of a new Living Cost Index is just (and has been) a delaying tactic and a distraction and if it was to be developed it will only be (at best) a derivation of inflation …. so it completely misses the point altogether! It is also interesting to note that such an index was mooted by the Senate back in 2000 and raised by the discredited Matthews’ Review and here we are 11 years later and nothing has been done …. that only demonstrates their lack of resolve and ticker to such a commitment!
Labor needs to stop puddle farting around and accept the call for an indexation mechanism that includes an income component … and that mechanism is: “the % increase in CPI, PBLCI or MTAWE, whichever is the greater”. They need to get the freaking message …. we will NOT accept anything less!
Notwithstanding the betrayal that has been perpetrated against us; the Senate’s decision on that fateful Wed also represents a huge injustice against the Australian community at large. The reason: Because the decision implicitly accepts the Government’s dodgy estimates and therefore unnecessarily allocates funds that must be notionally put to one side. This blind acceptance only reduces valuable resource allocations that could be redirected (now) into other needy programs such as health, age care etc etc (i.e. if the Establishment’s figures overstate the current liability by at least $25Billion (which I believe they do) then that is $25Billion that can’t be allocated or redirected into those other programs now). Also, and with my contention about the actual value of the current liability; I am of the firm opinion that the Future Fund is already at (or exceeds) the capacity to extinguish not only the current real liability but also any prospective liability that has new fair indexation applied.
Unfortunately, the Government’s latest decision (of which the Greens have shown their complicity on BS grounds) may now force the hand of retirees to pursue the matter through the halls of the Federal High Court because a major issue of social justice has failed to be addressed once again in the halls of Parliament. A High Court challenge (on the basis of a breach of employment contract) on which precedence in other legal jurisdictions is well grounded would not only seek a ruling on the fair indexation of defined benefits for all retirees but it would also seek 20+ years of retrospectively as well.
The current Labor/Greens Government has inextricably moved the Commonwealth closer to the precipice of litigation; a case I would suggest that would be the biggest in Australia’s legal history and a case that will cast them into the political wilderness for decades after the court of public opinion passes judgement on them also.
Also, I forgot to mention in my comment above (Second paragraph) that David Richarson of the Australia Institute has also brought into serious question, the Government’s unfunded liability estimates. He suggests a “$10Billion white hole”. Here’s the link:
https://www.tai.org.au/file.php?file=/media_releases/Accounting%20for%20a%20super%20mystery.pdf
Thank You Tess Lawrence…for having the courage to step up to the plate & defend our Diggers (Past & Present ) The plight of our Vets, with Indexation , means that they get less than any pensioner , or even any derelict , in receipt of Centrelink payments…Derelicts who may never have worked a day in their lives ..yet they are afforded more than our Diggers !! WHY ??? The hoops that our past Vets have to jump through , even to prove they were where they say they were in War..(due to ill kept records )means that some wallow in poverty, thanks to this and past Governments , IMPOSSIBLE criteria .
Never mind that they gave all , and then some ….they are STILL IGNORED…To all our Governments , over the last 40 years HAND YOUR HEADS IN SHAME ….Dont sicken & disgust our Vets , by turning up at their funerals for a photo opportunity .to look good in front of Australians , and then TURN YOUR BACKS ON THEIR FAMILIES , FIRST CHANCE YOU GET …SICKENING , DISGUSTING, and yet you say , that you HONOUR THEIR SERVICE ? WHAT A JOKE !!!
Thank you for bringing this to the attention of our general public. This is but one of a number of issues where those members of the ADF, who have served our Nation for 20 years or more (often in harm’s way), have been “bayoneted” and betrayed by successive governments. Military superannuants (read “pensioners”) are still taxed on their pensions (albeit with a 10% rebate) – the average military superannuation “pension”, after 20+ years, is a miserly $23,600.00, approx. Then there is the question of “commutation” where members have to continue repaying an advanced payment until they die. I am appalled that our politicians and our senior Defence members have allowed all this to happen. All we want is a fair go, to be treated exactly the same as our old age pensioners. Keep up the great work, Tess.
As a member of the general public, I am appalled at the way our Government is obviously treating those members of the ADF who have served our nation for 20 plus years.
How dare the Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition have the gall to attend the funerals of the soldiers killed in action, knowing full well this is only a public
photo oppportunity. As a proud Australian, I feel sick to the stomach that our long serving ADF have been treated so shabbily.
To all Politicians – hang your heads in shame. You will not be forgotten at the next election!
LEST WE FORGET
Well said Don, I agree with everything you said.
I served 20yrs in the Defence Force & only ask for a fair deal along with many others. I am fast becoming sceptical of anything this present Government promises or any Politician in general. Hopefuly the next election will send a loud & clear message, but will not be holding my breath.
Lest we forget.
Ian McManus, thank you for your honesty and thank you for coming out in defence of our ADF members. It must not have been an easy decision, bearing in mind your ALP background. You are obviously a man of principle and the Defence community owes you a debt of gratitude for speaking out, as do all decent Australians.
Thank you.
Julia ” love you Angus “Gillard gives fair indexation to:-
Murderers who has served 20 years in jail and now on aged pension
Illegal immigrants(refugees) now Australian residents, who have reached aged pension.
Her own parents if they are on the aged pension
the list goes on
I have nothing against aged pensioners getting fair indexation
But compared to Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston who will retire on the unfair DFRDB pension this is a disgrace.
Angus has more leadership in his little finger than Gillard
He has served this country for 40 years and gets treated like all the other DFRDB recipients and their widows/widowers.
Worse than a criminal or Illegal immigrant.
Shame Shame Shame
Oh aye, Tess Lawrence,
That’s the spirit Girl and get in their face and stay there for this lot are cowards and incompetents, all; it is the nature of the beast.
However, I do not understand the sudden outcry. Since when have the elected officials ever not taken the way of Judas? Tell me when these sycophants have never betrayed their constituents? Name one of these Offices that are of the straight back of integrity, honour, courage and compassion? And indeed, if there be such a one, of what use may I ask?
Aye Tess Lawrence; speak out and do the “j’accuse” but do not expect that the feral traitorous class, of even a moment’s shame in honourable consideration.
Thank you Tess Lawrence.
Tess, darling, we are at one again. I wholeheartedly agree.
I’m biassed of course, as I did nearly 40 years in uniform so I’d benefit if things changed as proposed. But that’s not the issue. It should be a matter of simple equity (fairness). Politicians would never dream of their pensions being indexed in the same way that former ADF members’ are.
Just a small correction, though. You say, “No doubt, as a civilian, Mr Houston will quite rightly enjoy a pension suitable to his station in life. Sadly, our Vets and serving Diggers will not.”
True enough, the pension of a four star officer is a lot higher than average (that’s how it works), but he’s subject to the same indexing as all the rest … and he’s also a Vet.
I am an ex serving member of the Permanent Armed Forces & joined just over 50 years ago last January. I have seen it all. I am not dependent upon the DFRB/DFRDB thank God but I am dependent upon the “SERVICE PENSION” (having seen quite a lot of Active Service). To be treated as Social outcasts throughout the 44 years since my discharge is akin to being treated as a “Pain in the neck”. I was discharged for injuries suffered during service which the Navy refused to treat and rather, discharged me into Civilian Street to fend for myself. I fought in Malaya, Indonesian Crisis & Vietnam and all of that is not worth a trice to the Governement. They claimed (when I went to a Veterans Review Board – one of THREE times) that the records were missing believed lost & so it was up to me to prove that I was worthy of a DISABILITY PENSION. After THREE visits, covering almost 20 years, and constant Psychiatric Care, I ended up calling a SPADE A SPADE & threw in the towel. TOO DAMNED HARD BY A MILE to consecutive Governments of whatever calling. ANGUS HOUSTON, relish the kiss & the GOLDEN HANDSHAKE & be assured you receive it on the back of the men whom carried you through your carreer. FOR SHAME, FOR SHAME. Yours Aye, Noel P Muller
Dear PETER THORNTON, thanks for putting all of this
in the public domain – so that the wider community can read
it and also use it for reference. Since writing the story
I have been informed of more apalling violations of economic
justice and equity in relation to Defence personnel past and present.
Peter, please send all of this to all your cobbers and Facebook and
Twitter et all. We need reinforcements in this. For too long
pollies have been operating on the divide and conquer rule.
No more.
Thank you Tess,
The injustice of this issue and the craven reprehensible conduct of our elected ” representaatives” in this matter is very much the tip of the icebergh. The ADF and our Anzac community have been subjected to systematic and calculated abuses by both the major parties going bach to the Whitlam era.( Arguably our most anti veteran prime minister ever.)
Now a minor party with the bit of political power between its teeth, has taken the opportunity to further ingratiate itself with the Gillard government and the expense of ADF superannuants.
Whilst the tabling of the bill by Sen Ronaldson was in itself commendable, the Liberals know that for 11 1/2 years that they were in government, they did NOTHING to redress this injustice and numerous others as well.
Only with the assistance of people like yourself Tess, can exposing the deceit and lies of our political system, can we hope to bring about the change that is required to bring justice, fairness and equity fo the ADF and veterans.
Thank you again,
Kevin Bovill
Vietnam Veteran
TPI
Dear JENNY BELL, it’s so wonderful to read
your passionate words. I believe in Justice
for everyone, including derelicts who are often
human beings who have been comsumed by an awful spiral
of events and misfortune. Indeed, some of the derelicts
I’ve encountered have been Vets unable to adjust the
horrors of their past with the difficulties of
living in the present.But I know what you’re saying
and I’m with you Sister. And we must stick together
to seek Justice for the Vets and for all Defence
personnel.
I have been reading your passionate replies in regard to the the deceitful betrayal by Kate Lundy and the Labour Party.Well I have an answer and that is to get behind a new Political Party a Party that will encourage past and present members of the ADF to nominate as candidates for the next Federal election and run against all those non supportive members who voted down the DFRDB Indexation Bill.I spent twenty years in the RAAF and I am passionate to see this Party get off the ground.For more information on the Party go to. http://www.australianactionparty.com
Dear JEANETTE BARTLETT,thank you for
your support, I know our Vets will
take heart that a fellow citizen cares
enough about this, to put it in writing.
Please send the article and comments to
all your cobbers and Facebook and Twitter.
Well done Tess Lawrence for furthering this issue in the public domain.
It is also pleasing to see support coming from outside the Veteran community.
The chips are down and we are being trampled on – this is a fight we have got to win.
Thank you Tess. Your support means so much to the ex Service Community and those who continue to serve in Australia and abroad.
What we need now is for ordinary Australians who know we have been wronged, to get behind us and help us take the battle forward to Canberra. If we give up on this we will continue to be ‘bucketed’ by politicians forever. They have no respect and their ‘emotions’ displayed in the House with every Digger who pays the supreme sacrifice is about as genuine as a$50 Rolex Watch bought in Thailand. Please continue to help us.
Dear JOHN GEORGE, I am very moved at what you have written You are spot on. I think a convoy to the lawns of Parliament is in order and
that you should demand an audience with The Red Queen, Commander in
Chief. We know she likes a man in uniform. By the way, were there any
senior Vets at Houston’s farewell?
By the way, does anyone know if Houston complained about the way you’ve all been mistreated ?
* And I will do my best to walk with you all through this.
Thank you, Tess, for being on the side of those who have battled for so long.
This is a great site & a great sight.
After so many fragmented battles over so many years, I just get the feeling that a major, combined movement is occurring.
Maybe, even, the RSL and the other members in the PM’s Peak Body may join in.
It is good to see the writings here from some I have respected for their efforts over many years in a variety of veterans’ matters.
To Neil & Peter T & Jenny & Kevin, Thank you all… again.
I ‘spose that the obvious requirement now is to ensure that as many veterans and supporters make their views known. And that their targets are wide-spread to ALL polititians.
On we go!
CHEERS
Red / ACB!!
Dear ANTHONY ROUTLEY,thank you for
your service to this country. I am so
aware that a ‘fair deal’ is all you
and the Defence Family are seeking.
You already asked for that. You were
promised that. But Senator Kate Lundy
betrayed you all. In fairness, we have
to remember that the vote was lost by one
vote. Hers. But look at the other drongos
who voted against it. So they are culpable
as well. Don’t wait until the next election.
Have faith in yourself and your defence cobbers.
After all, you’ve all fought bigger battles
than this.
We must stand together until the Government changes its attitude and gives the Vets a fair go. I went to Malaysia in 61 and Vietnam twice and have been retired for 30 years and I find it hard to keep up with the times, we cannot afford to be like or be better than the Smiths’ next door, we still have not paid off our loan for the house, and when I kick the bucket what is my family left with after all the backing I had from them whilst serving overseas on behalf of my country. All for 1 and 1 for all. Keep the flag flying straight and true. Thank you all who have responded, we will prevail.
Cheers.
Dear IAN MCMANUS, I agree with JEANETTE BARTLETT.
She is so right. You made the hard call in writing that
letter. We ALL owe you a debt of gratitude. It’s so foreign
for we, the great unwashed, to hear the truth from a
politician. Thank you too, for your military service.
And for your continuing service to the Dear Australian
Family, as complex and diverse as it is.
Your letter has so obviously given a mighty gravitas
to this weeping sore. I salute your courage.
Dear BARRY DITCHBURN, I do thank you for your
important comment and opinion, and on behalf of the Vets,
and the wider community, I share your frustration.
Inequity and injustice is rife. Even in Australia.
Not all illegal immigrants are criminals and not all
pollies are bereft of ethics. But how come, that apart
from former pollie Ian McManus, not a single pollie
is championing the Vets? Or have I missed something ?
Dear PETERJB, agreed. But we have a chance to all
work together and do something good, do we not ?
How do YOU think we should proceed Peter? I’m so keen
to hear from you.
Colin,
in which theatre of war like conditions did Angus houston serve.
He is not a veteran, he is an ex serviceman!
Thank you Tess,
One wonders where the rest of the media are on topics such as this. As our government is, probably out trying to capture the foot leaving carbon footprints everywhere
Regardless, the vote buying goes on, Gillard of the “Working Families” party must think by attending the funeral of our dead service personel, all is forgiven. In the mean time we have a government that obviously “believes” that our troops don’t work for their living, therefore when it comes to retirement benifits they are placed on the lower peg of the ladder
We carry on with great joy and celebration for our olympians when they represent their country and that’s only a sport. Our troops represent this country at the absolute highest level of representation, and the only thing they loose is their life or their sanity, no gold medals, no fanfare, no multi-million dollar signing with any multinational company and NO DECENT OR RESPECTABLE PENSION. Shame, shame on the “working families” party,
Dear PHIL PARSONS,me too. I’m hoping the
ABC will pick it up. Thank you for your wonderful
and supportive words. This is definitely a front
page story – no question. We can all speculate as
to why it is not. Phil, we need your support and
back up.
I’m so with you Bro, re our troops.
I would encourage us all to fight this long and arduous battle on its own merit – rather than trash the endeavours of others in their various pursuits. What do you think Phil? Love to hear from you.
For Maurie Young, my apologies. I thought he had active service in Vietnam, but having now checked, I stand corrected.
Thanks Tess,
After 29 years Army service I left the Defence Force in 2006 on a DFRDB pension which has increases by approx $4000 since then.
A mate of mine is getting out soon and showed me his DFRDB pension payout, his length of service and rank were comparable with mine.
Not surprisingly after he takes his commutation his pension is more than $20000 per annum more than mine due to a pay restructure just after I transferred to the Reserves.
I include the figures to highlight the disparity between CPI increases and the real world increases in only five years.
At this rate I will have to work until I drop dead.
I do not normally subscribe to these sought of forums but this is one issue all ex service personnel should be vocal about.
The COALITION LIED to
our Diggers too. Check
out Tony Abbott’s Press
Release from December 13
last year and published on
The Royal Australian Regiments
Corporation ‘The Company’
http://rarcorporation.com/advocacy/coalition-press-release/
Dear NOEL P MULLER, thank you so much for
your service to this country. I feel so bad
that you have been subjected to such mistreatment
by ‘the system’- and for such a long time too.
You shouldn’t have to endure such anguish.
I can read it in your words.
Are you in contact with any of the
Vet suport networks and organisations?
How are you coping with things now? Don’t forget
that just because the ‘system’ rejects us, doesn’t
mean that people do. It is great that you’ve left
this comment because it tells the wider community
how it really is. So you’re helping people like Neil
Ian and others to build the case. Sad to think it needs
building, but it does. I should imagine that Canberra is
monitoring these comments and hopefully someone from
the ‘system ‘ will leave a comment here for you to
contact them, to review your case.
Having served for 22 proud years, it’s great to see Tess, Ian etc championing the cause of ex servicemen and women.
I have to agree with most of the comments here, and it really gets me riled up to see the political dignatories at a digger’s funeral, knowing that they are doing bugger-all in regard in fairness in our pensions.
Dear KEVIN BOVILL, thank you for your service
to this country. You are quite right to point
out the hypocrisy of the Liberal Government.
It’s true, you’ve been so mistreated by them
all. In fact,I’ve put a link in a comment,to Tony Abbott’s
Press Release of December 13,2010 published in full in ‘The Company.’
Do check it out Kevin. Reads well. On message. Blah,Blah.
All lies.
Millions of dollars have been spent
on recruitment campaigns for our Defence Forces.
Truth in advertising should compell the Government to
also cite the truth about the real financial consequences
of signing up.
Thanks Tess, you’re a champion.
I have pushed your article as far and wide as I can within my circle of DFRDB/DRFB repipient mates.
The great Australian betrayal
Remember some time back when suddenly all personal readers feedback columns suddenly disappeared from public view and left little or no avenue for readers comments or political view, and denying everyone a vehicle to air their views ( apart from emails that is )
Last night here on Australian TV somebody did some investigative reporting on the public assignation and castration of the wickileaks whistleblower Julian Assange and each countries well oiled propaganda and bureaus who scour the news and internet to counteract any adverse criticism and use their vast muscle to smother or distort events that may make governments look bad.
Even to the point of politically destroying those who seek the truth. In some cases some countries carry out state murder.
Here in Australia it is a well known fact that this labour government has Communist ideology and demonstrated that during the Vietnam era by supporting the anti war movement and civil disobedience against the opposing government and our diggers in the field.
Labour are slowly steering our country towards Chinese dependency and these labour leaders are systematically ensnaring the public into debt, overburdened with taxes to force us into submission and a position of servitude to the state.
Most Australians live in their own little beer bottles, oblivious to the fact that we are slowly being led along party lines to becoming another state controlled by Nationalism and their ruling party members,
Those who do realize this slow creeping disease of communist control are soon silenced under the manipulation of this labour government and considered just another crackpot and so easy trodden on and subdued..
I do not have many more years left so it will cease to become my problem but I do fear that this country in a few short years will sink further into the Communist trap and will be changed forever.
Future Australians will forsake the old Commonwealth system in favour of becoming a republic and with this we shall reject old friends and allies and this new order and will form new defence alliances with the fastest growing nation within the Oceania region, China.
This too is slowly happening as we speak and our farmlands and economy is secretly being sold to foreign interests right from under our feet.
The destruction of defence treaties of the now friendly allies will be another small step to create a venerable Australia.
Soon those controlling interests will manipulate situations and events and suddenly they will pull the rug from under our feet to gain a further grip on Australia and its people, even to the point of a military takeover.
Who then will come to our aid after becoming a republic and dicing our ASIO & SEATO Commonwealth treaties with former allies…Australian is then ripe on the tree and sitting alone like a shag on a rock ready to be annexed by a much stronger power.
As the US and most of its western allies will be forsaken in favour of this new order and we are slowly
Seeing this take place even now with the Chinese increase in military and increased military activity
in the south China seas along with the sudden influence in establishing a base in East Timor and within striking distance of Australia and other southern Asian countries.
Eventually Australia will be just another puppet country to the ever growing power of China and will become the salad bowl of south east Asia.
Australia is known as the lucky country due to our mineral wealth and laid back life style but sadly that too will no longer be as they become simply used and abused collective worker bees within their once proud country , then and only then will Australians know the full meaning of that obscure word “ Freedom” but unfortunately too bloody late?
KevinP
Tess, The public need to be asking why facebook is blocking such comments?
Dear Tess,
Thank you for your support.
Interesting to note Kate Lundy has closed the Blog on her web site due to ‘inappropriate and threatening’ comments. In her closing comment she says she must vote the way caucus directs, I thought, as an elected
Senator, she must vote as her constituents direct but then maybe I am naive.
What about the Greens? Part of their platform is fair indexation for not only Military Superannuation Pensioners but also Commonwealth pensioners. They spat the dummy as it was not being funded the way they wanted but note they did not provide an alternate. One of their votes and the Bill would have passed
What about Xenophon? He stakes his reputation on fairness. His vote and the Bill would have passed.
What about Senator Wong who spent most of the time deriding the Opposition during the debate and almost no time on the actual bill. Using this bill for political point scoring was totally inappropriate and an insult to our armed forces
What about DoFD who seem to be using selective figures to support the Governments claims. If only we can prove their deceit and that they knowingly mislead the Senate then that is enough to bring down a Government – that is if anyone in the wider Australian populace cares.
RobS
I am so angry that the ex-servicemen and women who have voluntarily served our country are treated so shabbily by the likes of Lundy, Xenophon, Wong and Brown. It reflects poorly upon the trustworthiness of politicians in general that these four especially have so offended those who were prepared to lay down their lives so that the likes of them could live in a free society and have the privilege of voting in favour of their own pay rises.
Lundy has learned the lessons of treachery well from Gillard and now has the cheek to say that no further correspondence will be entered into on this matter. What unmitigated gall. It is my hope that this offensive woman and her equally treacherous allies are remembered well by our veterans and their families at the next election.
Dear KEVIN PARRY, is this so Kevin, have
you been trying to post something about us on Facebook?
Please let me know, so our Managing Editor David Donovan can
check this out. Has anyone else tried to do this ? What happens
when you try to post?
I think it is time that we all got off our arse and instead of bombarding polies with words show them that we are real and we will not go away. I attended the opening of the Vietnam Vetrans Memoral in Canberra and I suggest that even if half of that number were to turn up in Canberra and camped on the parliment lawns the polies might finally realise that we could be a force to reckon with and their very generous pensions could be at risk. I am sure that the National Servicemen would support our cause. I live in Queensland and have connections to many mates who I think would help in organising something for Qld and if we can organise other states to do the same we will get the numbers and I feel our presence in Camberra would have a far greater impact then words only. Anyone interested should contact me – mauricecullen@live.com.au. I would like comments and any suggestions.
Dear Tess
Thank you for all your comments and the encouragement to all those out there that are doing it tough at the moment it is nice to know that there is so many that have a great distaste for both the current Government and those sitting in opposition seats.
To Kevin Parry you have hit it right on the head if we continue on the direction that this Government is heading in fifty years we will not own anything in Australia including all our food producing land and when the World has a food shortage all the foreign countries that own the food producing land will not be producing food for our consumption but will be exporting it to feed their own people.
G’day Tess, I have been overwhelmed, and humbled, by a vast flood of emails and phone calls, all supporting our “Fair Go Campaign”. Many have come from serving members of the ADF and I have had senior NCOs ringing me up to tell me that, for the first time in their military life, they have wriiten to their local politician to express their concern. You see, Tess, veterans (and serving members) remain loyal to our Nation and generally do not become involved in protests or even to “rock the boat”. They are a stoic lot and that was why a former Prime Minister, Mr Keating, MP, froze any CPI increases to DFRB/DFRDB superannuant “pensioners” from Oct 1986 to Nov 1989, as the country was broke!! This amount of “stolen” money has never been repaid. The tradgedy of this was that none of our senior Defence Generals had the courage to resign their commission in protest. Embarrassingly, I was a Commanding Officer at that time and my soldiers were mortified by this.
The other point, Tess, is that we and most of your subscribers, have been bombarding Senator Lundy, and either implicitly or indirectly blaming her for the Senate’s decision. Senator Lundy was forced to vote along Party Lines otherwise she would have been sacked. And that will always be the case, no matter what assurances she may give to us in the future.
We should also be just as concerned about the shameful actions of Senators Brown and Xenophon. Both these “gentlemen” gave their unqualified support to a fairer indexation method prior to the last election. However, as with Senator Lundy, they both betrayed us at the last hurdle.
We need to direct some of our venom towards these two politicians as well. They have shown their true colours, even though Senator Xenophon has called for a review (yep, another one) to see if savings can be found within the Defence portfolio to pay for a better indexation method. Finally I agree with a previous writer regarding the Government’s fixation to restoring the Nation to a surplus in 2012 – 2013, apparently without considering the veterans, long serving ADF members and their families. Keep up the fight, Tess, as all other major media outlets seem to be reluctant to become involved.
As per usual, bloody politicians who live there lives with blinkers on, and not see the world for what it is. living in there ivory castles and not giving shit about there constituents (that include we DFRB and DFRDB resipients). they wouldn’t be in office if it weren’t for us, and in reality you can’t trust either party. it is a shame that these people don’t and never will understand the sacrifice that we gave to this country. they want to know and don’t care! they will always put up the smoke screens and give us the lip that will make us think that they’re doing a great job, but really they’re stabbing us in the back. it’s a bloody shame and if it were in my power to sack you all, i would. (Ex CPL 3110354 Aust Army)
As per usual, bloody politicians who live there lives with blinkers on, and not see the world for what it is. living in there ivory castles and not giving shit about there constituents (that include we DFRB and DFRDB resipients). they wouldn’t be in office if it weren’t for us, and in reality you can’t trust either party. it is a shame that these people don’t and never will understand the sacrifice that we gave to this country. they don’t want to know and don’t care! they will always put up the smoke screens and give us the lip that will make us think that they’re doing a great job, but really they’re stabbing us in the back. it’s a bloody shame and if it were in my power to sack you all, i would. (Ex CPL 3110354 Aust Army)
@ TESS LAWRENCE Says: 25 June, 2011 at 8:00 pm
“Dear PETERJB, agreed. But we have a chance to all
work together and do something good, do we not ?
How do YOU think we should proceed Peter? I’m so keen
to hear from you.”
I am honoured by your kind invitation Tess Lawrence but please allow me to be again brief without too much background:
The Priorities of Political Leadership in a pseudo Socialist-democracy
1. The Prime and fundamental priority of the political “leadership” is to remain in office at any cost,
2. The Second priority to place hard coin into the pockets of their supporters with a small sprinkling amongst the unwashed electorate,
3. The Third priority is personal; this priority comes in many forms but it is enough to say, that once in Office, there are many routes to future wealth, property, prestige in the upper levels of society.
Have I forgotten anything? Answer: No.
Remember that the Labour Party has traditionally represented Organized Crime and the Communist Party’s of USSR and China. The Labour Party’s Caucus is an abomination of applied ignorance at its best. The Liberals have always represented the interests of the Crown and are as active in Organized Crime as the Labour Party and the Russian Mafia.
But: Politicians are hyper sensitive to the energized filamentary emotions and preferences of the dynamic and ever pulsating public and have demographically categorized in broad and specific focus algorithmic functions, in computer programs which they rely on when making all decisions. They also have the help of the MSM which broadcast the supporting propaganda in return for coinage of silver; this MSM has a deep reach.
The Issue:
Men and women have been sent off to war by those of this ilk, to die by the hands of the unknown or to kill the unknown. The relevant wars are now over and other matters take priority (see items 1, 2, 3 above). Payments of Pensions of that owing to Vets and Diggers and their families are being cut back to balance the Books (see items 1,2,3 above). The Vets are no longer of any use to the Nation as judged by the body politic.
In the same principle that Government steals from its peoples, that is to say, through taxation and inflation, that demographically sourced plunder and loot – these same demographic priorities identify and locate where the least resistance be; and the result be, that it is time to stiff the veterans. (I haven’t access to the program they use but I would assume that many of the Vets have died off and are widely dispersed – which would explain a low priority output (remember that we are dealing with bureaucratic programmers here so do not expect anything above mediocrity). Most of these programs seek high densities.
The Solution:
Get in their face!
Prepare a standard message: simple, but that says it all.
Make it clear that ALL politicians are at Risk from the Australia Electorate.
Prepare lists of all Members of Parliament; email addresses, Fax and Telephone numbers and circulate publically.
Get all the diggers and their families onto the Internet sending emails to their MP’s and all other relevant neighbourhood representatives.
Facebook, Facebook, Facebook.
Go to their Offices and present the prepared Notice, with cordiality.
Get the Diggers and their families networking in offices, on the job
in pubs, in clubs, and Facebook. Urge Facebook, emails, fax, telephone calls, letters.
Make the Telephone calls. Repeat them and then make more.
Get the Kids involved (they are computer literate and always willing to help). Facebook, Facebook, Facebook.
Tell the kids the TRUTH. I repeat: Tell the Kids the TRUTH.
Tell the Kids that after you die (and or are maimed) for your country, you are forgotten by your Political “leaders”! This is validated by ~3000 years of written history and again, here, today, and yet repeated, ad nauseum.
Pound the message into every newspaper, government office, Parliamentary representative in Australia.
Send the message out to our Embassies and Trade Commissions around the World.
Contact our Overseas soldiers on mission: make them aware; advise them what the Politicians are doing and what they have to look forward to; they can’t do anything while on mission but it puts stark icy cold fear into the guts of politicians.
This issue potentially has legs; use the Internet.
It is no use writing to the Editors of MSM or posting on the MSM Blogs as it will be censored! WASTING TIME.
Last x2 Notes Tess Lawrence:
1. In this great cause, it is that time for you to introduce your “People Power” and remember, the sum of the parts is greater than the whole! Basic physics. Do not create organizations; remain civil and cool at all times and remember, it is truth that states indubitably that politicians should be scared of the people.
2. Do not compromise: Do not leave the room until you have x3 signed and witnessed copies of the final agreement with “leadership”. Do not take anything else, especially a politician’s promise or his/her word – as it has no meaning and no value.
Get in their face Tess Lawrence.
Dear Tes,
(Extract from email forwarded to Andrew Bolt,Herald Sun)
I am somewhat surprised that, at least until now, you appear not to have become involved with the issue of the genuine plight of our Military Superannuants.
I am aware that there are literally thousands of emails flashing throughout the Veteran Community as well as serving members of the Australian Defence Force, who are outraged by the Senate’s rejection of the Fair Indexation Bill. The Veteran community needs the support of the media to bring this whole sordid issue to a head.
It is a national disgrace and I am at a loss to understand why major media outlets have not run with this story. Stories on boat people arriving, carbon tax, PM kissing Angus Houston, all get front page headlines.
Our soliders who lay down their lives for the freedom of this country don’t even rate, and yet our politicians have the gall to attend the funerals of soldiers killed in action? When did we stop caring??? How could we ignore the plight of the Veterans and their families, and yet we are very quick to spend millions of taxpayers dollars on the illegal boat people arriving here in droves.
Please Andrew, give this issue your earnest attention, or I will believe that Aussie spirit of a “fair go” for everyone is a thing of the past.
This is a campaign for GetUp. If enough people write to them suggesting it, maybe they will take it up. Add your voice.
A little more Tess Lawrence, if I may?
1. A politician is an innate specialist at summing people up, as to the behaviours, and in manipulating all people according to their attitude and sensibilities. Believe me Tess Lawrence when I tell you, that there is not one politician of the face of this planet that you can trust, take the word of, belief at face value or turn your back on. It is the essential nature of the beast and it is innate. “Birds of a feather…”
2. In situations such as this, each politician will try to get you to go home and trust them that they will review the situation and will work towards a “fair go” settlement. A “Fair Go” doesn’t exist and it makes the issue far more favourable but only to the politician (“Trust me,” he/she will say, “we are all Australians and we are all for a “Fair Go”")
If you believe that, I just happen to have a bridge…
3. What they know you have, is a short memory, and they will play to this until you have run out of money, energy and interest and want to go an die out of disgust. Do you think they care?
And, then it is all eventually forgotten and they win again er, still.
My advice: Forget the “Fair Go”! You served = you get paid – in full!
And talking of the Senate, we have one of Australia’s admitted greatest traitors and spies infesting this Institution of the Crown, so what do you really expect? A “fair Go”?
Get over it!
There is no point marching on Parliament House; it costs too much and its Winter. It’s not time to repeat both Napoleon’s and Hitler’s follies. They will be warm inside sitting on their butts and munching hot food and drinking fine wines, while getting paid salaries and allowance, and you will be cold outside, hungry and in a full cash burn mode!
So, think about my advice – get the numbers – hit Facebook – send the emails – and keep sending the emails – network as the whole of Australia will get behind you – the whole of Australia – make it easy and simple. Do not give up, as this is what they will hold out for!
Above all: Do not believe that these people are your friends or that they will do what they say. You cannot trust them and M’s Gillard can turn on the tears at will! Do not believe one word!
Get it in writing. Do not relent!
Plan for a Strategy of 12 months and get more people networked and sending letters.
They cannot serve themselves while you are in their Face, Tess Lawrence.
And you know Tess Lawrence, and all you Vet’s out there – Keep up the pressure and you just may receive some outside help.
“If your cause is just, natural justice will be done”. ancient sage.
Hi Neil & Tes.
What can you expect from a party that was tied up with protests about us in vietnam.
THERE IS AN OLD SAYING THAT A LEOPARD CAN NOT CHANGE IT COLOURS so what can you expect from there members now.
It does not matter what party is in power they all vote on party lines to keep the vets down but labor and greens are worse then the other main parties.
I am a VET but this does not effect me or my living my life but i know a lot that are finding it hard on DFRDB pension.
It is time the people of AUSTRALIA took back the RUNNING OF THE COUNTRY lets find some members to start our own party so the people of AUSTRALIA what they should have as LEADERS.
Labour the Greens and those independents who voted this down will be remember by us Ex-Service Personnel. Quick to look after themselves this week but no respect for those that have served.
Your day will come, I encourage all Ex-service personnel and their families to follow this campaign.
Hmmmmmm
We help Cows, refugees and rain forests surely we can help the ANZAC’s.
The Last of the Light Brigade
~Rudyard Kipling
There were thirty million English who talked of England’s might,
There were twenty broken troopers who lacked a bed for the night.
They had neither food nor money, they had neither service nor trade;
They were only shiftless soldiers, the last of the Light Brigade.
They felt that life was fleeting; they knew not that art was long,
That though they were dying of famine, they lived in deathless song.
They asked for a little money to keep the wolf from the door;
And the thirty million English sent twenty pounds and four!
They laid their heads together that were scarred and lined and grey;
Keen were the Russian sabres, but want was keener than they;
And an old Troop-Sergeant muttered, “Let us go to the man who writes
The things on Balaclava the kiddies at school recites.”
They went without bands or colours, a regiment ten-file strong,
To look for the Master-singer who had crowned them all in his song;
And, waiting his servant’s order, by the garden gate they stayed,
A desolate little cluster, the last of the Light Brigade.
They strove to stand to attention, to straighten the toil-bowed back;
They drilled on an empty stomach, the loose-knit files fell slack;
With stooping of weary shoulders, in garments tattered and frayed,
They shambled into his presence, the last of the Light Brigade.
The old Troop-Sergeant was spokesman, and “Beggin’ your pardon,” he said,
“You wrote o’ the Light Brigade, sir. Here’s all that isn’t dead.
An’ it’s all come true what you wrote, sir, regardin’ the mouth of hell;
For we’re all of us nigh to the workhouse, an’ we thought we’d call an’ tell.
“No, thank you, we don’t want food, sir; but couldn’t you take an’ write
A sort of ‘to be continued’ and ‘see next page’ o’ the fight?
We think that someone has blundered, an’ couldn’t you tell ‘em how?
You wrote we were heroes once, sir. Please, write we are starving now.”
The poor little army departed, limping and lean and forlorn.
And the heart of the Master-singer grew hot with “the scorn of scorn.”
And he wrote for them wonderful verses that swept the land like flame,
Till the fatted souls of the English were scourged with the thing called Shame.
O thirty million English that babble of England’s might,
Behold there are twenty heroes who lack their food to-night;
Our children’s children are lisping to “honour the charge they made – ”
And we leave to the streets and the workhouse the charge of the Light Brigade!
Dear Senator (insert your name here),
I write regarding the recent decision by the Senate to reject the Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits Amendment (Fair Indexation) Bill 2010.
All over Australia there is disbelief among serving and retired ADF members that the Senate has opposed this Bill. I am one of them.
Most of my contemporaries are well aware of the many calls on our national resources. Most are inclined to suffer in silence rather than be considered “whingers”. For the most part they are sensitive to the very many Australians who have a tougher time keeping up with the rising cost of living. However, many, who are now elderly, have seen the erosion of their self-funded superannuation and are now having trouble making ends meet, are beginning to resent the rapid differentiation between their generation and those that have followed.
If they look at “Corporate Australia” where “greed is good”, and if they look at the discretionary spending available to many in our society they do feel left behind (especially when there is so much talk about a “Resources Boom” and the success of our economy).
The real issue that is causing much angst is the way the Department of Finance (with some help from other Government agencies) have argued against the logic and the fairness of this proposed adjustment to indexing. In the past those opposing “Fair Indexing” have put forward spurious arguments for not adopting the same indexing as the Age Pension or, dare I say, that applicable to superannuated politicians. The main argument seems to be “it’s too expensive to be fair”.
The question of just how much this Bill might cost is in dispute. The Department of Finance’s estimations are wildly excessive compared to many other carefully calculated estimates. If I were able, I would insist that the Department of Finance allow their cost estimations to be examined independently. If I were a Member of the Senate I would demand to know this information rather than be satisfied with the Department of Finance’s “dark arts” *1.
I listen to Parliament and have added up the amount of funds allocated to activities that can only be described as “of marginal value” and compare that to the relatively small amount it would have taken to correct this very unfair and unjust anomaly and I despair. Likewise, when I see how much is wasted by the present Government in poorly considered and badly managed policies my despair turns to outrage.
It has taken some time for many of our political leaders to really understand the issues behind this current Bill. Those affected by the declining value of their superannuation have had reason to be optimistic that, at last, justice might prevail. The unanimous vote in support of this Bill in the House of Representatives gave reason for this optimism. They watched with keen interest as it went before the Senate.
Many of you who had previously indicated support for the Bill voted against it. Sadly, Kate Lundy, this includes you. Labor’s position seems to be “entrenched opposition” regardless of right or wrong or rational argument. The Lower House supported this Bill unanimously. The disappointment felt by those who looked forward with optimism at the way Labor continued to block what so many fair minded people see as a straightforward matter of justice has now turned to anger.
Now every time a Labor politician is seen expressing their “heartfelt appreciation for the sacrifices and dedication to duty (etc etc …) of the men and women of the armed forces it will be seen as sheer hypocrisy.
I am especially disappointed by Labors entrenched opposition to every effort to correct this inequitable and unfair indexing arrangement because I have always believed that this issue was central to all that Labor stands for. Should I not expect Labor to represent fairness, justice and honesty? Can I not look for a Labor Government that genuinely understands that the trust and confidence between the nation, and those that choose to serve in its Armed Services, is a two way deal. Should I not expect a Labor government that is able to think clearly, act fairly and decisively and with the courage of its convictions?
Should Labor expect the traditional support from those of us that are now feeling so badly let down, so disappointed and so angry?
Most sincerely,
Note *1 : I refer to former Finance Minister Tanner’s description of the Department’s “Dark Art” of misusing government spending information to suit any particular argument.
My sincere thanks to Tess Lawrence. When it comes to physically defending this country the Australian Armed Forces acquit themselves well, however, in peace time, at home, we have trouble defending ourselves from the bureaucracy and fickle politicians. So thank you Tess, it is good to know that we are not completely alone.
Tess Lawrence, please allow me to copy a post from Professor Steve Keen’s Blog: Professor Keen is an Australia heretical Economist -Western Sydney University – not really embraced by the mainstream “leadership” and all that hangs off it making that loud sucking sound.
The below post by Lyonwiss is in response to a post that I had made, which you can read by visiting the below link.
/quote
Lyonwiss
June 26, 2011 at 7:27 pm | #
Peterjbolton June 26, 2011 at 5:59 pm
Indexation is another example of the stupidity of bureaucracy. Military and Commonwealth pensions are indexed to CPI inflation, which for the past 16 years (Mar 1995 to 2011) averaged 2.7 percent per year. On the other hand, average wage for adults over the same period (Feb 1995 to 2011) averaged 4.3 percent per year, which is more reflective of the change in the community’s standard of living.
So for the past 16 years, a retired digger would suffer a 29 percent decline in the standard of living relative to the rest of the community. Why should this be accepted? The age pension would have suffered the same decline, had it not for political agitation, which was largely successful largely because the age pension is already close to the poverty line and any relative decline would be sorely felt and protested.
This suggests CPI indexation is largely a useless concept, open to manipulation and not reflective of the true debasement of the currency. All social security type of payment should be indexed to the average wage.
end/quote
http://www.debtdeflation.com/blogs/2011/06/11/dude-where%E2%80%99s-my-recovery/#comments
“Politicians never let success stand in the way of failure.” Ancient sage
Senator K. A. Lundy
Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister
Parliamentary Secretary for Immigration and Citizenship
Unit A – Ground Floor
Law Society Building
11 London Circuit
CANBERRA ACT 2601
Senator Lundy,
RE: FAIR INDEXATION BILL – DFRB
I would like to comment on your disgraceful conduct in the Senate recently when you voted against the “Fair Indexation Bill”. Your action has proven that the Australian Labor Party has lost touch with the people in particular those that put their lives on the line in the defence of this Nation so that you and your colleagues can enjoy the excesses of luxury that are denied those that served.
Prior to writing this letter I did some research into your career and I was not overly surprised to see that it has not been what one might call a stellar career and is typical of Labor politicians in that you were a Union Organiser who became a politician not unlike Bob Hawke and many other Labor miscreants who have let down the people of this Nation.
Furthermore I read your first Speech as a Politician (7th May 1996) which you seem to have totally forgotten and swept aside as you climbed the ladder of “success”. I would cast your mind back to that day so long ago when you said:
“The ideals pursued by the union movement of equality in society and a fair go for all epitomise the Australian psyche. The sense of purpose that comes with improving the lot of others was something that I could not, and will not let go.”
“… but I for one am determined to earn the respect of the people I represent by contributing to the fair and equitable public debate of issues which directly affect the quality of lives of Australian families.”
“My vision has been formed by the proud tradition of Labor principles expressed and refined over a century – - a tradition which values actions above words and which, quite frankly, is offended by the attitude inherent in a profit first, people last ideology. It is Labor’s ability to act decisively that distinguishes us from the other parties – - our ability to put in place fair policies that go to the very heart of the just society.”
“The Australian Labor Party stands for the political and social values of equality, democracy and freedom. These are the principles that I bring to the Senate.”
With all due respect Senator Lundy these are empty words indeed.
Where is the equality in society when you steal from the vulnerable, those that have served Australia through hard times and good, those that have written a blank cheque to the people of Australia up to and including the value of their own lives and those that now find themselves living on the edge of poverty?
You said in your maiden speech that you were determined to earn the respect” of the people that you represent however you have stabbed many of them in the back and yes you have affected the quality of their lives but not in the way you intended. You and your colleagues have destroyed their standard of living and betrayed them, is that what you meant in your speech way back in 1996?
You also said that you value “actions above words” and are offended by “profit first, people last” but isn’t what you have done contrary to your own words? Prior to the vote you informed anyone that would listen that you supported the Bill as being fair and equitable but on the day you voted against it, in this case your actions were certainly different from your word. As for the second point, you have put profit first and people last by denying those that rely on the DFRB a standard of living commensurate with the years of service that they put in to allow you to sit in plush seats in Parliament.
Your action makes a complete mockery of the sacrifices made by our young men and women who serve this great nation. I ask how can you, as a politician, attend the funerals of our service men (luckily no women have been killed in action to date) who have made the supreme sacrifice, observe a minute’s silence in Parliament and then reject a Bill which would have aligned those in receipt of a DFRB / DFRDB with those of recipients of the old age pension. It is also a slap in the face of those surviving spouses who receive only 5/8th of the superannuants’ pension. As I understand it the surviving spouse of a politician has their pension indexed against the salary increases given to a back bencher. Can you please explain to me how a spouse of a politician makes a greater contribution to the security and safety of this nation than a spouse of one of our service men or women? Where is the justice, fairness and equity in this?
With respect to the values of equality that you said you were going to bring to the Senate, all I have seen, as has many other Service men and women are lies and deceit. Your decision to vote against the Bill has alienated the Veteran Community to such an extent that it is slowly starting to realise that your Government has stabbed it in the back once too often and it is now moving towards righting the wrongs imposed on it by politicians of your ilk and this will be seen at the ballot boxes at the next election.
Is it any wonder that Politicians, particularly those in the current Government are held in contempt when:
The Gillard Labor Government has shown that it was more interested in furthering the cause of its union mates than supporting current and former Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel. Recently passed legislation will enable ACTU directors to run rough-shot over fellow directors on the Commonwealth Superannuation Corporation (CSC) board, which will be tasked with managing all Commonwealth employees’ superannuation funds, worth an estimated $20billion. This legislation will result in the new CSC board being dominated by ACTU appointed directors who can only be removed if the President of the ACTU agrees to that course of action. Not even the Minister for Finance can remove an ACTU board member under this legislation. ‘Military members stand to lose out under this flawed legislation that gives the President of the ACTU more power than an elected Federal Government Minister.
$251 million of the $4.8 billion aid budget will be spent “on climate change and environmental activities”. This money will be spent on initiatives to slow carbon growth in Australia’s region. The government is also funding 300,000 secondary school places in Indonesia and building 2000 schools as part of a campaign to “assist around 1500 Islamic schools to achieve higher accreditation and operate to a higher education standard. Are these the same schools that preach hatred of the west, jihad and terror?
Australian taxpayers are facing multi-million dollar compensation payouts to current and former asylum seekers who claim they suffered trauma and psychological damage in detention. Among those making claims are Iranian Mehrnoosh Yousefi whose husband Parviz Yousefi was awarded $800,000.00 for sewing his lips together whilst in a detention centre and her son. All of whom arrived here by boat without any form of identification. Yet you and your colleagues refuse to provide a benefit to our ex serving men and women.
In a tiny office in Lakemba, south-western Sydney, with prayer beads hanging from the bookshelves and Islamic texts stacked to the ceiling, Sheikh Khalil Chami quietly and methodically administers sharia law. A woman has come in asking to divorce her new husband because he lied about his family, profession and financial circumstances. Divorcing him under Australian law will not be enough, because unless they are divorced under Islamic law he will insist she is still his wife and she will be unable to remarry. Australia has its own laws and there is no place in Australia for any foreign laws such as Shari’a Law.
Islamic preacher Ibrahim Siddiq-Conlon points heavenwards to emphasise his message for the governments of Australia — there is no God but Allah and only his laws should be obeyed. “My attack is on the Prime Minister of Australia,” he said. “I hate the parliament in Canberra. I want to go straight for the jugular vein and advise the parliament that they have no right to legislate. They should immediately step down and let the Muslims take over.” An Australian born convert to Islam, Siddiq-Conlon is the self-anointed leader of a group called Sharia4Australia, which is pushing for the introduction of sharia courts as a first step towards achieving Islamic law. “One day Australia will live under sharia; it’s inevitable,” he said. “If they (Australians) don’t accept it, that’s not our problem. We hope, and our objective is to have a peaceful transition, but when you look at history that has never been the case. There’s always been a fight. It is inevitable that one day there will be a struggle for Islam in Australia.” Why do you, as an elected representative of the people allow this sort of vitriol to go on without doing something about it?
Every Australian school student would be taught positive things about Islam and Muslims and that Australia was a racist country, under a plan being proposed by an education think tank. The plan is outlined in a booklet “Learning From One Another: Bringing Muslim Perspectives into Australian Schools” published by the Australian Curriculum Studies Association and The University of Melbourne’s Centre for Excellence in Islamic Studies. It says there is a “degree of prejudice and ignorance about Islam and Muslims” and Australian students must be taught to embrace difference and diversity. The booklet refers to al-Qa’ida as “a famous name” synonymous with the traditionalist movement in Islam, with no reference to terrorism.
As Veterans we put our lives on the line for Australia only to see it turn its back on us when we need assistance from it. Australia is slowly becoming a socialist state where political correctness will rule supreme and the people who made this country a great place to live will not only be forgotten but will be made third or fourth class citizens in our own country.
Your actions and those of your Government are immoral and unjust and fly in the face of that truly Australian principle “of a fair go” which you so proudly proclaimed in your maiden speech to the Senate back in May 1996.
I have been following this story, with much interest, for the last couple of days. Everyone seem to have a solution to the problem and God how I wish some of you were sitting on the benches of Parliament and be able to put those solutions into practice. But sadly you do not sit on the benches so all us ex-service personnel have to fight and scrounge for whatever we can get but what we believe we are entitled to. And rightly so, you do not pay into a retirement fund for 20+ years without expecting it to keep pace with inflation as the years progress. But the politicians can pass laws and bills that look after their superannuation just nicely, and then some. Some of them should try serving in a theatre of war for a 12 month period, I’m damn sure the Q-Store wouldn’t be able to keep up the supply of underwear for them, they’d ‘cack’ themselves. Our brave men and women are expected to do it day in and day out with no thanks or decent recompense from the Government of the day, but greatful thanks from the civilian community.
How do we fix the problem? I really don’t think there is a simple answer. A few years ago I attended a rally in Canberra, in lateish June organised by the TPI Association. What good did it really do? Sure, the ‘pollies’ could see we were upset but their attitude seemed to be so what, if they want to freeze out there in the cold, very cold Canberra weather then let them. We had a few speakers from various parties come down and speak to us but none would promise to help us in our endeavours for better entitlements. At this rally was the birth of the veteran party to run at the following election. It started with a big bang, people were enthusiastic but then the ugly green giant raised it’s head……jealously. It appears that diggers are their own worse enemy, they all come up with great ideas but someone else in the group get ‘narky’ and then the in-fighting starts. The ‘pollies’ get wind of this and start rubbing their hands with glee, because if we’re fighting between each other then we won’t have time to give them a bit of curry. All I got out of the week in Canberra was a catch up with a few mates and a bloody cold. A protest or rally is not the answer.
All our pollies want to be great statesmen like some of the ones who have gone before them. The sad fact is they cannot and never will be as good as the people who led us through our nations darkest hours, differnt times change everything. In those days gone a man’s word was his bond and you could take it to the bank. Take a pollies word as his bond today and the bank manager would believe you to be crazy, such is the high esteem that everyone holds popiticians in today.
All I say is keep up the barrage, let them know we’re still out here and we’re very angry little ants and let us keep fighting the good and honourable fight as we have always done and always will do.
I’m not a man of many words and can only agree with what everyone else is saying.
Come on and wake up, you are our leaders. We deserve a fair go.
Arthur Ventham,
WELL SAID!!; anyone who disagrees with Arthur should take up politics.
If she has the guts and permission of the RED QUEEN, Lundy will answer the above missive.
As head of Caucus, maybe the RED QUEEN would like to address us all via this medium.
At last, just when we were down to our last salvo, a a reinforcement with lots of ammunition has arrived in the form of a very articulate shiela. God bless you, Tess Lawrence for your timely arrival on the scene. We can only go but forward now. In Aussie terms, Tess, your blood is worth bottling.
Dear ARTHUR VENTHAM, you have made a most extraordinary and
compelling eloquent contribution to this very public debate.
Canberra is monitoring all of our comments.
In speaking with Diggers about this Act of Betrayal by Senator
Lundy et al,it is apparent to me that for years you have been subjected to lies and hypocrisy from successive governments – and the political lichen that clings to them.
I am writing this from my sickbed – from where I was first
informed about all of this yuk. And from where I was compelled
to try and at least document something of your plight, against medical advice.
Reading your comment, and those of your brethren, brings home to all of us the emotional and intellectual intensity of your
case.
I wish I could take the hits for all of you. Our Government has shamed us with their treatment of you.
I have such faith in our fellow Australians – much more faith than
I have in our pollies – and that is not to say that there are not
wonderful hearts in public office.
But so many have surrendered themselves to political expediency.
A wise ( and patient ) elder once said to me ” You know Tess, there
are three Truths. Your Truth. My Truth. And THE Truth.”
Point taken. I try to take this salient point into negotiations and mediations and conciliations.
Thank you for your courage Arthur. And for sharing with us your letter to Senator Lundy.
You have made a mighty difference and given us all fodder for thought.
Even if our Government is not open and transparent with us, we can
be open and transparent with them – and one another.
Why should we be scared ?
It would be wonderful if you would publish her response on
Independent Australia.
I just cannot understand such injustice. I really cannot.
Dear GEORGE MANSFORD, you must know that your wondrous poetry
has hauled us sharply back to our heritage and reminds us of
the lyricism and the storytelling of our wartime Diggers.
And of fields in far off lands that will forever be Australia.
Dear George,I love that you have set time aside for us.
In the Iambic Pentameter of our lives, you have somehow called
us to order and reminded us of ordeals and ideals we may have
misplaced. You are a champion. I salute you. Merci. Tess.
Winning many small battles will eventually win the war. Unfortunately for Kate Lundy she is only the latest of a long line of politicians who have betrayed us and as such deserves no sympathy. I agree with everything that has been said in all of the comments posted except we need to make an example of one of the betrayers. The next election in Senators Lundy’s electorate needs to be peacefully but thoroughly swamped with what she has done. This will make a prime example of past indiscretions but also allow us to concentrate all of our efforts and show what can be done, highlighting to the Australian people that we can look after ourselves. We are the silent minority which relies on the goodwill of others to ensure we are treated fairly, for too long this has not been successful and the politicians on both sides have benefited by the inaction. If we make an example and stand up for ourselves, the media and public will be sure to take notice.
Thank you Tess for exposing this matter publicly to your readers and potentially to the wider defence community of over 3 million people who have served or are currently serving in the ADF and their families.
We have indeed been betrayed by a political party that has made promises to us in successive elections since 2004. None of these involving our superannuation has been honoured. The Senators who voted against even the limited relief that was the DFRB/DFRDB Fair Indexation Bill on the grounds of cost without getting a valid analysis on what the actual costs are deserve our condemnation. They have no such qualms when it comes to their pay and “perks”.
Fairness and loyalty are two way streets to us but it seems are just a tradeable commodity in politics.
The response to the Senate turning its back on our service men and women clearly shows the extent of the anger within our community over a long time against successive Governments.
There is an organisation, the Alliance of Defence Services Organisations (ADSO) that is actively engaged in a campaign against the Government. It was formed prior to the 2010 election to conduct its “Fair Go!” Campaign for fair military superannuation indexation and justice for our veterans suffering from the effects of war.
ADSO comprises The Defence Force Welfare Association (DFWA), The Naval Association of Australia (NAA), The RAAF Association (RAAFA), The Royal Australian Regiment Association (RARA) and The Australian Special Air Services Association (ASASA).
The Campaign has been successful to the extent that it “won” policy support from the Coalition, Australian Greens and Independents. Labor opposed it.
The Coalition, true to its declared support, raised both a Members Notice of Motion in the House of Representatives and The Fair Indexation Bill in the Senate.
The motion calling on all Members to support the concept of the unique nature of military service; and the Coalition’s policy to index the military pensions covered in the FIB to the higher movements in the CPI, Male Total Average Weekly Earnings or the Pensioner Beneficiary Living Cost was passed on a show of hands.
Two weeks later the FIB was voted down in the Senate by the Labor, Greens and Independent senators because of the alleged high cost. We have challenged the Government to produce valid data and assumptions to justify this claim and will meet with the Finance Department’s staff next Tuesday.
As warriors we know from experience that “where there is a will there is a way”. In our case the Government has NO WILL and NO WILLINGNESS TO FIND A WAY.
“You can take the dog out of the fight, but you can’t take the fight out of the dog.”
Come and join the action with the Fair Go campaign at
http://www.dfwa.org.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=42&Itemid=59
Another comment Tess Lawrence, for you and the Diggers and Veterans, which should be of interest; same source and same fellow poster:
http://www.debtdeflation.com/blogs/2011/06/11/dude-where%E2%80%99s-my-recovery/comment-page-10/#comments
Lyonwiss
June 27, 2011 at 12:34 am | #
Peterjbolton June 26, 2011 at 7:56 pm
Age pensions “are indexed twice a year to the highest increase of three measures: the consumer price index (CPI), the pensioner living cost index, and growth in male total average weekly earnings (MTAWE).”
http://www.alp.org.au/federal-government/news/pensions-increase-20-march/
This method of indexation only just manages to avoid poverty. For example, the maximum pension for a single person is “$701.10 a fortnight for singles”, which is $18,229 per year.
If you consider Henderson poverty line for a single person, not working and needing housing, then it is $360.60 per week, which is $18,751 per year:
http://www.melbourneinstitute.com/downloads/publications/Poverty%20Lines/Poverty%20lines%20Australia%20March%202011.pdf
The age pension is means tested, so only about 30 percent of retirees will totally depend on it. Even with compulsory superannuation, about 40 percent of retirees will partially depend on it. This implies about 70 percent of Australian retirees will live just above poverty. The government is fond of making the claim that “Australia has the best superannuation system in the world”.
You see Tess Lawrence, Politicians cannot be trusted because they lie; it is a natural trait common amongst the general consensual opportunists that specialize in all things of stealth and deception.
I hope that your health improves and returns to normal.
I wish to thank the hundreds of people, including many serving members of the ADF, who have emailed and phoned me to offer their support for our Fair Go Campaign to right a terrible wrong. I have been absolutely inundated with messages and I am humbled by your personal words of support. Please bear with me if I cannot respond to you immediately, but I will get back to you eventually.
This will be a long hard slog, but WE MUST WIN THIS WAR for all past, present and future members of the ADF and their families. If we fail then our future warriors will continue to be treated like second rate citizens by future Governments.
We need your ongoing support. Please stay the fight with us.
I am astounded and bewildered that up until now, at least,not one major media outlet appears to have shown any interest or courage to take up our story, which is a national disgrace!! Yet, the story and photograph of our Prime Minister kissing Angus Houston makes front page news!!! This clearly demonstrates where we fall into the media’s priority!! One could be forgiven for assuming that this has been a co-ordinated reaction to our Campaign. I have been told that the media outlets probably believe that there is little public interest in our dilemma now that the Senate has rejected the Fair Indexation Bill. I find this hard to believe as there have been hundreds, if not thousands, of emails flashing around the Veteran and Defence communities on this and related matters, many of which have been directed to the media. As far as I can ascertain, not one response has been received from any media outlet to acknowledge receipt of such correspondence!!!!!! The same applies to most correspondence directed to our politicians! What are your views?
If the media outlets believe that nothing can be achieved until the next election and therefore our cause is of no current consequence, then they are wrong. There has been an enormous ground swell of anger, frustration and disappointment expressed by the Defence communities and the general public from all over Australia about the shameful way we have been treated by this Government. Many people have expressed their disgust at the lack of media interest and indeed this has only inflammed their sense of betrayal.
If the politicians believe,if they ignore us for long enough,that all our interest, energy, anger, frustration and posturings will quietly go away, as has happened in the past,then they are absolutely wrong! If they are right, then we have lost our last chance for a “fair go” and we will have deserved it. Enough is enough!!
Food for thought….perhaps we could offer a cost saving proposal to the Government by suggesting that any indexation increase be paid only to those DFRB/DFRDB recipients who have written to express their concern!!! Those who haven’t written are obviously unaffected and are not financially disadvantaged……ONLY JOKING!!!!
Enough is enough and we will continue to harangue them and the media right up until the next election. Then at last they will hear us loud and clear.
Please continue to bombard the media and the politicans,of all political persuasions, with your letters and please ask your friends and family to do the same. We must maintain our momentum gained in the last few days. Please send your letters by registered post (it does not cost much but ensures your message gets through) as politicans and/or their staff simply hit the delete button if you email them. (Convenient eh?) Remember Senator Lundy actually closed down her blog!!!! When did politicans cease to be servants of the people?
All that is required for evil to triumph is for good men and women to do nothing.
Keep on fighting!!
Senator Kate Lundy
11 London Crt
Canberra
ACT` 2601
Dear Senator Lundy
Like many in the Defence Family I am deeply disappointed with the failure of the Gillard Labor Government to allow the passage of the Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits Amendment (Fair Indexation) Bill 2010 on Thursday 16 June 2011. Many of us listened intently to the pantomime that was the Senate on that day and have read Hansard to confirm that a Bill that was so important to so many was treated with such contempt.
The speech, I will not call it a debate, by the Minister for Finance, Senator Wong in particular, was pompous, vitriolic and farcical all at the same time. It was a sad reflection on a Minister of the Crown who has shown herself to be unable to add any substance to this long running issue of real concern to so many members of the Defence Family. However I do commend you for your contribution on the day.
In your comments you did say that, “- this bill is not the answer –“ , also acknowledged that “CPI is no longer an accurate measure of the changes of the cost of living” and finally that, “If a robust index which reflects the price inflation experience of superannuants better than the CPI becomes available in the future, the Australian Government should consider its use for indexing Australian Government civilian and military superannuation pensions.
Senator even blind and deaf Freddy would know that we have been hearing this sort of comment for far too long now without any action on the part of the Gillard Labor Government to attempt to give us a ‘Fair Go.’ When does one say enough is enough?
Senator Lundy, your contribution to this whole affair is increasingly being brought into question. You are seen as the ‘fall guy’ for the Government with a safe senate spot, being allowed to develop and maintain a web site to draw out the comments and the concerns of the members of the Defence Family but with no intention of breaking ranks with the party line. I do not expect that you will be able to fool many in the Defence Family next time.
You will be aware that there are members of the Labor Caucus who are sympathetic to the need to change the method of indexation for those on DFRDB/DFRB pensions. Despite this you and they are bound to vote with the Labor Caucus on the issue so nothing will change. This indicates a lack of courage.
An interesting word ‘courage’ as it supposes so many qualities in an individual. It is courage that the present Government and previous governments demand of the men and women they send into harm’s way in so many conflicts across the globe. It is courage that all sides of Parliament laud when a fallen warrior is praised in speech after speech. It is courage that politicians applaud on ANZAC Day and other days on national commemoration. Sadly it was courage that was missing when members of your government and others voted down the Bill. A truly sad day!
Senator you have said many times that you will continue to campaign for a fairer system of indexation for those on military superannuation pensions. However what you say and feel personally on the issue will not alter the status quo as you are bound by Caucus decisions.
Please advise what the Gillard Labor Government’s intentions are with regards a Fair Go for those of us on military superannuation pensions?
Yours sincerely,
Mr K. D. Ryan
They may forget what you said, but they will never forget how you made them feel – Carl W. Beuchner
My father & family members served in the 2nd War & lived to talk of some of their hardships.
They fought to make this country free, a proud honest nation, where a person’s word was there bond. My parents brought me up with those understandings.
Sadly today’s standards are terribly low with the leader’s of this country fighting amoungst themself, being untruthfully to the nation and filling their pockets at the expense of the needy.
Freedom of speech in this country has been removed with Political Correctness.
It takes a disaster in this country to find who your friends are. They are, strangers who come from all parts of the country to help return your home & property to a livable state, not the Government. They can’t spare the funds, crickey their standard of meals each day or booze might have to reduce.
I recently said to my wife,” what another dead soldier, when are these young lives going to stop being wasted. What must their families be going through”
My heart goes out to all.
I support the hard work being fought by all in endeavouring to make good the lives of all our soldiers.
To all Diggers and Vets:
You have learned the hard way that the object of fighting a War is to win:
I suggest that you all stay the term and win,
for this War can be Won,
but only if you are prepared,
not to come home,
until you have raised your flag,
in Victory.
What the hell is going On? Why haven’t the major media outlets jumped on this? It is national disgrace and should appear on every front page.
I am led to believe there are approximately 56,000 DFRB/DRFDB recipients and some 3,000,000 million people directly involved in Defence communities. This includes past serving members and their families. Why is the media deliberately ignoring such a large proportion of our citizens? Is there a conspiracy here? It seems very strange that not one, not even one, major media outlet has had the courage to run with this.
Every time more illegal boat people arrive, they get front page press in all the major papers and yet the plight of the long serving ADF members continues to be completely ignored. Is the Government afraid of the general public’s reaction if this hits main frame press?
What a bloody disgrace! Excuse the language folks, but I am angry.
Some years ago I worked in the media and I have never experienced anything quite like this. An issue of such national importance, would have received extensive media coverage, so hence my question – is there a cover up going on?
Has there been collusion between the politicians and the media to gag all coverage of this issue? I hope not, but it certainly is shaping up that way to me. If this is the case, then we should all revolt, because the very thing our soldiers, both past and present have laid down their lives for, is under threat – the very fabric of the freedom of this Nation and its democracy are now on the line!
As a proud Australian, I have enjoyed the privileges of living in a democracy, so when did it change? When did we lose our right to freedom of speech? Yes folks, I am angry and so should you be.
If there is a better explanation to the deafening silence of the media, I would love to know what the reason is.
Could the Government deliver a greater slur on our Defence community than this?
Thank you Tess for publicly exposing this subject and letters from Neil Weekes and Ian McManus.
Neil is a well respected warrior and tribal elder within the Royal Australian Regiment and wider defence community. He exemplifies the Regiment’s motto Duty First.
Since the introduction of the Australian Soldiers’ Repatriation Bill in 1917, all governments have accepted the nation’s lifelong duty of care to those who made a unique commitment of military service to their country, and to their families. It is reasonable to say that a covenant exists between those who served and those who were, and are, protected.
There is a Military Covenant existing within the Parliament of Australia since 1917 when Prime Minister Billy Hughes declared: “…we say to them ‘You go and fight, and when you come back we will look after your welfare.” and: “We have entered into a bargain with the soldier, and we must keep it…!”
The Covenant is not a legal document but by convention, long-standing custom and contemporary application it does represents the nation’s enduring moral commitment to the men and women of the Australian Defence Force, and to their families, both during and after their time in uniform.
A moral commitment of this magnitude has clear and unavoidable financial implications for the whole nation.
Although successive Governments have generally met their obligations by way of the Repatriation Act, they have arguably breached their military employment contract related to military superannuation indexation. By not maintaining the indexation principle, the retention of the purchasing power of the payment, when other Commonwealth aged and welfare CPI indexation pension payments have changed, they have discriminated against its military and are in breach of contract.
The Gillard Government has decided the costs of a change are too great and, that those military superannuants who are reliant on their payment, averaging $22,559 as at 30 June 2010 (an amount below the poverty line), will continue to inflict on them a decline in their standard of living. And if a widow try to survive on five/eights of it: $14,099.
That is a bitter pill to swallow when we read of the Government’s “higher priority” expenditure in other places far from home and in wasteful activities.
In September 2008, Prime Minister Rudd said:
“…the first responsibility of government is the security of the nation. And it follows therefore that government has a particular responsibility towards those who have worn the nation’s uniform. Because there is in my view no higher calling than to wear the uniform of Australia”.
It seems that the Gillard Government wants to ignore,( or is that desert?), the Military Covenant.
Is it any wonder that we are angry?
Dear JEANETTE BARTLETT, I am very concerned
at what appears to be a media blackout.
I suggest that everyone who cares about the
scuttling of the Bill – rings
talkback radio to talk about the issue and repeat
some of the wonderful information and support
reflected in your comments.
The comments alone contains a wealth of information,
data and argument.
We can’t let the blackout continue. We have to
blitz the airwaves and get on talkback – and ‘ get it
out there.’
The blackout will not suppress the thousands of emails
being exchanged by the Defence Family. Or all the work that
everyone is doing behind the scenes.
We need to get Twitter going too.
Dear TED CHITHAM,thank you for your support for the content
of the article and for Independent Australia. Your comment
is chokkers with info and fact.There is no doubt that the courageous letters by Neil and Ian provided a wonderful opportunity to
expose the whole shoddy business. And of course, look at the
fabulous contributions made here in the comments section by so many other divisions of the Defence Family and supporters – and look at how many supportive comments have been made by ‘ civilians ‘ who had no idea of what you’ve all had to put up with. Me included.
It is very moving to read such things and to feel part of a shared
humanity, whoever and whatever we are.
Dear KEL RYAN, what a brilliant letter.
Can I suggest that we all reclaim the Bill’s
proper name – and not fall for the sneaky political
spin doctored name for it. The sanitised misnamed
‘Fair Indexation Bill’is designed to do the following: -
* Take out the words ‘DEFENCE FORCE ‘
* Take out the words ‘RETIREMENT ‘
* Take out the words ‘DEATH BENEFITS ‘
* Take out the words ‘AMENDMENT BILL 2010
If we put all the words back in, we have the PROPER and
original name for the Bill. And this is it: –
THE DEFENCE FORCE RETIREMENT AND DEATH BENEFITS AMENDMENT BILL 2010
Given the number of Australians killed and wounded in Afghanistan
and elsewhere, the Government doesn’t want to see the words
‘Defence Force’ and ‘Death’ in the same sentence.
But that is the reality that our service men and women and their families live with every day. And not just on paper.
Stuff them stuff them all (politicians that is)
I now live in Thailand as I cannot afford to live in the country I served over 20 years for.It destroyed my family and now I say to the senate “Chuck Wow”
What is wrong wiyh calling the senate a pack of wankers.I have done my time “have they”???
See you cannot even express your thoughts to these called smart people.They are just waiting and hoping we all die.
I will not even try anymore and I did not even swear.
I can’t believe these slimy no good self serving vermin. They welcome the coffins back from the middle east, as a photo opportunity, then do this. The PM says “we are right behind you” – not true – more like about 10,000 miles behind you – if at all.
The reason I saw for the veto was that “they couldn’t see where the funding was coming from.” Funny, they’ve never said that about any of their perks – or for all the money they’re spending on the asylum seekers for that matter.
I served 35 years in the military – and for what? So they can treat service people like this. I joined in 1973 and my DFRDB conditions were “guaranteed” by an act of parliament – what a joke – didn’t stop Bob Hawke and co. changing the “guaranteed” tax rules in 1983 (and giving themselves a pay rise in the same session).
I already put up with not being able to take long service until I’d done 35 years, (because in navy can’t while in service so get taxed on the lot when I get the payout) and get stung for “reasonable benefits limits” because I earnt over a threshold when I was serving in the gulf – penalised $3,000.00 because they paid me to go there – AND it earns interest for them until I got out 7 years later. Do they want a defence force or not?? They need to look at the word “incentive” in the dictionary.
I don’t trust any of them – why would I? They are a disgrace……….they’d better not come anywhere near me.
I really don’t think that we are as gullible as you think we are. If you think this government is that bad it can only be possible because you have forgotten the last bastard. Good luck, but don’t come whinging when you get dudded. Just one other thing. I am a digger to, but you do not represent my political aspirations, Independents are like car salesmen. Just there to take you for a ride.
GOVT BETRAYS DIGGERS!
SIEZE PSYCHOLOGICAL
RECORDS OF DIGGERS!
HOW OFTEN DOES THIS
HAPPEN?
Read the story by
Dan Oakes in today’s
Age:http://www.theage.com.au/national/troops-fear-for-mental-wellbeing-20110627-1gnjo.html
Senator K.A. Lundy
I could not think of a prefix to put in front of your name other than Traitor.
Normally a person would not start a sentance with Dear Traitor but if the cap fits you should wear it.
Having read a letter from another Veteran. In his letter he stated part of your maiden speach to parliament on the 7th May 1996
“… but I for one am determined to earn the respect of the people I represent by contributing to the fair and equitable public debate of issues which directly affect the quality of lives of Australian families.”
“My vision has been formed by the proud tradition of Labor principles expressed and refined over a century – – a tradition which values actions above words and which, quite frankly, is offended by the attitude inherent in a profit first, people last ideology. It is Labor’s ability to act decisively that distinguishes us from the other parties – – our ability to put in place fair policies that go to the very heart of the just society.”
You have not abided by what you said back then at all have you?
If we as serving members of the DEFENCE Force didn’t abide by what we promised when we joined up many years ago we would be classed as a Traitor and you certainly fit the bill.
In other letters I have been able to read you supported us at the beginning and then left us like a sinking ship.
We are led to believe that when we go and fight for our Country we will be treated fairly on our return and looked after in our later years.On my death my Wife will get 5/8 of my DFRDBF pension now if I were a slimy politician she would get a lot more and would get an increase every time you get one.
But alas we fought for our country. You on the other hand fight for you so that you can in retirement live a better life than a Soldier who fought so that you can live in a free country. ( That’s if you don’t give it away to Boat People)
Bit hard to sign off with respect no couldn’t do that because I don’t respect you or your lot.
Could say Sincerely because I sincerely believe what I have said.
Robert Ihlein
The Royal Australian Regiment Corporation and its members which is every Battalion Association in the Regiment is totally supportive of the Tess Lawrence article prompted by Brig Neil Weekes AM MC who is one of only few senior retired officers prepared to stick his head up on this very serious finacially debilitating issue, which is affecting thousands of ex miltary service families. The RARC has been fighting this issue since before the last election and what is particularily gauling is the way that some politicians have turned their backs on what was promised prior to the election.Where is the leadership in this country going if the offending politicians are permitted to lie and deceive with impunity and a total lack of integrity? Not what we would expect from our elected members and perhaps some of these miscreants could learn a little about ethics, integrity, moral courage and a mans honour being his word from Brig Neil Weekes and his stand on this important issue.
Michael von Berg MC
Chairman
The Royal Australian Regiment Corporation
Thank you Tess and others and I agree and fully support all comments. However, it is useless writing to newspapers or politicians. Lundy has shut down comment on her website. Appently, comments are “inappropriate”.
I, and others have e-mailed and written to the Canberra Times on this matter, but to no avail in trying to have the matter raised.
Given that the canberra times only support greens and labor, it would appear they will not print anything against them.
Although I must admit, before the last election, the canberra times did print a letter where I asked what was the labor and greens candidates position on indexation of DFRDB/DFB. The only response was from a lady from the greens who stated it was greens policy to support indexation. Pigs fly.
If you look at Lundie’s website, she states she was bound by a “caucus decision” not to support the Bill, despite all the garbage from her before the last two elections. Other labor members voted for it in the reps and the senate. Are they not bound by caucus decisions?
The greens and independants in the senate are just as bad.
Despite the good work Tess and others are doing, unless and until, mainstream media and TV get involved, I believe we are fighting a loosing battle.
Keep up the good work.
Nothing is as cold in the light of day than a pollies promise. If I was a used car salesmen I would feel mortally wounded to be lumped into the same category as the Pollies we currently have. Pollies of all creeds have always sold the ADF down the tube. Just how many of them or their family members have ever served in the ADF or reserve units. Their family members are usually channeled into University to political sciences and only ever study the wars their fathers got us into well after the smoke has cleared and time has favourably coloured their involvement. Pissed OFF isn’t strong enough for describing my thoughts on this issue but will have to do until the next election come around. There better be some better crop of starters or I won’t be voting at all and won’t be paying the fine either.
Dear MICHAEL VON BERG, I cannot tell
you how moving it is to have the unequivocal
support of yourself and the Royal Australian
Regiment Corporation. As a Journalist Advocate
I have been totally upfront about my support for
your cause. I cannot bear bullies and I am fully
cognizant of how widows and other family members
have been so abused by this Government and
its bureaucratic minions. I am in awe of your
Brig Neil Weekes and his steadfastness. Why should
I be surprised at you all. You remind me of that
other wonderful Australia, that shines thhrough in
times of great catastrophe, whether bushfire or
flood.Thank you Sir, I salute you.
Where are all the other media in their coverage of this distasteful act of betrayal by Senators that helped scuttle the Bill.
It seems that they have gone very quite on the matter is it because it is not a headline grabing story in the eyes of their editors or producers or is it that they fear they might fear the wroth of the Government and not be invited to press announcements if they persue the matter and show how the Government treats theit ADF members.
What ever is the reason I call on them to show some fair dinkum Aussie spirit and support the ADF community in their hour of need.
Good Morning Barry,
Indeed, you may well ask where and why hasn’t the media covered this front page story! Whilst the major media outlets have all been forwarded material on this subject, it appears there has been a very deliberate and coordinated “black out” on this story to prevent it from becomming public knowledge.
The Government knows that the general public will be incensed when they become fully aware of the shabby way our long serving Defence personnel have been treated in this manner.
The groundswell of public attendances at Anzac Day and other days of commemoration clearly show that the general public hold our service people in very high regard and would be mortified to know the real truth!
I hope that they are as outraged as I am about the way our Politicians and the media have refused to acknowledge their plight.
Is it any wonder that this is imflaming their sense of betrayal? It is an indictment on the Government for its lack of compassion, understanding and support for those who have ensured our Nation remains free.
WOW. How can this “person” live with herself??? Then again, maybe this duplicity is a requirement to get anywhere in the Labor Party. Tell ‘em what they want to hear then do something else. Trouble is; will the other mob be any better???
UNITED WE STAND, DIVIDED WE FALL
Well, as expected, the Government and its spin doctors are already trying to drive a wedge in between the various Groups of the Defence community in a hope that this will cause jealousies and infighting and reduce the validity of our argument. In a response to one of our members, Senator Lundy wrote the following on the 28th June…..”The prevailing tightness of the Budget situation was the driver of the Labor position. I also expressed concern that the Bill did not extend to MSBS and CSS. I will continue to press for the development of a new Indexation methodology as I said in my speech. The ALCI (Analytical Living Cost Index) was foreshadowed in the Matthews Review. The movers of the Bill were aware of this.”
There are two aspects of this…
1. Note Senator’s Lundy’s deliberate attempt to alienate the DFRB/DFRDB recipients from the MSBS members. Note also her mention of the Commonwealth Public Service Scheme. We will never ignore the current serving members, but we need to win the DFRB/DFRDB argument first. If we incorporate the MSBS members now, the economical rationalists will have a field day in promoting the huge additional costs involved. Wars are won by winning the little fights as well as the big battles. As far as the CSS go, this is a separate issue and they should fight their battles separately.
2. Senator Lundy attempts to distance herself from the undeniable fact that she deserted us at the last hurdle by voting against the Bill in the Senate. This highlights the irrefutable fact that regardless of all her public support, all her assurances and all her posturings, Senator Lundy will have to vote along Party lines whenever a vote is taken in the Senate, in the future.
I also received an email which quotes another response from Senator Lundy as follows:
“I will write another blog post on this issue in the future, but due to recent inappropriate and threatening comments (which unfairly reflect on many passionate and constructive advocates for fair indexation) I am closing comments for the time being.”
The recipient of this email, Michael Downs, has replied as follows:
“How very typical of the standard that has been adopted by this Gillard led government; I don’t like your comments, so I won’t be letting you say anything. Contrary to your asertion, you did in fact cause the demise of the Bill and with it, any chance we had of ever achieving anything like parity with old age pensioners. The Bill went down by one vote and you could have made the difference. Xenophon could have made the difference, Wong or Brown could have made the difference, but it was you who has been championing the issue on your website and it was you who let us down!
Maybe the Bill wasn’t perfect, nothing is in this imperfect world, but it was the best chance that we had and it was a start, it would have set the bar and the others could have followed in the fullness of time. Had you stopped to think, you would have realised that this Bill would have helped the oldest and most desperate of us on DFRB/DFRDB pensions, the ones that have the least time to live. Finance knew it and they also knew that by delaying it as long as possible, fewer of us will live long enough to receive any benefit, so why didn’t you know it?
You well know, that the ALP machine moves slowly and you also know that it will be many, many years before we ever see any action under the ALP, once they deploy their delaying tactics of comittees and more Senate enquiries. You can afford to spend 38.5 million dollars on illegals entering Australia, you can find the money for maternity leave for working mothers, you can afford millions of dollars on foreign aid, but you can’t even look after those who have put their lives on the line for Australia; I hope you can sleep at night Senator.
I challenge you, and your weak leader, to publicly state in writing, that any increase in pensions for military superannuants will be retrospective to 1 July, 2011. DO THAT AND SOME OF US MIGHT ACCEPT THAT YOU ARE NOT PLAYING POLITICS WITH WHAT’S LEFT OF OUR LIVES!”
Michael Downs has spoken from the heart and has said it all! We have already been duped by Senator Lundy, the ALP and Senator Brown. While Senator Xenophon also voted against the Bill, he at least indicated his support in principle provided the additional funds required, could be found in the Defence portfolio.
WE MUST STAND UNITED ON THIS, AS DIVIDED WE WILL FALL.
We must not let our personal situatons over-rule our main objective.
Rest assured, WE WILL NOT forget the current serving or future members of the ADF.
Of interest is Lundys response on her website. She apparently received some threatening comments so she blocked any more posts. Would be interesting to know the amount of threatening posts in a comparison with those of us who are more reasoned.
To put is bluntly, she is a disgrace.
Dear MICHAEL DOWNS your response to Senator Lundy
so movingly displays the economic brutalism of Lundy
and the Labor Party in relation to the Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits Amendment Bill 2010 (FIB)
You are all heroes. I’m sure the Labor Party is wishing they
were as united and steadfast and as passionate as you all.
It is a gross insult that they presume that human beings they dismiss as mere ‘cannon fodder’ can’t think and can’t act for themselves.
You reclaim this Bill It is your democratic right. A democratic government is By, For, and Of The People. And not By, For and Of the Labor Party.
Go Army. Go Navy. Go Air Force. Go Defence Force Family.
Who remembers the Whitlem Government stealing the DFRB Fund when they were short of cash.Enough is enough,if it’s so fair, why arn’t the politicans pension’s indexed under the same formula? I suggest all Military and Commonwealth Superannuants form an Association and make our presence felt at the next election by raising a fund to target the ten most marginal Goverment/Co-conspirator electorates.I would suggest members donate according to their circumstances and it be voluntary.I would gladly put in $100 to such a fund.If there were at least 50,000 pensioners and we averaged $25 per head,the Fund would hold $1.25 MILLION.Surely,a sufficient sum to gain a politicion’s attention.
I agree with John Alcock. I would also add that the self prtoclaimed “worlds greatest treasurer”, Keating, also vetoed the full CPI increase of DFRDB pensions in the late 1980′s. The full increase was never fully restored.
I also believe that senior public servants are to blame for a lot of the mess. Politicians could not devise the responses without them, and the spin doctors.
I would be happy to donate to a fund.
In 2009 John Graham passed away, and we remember him for his great contribution to our plight by running the web site http://www.militarysuperannuation.for-our.info/.
With his son Tony’s permission, I am taking over the site and rebuilding it using up-to-date technology. It will be released in a week (or so) as dfrdb.com (this is what I do for a living). I will make a formal announcement when finished. The site will have every piece of information regarding our battle that I can find.
My intention is to have a private forum, and public comments like this on the site, so we can better organise ourselves and communicate, and the current 500 members from John’s site will be moved to the dfrdb.com site.
This is my contribution to the momentum that will be necessary to fight sycophant scum like Kate Lundy.
My congratulations to all that have contributed on this blog. We need to have a united voice. To Neil and Tess well done!
Thanks Gordon.
Just a point of clarification: Independent Australia is not a blog, which has a connotation as being an amateur exercise. Independent Australia is, in fact, a professional online journal with full-time staff, an editorial board and over 50 contributors. It will reach over 55,000 people for June.
http://www.independentaustralia.net/about/
David Donovan
Managing editor
Independent Australia
editor@independentaustralia.net
I could not agree more with all of the afore mentioned comments, being an ex 20year navy man & knowing that we are treated by this & previous governments as fodder. It should also be noted, that a person who commuted their first 4 years of the pension to cash ( silly me ) which inturn reduces your pension payment calculated at your time of discharge ( your age ) to the AVERAGE MALE LIFE EXPECTANCY ( of the day ) & then to find out that the reduction is NOT reverted back to the full payment if you survive past that life expectancy figure used to calculate your pension at discharge. I wonder if anyone has thought of or mentioned this annomily.
We might need to get John Simons, John Singelton & Harvey Norman on our side. They get on the news saying we need an election now to get rid of the Gillard Government. I sent an email to each today tonight and a current affair no reply.
Gordon Wright your idea sounds good, along with John Alcock we all put in when required for a fighting fund.
Thanks Neil Weeks for your efforts we need someone like you to lead us against this rabble.
Thanks David… but I wouldn’t have called the White House Blog amateurish. No need to be sensitive. Your on-line journal is something that is needed and I will be a frequent visitor from now on.
An interesting point on Kate Lundy’s site under the WEBSITE tab, is the Code of Conduct. Pity she doesn’t follow her own advice given that she has taken down the comments.
“We have created a web presence that attempts to encourages open, transparent and accountable discussion about topics related to the ACT, and other areas of public policy that Senator Lundy is involved with or has an interest in.”
Not at all sensitive, just setting the record straight.
DD
As a Vietnam Vet, I would like to express my appreciation to Tess Lawrence for taking up the banner of our, if you like “fight”for equality in pensions. We ask for nothing more. Also thanks must go to Neil and Ian for their unrelenting push to get this into the public arena, and with Tess’s assistance, it appears it may just have happened.
I am not about to condemn politicians and/or their parties for their initial support and then their withdrawal of that support for the recent “Fair Indexation Bill”. Enough has been said to condemn them for their actions in many forums by more informed and educated men and women than myself. However, they DO stand condemned!
The next time, and there will be a next time, that they stand in the Lower (and I use the term advisedly) House of our Parliament and call for respect for another fallen warrior, I would hope that they feel some measure of shame that they have deprived the fallen’s survivors, those that have come home with damages that they (the politicians) can only imagine and those that have yet to face the horrors ahead, can hold their heads high remembering the pennies they have denied those who have served and still serve.
RESPECT
The Macquarie Concise Dictionary
respect: esteem or deferential regard felt or shown (by one’s constituents)
honesty: truthfulness, sincerity or frankness (towards one’s constituents)
integrity: soundness of moral principle and character (as a leader)
loyalty: maintaining one’s oath, engagements or obligations (to one’s constituents)
honour: high-minded character or principles; fine sense of one’s obligations (to one’s constituents)
leadership: act of guiding or directing at the head, as of an army, movement, etc (of one’s constituents)
In 1942, two battalions of green recruits were press-ganged off the streets of Sydney and Melbourne and put in uniform, then sent to Port Moresby, where they were used as stevedores to load and unload ships. They had no rifles, and were given no combat training. Before long they were issued with rifles and marched up to the southern end of the Kokoda Trail. There was time only for the most basic of combat training. Then they advanced to contact with the best jungle fighters in the world at that time – the Japanese Marines with recent combat experience in mainland China. Two raw battalions against a veteran enemy Brigade. The 39th Battalion was “lucky” it was staffed by officers seconded from the Middle East with battlefield experience. The 53rd Battalion was not so “lucky”. The calibre of the leadership within the 39th is now legendary within our history. Their leadership, saved Port Moresby from invasion and occupation by this enemy Brigade. Their leadership was based and rooted in the fine qualities listed above. Through their words and deeds they won the respect and loyalty of their men, who followed them into a living Hell and in many cases died in the process, but in the final analysis earned the respect and admiration of their nation. It is with the deepest sadness and regret now that I observe the words and deeds of our current crop of political leaders and feel, in comparison, only profound disgust.
disgust: to offend the good tast, moral sense, etc (of one’s constituents)
Whether or not I voted for you, is not the issue.
Whether or not I admire you, is not the issue.
Whether or not I am in your Division, is not the issue.
Whether or not you represent me, IS the issue.
How WELL you represent me, is the REAL issue.
Stand aside, we are coming through!
Bill Bowser
Intelligence Analyst
G’day Tess
I have made up a flyer based on the one used by DFWA (but not using their logo’s) at
http://www.dfwa.org.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=40&Itemid=58
and added the following underneath:
“Sixty three thousand DFRB/DFRDB superannuants have been betrayed by your cowardly refusal to pass the Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits Amendment (Fair Indexation) Bill 2010 through the Senate on 16 June 2001.
We hope you sleep well at night.
The rotten taste left in our mouths ensures that we don’t”
It then carries my full signature block after that.
I am sending it to all those politicians involved in the defeat of the passage of this Bill through the Senate – some 50 odd letters in all.
If anyone would like a PDF copy of the flyer I can be contacted at:
vk4aq@bigpond.net.au
I could even email them a copy of all the postal addresses of those politicians I’m posting my letters to as well.
Jim Anderson
Warrant Officer RAN (Ret)
Innisfail Q 4860
Dear JIM ANDERSON,you champion.It’s wonderful.
Please everyone, send it to the world.
Onya Jim. Says it all. Very clever. Very true.
Dear GUS DODDS, thank you for your personal support
for me and the acknowledgement of the extraordinary
and relentless endeavour of Neil Weekes and Ian McManus
who are standing shoulder to shoulder with you all, including
the many other distinguished leaders and members of the
Defence Force Family, many of whom have left comments here.
This comments section is fast becoming a manifesto. Certainly, it
is being closely monitored by policians and others.
This is not about the spin doctored name of the ‘ Fair Indexation Bill.’
This is about the real words of THE DEFENCE FORCE RETIREMENT AND DEATH BENEFITS AMENDMENT BILL 2010.
1. DEFENCE
2. FORCE
3. RETIREMENT
4. DEATH
5. BENEFITS
6. AMENDMENT BILL
Tess – You and IA are indeed heroines for championing our cause and getting us heard. I believe it is time we all stood up and got counted. Neil Weekes and Mr Jamieson (DFWA)have been carrying the ball so far, along with many others, comments on this site have pinpointed many of the bum deals that we’ve been dealt.
I can’t believe other media haven’t picked up on this – How can you prevent news like this from getting out.
I submit my comments to my local media here in Perth most days with your website address – Responses so far – ZIP. (Hope it doesn’t clog up the system)
Keep plugging – We’re with you all the way
mc
Dear BILL BOWSER, thank you for your service to this
country.
You are a champ to remind us of our past, so we can honour the hard endeavour of others who went before us, and whilst we are in the position to set right the terrible injustice and daily hardship endured by our ageing veterans. A terrible injustice now awaits younger members and their families whether they retire, are killed in action or die alone in a dark bedsit.
I believe a Bill Bowser was awarded the OAM. If you’re not the
same Bill Bowser,you and everyone else supporting their mates, are certainly worthy of the Defence Force Family People’s Medal.
Hi again Tess,
The following is from the RANCDA website with comments from the webmaster and a letter from our National President.
“The RANCD Association’s charter states that it is a non-political, non-sectarian organization, however it also states as an objective,
‘Loyalty to Australia’ .
Following on from that objective, I interpret that to mean total loyalty to our serving & retired members and to speak out as an Association when necessary. That time has come. The Australia we all fought for has been hijacked.
The current Australian Labor Government, in bed with the Greens, (through the Senate) has recently shown its absolute contempt for our retired servicemen and women.
We have been continually betrayed and lied to by this government and I believe every ex service organization should be shouting this betrayal from the roof tops.
The mainstream Australian media couldn’t give a damn so it is left to us to broadcast this traitorous act of our politicians as best we can.
Senator Kate Lundy (ACT) in particular exemplifies that betrayal and the lies, and clearly demonstrates the priorities and direction of this government. She apparently has no concept of honesty, decency or honour toward those who have offered their all for this country.
Quote from her maiden speech to the Senate:
‘It is Labor’s ability to act decisively that distinguishes us from the other parties–our ability to put in place fair policies that go to the very heart of the just society. – The Australian Labor Party stands for the political and social values of equality, democracy and freedom. These are the principles that I bring to the Senate.’
Surely she is joking… empty words indeed from a cold and shallow politician…..”
****It was Lundy’s vote which defeated the Fair indexation Bill in the Senate****
Her email is: senator.lundy@sph.gov.au
Tony Ey
Webmaster
KNOW YOUR ENEMY — DIGGERS VERSUS THE GILLARD GOVERNMENT
‘Our Diggers are at war.
Not with the Taliban.
Not with Al-Qaeda.
But with the Australian Government.
Our Diggers have been betrayed.
Not by the Taliban.
Not by Al-Qaeda.
But by the Australian Government.’
Tess Lawrence
http://www.independentaustralia.net/2011/politics/exclusive-breaking-news-digger-versus-the-gillard-government/
Our National President, Larry Digney is to be commended for the following letter to this country’s so called ‘leaders’ .
Prime Minister of Australia, Ms Julia Gillard MP
Leader of the Australian Greens, Senator Bob Brown
CC: Leader of the Federal Opposition, Mr Tony Abbott MP
I write this letter to express my disgust, bordering on contempt, for the Australian parliament and in particular the Australian Labor Party and the Australian Greens for their continuing disgraceful treatment of Australian servicemen and women with regards to fair indexation of their superannuation.
It has again been made abundantly clear to any fair minded Australian citizen that the character, dedication to country and commitment to fair mindedness of Australian service personnel is on a level that can only be dreamed of by their politicians.
I believe it is obscene for Australian service personnel to witness the hypocrisy evident at the funeral of every fallen Australian serviceman or woman with senior Australian politicians in attendance and using what can only be described as hyperbole as they iterate their weasel words in an attempt to prop up their own poor standing in the community. It has become very easy for Australians to understand the poor standing of some politicians and their political parties when they witness the disparity of intent and speed of action for similar decisions to be made in parliament when it involves increasing politician’s remuneration and conditions.
Australian service personnel have gone in harm’s way for over a century to ensure the freedoms of all Australians and on EVERY occasion every single one of them has been damaged in one way or another and the quality of their life has been affected in a negative way for the duration of their lives. For politicians to totally ignore the lifelong impact of service life is disappointing in the first instance but to disadvantage and under value that service because a one off difficult financial decision needs to be made is tantamount to disgraceful and insulting.
We note that according to the Sunday Telegraph on 24 October, 2010 superannuation, travel and office payments and conditions provided to ex Australian Governor’s General averages in excess of $500,000 per annum each (average of $539,000 to Bill Hayden since 2007) and in the case of the disgraced Dr. Peter Hollingworth (average of $502,000) the ongoing and fully indexed annual payment is made for only 2 years service where the toughest thing he (and all other ex Governors General) has done is sign documents.
Superannuation to ex Australian service personnel, with an average minimum of 20 years of loyal and dangerous service to their country, is in the vicinity of $23,000. Is there any way such disparity can be justified and then have the government ignore the request for simple equity in indexation?
I draw your attention to the following politically driven shambolic decisions that collectively have cost the Australian taxpayer far more than decades of fair indexation for superannuation of service personnel would ever cost.
Fuel watch
Grocery watch
Rural loans scheme
Cash for clunkers
Failed asylum seeker policy’s especially the proposed Malaysian solution which seems to have an ongoing funding requirement without an exit strategy
Scrubbing the Pacific Solution and Temporary Protection Visas
United nations security council membership jollies by Mr K Rudd
Soccer World Cup
School Halls
Solar hot water systems
School children would be strongly chastised for such disgraceful results.
It has become abundantly clear that the school ground antics of politicians and their fervid protection of their own conditions has reinforced in the minds of everyday working Australians and especially service personnel who have written a blank cheque to the people of Australia for a value up to and including the laying down of their lives for their country and freedoms that their politicians are little more than prostitutes who hawk their wares for financial gain and power whilst paying scant concern for the welfare and equity of others.
It is a also a shameful situation that politicians can set up so called “independent tribunals” to blame for their remuneration increases and who pander to their own greed and deliver outcomes that are so far removed from ordinary workers and service personnel salaries and conditions but then totally ignore other tribunals that recommend equity.
I have always believed that it takes a special type of person with a different character to become a politician but it has taken over 60 years for me to realise that the “special” really refers to self service, hyperbole, insincerity, glorification of self and in the case of some recent government policies, stupidity.
I believe the decision of the Australian parliament and in particular the Australian Labor Party and Australian Greens to again desert the Australian servicemen and women who have given their lives in honour and in defence of their country is a travesty and it reflects very poorly upon the people elected to govern for all Australians and not just for political gratification and themselves. It beggars belief that a major political party in Australia can treat all Australians with such utmost contempt as the Australian Labor Party did on 16 June in the Senate when they voted against the Military fair indexation bill after voting for it in the House of Representatives. What abstract hypocrisy!!!
Ms Gillard and Senator Brown, you both stand condemned along with your political parties.
Sincerely
Larry Digney
National President
RAN Clearance Divers Association
PS: This letter will be distributed widely amongst Australia’s service and ex serving service personnel.
Dear MICHAEL CURRIE, TONY EY and LARRY DIGNEY, National President of the Royal Australian Navy Clearance Divers Association.
Firstly Michael, thank you for your wonderful personal support for me. Given that, for the moment,at least,it seems that I am in a journalistic desert, I nontheless, whilst alone, do not feel lonely.Because of your collective and steadfast support. And because David Donovan,Managing Editor of Independent Australia has given me a safe harbour for this extraordinary story, that is burgeoning by the minute, and whose narrative is, in fact, being written by you all. This is citizen journalism at its finest. And it possesses a democratic lucidity that outstrips in intellect and form much of the self-centred narcissim and poll-driven egocentricity of ‘On message, Branding politics.’ It has nothing to do with The People.
We hunger to hear the likes of of Larry’s impassioned and eloquent
discourse in our State and Federal Parliaments.
We don’t. As we won’t. It may be that this is where the Parliaments of the future will sit. Online. By, For and Of The People.
The Body Politic.
Look at how many voices there are. And how interested we are in what we have to say to one another. And how we listen and exchange ideas and offer help and support. And a healthy exhange of ideas.
Certainly it is very uplifting. And very inspiring and a great privilege to be part of it.
I am in awe of you all. Every one of you. And I well know that
for every comment that is posted here, there are thousands of email
exchanges that have led up to it.
I cannot for the life of me understand why you are having a go a Kate (the Commie) Lundy for lying to you all. She is a Labor Party Politician, what did you bloody expect!
Thank you Tess Lawrence for all your efforts in this matter; I support them and endorse your comments and those of my mates Mick Currie, Larry Digney and Tony Ey. I have written to my local Federal Member (Craig Thomson) but don’t really expect a reply. I believe this is a cause that SHOULD attract the support of the RSL but so far………?
Well you all said it. Where are all the other news media?
The answer I am not sure of.But what I do propose is that to-morrow morning we all get on the phone and ring every talk back radio station in the nation and keep bombarding them until they join the fight.I am sure there must be at least one announcer that has ties with someone that has seen military service and if one station takes up the cause the others will follow as when it comes to ratings they will not allow any rival to leap ahead.
Good on you Barry. We need to maintain our momentum, our resolve and our determination. Just as importantly, we must maintain our unity as I am sure that this Government, including the Greens, must be feeling our hot breath on the nape of their necks and I bet that they are presently preparing contingency plans to discredit some of us in an attempt to divide us.
Barry, you are right on the button. Everyone should ring their local radio station on this matter tomorrow morning. It should be a coordinated action. Please do not use acronyms or military jargon. Just tell them of your frustrations and your sense of betrayal. Everyone should write another letter, not an email, and post it by registered mail (it does not cost much) to a politician especially those in the marginal seats. I will try to post a list of these later. I will also post a draft press release that all readers can send to their local newspapers and TV stations.
For this to be successful I need your support to bombnard the media outlets and the politicians. We must mobilise the general public to support our cause.
I have it on very good authority that our PM and her Government are getting very nervous about this matter so let’s keep the pressure up.
Thanks for all your support and a special thanks to you, Tess.
Dear BARRY ROSE & NEIL WEEKES.
Spot on! Hitting the airwaves
is a great idea. We’ve also got
overnight programs don’t forget,
and every often major stories break on
them – so yes,we have limited hours
for this week,and every minute of them
is critical to getting the message across.
We’ve got the weekend – and Macca on
AUSTRALIA ALL OVER on the ABC!
Thank you Neil for your personal support and
for supporting the Defence Force Family, and
by definition, the Australian Family.
Good stuff Neil and Tess
We need to keep at them, they have never had a group so well trained to fight against them as us.
Our government years ago had us trained by some of the best service personnel in the world. Now that training to stand together and fight will come to light like they have never seen. They are so riddled with back stabbing and self-righteous so and so’s.
There is a programme called talking back the night starts about 10pm every night I will give them a go tonight.
Bob Ihlein 20 years RAE Warrant Officer class two.
This letter was posted by me via registered post a few days ago. I paid the recipients the courtesy of allowing them to be delivered before I post it here in this forum.
To the following august personages:
Senator Nick Xenophon
Senator Penny Wong
Senator Bob Brown
Senator Kate Lundy
The Hon. Prime Minister Julia Gillard MP
The Hon. Tony Abbott MP
Following the Senate’s rejection of the Fair Indexation Bill on 16th June, 2011, Mr Neil Weekes expressed his bitter disappointment on the Senate’s decision. We veterans, all 50,000 of us who served in Vietnam, and those of us who served in Korea, Malaya, and Indonesian Konfrontasi before that; and those of us who have gone on to serve in later deployments and conflicts on Peace-Keeping deployments such as my own to that cess-pit, Somalia; we are beyond disappointed. We are disgusted by the attitudes inherent in your government, which brought about this shameful betrayal of the men and women who have served our Nation in the Australian Defence Force for up to 35 years, as in my case.
When faced with a vote to increase your own salaries or superannuation, you don’t hesitate to approve it, regardless of the cost to the nation. Why should you, you’ve earned it. You deserve it! You’ve worked so hard for it, putting your life in clear and present danger. You are always coming under fire for this or that. Someone is always sniping at you about something or other. And when you take your bruised ego and wounded feelings to the emergency ward, what is the prognosis? You don’t have a ramp ceremony at RAAF Richmond, you don’t have a military funeral at Karrakatta Cemetery with your distraught and now destitute family following the gun-carraige. Your family is not jolted out of their senses by the firing of those three loud volleys signalling the last farewell. You just fold your tent and steal away to come back and knife someone another day. You’ll live! But alas we don’t sometimes. That is the difference. That is what so disgusts us all. Your attitude.
When financial data was provided to refute and prove that your statements were wrong about whether or not the nation had the cash, you had the gall still to say we don’t.
We are disgusted by your attitude.
During the Vietnam War the Prime Minister of the day and the Leader of the Opposition and the Minister for the Army never attended the funerals of the soldiers killed, or blathered on about how sorry and devastated they were about the whole thing. I know they didn’t because I was there as a soldier in the Bearer Party, or the Limber Party, or the Firing Party, of the Catafalque Party. I was there. I saw it. I know they weren’t there. I buried a lot of fellow soldiers. Now we same people attend the military funerals of our casualties around the nation as sincere mourners for our fellow soldiers, to show our deep respect, and our unshakeable solidarity. And, we see you dressed up to the nines. Grandstanding with all your minders and feeling important and relishing the “photo opportunities” with all the streets closed off and police everywhere. We see it for what it is – a sham! We go with respect and admiration in our hearts. We have walked a mile in their shoes, and we are there for the families who are left behind. That is not what we see when you arrive with your attendant circus, to milk it for every ounce of political mileage. Your rhetoric sadly lacks the sincerity these dead people deserve. We are disgusted by your attitude.
And in retirement, what does a dead man get for his trouble? Contempt is what he gets. His family is required to survive on 5/8th of what he was paid if he survived and continued breathing. We see that family’s pittance intentionally indexed in such a way that its buying power is deliberately geared to drop each and every year, sliding them inexorably into the morass of poverty; while you invent new taxes to bleed them even more and increase their rate of descent. We are disgusted by your attitude.
We see those of you in the Upper House who had the opportunity to right this wrong that has dragged out over decades – and you deliberately chose not to. We are disgusted by your attitude. Is this a full measure of the social change that you plan for this marvellous nation? God help us if it is, because there is another social change that is happening right under your collective noses, that will put yours into the pale. You are going to need us in the not-too-distant future, so try not to burn your bridges. Open your eyes! The electorate is in revolt. We have delivered a hung parliament to you once already. Let’s see what we can deliver next time shall we? We are all totally disgusted by your attitudes.
Bill Bowser
and yes, Tess, I am the same bloke. Well done and keep up the good work. There are plenty of us out here who appreciate it beyond measure.
There have been some very good posts on this matter,”Yes Minister” has some basic true lessons for us.We need to become an embarrassment to this Government,it’s allies and its ministers.I would encourage all parties to email ministers and back benchers with copies to major papers ,the abc etc.Some email addresses are as follows:
http://www.theaustralian.com
news.smh.com.au
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au
http://www.couriermail.com.au
http://www.theage.com.au and The PM’S email address is http://www.pm.gov.au/
One would need to spend some time looking for the Ministers,in fact it would have been easier to find a ‘VC Bunker System in the 60′s and 70′s.Anyway we need to get in their face anyway we can.Cheers to all.
For all those people who are determined to fly the flag for justice, please find below the list of Federal marginal seats. There are 47 marginal seats in all, 25 ALP and 22 Coalition.
Your help is needed to bombard politicians in these Electorates with your registered letters of protest. We need to let them know that we will mean business!
Enough is enough, the time for complacency has passed – words have failed – now we must stand united and fight for the cause.
The marginal seats are as follows:
Queensland
Blair, Bonner, Brisbane, Capriconia, Dawson, Fisher, Flynn, Forde, herbert, Leichhardt, Liley, Longman, Moreton, Reid, Robertson
Victoria
Ashton, Casey, Corangamite, Deakin, Dunkley, La Trobe, McEwen
New South Wales
Banks, Bennelong, Dobell, Een-Monaro, Greenway, Kingsford Smith, Lindsay, Macarthur, Macquarie, Page, Parramatta, McMilan
South Australia
Boothby, Hindmarsh, Sturt
Western Australia
Brand, Canning, Fremantle, hasluck, Perth, Swan
Northern Territory
Lingiari, Solomon
The politicians need to know that are being called to account and that if your protests fall on deaf ears, the war will be taken to the Ballot box at the next Election.
Power to the people, united, we can do this.
Dear JEANNETTE BARTLETT, well done and spot on.
Please send it to Prime Minister Julia Gillard, Minister for Defence,Stephen Smith and Senator Kate Lundy, Opposition Leader Tony Abbott and Senators Xenaphon and Wong.
Senator Wong’s idiotic rant at the Opposition about other things during the valuable time scheduled to debate the Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits Amendment Bill 2010 (FIB) was nothing more than a deliberate time-wasting ruse to suffocate discussion on the Bill. It was a pre-meditated,pre-ordained killing of the Bill.They all went into that room with instructions to kill the Bill. And everyone present is culpable because they participated in this and allowed it to happen. The Labor Party and Senator Lundy
gave you their word – and then betrayed you. They lied.
In the ballot box you can show them a few home truths.
Thanks Jeannette for showing us their soft tissue.
The way the Australian constituency feels right now about politicians, every seat in the country is marginal.
Dear BILL BOWSER, I thought it was you. I have just read your
more recent post and I thank you Sir, for what you have said on behalf of so many of us and for being so fearless in the telling.
I have some feeble understanding of what some of your postings on behalf of our country would have entailed. And I have some understanding of the serious responsibilities of those assignments.
What you have written here flanks the fine and eloquent voices
of so many others in the Defence Force Family.
This site is now being monitored by the Prime Minister’s Department. Senator Kate Lundy’s email address is now via the Prime Minister’s Department because she is no longer considered competent enough by her panic-stricken mistress to handle the matter. We now present a clear and present danger armed with nothing but the cherished wish for Justice. This is a word that is foreign to our
Government. I salute you Bill Bowser. It is a privilege to walk with you all on this journey.
Firstly, congratulations to Bill Bowser for his outstanding letter. I hope you have sent a copy by registered post. Welcome to our fight for “a fair go.”
Jeannette Bartlett has posted a list of all the marginal seats for all political parties. I encourage you all to forward a letter by registered mail, to the ALP,Greens and Independent politicians in these seats. Please log onto the following link to obtain their name and postal address. Please do this as a matter of urgency as we must strike while they are in disarray…http://www.aph.gov.au/house/members/mi-elctr.asp
I also promised to provide you with a rough media release that you could use when are talking with your local radio stations. That draft follows in bullet points.
Growing groundswell of discontent within the Defence communities, both serving and ex members regarding Senate’s rejection of the Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits Amendment (Fair Indexation)Bill 2010.
Members outraged about duplicity of the Government, including the Greens who have reneged on their commitment made prior to the last Election.
Ex members and serving members, from all three Services, plus large numbers of the general public (from all over Australia and overseas, including our members in Afghanistan) are united on this and have been bombarding politicians and media outlets to express their discontent, disgust, frustration and sense of betrayal.
Average annual superannuation pension is $22,559 which means many are living below the Henderson Poverty Line, or are receiving less than our old age pensioners, even though they contributed 5.5% of the salary into their superannuation fund. The old age pensioners contributed nothing.
DFRB/DFRDB “Pensioners” and Commonwealth Public Servants are the only pensioners who continue to pay tax on their pension. They are deliberately discriminated by Government legislation.
This is a National disgrace. Support from the general public is growing, as they become increasingly aware of the plight of those ex ADF members who have served our Nation for 20 years or more.
Widows of DFRB/DFRDB recipients receive only 5/8 of their pension. This is indexed against CPI, which means their misery pittance (average annual pension, $14,100)is gradually but inexorably losing its purchasing power. CAN YOU LIVE ON THAT? I BET A POLITICIAN CAN’T LIVE ON THAT?
Politicians must not underestimate the resolve, determination and commitment of the Veteran community to fight this fight until this terrible injustice has been righted.
We are here for the long haul – WE STAND UNITED – WE WILL NOT FAIL BECAUSE WE OWE IT TO ALL PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE MEMBERS OF THE ADF AND THEIR FAMILIES. THOSE WHO HAVE PAID THE SUPREME SACRIFICE DEMAND NOTHING LESS OF US.
LEST WE FORGET TO REMEMBER
I exhort you to bombard your local radio stations during the next three days using the above points as a basis for your comments.
Don’t stop until we hear the roar of success!!
I got on to Talking back the night on the radio tonight and they were very helpfull and are willing to support us must be facts of course they are Dan Brisky and Christian email christian@theradio.com.au phone 132710
Least they are willing to have our plight heard.
Bob
Well done, Bob.
Additional details have been forwarded to Christian at the radio station already.
Let’s see if they are prepared to follow up.
What an outstanding letter from Bill Bowser. It says it ALL.
I have just sent the following to Senator Lundy.
Senator Lundy,
You have no idea of the contempt and disgust that Australia’s Veteran community hold for you.
You and your un-Australian colleagues – Miss Gillard, Senators Wong & Brown to name but a few – have outright lied and betrayed the men and women who have put their lives on the line for this country.
All we asked for was a ‘Fair Go’ – something you publicly claim to stand for, but for party politics are willing to forget at a moment’s notice when it suits you or your bosses.
I realise that you won’t even read this because of the contempt you hold for Australia’s veterans and the fact that you simply don’t care, but your minders should remind you and your colleagues that we are living breathing Australians, and we VOTE and there are many of us with families and supporters who also vote. If there is any justice in this world, you and your ilk in the Labor party and the Greens will be on the dole queue after the next elections. Of course that will never happen because of the obscene pensions you and your associates regularly vote into legislation for your ridiculously excessive and privileged retirement.
As a Vietnam veteran and a Military veteran of 20 years, I am disgusted with you and your party. You forget that we are fighters and we wont give up – it is only our enemy that has changed. We will never forget this betrayal.
Stand by for the next election. You might be in for a shock.
Tony Ey
I have this day requested the PM to explain how she intends to compensate Defence Force pensioners,other superannuation pensioners,and self funded retirees for the impost of her new ‘Carbon Tax’.In light of the Governments treatment of the ‘Fair Indexation-DFRB Bill’,I think we all know what to expect.
OPEN LETTER TO BOB BROWN AND THE GREENS
Do the Greens really believe their own policy that the current indexation of all commonwealth superannuation pensions, including for our military people, is unfair? Your antics in the Senate recently suggest not.
Making irrelevant political points did not help the cause at all, and only played into the Labor government’s obfuscating and filibustering hands. Really – the merits or otherwise of mining super profits tax have nothing at all to do with fair and just honouring of conditions of service. And it is time that you got to grips with the real issue.
The real issue, Bob, is that our ex-service people continue to face ever-depreciating purchasing power, reducing standards of living and continuing, illogical and unjust dismissal by the Government (people) they served. It remains a continuing disgrace, and we should all (Greens included) be outraged over it, and be demanding the government to fix it. The ex-service organisations have even told them where to find the money! It is, therefore, surprising that you have allowed yourself to fall into Labor’s trap by reacting to its fiscal responsibility line, when the principal question facing us is one of justice in honouring a condition of employment – or “doing the right thing”, if you will.
Our service people joined and continue to serve in the ADF under conditions of employment which include indexation to protect the purchasing power of their superannuation pensions when they leave the service. Paying them fairly indexed pensions is an obligation – just as the government has an obligation to pay its electricity bills and parliamentarians’ wages and superannuation – as a first call on its resources.
It is hardly veterans’ fault that governments (of whatever persuasion) have squandered, or put irretrievably beyond reach, the very funds (already contributed by members and government) that should have been invested and earning good interest to enable fair (not ‘fairer’, as said so many times) and just indexation.
Through your actions you have alienated the majority of the ex-service community. You will have to work very hard to restore the Greens’ credibility with these people.
Please convince the government to take their responsibilities seriously, and move them to take prompt action to fix this un-Australian festering sore of willful discrimination against ex-service people – by their own government.
Do it soon.
_________________
Good Morning Tess,
Like so many others, especially from the Vietnam era when Politicians were practically invisible, this issue has incited so many of us that I too am willing to contribute. I sent the following as a Letter to the Editor of all major newspapers in each State – I’ll follow-up with letters to Senators as well. Thank you for your welcome efforts. Doug
“What value is an ADF person in retirement? Not much at all apparently. On 16 June 2011, the Senate in Canberra rejected a Bill that would start removing the discrimination faced by current and former ADF members in their superannuation schemes. The value of an ADF pension has fallen behind that of politicians by about 70% since the early 1990s. When politicians’ pensions come up for review and an increase is recommended, the politicians agree claiming that the review is done by an independent authority. However, when these same politicians are the final arbiter of the ADF pension scheme, they are not interested. Not surprisingly, you will have noticed that when ADF members leave or return from overseas duty or at ADF funerals, politicians elbow and jockey their way to prominence to ensure their faces are on TV, suggesting that they are supportive of ADF personnel. This must be seen as blatant hypocrisy.”
I have actually received a reply yo my email to Senator Lundy.
More spin…..
Tony
Contrary to your belief I am reading and responding to as many emails as I can.
I urge you to read my speech as you will understand that I will continue to push for a new indexation methodology, the ALCI.
I remain committed for a fair go for you all despite the ill-informed abuse I am receiving (not yours).
Regards
Kate Lundy
We need to get this info going to every bloody ESO in the country.
Tony has made sure it got well represented on the Navy Clearance Divers Website.
I have given it a plug on the Navy Communications Branch Website.
It behoves upon every other service member, who may have a branch/mustering/trade website, whether army, navy or air, to get their respective Webmasters to do some serious ‘geeing up’ about this issue.
Go to it fellas
Jim Anderson
Innisfail FNQ
DIGGERGATE STOP PRESS!:
SENATOR JOHN FAULKNER,
former Defence Minister,
has informed us that he
has written to the Minister
for Veterans’Affairs, Warren Snowden
passing on material from
Neil Weekes.
ONYA, SENATOR FAULKNER!
Well done, Senator Faulkner. It looks like we actually do have some politicians who do have principles, who do understand that there has been a huge groundswell of anger and discontent in the veteran community, serving and ex-members. Their sense of betrayal is growing every day and they are in this fight, this campaign, for the long haul. It is time that this terrible injustice was righted.
Congrtulations Senator for having the courage to write to Minister Snowdon. Iam McManus, a former ALP member of the NSW Government, has also joined our ranks. There are some 56,000 DFRDB members and it is estimated that there are approximately 3,000,000 people in the wider Defence community. That represents about 13% of the Australian population so we will have considerable clout at the polloing booths at the next election.
Senator, thanks.
I have had times in my political career ,when I felt my colleagues had little abiltiy or courage to take on these political bullies ,who hold veiws and beliefs that they know what is best for the Australian community, but the truth is , a majority of them are endorsed by their unions or state branches for past “services to the cause”–not by the people of the country.They are there at the behest of their masters and are cast aside quickly if they do not toe the line.
Sadly these MPs in the Senate and Upper Houses get a profitable and comfortable ride to a Parliamentary Pension without having to put themselves personally to the community to be assessed for their actions.
So many good poeple are standing up doing what our elected reps are supposed to do–So fight brothers and sisters .
Contact your MPs – Demand to know there views-If you dont get an adequate response-Remember them well at the ballot box.
This Labor Government happily send our finest to defend others,laying there lives on the line and walk away when help is needed most
I am proud to be a Vietnam Vet, but when it is mentioned I was an ALP MP I feel shame , that a once great party built to protect those in need has stooped this low
Good evening Tess, thank you and all other positive contributors to this cause. Some of the contributions are simply superb and inspirational. We collectively have the politicians of this country surrounded and all we need to do is hold our line and expand our footprint.
In an attempt to get some traction and broad acre coverage I have sent the following to 12 newspaper editors right across Australia today in hope to get it into the “letters to the editor” section.
“On June 16, 2011 one of the greatest acts of political bastardary ever witnessed in the Australian Parliament was orchestrated by the Australian Labor Party. After supporting the Coalition’s private members Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits Amendment (Fair Indexation) Bill 2010 in the House of Representatives the ALP with their symbiotic partners, the Australian Greens, voted against it in the Senate. An act of unequalled hypocrisy that reflects the very character of today’s treacherous ALP.
This issue is not going away and a massive response is occurring as ex serving members of the ADF actively and stridently express their disgust at the ALP and the Australian Greens with correspondence to individual Members, Senators and their leaders.
This Bill is not called the “Fair Indexation” Bill for nothing and Australian ex servicemen and women are not seeking anything untoward, underhanded or gratis, we are simply seeking fair and equitable indexation of our contributory superannuation pensions and nothing more.
Whilst ex Australian Governors General’s receive a fully indexed average annual pension and travel/office allowance of over $500,000 for only 5 years service, Australia’s military pensioners with average service in excess of 20 years receive $23,000.
Military pensioners intend to carry this issue all the way to the next election and we will ramp it up as necessary because by nature we are fighters and we have fought many enemies to keep this country free and democratic and it is those freedoms and the democratic process that we will use to bring this treacherous and deceitful government to its political demise.
Prime Minister Gillard and members of the ALP, hear us and hear us loud and clear, in keeping with our proud, tested and proven track record we will not retreat and we intend to let the Australian people know just what the ALP DNA is really made of.
We are confident that all fair-minded Australian voters who’s freedoms have been provided by the protection we have afforded them for well over a century will see just how deceitful, dishonest and unelectable you really are.”
Larry Digney
National President
Royal Australian Navy Clearance Divers Association
Now here is a comment for you:
Tommy
Author: Rudyard Kipling I went into a public-’ouse to get a pint o’ beer,
The publican ‘e up an’ sez, “We serve no red-coats here.”
The girls be’ind the bar they laughed an’ giggled fit to die,
I outs into the street again an’ to myself sez I:
O it’s Tommy this, an’ Tommy that, an’ “Tommy, go away”;
But it’s “Thank you, Mister Atkins”, when the band begins to play,
The band begins to play, my boys, the band begins to play,
O it’s “Thank you, Mister Atkins”, when the band begins to play.
I went into a theatre as sober as could be,
They gave a drunk civilian room, but ‘adn’t none for me;
They sent me to the gallery or round the music-’alls,
But when it comes to fightin’, Lord! they’ll shove me in the stalls!
For it’s Tommy this, an’ Tommy that, an’ “Tommy, wait outside”;
But it’s “Special train for Atkins” when the trooper’s on the tide,
The troopship’s on the tide, my boys, the troopship’s on the tide,
O it’s “Special train for Atkins” when the trooper’s on the tide.
Yes, makin’ mock o’ uniforms that guard you while you sleep
Is cheaper than them uniforms, an’ they’re starvation cheap;
An’ hustlin’ drunken soldiers when they’re goin’ large a bit
Is five times better business than paradin’ in full kit.
Then it’s Tommy this, an’ Tommy that, an’ “Tommy, ‘ow’s yer soul?”
But it’s “Thin red line of ‘eroes” when the drums begin to roll,
The drums begin to roll, my boys, the drums begin to roll,
O it’s “Thin red line of ‘eroes” when the drums begin to roll.
We aren’t no thin red ‘eroes, nor we aren’t no blackguards too,
But single men in barricks, most remarkable like you;
An’ if sometimes our conduck isn’t all your fancy paints,
Why, single men in barricks don’t grow into plaster saints;
While it’s Tommy this, an’ Tommy that, an’ “Tommy, fall be’ind”,
But it’s “Please to walk in front, sir”, when there’s trouble in the wind,
There’s trouble in the wind, my boys, there’s trouble in the wind,
O it’s “Please to walk in front, sir”, when there’s trouble in the wind.
You talk o’ better food for us, an’ schools, an’ fires, an’ all:
We’ll wait for extry rations if you treat us rational.
Don’t mess about the cook-room slops, but prove it to our face
The Widow’s Uniform is not the soldier-man’s disgrace.
For it’s Tommy this, an’ Tommy that, an’ “Chuck him out, the brute!”
But it’s “Saviour of ‘is country” when the guns begin to shoot;
An’ it’s Tommy this, an’ Tommy that, an’ anything you please;
An’ Tommy ain’t a bloomin’ fool — you bet that Tommy sees!
G’day LARRY DIGNEY, I just wrote a long reply to your
comment – and accidentally pressed the wrong key and wiped it,
being a drongo!
Thank you for your wonderful words of support and encouragement and
for writing this important letter that will ultimately, like the
other letters and comments here, become an important historicl
legacy for the Australian Defence Forces Family.
This legacy will say, that when it came to the point of caring for the least among you. The least among us. The least who are us.
You all stepped forward in solidarity and held the line. You were up for it.
I salute you Larry – and you all and your wonderful comrades in the RAN Navy Clearance Divers Association.
When you have a moment (ha!), can you explain to us the ‘Brown Water’ work you do in Vietnam – and am I right in recalling that HMAS Melbourne won a Fleet Proficiency Award last year ?
Thank you all for your service to this country – and others.
Dear GREG DECKER, fabulous poem -
thank you, good start to the day-
and have you checked out the other
poems that have been quoted – and
George’s poem? It is good to see
there is still that mighty tradition
of poetry – on and off the battlefield.
They are important literary songlines
of humanity – and inhumanity, and the
human condition in general, don’t you
think Greg ?
Dear IAN MCMANUS,G’day, have you and colleagues
heard back from the DEFENCE MINISTER
STEPHEN SMITH yet? Any update re your
request for a meeting ?
Hi all
For those that may have missed it,there is finally,an article,short though it may be,in relation to indexation of pensions.
It is in the Sydney Daily Telegraph today,2 July 2011, page 15.
It is written by Gemma Jones,a political reporter.
There is also an on line poll on page 31. Although I believe that the question is badly worded in that it refers to war veterans, which is a little confusing.
I would urge people to vote on this. Maybe someone can put out a general e-mail. I do not have the ability to do this.
At least there is someo9ne who has taken up the cause in a mainstream media. Hope it is picked up by others and continues.
Keep up the good work.
John Sainsbury.
Dear JOHN SAINSBURY, it is wonderful news that GEMMA JONES
from the DAILY TELE has written a story. Thanks so much Gemma,
and let’s hope that this encourages other mainstream media to
do their own thing and take a look at the many facets inherent
in this continuing injustice towards the Defence Force Family, including our cherished Veterans.
Onya Gemma! Onya Daily Tele!
Tess,
Thank you for your very kind email, it is very encouraging to know that we have someone outside of the veteran community who is prepared to battle so hard on our behalf. Getting our plight into the public arena is something the government wants desperately to avoid, because they know that eventually they will be overcome by the groundswell of disapproval of their actions, against those that they so publically praise whilst we serve, then dump once we retire.
Michael Downs
G’day all,
We have won Round 1 of this fight. We are united as never before….
The groundwell of discontent, anger and frustration is palpable and continues to grow rapidly in the Defence Community, both serving and ex members, as a result of the Senate’s rejection of the Defence Force Retirement & Death Benefits Amendment (Fair Indexation) Bill 2010. There is also a growing sense of betrayal by our Politicians as, despite this huge outpouring of disgust, they appear to be ignoring our plight….
This unity of purpose would not have been possible without the outstanding support and contributions from you, includings hundreds of emails from our serving members.
WE MUST WIN THIS FIGHT FOR ALL PAST, PRESENT AND SERVING MEMBERS OF THE ADF AND THEIR FAMILIES.
There will be attempts by the Politicians, their spin doctors and the media, to divide us to set one group of superannuants agaqinst the other.
WE MUST STAND UNITED,as people power with resolve and commitment will win out.
This will be a long hard slog and we ask you all to stay the fight.
Please continue to bombard the politicians, especially the ALP members in marginal seats as well as the Greens and the Independent members. Remember to send your letters by registered mail. (it does not cost much)as our politicians simply delete emails. We must retain our professionalism and our integrity, so please do not use abusive or inflammatory language, as this will only discredit our cause.
In addition, we must undertake an “airwaves war” prosecuted by everyone contacting their local radio stations and continue to do this daily.
While it is acknowledged that this is a difficult request, we need people who are in difficult financial situations and the surviving spouses of DFRB/DFRDB receipients to come forward and speak out. This will mobilize the general community to come out to support our fight for “A FAIR GO.”
Remember the average annual Superannuation “pension: is a misery $22,559 which is indexed against the CPI, and the spouses of the DFRB/DFRDB recipients only receive 5/8 of this – $14,100, which is absolutely appalling. Some of our members are really doing it tough. COULD YOU LIVE ON $22,559, I BET OUR POLITICIANS CAN’T!!!!!
This is a National disgrace and it is time this terrible injustice, to those who have committed 20 years or more to the service of our Nation, often in harm’s way, was righted.
There are 56,000 DFRB/DFRDB members and it has been estimated that there are approximately 3,000,000 people in the wider Defence community. This represents approximately 13% of the Australian population, so we have considerable clout at the polling booths, PROVIDED WE REMAIN UNITED.
The economic rationalists will argue that any increase to the Indexation method will create “a huge black hole” in the Australian economy. The Defence Force Welfare Association and other people, including Peter Thornton, have repeatedly said that this is garbage!
The Defence Force Welfare Association estimates that it will cost approximately $20 million per year. As a percentage of our GDP, this is a miniscule amount and pales into insignificance when compared with the Government who have wasted millions of dollars spent on failed projects.
By now, most of you will know that TESS LAWRENCE, journalist advocate and contributing editor at large, with this online publication, has led our media campaign. Tess has been inspirational and she writes with such pathos and conviction. Without her assistance, we would not have won this first fight to establish our unity.
If you have not done so already, I encourage you to log on to all the links relating to this issue that have been posted by Independent Australia, including their Facebook page to read Tess’s articles and all the comments that have been made. I am sure you will immediately gain the sense of anger and betrayal that has been bubbling away under the surface for many years.
Tess has provided a voice for all of us to speak out.
All Independent Australia links are as follows:
1. http://www.independentaustralia.net/2011/politics/exclusive-breaking-news (this is where we are now)
2. http://www.independentaustralia.net/2011/defence/exclusive-diggergate-continues-the-march-for- justice/ (second editorial)
3. http://www.Facebook.com/IndependentAus (Latest follow on story to Items 1 & 2)
Please send these links to all your friends so they can be kept fully up to speed too. Use every opportunity to spread our story far and wide.
Finally, we have breached the code of silence by the major media outlets and in today’s (2nd July) Daily Telegraph, Gemma Jones has written an excellent article on our situation. It is hoped that this will galvanize the other major media outlets into action. In the interim, we should take advantage of this story and I encourage you to send your letters to the Daily Telegraph and other newspapers, referring to the Daily Telegraph article and ask them to follow up on Gemma’s story.
The link for the Daily Telegraph article is: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/national/a-diggers-true-worth-politicians-are-snubbing-war-heroes/story-e6freuzr-1226085922768.
There will also be an article in the Northern Services Courier which will be released early next week.
We acknowledge the courage and integrity of Ian McManus, a former ALP member in the NSW Government and a former Veteran, who has come out publicly to support us. Thanks Ian.
Contributions to the exclusive editorial in the Independent Australia clearly demonstrate the growing groundswell of discontent and anger within the Defence Community, including ex members and serving members, as well as the general public. The fact that their plight has not been covered by the National media is inflaming their sense of betrayal.
Regardless of this situation, WE MUST AND WE WILL WIN THIS BATTLE as we owe it to all past, present and future members of the ADF and their families. The media and our politicians are hoping that we will give up the fight as we have done in the past. Do not let this happen!
The battle lines have just been drawn. Please stay the fight with us until the end.
We need your on-going support. We need you to stay in touch with us and with each other and remember that there are those who are no longer with us, who would expect us, nay, they would demand us to do nothing else.
Evil will only prevail when good men and women do nothing.
Remember Lest we forget.
I have just received a rather terse email from Senator Lundy as a result of a letter I sent to her. She claims that she fully supports the need for fairer pension indexation. I have asked her to explain why did she then vote against the Bill. I guess I will be waiting a long time.
I was at a Liberal Party function last week and met several Senators and MHR’s as well as a number of State Liberal politicians. After listening to several speaches I made myself known to the pollies in the hope of discussing the failed Bill with them. Surprise surprise, I was given untold excuses as to how they couldn’t do anything other than vote for a Bill and when I said that they should talk to people like Blue Ryan and Neil Weekes they suddenly had to talk to someone else or said they would contact me on Thursday to arrange a meeting. Of course Thursday came and went and I am still waiting.
All I can say is that the party that gets the support of the Service, Ex-Service and Veteran Community through useful dialogue and support will win the next election, provided we all stand united.
Hi Tess – David
I think this is the site John Sainsbury was talking about.
There are 2 sites here.
http://www.news.com.au/national/a-diggers-true-worth-politicians-are-snubbing-war-heroes/story-e6frfkvr-1226086011248
A Digger’s true worth – politicians are snubbing war veterans over their pensions
By Gemma Jones From: The Daily Telegraph July 02, 2011 12:00AM WAR veterans and retired military personnel struggling to survive on pensions indexed lower than those given to regular pensioners are devastated the federal government has blocked a rise.
The Defence Force Welfare Association has campaigned for more than a decade for Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits pensions to be indexed at the generous rate of the aged pension and politicians’ super.
Labor MPs this month voted against a bill which would have seen the generous indexation applied to military pensioners, who also pay tax on their meagre earnings.
Retired servicemen and women exist on an average $22,500 a year from the scheme they paid for through a 5.5 per cent salary sacrifice during their careers.The pension is indexed to CPI even though the aged pension is indexed to a higher cost of living measure.
Executive Director of the welfare association Les Bienkiewicz said he found it difficult to reconcile the attendance of politicians at the funerals of soldiers and events commemorating the lives of Australia’s war dead.
RSL vows to fight on for super boost
NEWS.com.au, 16 Jun 2011
Pensions to rise as carbon tax compo
The Australian, 12 Jun 2011
Family and disabled changes facing flak
The Australian, 2 Jun 2011
Disability pensions are a losing battle
The Daily Telegraph, 1 Jun 2011
Bread? Let them eat TV
Courier Mail, 22 May 2011End of sidebar. Return to start of sidebar.
“Our members and supporters watch in dismay at the way government continues to assign a low priority for support to our servicemen and women despite saying the opposite at commemorative and other public forums,” Mr Bienkiewicz said.
The government said the proposed change in indexation would cost $1.7 billion over four years and increase Commonwealth unfunded liabilities by $6.2 billion. Mr Bienkiewicz claimed the cost would be $20 million a year.
Victorian Liberal Senator Michael Ronaldson this month introduced a private members bill into the Senate for fairer indexation.
The welfare association had hoped Labor Senator Kate Lundy would vote for the bill as she has supported those who had spoken out for fairer indexation. But she voted against the bill.
The vote was deadlocked at 34-all and would have passed if Ms Lundy had not voted along party lines. Labor, the Greens and independent MP Nick Xenophon all voted against the bill.
For more on the veterans living on pensions indexed lower than those given to regular pensioners who are angered after the government blocked a rise go to The Daily Telegraph.
Read more: http://www.news.com.au/national/a-diggers-true-worth-politicians-are-snubbing-war-heroes/story-e6frfkvr-1226086011248#ixzz1Qw6Gfl6f
The DFRB/DFRDB superannuation recipients continue to be discriminated against, following the Senate’s rejection of the Defence Force Retirement & Death Benefits Amendment (Fair Indexation) Bill 2010 on 16th June. However, it has been reported that Wayne Swan has had the audacity to say in The Australian this week, that the Future Fund, set up to cover the pension liabilities of government-sector workers, has assets of approximately $70 billion! The Treasurer stated that the Fund also invests in overseas markets. I am sure we would all be interested to know what those investments are, Mr Swan. (We hope they are all kosher.!!)
For Senator Penny Wong, Senator Lundy, Senator Brown and Senator Xenophon to reject the Fair Indexation Bill in the Senate, on the basis that it would create “a huge black hole” in Australia’s fiscal position, is sheer hypocrisy.
As stated by the Defence Force Welfare Association, it will cost only $20 million per annum to increase the indexation of DFRB/DFRDB superannuation ‘pensions’ to the level equal to the old age pension.
However, the Government can readily find and commit funds, at the drop of hat,for such things as the school building programs, (failed)the insulation program (that failed too) millions to accommodate illegal boat people in motels, millions ($390 million) to send 800 illegal boat people to Malaysia, 12 million of taxpayers’ money for the carbon tax advertisements and $10 million for a union web site,BUT CANNOT FIND $20 million to give a higher standard of living to those who gave the majority of their working lives in the service of our Nation.
Why cannot this amount of money ($20 million) be found from the Future Fund? After all, as admitted by the Treasurer, Wayne Swan, this is precisely why the Future Fund was established. What part of the aforementioned Senators’ argument have I missed?
I am getting more and more beweildered by the minute by the continuing web of deceit woven by our politicians.
Dear MICHAEL DOWNS, thank you so much. I said I would walk with you all and I will crawl if I must. Losing this is not an option and I
for one take heart from the extraordinary courageous stand that you and your brethren take. The more I know about how you have been abused and trashed by previous and the current Labor Government, the Greens and others, the more I realise that you have been treated as both war and peacetime cannon fodder. It is disgusting. I have enough faith in the Australian people, that once they know the extent of this abuse, they will not only be furious,, they will identify and condemn that abuse via the ballot box. Thanks Michael for your strength and resilience.
Dear ARTHUR VENTHAM,how dare Senator Lundy and the Liberals treat you with such contempt.I am so sorry that you have endured such political abuse. For that is what it is. Abuse. They are all servants of the people.They should be our Guardians. Our Defenders. Our Champions. You did well Arthur, to tell us all how you were treated, because you are us. If they treat you like this, they treat us like this.And now we know in what regard we are held by them. And at the going down of the political sun, we shall remember them.
Dear MICHAEL CURRIE, you are a champ! As if we didn’t know this already from your previous work. Thanks for this. We should all bookmark it. Thanks Michael.
Dear JEANNETTE BARTLETT, another King Hit from you! This may very well prove to be Wayne’s Swan song! Just where do these dudes get off ? Thank you for your financial equations and stats. It certainly helps to get a financial handle on things.You are a! fearless campaigner Jeannette Bartlett and I salute you ans lend my feeble voice to yours in the hope, that as someone once said (it might have been the Mahatma)that (I’m sure I’m misquoting ) our whimpers will turn into a mighty roar
Dear NEIL, I know that a WEEKES is a long time in politics.
I am fully aware that I am being trashed in Canberra and elsewhere.
So much for our Shamocracy. And the notion of Freedom of Speech. They can trash me. But how can they trash you Neil, and everyone else who steps forward to protect and defend the Defence Force Family. It is more than hundreds. There are now thousands of you. Thank you Neil for coming to my defence. As you did for Australia in your days in Vietnam. Earning you the Military Cross.
I say this out aloud. Not one of you Dear Gentlemen said anything about your medals and decoration. We all know too, that sometimes those who should be the recipients of such Honour are bypassed,even deliberately, because they don’t fall a particular side of the political coin. In all of this I am learning so much about my country. And you are teaching me things that are so totally foreign to our Government and to our politicians. Some of the younger Diggers overseas have told me Neil, of how much they hold you and the ‘Dad’s Army’ in great affection. All of you who are not named here, have our profound respect. Do not leave us. Let us hold the line. Together..
‘UNION THUGGERY AND A BIZARRE ALP OBSESSION ‘ – part of a headline in today’s Sunday Tele, folks. Our own courageous former NSW Labor pollie and decorated Vietnam Veteran, IAN MCMANUS has already voiced his disgust at the greed, corruption and mocking of constituents
( that’s you and me )by the Labor Party.
Former A COUNTRY PRACTICE star, SHANE WITHINGTON, tells of union thuggery and suss happenings in the dying days of the former NSW Labor Government ( same thing happened in Victoria, Shane ).
If it’s any consolation, the Federal Government is displaying all the characteristics of a Government in crisis and in its dying days. We’re thinking of you Shane and Onya for your courageous stand. Here’s the article about Shane’s experiences, written by Linda Silmalis:http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/they-ruined-my-labor-of-love/story-e6freuy9-1226086384734
STOP PRESS:NEIL ON AUSTRALIA ALL OVER!
With Ian (MACCA). Thanks Kelly, thanks Macca.
Thanks Neil for speaking up for the Defence
Force Family.
AUSTRALIA ALL OVER link here and my
thanks to Producer LEE KELLY and
MACCA(Ian McNamara)for giving NEIL
WEEKES the opportunity to tell your
worldwide audience about the Federal
Labor Government’s betrayal of Diggers on June 16,
and its miserly and disgraceful
contempt for our Defence Force Veterans and Widows
that is reflected in their piddling pensions and
death benefits.
OOPS! Here’s the link – but the audio for
today’s show isn’t on there yet, so keep tuning
in for it. We’ll post it in another comment too.
Neil’s radio interview is a great inspiration for
the Defence Force Family and supporters to blitz
the airwaves about the pension injustice.
http://www.abc.net.au/australiaallover/
Dear WILLOLEE 1 – who made our featured video ‘Do you support me?’
for our Defence Force Family. I know you are the wife and daughter of soldiers. I just want to salute you for this very moving tribute including the four footed soldiers who also work – and die on the frontline. I hope the Gillard Labor Government including Senator Kate Lundy, and the Greens and other politicians watch this and reflect upon their collective hypocrisy, cruelty and betrayal of our serving and retired Defence Force Personnel and their widows by scuttling the Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits Amendment Bill 2010 (FIB).
Congratulations and thank you for your courage Willolee 1.
This is a wonderful example of citizen journalism and advocacy and reflects the best characteristics of democratised media – and the fascinating possibilities of new media – those who are being written about actually becoming part of the public discourse.
You are a Champion Willolee 1. I salute you.What a talent you have.
Tess Lawrence
How do we see WILLOLEE 1′s video
Cheers
Bob Ihlein
BOB IHLEIN,G’day, WILLOLEE 1′s video
is further up this column just above
the Twitter headline – click onto the
photo and it will come to life!
*WEEKES GAUNTLET TO AWOL GENERALS
Neil Weekes says:
3 July, 2011 at 1:33 pm
I am concerned, but not surprised, that not one, not one, of our retired two star, or three star, Generals have come out in support of our fight, at least as far as I can ascertain!!! I find this very strange as it was the loyalty, the dedication, the couage and the commitment of their soldiers, their sailors,their airmen/airwomen, their NCOs and the support of all their families, that assisted our two and our three star Generals (and the equivalent ranks in the RAN and the RAAF)that got them to their final rank. In saying this I do not denigrate the personal ability or the commitment of these senior officers, but where are they now when we need them so much to speak with their authority and with their vast experience to our politicians on our behalf?? I understand that some of these retired senior officers may have ambitions to become State Governors or Directors of large companies and any public exposure on our behalf may jeopardise these aspirations?
Perhaps we can suggest to the economic rationalists that, as most of these retired senior two star or higher officers, retire on a DFRDB superannuation “pension” in excess of $80,000, their “pension” should not be indexed at all. The money saved could be redirected to those whose “pensions” are below $30,000.
Just a thought but I challenge our retired senior officers to join our fight for a “fair go” or to come out publicly and tell us why they are not prepared to do this. Some will say that I am stirring the pot and that they are doing a great amount “behind the scenes.” That may be so, and if so, good on them. However we need them to come out publicly, to let the troops know that they are on our side. After all many of us popped out of our shell scrapes and cover for them!!!
What say you, Generals?
* Please also go to our Home Page to see Neil’s article and CALL TO ARMS!
WILLOLEE 1′s video
Tee that brought a tear to my eye it is terrific.
I also agree where are our Generals we served them for many years they should now serve us . They could take a leaf out of Neil’s book.
Bob
Me too BOB IHLEIN,and yes, I think that one of the more
perplexing things to our politicians and spin doctors is the raw
emotion and straight talk from you all in this extraordinary campaign.
The thing is, PR and Propaganda, Advertising and Spin
is often more concerned with the reaction to the brain rather than the heart.
This is a campaign that respects both dominions of the
human condition.
So many of you are doing it tough. I know that. So many of you are suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. So many of you feel isolated, unloved, unwanted and undervalued. I know that.
Those of you who have grown old as the rest of us have grown older, have been wearied by age that has been aided and abetted by the likes of Agent Orange and the chemicals of war,and by the things you have seen and done and by things that have been done to you. I know that.
Please do not allow this Government’s contempt reflect what we, the people think of you. You are part of our wider family.
Governments speaks a dialect that is clearly foreign to most of Australia.
It is they who have lost touch with reality. Not us. We should never be afraid of our emotions. They are not shameful. It may be more shameful to be like the Government. And have none at all.
Onya Neil. Onya everyone.
I would suggest that the majority of serving and retired one, two and three star generals do not support indexation of DFRDB/DFRB because most of them transferred to the MSBS Scheme.
As such, they reached the maximum benefits limit, whereby they did not, repeat did not, have to contribute to the scheme and walked away with a huge lump sum and pensions in excess of 140K a year. Why would they support indexation as it would throw light on their own pensions.
On another matter, I cannot find the results of the poll in the Telegraph of 2 July 2011 which asked the question should veterans pensions be increased.
Does anyone know the result?
Yes John
75.11% and 4746 yes 24.89 and 1573 no.
Bob
Thanks Bob Ihlein
I cannot believe that the vote on the poll was so low, given it was,I believe,well publicised.
If that is the best we can do,what hope do we have of getting mainstream coverage.
Like everyone else, I have e-mailed politicians, radio stations, newspapers etc trying, like everyone else, to get some coverage on this.
The only response I have had was from Senator Gary Humphries, who I know fully supports indexation.
I would like to personally thank him, and others, for the support given to this.
STOP PRESS: AFGHANISTAN DIGGERS UPDATE:
There has been another ‘incident ‘ in Afghanistan.
New Defence Force Chief General David Hurley and Minister for Defence Stephen Smith about to announce details in Canberra.
* DIGGERGATE UPDATE: Ian McManus, Neil Weekes and others are still awaiting a date for their requested meeting with Defence Minister Smith over the Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits Amendment Bill, 2010 (FIB) betrayal.
DIGGERS IN AFGHANISTAN UPDATE.
1 KIA – Sgt Todd Langley
1 WIA – ‘serious but stable’
The Defence Force Family is another Digger down. And the Australian family is another brother down. And another Digger has been wounded.
Defence Minister Stephen Smith and Defence Forces Chief David Hurley made the announcements at a Press Conference in Canberra just after 9am this morning.
This brings the number of those KIA in Afghanistan to 28 – seven of those in 2011 and the number of WIA to 182.
Condolences to immediate families – and to the wider Defence Force Family who will grieve with them.
We simply must keep up the fight on this immoral issue. I personally am not a recipient therefor no personal interest except supporting those many thousands of ex serving DFRDB members and their families who are being subjected to an unfair and discriminatory indexation process which is creating considerable hardship. I would dearly love a politician to explain to me the logic and the fairness in the indexing of ex service members who have contributed towards their own pensions at a lower rate than those who have made no provision for their retirement and the many welfare cheats. Billions wasted on ridiculous badly managed schemes, but no thought or consideration for those that have served and fought for their country and in particular their widows.Very Un-Australian and not what you would call a ‘fair go’.
One observation about this forum is that all contributors are using real names!
No one is hiding behind a pseudonym which to me means they are prepared to stand up to be counted and are prepared to defend their opinions.
For those who think the ‘officers’ are not involved (I think they mean very senior officers, which is partly true) you apparently don’t recognize their real names or even the history of the campaign. There are many of us who have had a foot in both rank camps, and most of the activists in this campaign are from those ranks and the Warrant Officers and Senior NCO’s – trying to improve the plight of those less well off in retirement. Let’s not make this a ‘them-and-us’ issue, that is just meaningless griping, possibly out of frustration but never the less playing into the hands of the ‘enemy’.
The truth about unfair indexation is that NEVER has the DFRDB (u)entitled(/u) retirement pay, usually referred to as ‘uncommuted pay’, been fully indexed by CPI. The DFRDB Act 1973 (as amended) only provides for a maximum indexation of a discounted CPI to be applied to retirement pay, at the rate of ‘Notional Pay’ indexation, or less. Notional Pay is what you would be left with after electing to commute 4 times your entitlement. Not all do, DFRDB recipients can get either type of pay. For more honest representation, residual pay (after commuting) should be called ‘commuted pay’ and the full entitled pay be called ‘retirement pay’. Neil Weeks has already alluded to this technique of distraction and confusion by subtle ‘reinterpretation of the facts’.
The worst part of this subterfuge is that the full entitled pay (as indexed over the lifetime of the recipient) is the basis for calculating a surviving spouse’s pension. Therefore, a widow only gets 5/8ths of a retirement pay that has been indexed at a discount rate of CPI, not a fully indexed pay.
To illustrate this simply, assume your entitled pay was $1000 pa and Notional Pay $900 pa and CPI increase was 10%.
You would get 10% of $900 ($90) added to your retirement pay, not 10% of $1000 ($100).
When all others may get a pension indexed at 10%, we don’t. Is that fair?
Dear MICHAEL VON BERG, I’m with you Bro. I’ve been talking
today with people who are absolutely gutted about the death of
Sgt Todd Langley – and another Brother who is wounded. That’s KIA and WIA.
Several Diggers have made contact and told me they are sick of the spin doctored and
euphemistic ‘died ‘ being used by the Gillard Government and its spin doctors and media minders. They want the word ‘Killed’ being used. Because that is what happens. Plus, they said they are sick of the Prime Minister’s manifest hypocrisy to the Australian people – and want her to tell the truth to the Australian people about the paltry amount paid in pensions and death benefits to so many Veterans and their families. That feeling is endemic in the many comments on this and other stories about ‘ Diggergate’ on Independent Australia and elsewhere.
I undertake to inform you all when the face to face meeting between Ian McManus, Neil Weekes and others and our Defence Minister Stephen Smith is scheduled. We expect it to be any day now, especially given that we are now 28 Diggers down in the death count – to say nothing of our wounded. And indeed,clearly the Government doesn’t like to say much about our wounded at all. Where are the Press Releases about them ? Where are interviews with them ? Where are the photos of them in rehab ? Where are they Prime Minister ? Where are they Defence Minister Stephen Smith ?
showing their recovery process ? Where are the interviews with their spouses/partners ?
We must work harder to get justice, but even if they said tomorrow they would adjust the pensions – it would start 1 Jul 2014 (I am a cynic) the deal we are stuck with is not recoverable.
The wrongs have been compounded and neglected for way too long. When they reduced the CPI increase for service pensions in the late 80′s from 9.2% to 7.2% – that’s compounded and further caused the degradation of our standard of living! The only fair way would be to adjust relative to when the individual pensions started.
I dont know how they can infer they can’t afford to do anything while so many billions are given in foreign aid, spent on advertising/selling Government projects, wastage of funds on so many mismanaged projects.
Australians FIRST so much foreign aid is misappropriated redirected, stolen many of those countries laugh at our stupidity in this regard.
Like me, I am sure that all of you were mortified to learn, today, that another one of our mates has been killed in action and at least one other has been seriously wounded in action in Afghanistan. Sergeant Todd Langley has paid the supreme sacrifice for our Nation. Our sympathy goes out to Todd’s family, his Unit mates and all his friends. We all grieve when such incidents occur for we too have lost a mate.
LEST WE FORGET
LEST OUR PRIME MINISTER JULIA GILLARD AND DEFENCE MINISTER STEPHEN SMITH FORGET what
the DEFENCE FORCE RETIREMENT AND DEATH BENEFITS AMENDENDMENT BILL 2010 is actually all about:
from the Herald Sun’s tribute to those 28 soldiers who have paid the supreme sacrifice in Afghanistan – and families forever bear the weight and trauma of each sacrifice – is a link to a photographic montage of the human beings behind these apalling statistics:
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/afghanistan-up-close-and-personal/story-e6frf7jo-1225935925195
Dear BILL ARDEN,thank you for your service to this country. You make such an important observation re people using their real names, not a nom de guerre. It’s wonderfully courageous and inspiring.
Can you explain a few things to me in ‘ lay person’s terms ‘ – what would a Defence Widow who lost her husband in the Vietnam War – or earlier, be getting on this day per week – and what would the Widows (Partners )of the 28 soldiers killed in Afghanistan get on this day per week. If a soldier Killed In Action does not have a partner or dependants – do the death benefits go to family members or nominated parties ?
Dear COBBERS, here’s another wonderful poem by the wonderful GEORGE MANSFORD. It shows how long this long fight has been going for some. Much longer than the 2007 date that this poem was written. And yet it is entirely contemporary. Diggers are in the same boat. And the Widows/Partners of Diggers who are Killed in Action are in the same boat.”
In this very moving and tender homage to Widows and Girlfriends, George says that Government “bastards” should give “our Sheilas” medals as well.
This Fight Is Far From Over
Remember the medals Governments gave to hang on our chests?
The bastards should have given some to our Sheilas who were the best
Now I know the term is not politically correct but it’s a compliment, dead set
I’m referring to those true blue partners and wives
Such wonderful women who followed the drum for much of their lives
These were the girls, one hundred percent loyal and devoted for sure
Who made brave faces during many farewells in peace and war
They kept the home fires burning, trying to be happy, never sad
As well as being a Mum, they also became good old Dad
How many times did a grass widow toss and turn in a half filled bed
After news of battle, wondering if a loved one was safe, wounded or dead
What about the girlfriends they comforted when there was bad news
As it is in the game of soldiering, there must have been quite a few
Don’t forget the old married quarters where we paid rent to live
Struth, even recent refugees refused to set up home in such digs
Today, army super that a retired digger is paid
Continues to erode quicker than old soldiers do fade
It certainly means that those modest luxuries are few
Yet with strict budgeting, the girls make do
Is it any wonder there’s concern about an aging Wife
If she’s left behind to battle alone in what’s left of life
Given a dwindling pension which is based on the CPI
Worse still, it’s reduced to 5/8ths of bugger all when her mate dies
Perhaps in a future life, these girls should capture Politicians as pets
Cos Polly widows get a good slice of the kitty and are very well set
Meanwhile in Canberra, at the feeding trough there’s been another stampede
With unanimous agreement by Pollys for new allowances to sate their greed
Soon after, despite pre- election promises, the Senate ignored soldiers’ needs
It knocked back a green light for fair indexation for those who had served
After all, they claimed the CPI is sound and is what soldiers deserve
The obvious question is that if the CPI is so good for old diggers and widows too
Why not change indexation for Pollys to CPI, instead of just us few?
Let there be no doubt that regardless of Canberra Suits and others
We’ll never give up this fight and other such rights for our sisters and brothers
George Mansford©July 2007
NEIL WEEKES:YOUTUBE.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ppgVdeFXCnY&NR=1
DIGGER JAMES:YOUTUBE.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_NnYtw_x48
KEITH PAYNE:YOUTUBE.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xwrN3veVBG0&feature=related
Dear JULIA GILLARD & STEPHEN SMITH,
Just in case you haven’t the foggiest, this is what the Fair Go campaign is all about.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t2bY1UBGL9I&feature=related
THE LONG WAIT FOR THE BATTLE OF LONG TAN ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
YOUTUBE.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7e758dRi9es&feature=related
FORGOTTEN HEROES:VIETNAM WAR. 60MINUTES.
YOUTUBE. BATTLE OF LONG TAN.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KIm_d4wSw4Q&feature=related
GEORGE MANSFORD:
YOUTUBE, Reading his famous poem,”FAIR GO”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQMoiVvDZH0&NR=1
URGENT:STOP PRESS YOUTUBE!DIRTY GREEN POLITICS
PETER THORNTON-BOB BROWN – Politics in the Pub.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YXvBo_2UPQI&feature=related
Watch this and see ‘Democracy’at work in its most lurid political horse trading form.
You can see that Veteran Peter Thornton is not in the best of health – but look at the effort he makes to ask Greens Leader Bob Brown about their betrayal in voting down the Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits Bill Amendment 2010 (FIB) – Brown expects Widows and Orphans to
support the Greens and Labor against the Flopposition re Mining Tax – in exchange for backing the Bill – excuse me!!!! Where are we ? Can you point me in the direction of Australia ?
Or am I standing in it ?
Peter, you are a star Bro. Thank you for what you have done. Look upon their works and despair. What moral bankruptcy Bob!
I refer to an earlier comment by David Jamison, from the DFWA, regarding the involvement or, more accurately, the non-involvement, of our two and three star officers in our fight for a “fair go”‘ David is correct and I apologise to MAJGEN Digger James (Retired) who has come out to support us publicly by posting a video to the Youtube. You can view this video above. I apologise unreservedly to Digger James. Digger, your blood is worth bottling but I wish the other retired two and three star officers would also come out to support us publicly. Perhaps it’s time that we approached each of these officers personally and to ask them to state where they stand. Do they support us or not? We should then post their responses to this site, so that we can all see exactly what their position is. You see, we need people with clout to get our message to the politicians, loud and clear. People like Peter Cosgrove, Angus Houston and others would prove to be force multipliers in this camapaign.
By the way we should never overlook all those other retired personnel and veterans who have other legitimate complaints of being treated unfairly, such as our TPIs. Nevertheless, the DFRB/DFRDB was the one that was recently rejected by the Senate, so we must win this fight first. If we fight amongst ourselves then we are doomed and all of us will lose.
STOP PRESS: BROTHERS IN ARMS. UNITED THEY STAND!
TIM FISCHER LENDS HIS SUPPORT TO THE WORK OF NEIL WEEKES BOTH PAST AND PRESENT!
Let me be clearcut, Neil Weekes and his work both past and present relates powerfully and positively to the core fabric of the nation. He is a giant of a human being with standards I can never match, he can walk tall and be proud and rightly ignore the low level attack static on his decades of efforts. It was my privelege to share rank and unit with him years ago.
- Tim Fischer, Rome. 6 July 2011
THANK YOU, TIM, FOR CARING SO MUCH ABOUT YOUR DIGGER COBBERS – AND YOU ARE STILL PREPARED TO GET IN THE TRENCHES WITH THEM!
Dear Tess, wow that is a sucker question – to simplify the entitlements to DFRDB! The DFRDB Authority and ComSuper have been trying to do that since year dot. They haven’t done a bad job but simplification can sometimes disguise disputed interpretation of the Act.
I am also a ‘layman’ in this field but have done research and reading to inform myself (something very many DFRDB recipients haven’t done). I can only answer your queries by referring to the latest DFRDB book 2010. The book can be downloaded from http://www.dfrdb.gov.au
The rights are essentially as in the original DFRDB Act 1973 but some other benefits have been added later.
There are two circumstances defining a ‘widows’ pension entitlement – death of a ‘contributor’ in Service, and death of a ‘recipient’ after retirement. Widow’s pay amounts can only be determined according to their husbands pay level in the Service when he died – so we have to talk in percentages for generality.
If you die in service, your spouse’s benefit will be five-eighths of 76.5% (or 47.8125%) of your salary for superannuation purposes at the time of your death. In addition, your spouse is entitled to commute (that is, exchange) part of his or her future pension to a lump sum.
If you die after retirement, your spouse’s benefit will be paid at the rate of 62.5% (five-eighths) of the benefit you were receiving at the time of your death, disregarding any previous commutation reduction. However, for the first seven paydays following your death, your spouse will be paid at the same rate you were receiving at the time of your death, before changing to the spouse’s rate.
With respect to the Vietnam War the DFRDB would apply whereas for those killed in the Afghanistan war the MSBS probably applies. I can’t explain the MSBS entitlements yet as they appear to be quite different to DFRDB.
Estate benefits: In the DFRDB Scheme, if you are a recipient (retired) and do not have any dependants when you die no one gets anything – only the Gov, except in rare circumstances. If you are a contributor (serving) and do not have any dependants your estate gets 1.5 times your contributions.
Dear BILL ARDEN, It is, isn’t it! I guess I’m trying to find our what widows and indeed, orphans and TPIs and all of you are living with on a weekly basis – so I can try and get a handle on things. What if you worked on literally the lowest equation Bill? I know what you’ve written above is a great help, but Bill, I am a Class A Drong and slightly dyslexic
and need some help here, Bro.
No BOB IHLEIN, it wouldn’t! Now, with your other skills, what did you make of the video Bob ?
I loved that Peter was so proactive that he actually went along to ask Bob Brown a question.
The Next War …….
.
The language may be “fruity “mate ,
When someone’s spreading crap .
But it’s best to call a “spade a spade “,
When tempers fray & snap .
Flowery words wont cut it then ,
To get your point across.
So hit ‘em right between the eyes,
And let ‘em know who’s boss !!
It’s true , we cant rely upon,
That former file or rank .
If you’re not a team , you’ll never win,
You can take that to the bank !
So , (“Can the bastard do the job”?
And “Can we trust him mate ” ” )
That’s really all you have to know ,
There’s no need for debate !
So all you Orange Baggy’s ,
Mad Galahs & V Force too,
There’s still a war here to be won,
You know what you must do !
You have to have a battle plan,
Without it you’ll be lost .
No individual skirmishes ,
Or you will count the cost !
You need a strong united front ,
To get ready for this war .
And we will show them such a fight ,
Like they’ve never seen before !!
So keep in mind Kokoda ,
Long Tan & Suvla Bay .
Gallipoli , and Vietnam ,
Where courage showed the way !
The thing you must remember is ,
You do not fight alone .,
And the hardest battle of your life ,
Must now be fought at home .
By Jenny Bell
(Copyright 29th December 2007 )
Tess All the video from yesterday were good and it was good to see Peter there as he didn’t look too well. The answers from Brown were can’t say what I think but they were not good in my mind.
Would be good if we knew when they have a public speaking so that others can get there to ask questions.
Bob
UK DEFENCE FORCE HACKING SCANDAL!
FAMILIES OF DEAD SOLDIERS HAVE HAD THEIR
PHONES HACKED. More in this BBC report.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-14052909
Our Turn To Serve You ………
(by Jenny Bell,.copyright 17/11/07 )
(With the greatest respect, for all my Vet friends )
OUR TURN TO SERVE YOU…..
I lived, removed for many years ,
From Veterans and their plight.
I didn’t know , that just to live, and to be heard ,
Again they’d have to fight !
I would have thought, their wars were past,
And now , in peace they’d be .
Their courage, and their valour, gave,
A country where we’re free.
It seems that in my ignorance,
I’d believed all that was true .
But now I find,it isn’t so,
There’s more we need to do!
I think of them, and what they did ,
I’m filled with admiration.
For their courage, valour, sacrifice,
In service of their Nation.
So now it’s time, to give them back,
Some part of what they’ve lost,
For all that they all gave us ,
No matter what the cost!
To those who gave their lives for us,
On some forsaken foreign shore,
You gave your all, your life, your heart,
You could not have given more.
For those of you, who made it home,
From world wars one and two.
Your country did you honour,
We were so proud of you.
You wore your medals proudly,
At your “Welcome Home Parade ”
There were dinners in your honour,
Many thankful speeches made.
Now let’s move it to “Fast Forward”,
And see the contrast glare,
Our boys, home from Vietnam,
But the “Fanfare” wasn’t there!
They didn’t ask to go there!
To be sent into that fray!
It was our “Chosen Lords” deciding,
“ALL THE WAY WITH LBJ ” !!
It tore this country, coast to coast,
Burnt flags and demonstrations,
But still they did , as they were bid,
And fought hard for our Nation!
Horrific battles, fought and won,
In jungles, heat and mud,
In Australia’s name, they fought and died,
“Kokoda’s Spirit” , in their blood!
So now the battle’s over,
Of guns, there is no sound,
Their duty done, their battle fought,
And they are homeward bound.
So where was all the fanfare??
The crowded streets, the Big Parade?
Where WAS this country’s “welcome mat”,
And passioned speeches made?
Their ships berthed in the dead of night,
The soldiers were sneaked ashore,
“Now go home lads ” and “Shut your mouths ”
“We’ll speak of this no more ”
No “Ticker Tape “, no grateful thanks,
Which really was their due,
But cries of “Murderer”, “Baby killer”.
We turned our backs on you.
This country stands, forever shamed,
For it’s actions in those years.
To our bloodied, wear, heroes,
Who’d fought, despite their fears!
They fought for you, they fought for me,
With greatest courage shown.
And they say a soldier, can’t find peace,
When from war, he journeys home .
For all the horrors, and the deaths,
And sad things he has seen,
Play on his heart, and on his mind,
He’s not the man he’s been.
His sleep disturbed, with visions stark,
The sweats that come and go,
He finds it hardto cope, and live,
With thoughts from long ago.
His mates, are where he finds his peace,
They know what he’s been through,
How could we imagine this?
It’s not happened to me, or you!
So now in time of need, he turns ,
To claim what is his due.
From a very “caring government”,
Who promised they’d be true!
For all his selfless sacrifice,
They promised they’d be there,
To lend support, to pay them back,
For their courage, give them care!
The soldier’s justice never came,
Ignored and tossed aside!
Forgotten by his country now,
He only had his pride!
So bowed, and bloodied, in defeat,
But not by any foe!
His country was his nemesis,
Delivering the Mortal Blow!!
For the young, who don’t remember,
And like me, the old, who cant forget,
It’s time we showed these diggers,
That we , our past mistakes ,regret!
So let us fight again together,
To give our diggers what is due ,
Ignite Kokoda’s Spirit strong,
Now we will fight for YOU !!
LEST WE FORGET
What a moving tribute to all those brave men and women who have given their all for us.
This is a timely reminder that we must continue the fight
for justice and a fair go for our Diggers.
Well done Jenny, if this doesn’t move people (in to tears) followed by action, then nothing will!
Thank you for allowing my poems on your site Tess ..and thank you Jeanette.
Both poems were written in 2007, and are no less relevant today, as the same issues still stand..Glaring discrimination in the indexation & entitlements , of our vets, who gave everything in our defence .
They do NOT deserve to be USED , ABUSED & CAST ASIDE TO BE FORGOTTEN !!.While politicians USE the current soldiers deaths as a good photo opportunity ..Hypocrisy at its worst ..and at best an utter INSULT..when they do NOT give a second thought to them otherwise .
I also watched the dirty GREENS politics …The Interview where Peter Thornton attempts to speak to Bob Brown, re indexation.
Bob Brown explained why he renegged on a promise to the Vets ..by telling Peter Thornton how that came about …AND IT SEEMS HE USED THE VET’S CAUSE, AS A LEVER , TO FORCE THE LIBS TO COME TO THE PARTY ON THE MINING RESOURCE TAX …SAYING THAT IF THEY DIDNT ..THEN THE GREENS WOULD USE DIRTY TACTICS & NOT SUPPORT THE VETS ….HOW LOW CAN BOB BROWN GET ??……makes a whole new meaning out of the saying ..IF IT’S BROWN …FLUSH IT DOWN…the Greens can forget my vote EVER….Peter Thornton , thank you mate , for your efforts …and thank you , for showing us , and exposing the REAL Bob Brown & the tatics used by the GREENS !
Dear JENNY BELL, your wonderful poetry is a joy and inspiration to read – and as you can see by the work of your fellow talented poets, poetry is shaping up to be a characteristic of the Fair Go fight and the comments on the Diggergate articles. Such a fine Aussie tradition!
We are lucky that Independent Australia’s Founder and Managing Editor, David Donovan oversees a brave and courageous site – and I urge you all to check out the other sections of the website so you will see how passionate, talented and courageous are my colleagues. You will see that contributors express many voices and points of view.
These comments are growing into a sort of manifesto – and I love the level of debate and argument and discussion – and passion that’s displayed here.
And as a media consultant and analyst, I am fascinated at the freedom of expression and the turn of phrase – and the bravery of so many of you.
Many of you will know by now that I tend to call a spade a shovel. There are plenty of my peers who will call it a portable long handled excavatory device operated by both hand and foot.
Each and every one of you who leaves your voice here contributes to an indelible historical document. You will win this fight. And this site and these articles and your comments will provide evidence of your determination, courage and teamwork, for contemporary and future generations. They will know that you had a part in it. And that you made a difference.
For Bob Ihlein and All,
Whilst I was not really up to being there on the night of the Politics in the Pub I became increasingly concerned after a recieving a few email responses that we might not have representation there and that it might be a lost opportunity.
I would say to everybody that irrepsective of what you might think the event might be about, don’t be put off and still go because you might just get lucky as I did on the night … and we need members from all over to be as active as possible in this matter.
In regards to finding out about events, well you just need to scan your local and state capital newspapers and search local government websites to see what events are advertised.
I hope this helps
Warm regards
Peter T
All for One … and One for All
Goo on You Peter.
All for One.
Bob
Firstly, Tess our thanks for supporting our cause. To all my service brethren, thank you for your efforts and support. Bob Brown’s response was as distasteful as it was irrelevant. That he could tie the welfare of former military personnel to his own political agenda is at the very least morally corrupt, and bereft of all that the greens supposedly stand for. We are a long way down the cue from the welfare of cattle exported to Indonesia, or the plight of the Palestinians, as Bob sees it. That he can overlook his countrymen/women who have defended and fought for his freedoms illustrates how morally bankrupt are he and his ilk that oppose a fair go for us. Amazing how facts can be distorted to support any political agenda.
As many of us so rightly feel, it is an absolute disgrace that our political masters find the time for photo opportunities at military funerals, and blithely snub military retirees who have served their country without question. As many have iterated, the utter wastage of commonwealth funds on poorly conceived/administered projects that end in large smelly heaps is unbelievable. The funding of these seems easily obtainable, but funding for a fair and noble cause seems completely out of the question. Just as shabbily as Lindsay Tanner treated us, so has Penny Wong followed dutifully in his footsteps. Shame on both of you! I would love to see all politicians who have not served this country in the military politely told that they are no longer welcome at ANZAC Day or Rememberance services until they redress this injustice. Many of the press are equally guilty in that ours is not the story to sell news, so they are not interested. That current affairs programs will sensationalise school bullies, the plight of slaughtered cattle, but totally ignore those who have loyally served their country shows what talentless hacks we have in the media also. Nothing personal, Tess. As Neil and many others have stated, we all need to answer the call to arms once more by enlisting our friends, families and colleagues to fight what this and previous governments have imposed on us. And whilst we need to bombard those who have opposed us, we also need to keep our supporters onside, as we all know what a politian says today may well be the complete opposite to what they do the next day. This and previous goverments have had the chance to redress our cause, but ignored us. Well, ignore us now at your own political peril. We have a voice and it will grow.
G’day Tess and All,
Unfortunately, there has been some recent disquiet within Veteran ranks about the extra efforts that are now being applied to the DFRDB indexation issue by some ex-senior officers, not least that of Neil Weeks.
This is a little unfortunate but totally understandable because those Vets that are on a TPI pension (as am I) received a major kidney punch in 2009 when the Labor Government decided to provide a 2.7% structural increase to the Old Age Pension and other welfare benefits but denied the same structural increase to those Veterans on Disability Pensions (particularly those who are Totally and Permanently Incapacitated).
Whilst I accept that this is an equally deserving cause, I don’t believe it should be at the expense or the total exclusion of those who are seeking indexation reform for DFRB/DFRDB and the MSBS.
My fight and the fight of many others regarding the DFRB/DFRDB/MSBS indexation issue goes a lot deeper than just serving the interests or lining the pockets of ex-senior officers, as has been claimed. For me it’s a fight (on a personal level) to maintain the living standards of my family when I am no longer here and when my fully indexed, tax free TPI pension ceases. It is a fight because not only does my TPI pension cease with respect to my wife and 4 young children, it also means that my wife will only receive 62.5% of a significantly eroding DFRDB taxable benefit; the sum of which is then used by some measure to means test her widows pension and that is the reason why I am putting in as much effort as I can possibly muster to try and correct the DFRDB side of things.
Finally, there has been a suggestion for me and others to “multitask” but I can assure you all that given my personal health circumstances I am only able to fight one fight at a time.
I hope the foregoing puts things into perspective.
Dear MAURIE SIMONS, thank you for your service to this country.
I like that word ‘ distasteful ‘ that you use to describe BOB BROWN’s response to PETER THORNTON. You have summed it up perfectly.I expected more from the Greens Leader.
I thought it chilling that his response was confined to political number crunching and horsetrading. Not a sign or word that indicated Compassion or Justice or anthing remotely resembling concern for humanity.
Dear Peter Thornton
We are all in this fight to win a better deal for all members of the ADF family but to win we must all stick to-gether and get a result by having the DFRB/DFRDB Bill re-submitted and approved.
Once we have had one victory we go on to the next battle and in your case it is to obtain a suitable outcome for the members that are on a TPI pension.
As I see it the only way to convince the Government to change is to hurt them at the ballot box.
I have been advocating for a new Political Party to come forward and challenge all Parties so we will have our own elected representatives in Government to look after the rights of all ADF members both current and retired.
To do just that is the reason why we have formed the Australian Action Party.
Here is my comment to and the response I received from Senator Xenophon on this matter.
I have asked them to explain to me what the state of the economy needs to be in for Nick to vote FOR changing the indexation arrangements. No response yet.
—MY EMAIL—
From: John Trigge
Sent: Saturday, 18 June 2011 11:35 PM
To: Xenophon, Nick (Senator)
Subject: DFRDB Indexation
Sir,
I trust that I will no longer hear or see you making any comments regarding your support of the ADF.
Your opposition to changing the DFRDB Indexation method shows you do not value those who were willing to place their lives at stake for the good of the country, generally placed in these hazardous positions by politicians
The CPI is an outdated methodology for indexation, having been modified since 1972 by various political parties such that it is now inadequate.
So, politicians decide when to put the ADF in harm’s way, in 1972 politicians decide to change the ADF’s superannuation (by absorbing our mandatory contributions into general revenue), politicians decide the indexation method for our superannuation, over time politicians change the rules applying to that indexation and politicians decide not to adjust that indexation method when it becomes unfair.
How will your superannuation be indexed?
I feel aggrieved that I voted for you to gain your senate seat; rest assured that this will not occur again.
John Trigge
Mt Barker, SA
DFRDB recipient
—THEIR RESPONSE—
From: Forsyth, Danielle (Sen N. Xenophon) [mailto:Danielle.Forsyth@aph.gov.au] On Behalf Of Xenophon, Nick (Senator)
Sent: Thursday, 23 June 2011 12:36 PM
To: John Trigge
Subject: RE: DFRDB Indexation
Dear John
Thank you for your email to Nick regarding the Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits Amendment (Fair Indexation) Bill 2010 and I apologise for the delay in responding to you. Nick is currently out of the office and has asked me to respond on his behalf.
Nick believes the legislation was admirable desire and, given the nature of the jobs performed by the defence forces, it is completely justified. However, due to the nation’s fiscal position, it is important these reforms must be sustainable.
While Nick did not support the Bill, he does support the aim. Nick is committed to working with his colleagues in Parliament to find the necessary savings to fund pension increases and hopes this can be done within 12 months.
I have attached the text of Nick’s speech to the Parliament on this matter which I encourage you to read in full.
Thank you for taking the time to write to Nick on this issue.
Kind regards,
Danielle Forsyth | Correspondence Officer | Office of Nick Xenophon, Independent Senator for South Australia
Lvl 2/31 Ebenezer Place, Adelaide | TEL: 08 8232 1144 | F: 08 8232 3744 | http://www.nickxenophon.com.au
A CALL TO ARMS – SITREP NO 2 (THE SIEGE)
We have won the first fight and the enemy (oops, the politicians) have retreated into their dugouts inside Parliament House.
The siege now commences….
As stated previously, this will be a long hard slog and it will be a test of our endurance, our resolve and unity of purpose, if we are to win this war.
I know that we are all hurting in one way or another, but this fight is not just about one group. We must win this fight to make it easier to win those that MUST follow. We cannot achieve any of our goals for any particular group of Veterans, or ex service members, if we fight against each other
Politicians do not understand that we have that unique quality that bound us together, especially when times were tough: – MATESHIP. This is the one remaining characteristic that nobody or nothing can take from us. This has been clearly demonstrated by the hundreds of positive responses to this Campaign for “A FAIR GO”. All of us are hurting in some way or another and this anger, frustration and discontent, is well-founded, but it must be fired directly at the politicians – NOT AT FELLOW VETERANS!
Despite every attempt by Ian McManus (previous ALP State member NSW) to arrange a meeting between a delegation from the DFWA and the Alliance of Defence Service Organisations, with the Minister for Defence, Stephen Smith MP, his requests continue to go unanswered. However, he has been approached to have one on one meetings with Senator Lundy and with Minister Warren Snowden, MP (DVA). This is an attempt to trivialise our concerns and to divide the members of our delegation.
Interestingly, it was also a very successful delaying tactic as Parliament is now in recess for the next six weeks.
During the recent meeting of the Prime Ministerial Advisory Council, I raised the issue of Indexation ofDFRB/DFRDB superannuation pensions with the Minister for Veteran Affairs, stating the same facts that I have used in all my previous correspondence.
Minister Snowdon made it very clear that the Government would not support our Campaign for “A FAIR GO.”
Consequently, the battle lines have been clearly drawn in the sand.
All our earnest meetings with politicians and members of Government Departments will achieve little. Politically and publicly shaming such people into action, just might achieve our objective.
So what MUST WE DO?……
1.Continue to bombard the politicians with your letters of protest. Ensure these letters are sent by registered mail.
While this is the preferred option, please continue to send your emails, as these leave an electronic footprint.
Within the next week, I will be posting the names of a number of politicians who are holding marginal seats and I will request that everyone of us, bombard this select group with letters and emails for a two week period.
Then we will select another group and repeat the medicine.
It is planned that we will then bombard the PM,the Treasurer, the Minister for Defence and the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs with emails, all on the same day for a nominated hour. Further details to follows.
2.If you have not received a response to your initial letter within four weeks, send another letter, by registered mail (it doesn’t cost much), demanding a personal response (not a formed letter), and remind the politician very firmly that they are only servants of the people. Remember, no abusive or inflammatory language please. We must maintain our professionalism and dignity.
If you do receive a response, please post it on this website for everyone to see and as an official record.
3.Every time a politician visits your area, attend their press gatherings, or their public meetings. Make sure that you have your questions heard. We must be their constant shadow and always let them know we are in attendance.
4.We must humanise this Campaign. We implore those who are in serious financial strife to contact either the DFWA (David Jamison or Les Bienkiewicz), or the Alliance of Defence Service Organisations (Ted Chitham) or me.
David Jamison - Email: national@dfwa.org.au
Les Bienkiewicz – Email: national@dfwa.org.au
Ted Chitham – Email: t.chitham@bigpond.com
5.What we need to do is to provide factual information that there are many DFRB/DFRDB recipients, or their surviving spouses, who are doing it tough on their miserly superannuation “pension.” We will protect your name, but without personal experience stories, there will be many, including the media, who will continue to disbelieve our plight.
6.DO NOT invite politicians to attend our Commemorative activities. If they do attend, do not acknowledge them in any speeches. If they approach any Veteran groups, politely turn your back and refuse to engage in any conversation with them.
7.We must create a “ Name and Shame file”. Initially, I will provide a list of all those Senators who voted against the Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits Amendment (Fair Indexation) Bill 2010 in the Senate on the 16th June. It is requested that you provide the names of all those politicians who have failed to respond to your letters, so these can be added to this file.
8.Maintain the “Airwave War” by continuing to bombard your local radio stations. These give immediate access to millions of Australians, most of whom have no knowledge or understanding of our fight for “A FAIR GO.” Remember to speak in simple language,
do not use military jargon, as the general public will have no idea what you are talking about. Tell them of your personal hardships.
To date, we have hade some great success with interviews on Australia All Over (MACCA), thanks to Tess, Talking Back the Night, on Gold FM (Christian Argenti on the Gold Coast, thanks to Bob Ihlein, who made the first contact. The subsequent interview that followed, which was broadcast to 40 regional centres throughout Australia), and I know that there are others.
Please let me know if you have spoken on radio, including the name of the Radio station and the date, so that these details can be included in a future SITREPS. (We need to monitor our successes, and keep you informed).
9.WE MUST REMAIN POSITIVE & PROACTIVE IN ALL OUR ACTIONS, ESPECIALLY IN OUR CORRESPONDENCE WITH THE MEDIA. NEGATIVITY WILL ONLY LEAD TO DESPAIR AND DISINTEGRATION.
Slowly but surely, we are obtaining exposure in the major media outlets, including The Australian, the Brisbane Courier Mail, Sydney Daily Telegraph, Northern Services Courier and others. Hopefully, there will be a major article in this weekend’s Sunday Mail. Again, if you have had a story printed in your local newspaper, please send a copy to me, including the name of the paper and the date and don’t forget to add it to this website.
Remember that, although you and I will continue to fight for “A FAIR GO”, WE WILL NEVER WIN THIS WAR BY OURSELVES. Only ‘people power’ can achieve this. Consequently, please encourage your friends to write letters to their local politicians and to contact their local radio stations, as well as write to your local newpaper.
The siege has now commenced.
We must freeze the politicians out. We must continue to isolate them from the general community and especially from the Defence community. We must make sure they know their future is being threatened.
For latest information, please log onto the following links.
http://www.independentaustralia.net/2011/politics/exclusive-breaking-news
http://www.independentaustralia.net/2011/defence/exclusive-diggergate-continues-the-march-for-justice/
http://www.Facebook.com/IndependentAus
http://www.nsc.newspaperdirect.com/
The last link opens up into an electronic copy of the Defence magazine. The front cover will appear first. To log in, you will need to register (top right corner) type in name, email address
and create a password (just a couple of seconds). You will then be able to see the article on “Groundswell of Raw Anger.”
We have come a long, long way in two weeks, although it feels like two years! We would not have been able to get anywhere near this far without the sterling support of all who have joined our fight for “A FAIR GO” and without all those who have added their comments to the articles written by Tess Lawrence, journalist advocate at the Independent Australia on line publication.
These comments will provide a living history of this fight so please keep adding your comments, including the replies from any politicians. It is essential that everyone, including the general public, is able to access all the information, as this is a public record.
Without the outstanding support of Tess Lawrence, we would still be back at the starting line.
Thank you Tess.
WE WILL NOT TAKE NO FOR AN ANSWER – WE WILL STAY THE FIGHT!
Thank you one and all, for your outstanding support so far.
Evil will only succeed when good men and women do nothing.
Finally, I know that we were all devastated to hear that another one of our mates, Sergeant Todd Langley, has been killed in action in Afghanistan and at least one other soldier, has been seriously wounded in action. While I know that all our sympathies go out to Todd’s family, his Unit mates and his many friends, this is little comfort.
LEST WE FORGET
Sadly, this clearly demonstrates why we must WIN THIS FIGHT, because there is no guarantee that our present, or future warriors, will not have to fight in their own country in the future, for exactly the same reasons we are fighting now.
Please distribute this SITREP to all your friends. ( The distribution lists continue to grow at an alarming rate, thank goodness, because that indicates that more and more people are joining the fight)
As we expected, Minister Smith is reluctant to acknowledge his portfolio responsibilities, stating that Minister Snowdon has charge of Veteran Affairs, however, we all know that serving personnel are also in this mix and it should be incumbent on both Ministers to make an effort, by agreeing to discuss matters with relevant people representing the many views of the military community.
If required, I will continue to press for meetings at this level.
As promised, in SITREP NO. 2, here is a list of those Senators who voted against the Defence Force Retirement & Death Benefits Amendment (Fair Indexation) Bill 2010 on 16th June, 2011.
The Senate vote was 34 for and 34 against. Consequently the Bill was “negated” – it was unsuccessful.
It is requested that you bombard the first eight Senators on this list with your letters and emails of protest for the next two weeks. Their contact details are available at …..
http://www.aph.gov.au/Senate/senators/homepages/index.asp
In the next SITREP, I will ask you to direct your letters and emails to the second group of eight senators.
Start writing folks…..
Ayes …………………. 34
Noes …………………. 34
Majority ……………. 0
NOES
Arbib, MV (ALP, NSW)
Bilyk, CL (ALP, TAS)
Bishop, TM (ALP, WA)
Brown, CL (ALP, TAS)
Brown, RJ ( TAS, Greens)
Cameron, DN (ALP, NSW)
Carr, KJ (ALP, VIC)
Conroy, SM (ALP, VIC)
Crossin, P (ALP, NT)
Farrell, D (ALP, SA)
Faulkner, J (ALP, NSW) Since Retired
Feeney, D (ALP, VIC)
Forshaw, MG ALP, NSW) Since Retired
Furner, ML (ALP, QLD)
Hanson-Young, SC (ALP, Greens)
Hogg, JJ (ALP, QLD)
Hurley, A (ALP, SA) Since Retired
Hutchins, S (ALP, NSW) Since Retired
Ludlam, S (Greens, WA)
Lundy, KA (ALP, ACT)
Marshall, GM (ALP, VIC)
McEwen, A (teller) (ALP, SA)
McLucas, J (ALP, QLD)
Milne, C (Greens, TAS)
Moore, CM (ALP, QLD)
O’Brien, K (ALP, TAS) Since Retired
Pratt, LC (ALP, WA)
Sherry, NJ (ALP, TAS)
Siewert, R (Greens, WA)
Stephens, U (ALP, NSW)
Sterle, G (ALP, WA)
Wong, P (ALP, SA)
Wortley, D (ALP, SA) Since Retired
Xenophon, N (Independent, SA)
PAIRS
Boyce, SK
Polley, H
Heffernan, W
Collins, JMA
Joyce, B
Ludwig, JW
Minchin, NH
Evans, C
Question negatived.
Here is copy of another letter I have received from one of our supporters….the letter is from the Office of Mr. Ken Wyatt, MP,
Member for Hasluck………
“On behalf of Ken Wyatt MP Member for Hasluck I would like to thank you for your email raising the issue of the indexing of Veteran’s pensions.
Ken has asked me to let you know that the Shadow Minister for Veteran’s affairs, Senator the Hon. Michael Ronaldson will be coming to Western Australia an will be at the Bellevue RSL club on the 26th of July from 10.30 am to hear from the Veterans of the area. Should you wish to attend and to put your thoughts to Senator Ronaldson, you will be most welcome.
Please see below a media release from Senator Ronaldson regarding Veterans and the most recent federal budget.
Again, thank you for raising this matter with Ken.”
Kind regards,
Mary-Anne Reid
Electorate Officer
Ken Wyatt MP
Member for Hasluck
Electorate Office
Shop 10/12 Forrestfield Forum, 80 Hale Road, Forrestfield WA 6058 Canberra Office
PO Box 325, Forrestfield WA 6058 Suite R1-28, Parliament House, Canberra ACT 2600
T 08 9359 0322 | F 08 9359 0197 | M 041 793 0247 T 02 6277 4707 | F 02 6277 8552
http://www.kenwyatt.com.au twitter.com/kenwyattmp
Onya NEIL WEEKES, you and the Defence Force Family are re-writing the script for
campaigns for Justice, by, for and of the people. And strange, without a single focus group – but WITH a single focus in mind. Victory will be sweet.
Dear NEIL WEEKES, great to see the list of those politicians who voted against the DEFENCE FOORCE RETIREMENT AND DEATH BENEFITS BILL AMENDMENT 2010(FIB) – can’t help but be really disappointed at some of those names, given that they were on the verge of retiring.
Politically and historically, they will forever be linked to delivering such a mean-spririted
body blow to Veterans and families, as one of their final acts of malice upon a constituency that for every day of its commission is charged with the responsibility of putting their lives on the line for this country – and the sometimes horrifying consequences of that covenant.
Wouldn’t you think, just as human beings, that they would have done the right thing. Wonder what the pension is for those politicians who voted against the Bill and are now retired ?
* Could you please post the names of those who voted FOR the Bill please, so that their support can be acknowledged. It is important to do that. Also, can you explain what
‘ Pairs mean for us.
The ‘ NO list of politicians is a great help. You can return the favour and vote NO for them in the next federal election.
It is estimated that the ‘ wider ‘ Defence Force family numbers about 3million Australians.
That is an impressive election bloc. Impressive firepower.
Dear IAN MCMANUS, the Minister for Defence Stephen Smith is frightened to meet with you
all, because of the reality that you DO all represent past and present serving personnel and their families.
You represent the great and needy unwashed to him.
But every time a Digger dies in Afghanistan or elsewhere, that Digger dies just as much for Stephen Smith as he does for Prime Minister Julia Gillard or Freda Bloggs for that matter.
You are apparently fit for cannon fodder, that’s all. You’re not fit to be meeting with the likes of your Minister for Defence.
Here, I will take my cue from what has already been written by others in this comments section.
There is one occasion when the Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Defence Minister Stephen Smith are prepared to meet with the likes of you. When you’re a corpse and in a coffin and the TV cameras are rolling at the funeral services of those Killed in Action.
Then you will hear what you mean to them and to this country.
Of how you were a great mate,a great family man, the very embodiment of the finest military tradition of a nation whose armies of land, air and sea have so often spilled their blood on foreign shores.
We don’t need politicians to tell us how to honour our dead.
We who are the living know how to honour the dead – and that is to adequately and compassionately care for their families and dependents, for the widows/partners, and those veterans who continue to suffer from physical and mental injury and trauma and the consequences of the use of agent orange and other toxic chemicals of war.
Even if the veterans are seemingly fit and healthy,so what, they are just as entitled as anyone else in the community to have a decent pension and superannuation.
I challenge the Defence Minister Stephen Smith, to spend a week with a TPI pensioner. Not a one night sleepover. A full week. Get up close and personal with him Stephen. For sure the Diggers on this page will find a volunteer TPI family you can stay with.
You can talk about the fine detail when you meet with IAN MCMANUS and others who are fighting for Justice for the Diggers. And hey,you get to play returned soldier for a week!
What’s not to love ?
THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION didn’t wait for The News of the World to close down before it acted.Check out this BBC Report:http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-14063656
CORONIAL INQUEST DEAD SOLDIERS.Dear NEIL WEEKES, DAVID JAMISON,TED CHITHAM, PETER THORNTON,BILL BOWSER and everyone.I didn’t realise that in England,they have Civil Coronial Inquests into the deaths of soldiers. Seems to me that this a good idea and a good move towards open Government and transparency.
Does this happen in Australia ? Does anyone know ?
Given that this year alone the killing rate of our soldiers in Afghanistan now amounts to a KIA once a month, and given that there are serious questions to be asked of the politically expedient Gillard Labor Government,about the vulnerability of our outnumbered troops in Afghanistan, now that Big Bro USA and others are withdrawing – is there not a case for public coronial inquests ? Or do they happen already ?
Prime Minister Julia Gillard, the Defence Minister Stephen Smith,Senator Kate Lundy and the Greens already have priors on betrayal and political expedience – and of sacrificing the quality of life for Veteran and serving Defence Force personnel and their dependents ( see the list above of those who betrayed Diggers and voted against the Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits Bill Amendment 2010 (FIB).
We can have no trust whatsoever in any Press Releases about the nature and circumstances of how our Brothers Killed in Action.
Those Press Releases are all about that reprehensible lot covering their well padded.
collective political butt.
Oh yes, have you noticed how feverishly the Spin Doctors are working on behalf of their beleaguered mistress ? Notice how the Carbon Tax beat up is breathlessly promulgating the
fact that this translates : Carbon Tax = Increase for Pensioners. What a con. That’s because of your Fair Go camnpaign. That’s because you ARE making a difference. You’re putting the wind up them.
And where is the Opposition in all of this Diggergate scandal ? AWOL. MIA. Oops,sorry,wrong. Missing in Inaction!
Economic equity for past and serving defence force personnel,dependents and heirs should be a stand-alone tenet on the political platform agenda – and not an addendum attached to a subsection on an already stingy and miserly Bill that is an insult to ALL it purports to help.
Dear SANDY MACGREGOR, heard you on the ABC this morning talking about the book you and Jummy Thomson wrote called ‘ Tunnel Rats ‘ and you mentioned that you had recommended that a particular Digger get an award for his heroism re Cu Chi experiences – who was that person Sandy ? Please let us know. Why on earth wasn’t your recommendation accepted ? When did you make that recommendation Sandy ? The knockback sounds outrageous. And what a fascinating
story about Aussie Diggers. We hardly know anything about all of this, so thanks to you and Jimmy for writing the book.
Turning our backs on politicians at Commemorative events? Some people may think that is harsh, but in reality, successive governments have been turning their backs on the Defence community for many years. Provided this is done in a silent and dignified manner, it is time to stand up to our politicians and let them see that we are not prepared to accept their lame excuses any longer. Let them feel the heat and let them know that their political futures will be challenged at the next Election.
Let the groundswell of discontent continue and lead us all the way to the doors of Parliament House.
TOGETHER, WE CAN, AND WE WILL WIN THIS FIGHT FOR JUSTICE.
Senator Kate Lundy,
It is with a touch of sadness that I feel compelled to write to express my disappointment and anger over how you personally have abandoned the retired servicemen and women of our nation.
Many of your colleagues, in both Houses, were open in their support or non support for our claim for fair treatment in relation to superannuation indexation. By contrast, you ran a web site for some time where you encouraged many of us to open our hearts and minds in the belief that you had some understanding of, and sympathy for, the plight of the retired serviceman and woman. Clearly your action was a cynical political exercise.
Your colleagues may have misunderstood, or may have chosen to ignore, our claim but at least they were open and honest. After your recent vote on this issue it is obvious that your support is very narrowly based on party politics rather than principle. Had your decision been based on principle you might have cared to extend to the retired servicemen and women of this nation the same pension indexation benefits you enjoy.
I am at a loss to understand how your colleagues could attend the funerals of servicemen who have been killed in action and yet reject a Bill which would have aligned the increases to DFRB and DFRDB superannuants’ pensions with our old age pensioners. I am appalled by this cynical political exercise.
This letter is difficult to write for one would have most certainly qualified as a “true believers”. I see your action as further evidence of the Australian Labour Party (ALP) abandoning its principles for expedient party politics. Fair indexation of service pensions is but one area where the ALP has drifted away from what I believe were core values; there are many others.
I could not imagine Chifley, Whitlam, Hawke or Keating (better ALP leaders in my time) allowing the ALP to move so far from what I believed were its core values. Clearly, the basis of decision making within the ALP has degenerated into a process of expediency rather that core value.
After a lifetime of being a “true believer” I trust that 2013 might herald a return to ALP core values or at lease provide me an opportunity to return Australia to principle based decision making.
Yours sincerely,
Keith Russell
Dear JEANNETTE BARTLETT, the practice of turning one’s back on political leaders is a time honoured and peaceful method of citizens expressing protest and disgust and exposing political hypocrisy and betrayal.
I recall how that simple act has left an indelible stain on former Prime Minister John Howard’s political career.
And no coherent discussion of his time in office can ignore that moment in May, 1997 when,at a Reconciliation Convention, Aboriginal Brothers and Sisters, turned their backs on him while he was speaking.
Just heard on radio , that YOU Mr Brown , stated that any polling after Sunday , would show that We ALL will embrace a carbon Tax ..
I DARE YOU TO DO THAT POLL !!!!!!
And as for that “generous ” $200.00 , that we on pensions etc are to receive , as compensation ?? ( each year ?) well you try buying your coffee alone , in a month for that piddling amount!!! It is a PITTANCE in comparison to the price rises we already have ..water , power, rates etc ….let alone what is to come as a result of your carbon tax .!!
..POLITICIANS WOULD SPEND MORE THAN THAT , ON ONE, ..yes just one !!… Parliamentary Lunch Bob Brown !!!
YOU TRY IT !!!!
JULIA GILLARD….BANKRUPTING THIS COUNTRY !
BOB BROWN …taking us back to the dark ages (AND USING VET’S INDEXATION, AS BLACKMAIL WITH TONY ABBOTT, FOR HIS SUPPORT FOR THE MINING RESOURCES TAX ) , (YES I have the video of you , saying in your own words, that you did that , you creep !) and being more interested in Palestinian homelands , THAN IN OUR OWN VET’S WELFARE !…..VETS WHO FOUGHT FOR ALL OF US !!.,
TONY ABBOTT …. NO VISIBLE POLICY ..AND CARPING FROM THE SIDELINES
NONE OF YOU , CAN EVEN BEGIN TO KNOW HOW ANY OF US FEEL …BECAUSE YOU GO YOUR OWN MERRY WAY..AND BUGGER THE REST OF US !!
THE POPULATION OF THIS COUNTRY HAS HAD ENOUGH!!! ….OF ALL OF YOU !!
DO THE POLL MR BROWN…….and I dare you to send me the results & make them public !!!
Mrs Jenny Bell
Well done Jenny
This little article was sent to me recently.
Have a look at the Electoral Act of 1918,section 6 sub section 326.
This was re approved April 2010.
Relevant provisions of the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918.
Electoral bribery
Section 326 of the Act provides that a person cannot ask for,receive or obtain,or give or confer,any property or benefit with the intention of influencing the vote or candidature of a person at a Federal Election.The electoral bribery offence does not apply to declarations of public policy or promises of public action.
The maximum penalty for contravention of S 326 is $5000 or imprisonment for two years,or both.
Did the bartering for votes and benefits from all parties at the last election (The Greens,Independents,Labour and Liberal Leaders) contravened The Act.
To Julia Gillard & Bob Brown – Have you ever heard oif the Saying “Charity begins at home?” Well how about looking after our Veterans who made this country safe so you could live your lavish lifestyle. Your regard for the people who served you is downright disgraceful. You should be ashamed of what you did and really I can well understand why the majority of people of our great country hate you.
My Email to Bob Brown.
Senator You are one of 34 that voted against the Fair Indexation Bill for Military superannuation. On the grounds that it was not Financially Viable.
Was the last pay rise /superannuation rise for Politicians financially viable? Bet not you are all willing to pass a bill that will line your own pockets but not give a rise to the superannuation of Service Persons and Widows who served this country for at least 20 years and for the majority of us served in a War zone. We had an Enemy at the time that was not our Government. Now our enemy is our Government.
Your vote also effects the Widows of our current serving Service Persons who are Killed In Action.( KIA) You Quick to get on Television when one of ours are KIA and give their profound condolence to the family of the Dead and call for our troops to be brought home. Not one of you will get on Television and stand there and tell the public you voted for a politicians pay rise a while back but now you voted against a Fair Indexation of our Serving and former Military Superannuation. You should be ashamed of yourself and your party.
I like your answer recently to Peter Thornton the reason you would not give us the bill is that the Coalition defeated your Mining Tax so I am not going to give you the Fair Indexation Bill. Now Senator that is like the little boy who took his bat and ball and when home to Mummy cause they didn’t play fair. Toughen up little boy and do the job you are paid to do.
Robert Ihlein
DFRDBF Superannuate.
Please click onto the link below to listen to an interview on Radio 2CC, which is the largest radio station in Canberra to hear an interview between Mark Parton and Mike Kelly, MP.
http://2cc.net.au/mp3/MP-Mike-Kelly-Defence-pensions-070720112cc.mp3
Mr Kelly assures us that he will continue to fight to get a fair indexation method for the DFRB/DFRDB recipients, and pigs fly!!
Prior to the last election, Senator Kate Lundy gave us every assurance that she would fight for a fair indexation method, but when the time came to vote in the Senate on the Fair Indexation Bill, Senator Lundy betrayed us and voted along party lines to defeat the Bill.
Surprise, surprise, Senator Lundy continues to reassure us she, like Mr. Kelly,will continue to fight for a fair indexation method!!
Like we could ever believe anything she has to say again on this matter!
Regardless of what she says, she must follow Party lines, or be sacked,so all her assurances are hollow.
The Government says it has no money, but only yesterday, it suddenly found $16 million as a gift for the people of Sudan. Whilst I do not begrudge this gift, I expect that charity should begin at home
first. Once again, the Government has insulted all those who have fought and continue to fight for the freedom of this Nation.
Sadly, more soldiers will be killed or wounded in action, and despite what it says, our Government will ultimately turn its backs on them as well.
CONSPICUOUS BY THEIR ABSENCE
Where is the National Executive of our RSL in this fight? What is their stance.
Where are our retired two and three star officers? We need their help. We need them to apply that “DUTY FIRST” principle.
Where are all the major media outlets? They have been bombarded with letters, emails and telephone calls and with few exceptions (such as 2CC, Gold FM, Australia All Over, Independent Australia and some others)they have ignored us.
Where is the Leader of the Oppposition on this matter? Why hasn’t he raised our plight in Parliament particularly in view of the Government’s parlous position?
AWOL – everyone of them. So we must fight this fight for “A FAIR GO” by ourselves.
I wrote to the NSW State president his reply was very weak, check our website and you will see how we are supporting Veterans. Not strong enough for me.
Our opposition leader is as weak as the Red Head.
Where are you Mr Tony Abbott? Why aren’t you coming out to support us now? You have stated that the issue of a fair indexation for DFRB/DFRDB recipients is on your list of policies. If that is so, then we need you to be saying that now. We need you to be attacking the ALP/Green Government NOW. If you think that you can leave this go until right up to the next election, because you believe you have the Defence community vote, then think again. This will be seen by a cynical Defence community as just vote winning.
You should be reassuring us now, publicly and often, and you should be right in the face of the ALP senators’ faces, the Green senators’ faces and Senator Xenophon’s face for rejecting the Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits Amendment (Fair Indexation) Bill 2010 in the Senate. And when you refer to this Bill, please refer to the complete title – you see we believe that many politicians are uncomfortable about talking about “Death” and “Benefits” in the same breath!!!
Dear NEIL WEEKES, when the ROYAL BRITISH LEGION heard of allegations that the NEWS OF THE WORLD had hacked into phones belonging to the grieving families of British Soldiers Killed
In Action, this organisation,that like yourselves,cares for and represents both veteran and serving Defence personnel, acted immediately, severing their relationship with the NEWS OF THE WORLD – and did so BEFORE the NEWS OF THE WORLD was euthanased.
The ROYAL BRITISH LEGION, as you would all know, is synonymous with the wonderful POPPY Remembrance Day activities and fundraising, a wonderful idea that we love and embrace in Australia as well.
The ROYAL BRITISH LEGION’s leadership – and other Defence personnel, were fearless in expressing their condemnation and disgust and immediately put up a public wall of protest, support and protection around the grieving families whose privacy had been so grossly invaded in a war of indecency perpetrated by their own ‘side’and not by crazed mullahs of terrorism. But by fundamentalist prurient media mullahs nontheless.
Britain’s politicians sat bolt upright at the action taken by the RBL and without doubt the RBL’s actions ‘ inspired ‘ across the board political condemnation of the conduct of phone hackings into military grieving families, and other grieving families and citizens and organisations.
Let us not kid ourselves for the reasons for such late political expediency. It was to preserve political stability – and to damage control increasing disaffection within the British Defence Force Family – and amongst the general public – with the continuing loss of life of British soldiers in what many see as unwinnable wars engineered on the basis of lies and deception by a coalition of Governments, including our own.
That conversation is going on in Australia right now.
If harnessed and united, as we are now witnessing, the formidable political power of the entire veteran and serving Defence Force Family, said to number about 3million Australians – has the potential, as an electoral bloc, to not only bring down this Government – but to exercise great influence in the outcome of the next Federal election.
Potentially, you could secure more electoral influence than the Greens. At the least, you could hinder and supplant their political growth.
It is a mistake for Defence Minister Stephen Smith to treat you all with such graceless contempt. At the time of writing, Ian McManus and others in your Team were still awaiting a date for the meeting requested with your Defence Minister.
Stephen Smith is the man who has the political authority to despatch you to your death, but who so far lacks the moral fibre to meet with you in person.
It is politically dangerous for him to attempt to humiliate you and for him to try and deflect the increasing level of dissent within the Defence Force Family to minions who have already failed you.
Even to the outsider, the high profile resignations,mistreatment of whistleblowers, sex abuse and other scandals, including materiels and multiple redeployments and endless firewalls of bureaucratic nightmares for Veterans and Pensioners and serving personnel, smacks of a lack of coherent and cohesive leadership and management.
I understand that our 28th Digger killed in Afghanistan, Sgt Todd Langley, was on his fifth tour of duty -and was the eigth Commando Killed In Action.
We hear so much about statistics from politicians and the Department of Defence – but we hear little concern for the human beings behind those statistics.
The Government, not the Taliban or Al-Qaeda must bear full responsibility for your deaths. This year alone, an Australian Digger is being Killed In Action in Afghanistan at the rate of one a month. It is the Government that despatches you to Afghanistan; not the Taliban.
It is the Government that mistreats and financially abuses Widows and Elders of past and current Defence personnel. So all of you who go off to War, do so in the knowledge that should you be killed or wounded, your Government cares so little for your family – or you on your home turf.
This is heavy duty baggage for you to take onto the battlefield with you. And for your families to bear back home.
It is the Government that continues to promulgate elder abuse and the continuing abuse of TPIs and other disabled veterans and family members, and those in horrible physical and mental pain.
Successive Governments want to bury you alive.
As more of we ‘ ordinary ‘ Australians learn more about how our Widows and Veterans- past and present – have been treated by this and other Governments,they are lending their support and encouragement.
Many of you are keen to march with your families,friends and supporters,on Canberra in protest; in wheelchairs, in cars, on motorcycles, on foot, by plane, train and bus; good use of that annual pension rail ticket!
For those Vietnam Vets whose countrymen and women once walked in protest against that War, comes a chance for people,myself included, to walk FOR you in support.
It is unlikely that this Gillard Labor Government will see out its full term.
The dissent within the Labor Party, and the “greed and corruption ” and ” self-interest ” of the Labor Party, written about so courageously here by former NSW Labor politician,Ian Mcmanus, is a view shared by many within the Labor Party and amongst its increasing number of former supporters, who sadly, lack his moral fortitude.
Keep up your magnificent work Team Fair Go. Look at how far you’ve taken your cause in a couple of weeks. And so much more is going on behind the scenes. And your advocacy work is buregoning.
Use all the paper ammo and the wealth of experience you’ve collected in these long decades of a war of a different kind on your own home turf. For years, you’ve been treated like Drongos and mere cannon fodder by Governments who are supposed to protect and take care of you, on behalf of the rest of us and behalf of Australia.
It is your Democratic right to speak with your fellow Australians about your predicament.
It is your Democratic right for your leaders to speak with your Minister for Defence Stephen Smith, in the hour of this crisis,and as we await the body of Sgt Todd Langley to land on Australian soil.
Others in the Defence Force Family share the blistering pain of Sgt Langley”s immediate family – knowing full well on another day, that nightmare pain could visit them.
The most important paper ammo you’ve got is your Vote. And you surely have Justice and the right to a Fair Go on your side.
Losing is not an option. The KIA roll of the Navy,Air Force and Army is sodden with the
blood of thousands of Todd Langleys. Each paid the ultimate sacrifice. Some long forgotten along with those who once grieved for them.
Lest we forget. The dead. Or the living.
There is still a huge problem trying to get mainstream media etc, getting involved. I do not know what the answer is. But it is correct to say THE RSL is not getting involved.
I would also comment that while any death in the Services, be it in combat, in service, illness, accidents etc is tragic, the debate seems to be getting away from the original concept re DFRDB/DFRB.
I would suggest that the vast majority of serving ADF members ARE members of either MSBS or other schemes. They do not get a pension after 20 years service.
As someone suggested, let this fight be undertaken first, before EVERYONE is deceased. Then start on the other schemes. You can be sure as night follows day, when there are only a few DFRDB/DFRB recipents left, the Goernment of the day WILL give proper indexation.
Onya JOHN SAINSBURY re media, we have had some exceptions, in fairness, and I think NEIL WEEKES has listed them in the comments. But I think it is time we posted a list of those who have covered the story.
Several media outlets have assigned someone to cover the story – and then strangely and mysteriously, the story has been ‘spiked.’
Also, some of you have had Letters to the Editor published – please post them here in the comments with the date and name of the publication. Well done Champs. You are ALL making a
difference.
Fair’s fair for a Fair Go!
You may not agree with everything that Tess has said. She presents some very valid points and there is no doubting her sincerity and her support for “A FAIR GO” for all members of our Defence community (serving and ex-serving).
All our politicians and large numbers of our Defence community, as well as the general public, are watching and reading the articles posted by Tess Lawrence, (Journalist/Advocate for Independent Australia), especially the comments being added to her first article. PLEASE DO NOT BE PUT OFF BY THE NEED TO REGISTER, to enter your comments. It only takes a moment and you only have to do it once.
http://www.independentaustralia.net/2011/politics/exclusive-breaking-news
It is critical that we continue to add our comments as this editorial is becoming an important historical and political document. If we discontinue adding our comments, it will give the impression, particularly to the politicians, that we have all gone home and gone to bed and that they no longer need to worry about us. The storm in the tea cup is gone. Well surprise, surprise politicians, we are still here and WE WILL BE HERE UNTIL WE WIN.
I WILL MARCH TO CANBERRA WITH THE DIGGERS – WILL YOU JOIN ME…IF NEED BE?
I WILL MARCH TO CANBERRA WITH THE DIGGERS
I WILL MARCH TO CANBERRA WITH THE DIGGERS TOO!
A CALL TO ARMS – The Siege Continues…..
SITUATION REPORT (SITREP) NO. 3
Opposing Forces
We have been advised that the politicians now believe that our Campaign has lost its momentum, simply because they have not responded to any of our letters or emails and particularly, as major media outlets have not taken up our story, at least to date.
How wrong they are! However, we must keep our powder dry and conserve our energy until Parliament returns. It is then the intention to saturate Parliament House with letters and emails, coordinated to arrive on the same day, just to remind the Politicians that the fight goes on.
Our main focus should be on those members of the ALP, the Greens and the Independents who hold marginal seats. A list of these Members will be published in due course, as part of our “Raids” Campaign – details in next SITREP.
Friendly Forces
The groundswell of discontent, anger and frustration has not abated at all and the number of emails and telephone calls continues to increase daily. Our distribution lists now number in the thousands. People have offered accommodation, donations for a fighting fund and all other types of assistance for our Campaign.
While there will times of less activity, we must always remind each other that we are here for the long haul, right up to the polling booths, if necessary!
We continue to be humbled by those who have little financial ability, to offer whatever they can. Only yesterday, we received a heart wrenching call from a ex-serviceman who was struggling to survive on his $19,000 p.a. superannuation payment. After paying his normal cost of living and maintenance for his two children, he is in a desperate situation. His personal predicament is a timely reminder why we have undertaken this course of action.
Although we should acknowledge the support of the LNP Coalition (a list of those Senators who supported the Fair Indexation Bill in the Senate will be published in due course) we must continue to remind them, if they are elected, that we will hold them to their commitment to introduce a Fair Indexation for DFRB/DFRDB recipients.
Mission
To win the war for “A FAIR GO” for all members of the Defence community (serving members, ex-serving members and their families)
Execution – General outline
As Parliament is in recess, we should take the opportunity to prepare ourselves for their return.
Tasks
For those who have not yet sent a registered letter to your local Federal Member and to your State Senators, please prepare those letters now.
For those who have sent letters and, like me, have not had the courtesy of receiving a reply, please prepare a follow up letter, demanding an answer to your previous letter.
Please continue the “AIR WAVES WAR” by contacting your local radio stations as some of these are giving us good coverage. Click on the link below regarding the coverage by Radio 2CC in Canberra with Mike Kelly, MP, Member for Eden-Monaro. (Tess Lawrence kindly arranged this interview).
http://2cc.net.au/mp3/MP-Mike-Kelly-Defence-pensions-070720112cc.mp3
Timings
Parliament re-assembles on 16TH August, 2011.
Please post your registered letters, both initial and follow up letters, so that they arrive on 17th August, 2011 or as close as possible to that date.
It is critical that we inundate Parliament House with thousands of letters within a
short period of time.
Please continue to “trickle feed” letters to the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition to remind them that we have not gone away.
We will only win this war if we stay united and we have the resolve to maintain our momentum. A few of us will not succeed – we need you and your friends, as only “PEOPLE POWER” will win the day. DO NOT SIT BACK AND DO NOTHING, thinking that everyone else is doing something.
Remember that this is just the tip of the iceberg and to right this National disgrace, we must never forget these related issues still need resolution….
TPI Pensions
Commutation of DFRB/DFRDB
Taxation of DFRB/DFRDB superannuation payments
Treatment of surviving spouses of DFRB/DFRDB recipients
Restoration Keating’s “stolen” 1.8% of the DFRB/DFRDB superannuation payments from
October 1986 – November 1989.
Communications
In all future communications with your friends and with the media, we encourage you to place the following catch cry at the end of your letters and emails – we want this to go viral. This will clearly demonstrate that we are united and we are determined to win!
“I WILL MARCH TO CANBERRA WITH THE DIGGERS…WILL YOU JOIN ME?”
I Know this is not current but it brings to light the Government that is running our country into the ground.
Political Bastardry!
Well you may think!
On the 18th of August 1966 at Long Tan,Vietnam,
D Company of the 6th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment,
mainly made up of Australian National Servicemen
and at that time located to support the American Army,
fought a battle against the Viet Cong.
In this action D Company lost 18 men killed and 24 injured.
The Viet Cong dead numbered in excess of 245.
The Australian lines were never crossed.
The Viet Cong withdrew.
American President Johnson and US Army Staff recognised the achievement
by awarding the Unit Citation of Gallantry on 30th May 1968.
The Award was formally accepted by Queen Elizabeth in 13th June 1968.
Prime Minister John Gorton made the formal presentation
of this American Citation to the Battalion
at Lavarack Barracks,Townsville on 18th August 1968.
On the 31st of March 2010,
D Company of the 6th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment
were belatedly awarded the Australian version of
“Unit Citation for Gallantry” (UCG)
honouring their extraordinary deeds at Long Tan.
The Government however refused to approve travel payment
for the surviving Unit Members or their families,
including the families of deceased Unit Members,
in order that they be present at the
UCG Presentation Ceremony
presided over by the Governor General of Australia.
In February 2011 the same Government of Australia
footed the Funeral Bill to bury the illegal boat people,
who tragically perished on Christmas Island.
This included flying surviving family illegals and survivors
to and from Sydney and Xmas Island,
accommodating them, etc etc,
plus a Coach tour of Sydney thrown in.
The Canberra Polit Bureaux had waited 45 years
to publicly acknowledge the bravery and sacrifice
of these Sons of Australia
and then immediately Shit on their memory
by wetting themselves
to appease the feelings of boat illegals
forcing their entry into our country.
Now we witness,what can only be described as,
attempted political face saving,
by this same Government,
sponsoring a TV Documentary,
to celebrate our Armed Forces accomplishments
at Kapyong, Korea in 1951.
This will see our Prime Minister and the entire Priministeral Entourage
fly in a RAAF plane to Korea to mark this 60th Anniversary.
What Bloody Hypocrisy!!!
What a Blatant Affront to the feelings
of our Nation’s serving Armed Forces,
Past and Present.
Shame,Shame,Shame,
You Political Parasites.
You do not deserve to represent our country.
Bob
I posted the below comment on Kate Lundy’s website at 2:07PM 23rd June, it was accepted with the annotation “For consideration by Moderator”.
Copy of comment sent:
From the perspective of a long service ex Serviceman, I fervently believe our politicians require a daily dose of integrity.
We, as constituents in any electorate, see and hear politicians make statements to gain our confidence ie:
ABC News Posted Mon Aug 24, 2009 8:38am AEST
ACT Labor Senator Kate Lundy says the Government could easily afford the change which would make a big difference to retired public servants and military personnel.
“The vast majority of them are on very low pensions so this was seen as a case for justice,” she said.
Ms Lundy says the decision will be hard for the Government to sustain.
“I think they have a case, I think they have articulated their case very well and whilst there is some cost to the Commonwealth I don’t believe the cost to the Commonwealth to resolve this inequity is out of reach.
“It’s a matter of principle and I will be continuing to pursue.”
Only to have our confidence shattered on Thur Jun 16, 2011
Senator Lundy, who supposedly supports fair indexation (see http://www.katelundy.com.au/2009/08/21/disappointing-announcement-on-the-matthews-report/), voted against the bill today. Given that the bill was lost by one vote, Senator Lundy’s decision has cost the Defence retirees of Canberra and Australia dearly.
You, and your Labor colleagues, have once again been instrumental in denying the older aged long service ex military personnel a reasonable method of maintaining living standards as we grow older.
I have been self sufficient from commencing work in 1966 until retirement in 2008. I paid my taxes, DFRDB contributions during military service, family medicare levee, additional levees when imposed, contributed donations to natural disaster funds, paid off my house and have never ever been a burden to the public purse.
I find it hypocritical to be told I can top up my pension with an element of the Old Age Pension when I turn 65.
As for the statement from Consie Larmour June 21, 2011 at 10:45 am:
“Understandably people are annoyed by the failure of the Senate to pass the Coalition’s proposed DFRDB Indexation Bill, but the attacks on Senator Lundy’s motives in voting against the Bill are unwarranted. The Bill applied to one section only of military superannuants and excluded the rest, as well as those on civilian pensions. It was extremely divisive.”
Defence Forces Retirement Benefits Act 1948 (the DFRDB Act) & Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits Act 1973 (the DFRDB Act) contributors have been paying funds into Government coffers since the relevant act inceptions.
Why do you still discriminate against these schemes when they have been contributing so much to Government for so long?
Don’t proffer platitudes in relation to previous governments’ inaction policy, you had the ability to rectify this for the older recipients but used the inequity towards later schemes to reject the change. Let the others put their relevant case forward after ours is approved.
All I can say in conclusion is, bring on the next election, Labor will do well in opposition.
No reply from Kate Lundy’s office, when I checked the website later that day the blog had been removed.
The next day Kate Lundy wrote on her blog that no further comments in relation to the rejection of the Fair Indexation Bill Amendment 2011 would be accepted, while she still supports the concept, she was required to vote as directed by Labour Caucus.
I cannot march to Canberra, as I reside overseas, but my heart is with you, and I will continue to try to make contact with the media and politicians by email, letters etc.
A thought comes to mind; Now it appears we have a Carbon Tax, therefore we will receive some benefits???????
I am sorry to be political, but the quicker we see the back of this Government the better.
As one of those who assembled on the lawns in front of the house of our national Government many years back in a cold winter I saw the beginings of this struggle.
Later, in 2007 after a 10 year struggle for equity for our most disable veterans success was at hand the Coalition Government and the Labour oppositionunaniously passed legislation. We should not have had any more worries on that issue.
How very wrong we were the then labour Government in 2009 passed new legislation that allowed then to bypass the 2007 law in the most blatant act of betrayal of these the nations most vulnerable veterans.
Not only did they betray the trust of these veterans but they deliberately set out to destroy anyone who spoke out against this action.
Why am I now not surprised that these very same politicians would betray the trust of another group of veterans, some of who are only slightly better of than their disabled comrades.
What do I mean by this.
Those who returned from Vietnam and where discharged either, as Nasho’s almost immediately, or short service regular soldiers, and were classified as disabled before they were able to complete a normal working life and thus have a superanuation only have their disability payment and servce pension to live on, or should I say try to servive on somehow.
Then their are those who comleted their 20 years or were discharged on a disability superanuation and were for a variety of reasons not able to have a second civilian carreer that superanuation is all they have to service on somehow maybe with an extra few dollars a week.
And then we have the the widows of those who paid the supreme sacrifice, or widows of ex service personal, with and without active serevice, either as young mothers trying to raise a family alone on a pitance or as older ladies trying to servive on the pitance they receive.
No I am not surprised by the betrayal of the majority of our political masters of the very people, who by their service and sacrifice gained them the freedom, or keep that freedom for them, to act in this manner.
Both back when we stood on the lawn in Canberra that winter, and in this most recent betrayal there were the few solitary politicians who understood the debt that they owed this group.
To those senators and members I know I speak for many thousands in the service community, thank you for having the “guts” to be true to the values we hold dear.
To the rest of the senetors and members – remember – we have long memories and there is going to be another election. That is not a maybe or an if. That is a certain fact. It is just a matter of when it will be. How comfortable was your margin?
What do the latest polls say now?
We will not forget you. But afterwards we will not remember you either.
BUT we will REMEMBER THOSE WHO DID NOT RETURN and those who did disabled and the WIDOWS of all our comrades.
LEST WE FORGET
BUT fight with everything you have for those who are worse of than you are and for those brothers and sisters in arms who serve today and will serve in the future. They are are comrades to.
Bob
This is my reply I got from Bob Brown’s office. Tehy are good.
From: Dodd, John (Sen B. Brown) [mailto:John.Dodd@aph.gov.au]
Sent: Tuesday, 12 July 2011 10:49 AM
To: Bob Ihlein
Subject: RE: Fair Indexation Bill
Dear Robert
Thank you for your e-mail.
The Greens maintain our position that the current indexation of all commonwealth superannuation pensions is unfair. We are committed to working with government to find a way in which this can be addressed in a financially responsible manner. Our proposal that a properly applied tax on mining super profits which would raise an extra $100b over the decade has been rejected by both the major parties.
Regards
John Dodd
Office of Senator Bob Brown
From: Bob Ihlein [mailto:robert.ihlein@optusnet.com.au]
Sent: Sunday, 10 July 2011 11:56 AM
To: Brown, Bob (Senator)
Subject: Fair Indexation Bill
MY ORIGIONAL EMAIL TO BOB BROWN
Senator You are one of 34 that voted against the Fair Indexation Bill for Military superannuation. On the grounds that it was not Financially Viable.
Was the last pay rise /superannuation rise for Politicians financially viable? Bet not you are all willing to pass a bill that will line your own pockets but not give a rise to the superannuation of Service Persons and Widows who served this country for at least 20 years and for the majority of us served in a War zone. We had an Enemy at the time that was not our Government. Now our enemy is our Government.
Your vote also effects the Widows of our current serving Service Persons who are Killed In Action.( KIA) You Quick to get on Television when one of ours are KIA and give their profound condolence to the family of the Dead and call for our troops to be brought home. Not one of you will get on Television and stand there and tell the public you voted for a politicians pay rise a while back but now you voted against a Fair Indexation of our Serving and former Military Superannuation. You should be ashamed of yourself and your party.
I like your answer recently to Peter Thornton the reason you would not give us the bill is that the Coalition defeated your Mining Tax so I am not going to give you the Fair Indexation Bill. Now Senator that is like the little boy who took his bat and ball and when home to Mummy cause they didn’t play fair. Toughen up little boy and do the job you are paid to do.
Robert Ihlein
DFRDBF Superannuate.
Dear BOB IHLEIN,to the contrary, what you have written is so absolutely NOW. It IS current.
And in your comment I can hear the echoes of many others in the Defence Force Family, and some
of those courageous voices are in this remarkable comments document, that will become a family heirloom for future generations, as they learn how you all turned your lives around and rewrote the script that hypocritical successive Governments – including the Gillard Government, have foolishly ordained for you.
You have quite rightly pointed out the mega millions of Australian dollars that have been distributed to others over you all. I understand how and why you are bitter.
In my own credo, I constantly struggle to always adopt an ‘ as well as ‘ rather than
‘ instead of ‘ aspiration. But I cannot and will not condone the expedient despicable political psychopathy of the Labor Gillard Government that has turned its skirt on you and betrayed you all.
Thank you for all these astounding revelations Bob. I have learned so much. And you have put important information into the public domain that otherwise wouldn’t see the light of
day.
20 years of military service, often under appalling conditions, lousy pay and compulsory superannuation deductions.
My superannuation as indexed by CPI is a fraud perpetuated on us by lying politicians whose main aim is to feather their own nest whilst living and working in very comfortable conditions.
I am entitled to a fair return on my investment, the investment managed by the Federal Government… The value of my superannuation over the last 20 years has decreased by over 70%. What started out as $9000 a year in 1985 is now $18000…… A huge drop in buying power.
Ex Service Men and Women have become the underclass, the government treats the unemployed and other Social Security with more respect.
The really bizarre aspect to this whole stupid affair is that the government is paying me a Service Allowance which compensates for my low superannuation income….. Yes you read it correctly…. My Service Pension is paid on the basis of my LOW SUPERANNUATION INCOME. If that case applies to many ex service people then the act of paying military superannuants their correct cost of living increases will be much less than what they claim……
Dear COLIN COYNE, you Champion! Thank goodness you copied the comment you submitted to the Architect of your Betrayal,Senator Kate Lundy!
It is such cowardice. It’s so Naff. Chuck in Gutless. Hypocrite. And another Gutless.
For Colin.
Now we can all see why she closed her Blog!
I daresay she will never re-open it. It will stay closed until she and the Gillard Labor Government slide into the political morass from whence they crawled.
Given that all comments go before a moderator……..puhllease!
Now, you’ve put it on the public record – for Julia and the Flopposition to see.
Shame on you Kate!
Dear COLROE, Welcome! Where are you calling from ? Can you say ? Don’t you dare apologise to us for being political – it’s SUPPOSED to be by, for and of the people in this version of Democracy – not by, for and of the Labor Party, or specifically, the Gillard Labor Government.
It’s fabulous to know that you will march with us in spirit! Thanks for this, it means a lot to all of us.
I have written to Senator Kate Lundy expressing my utter disappointment that, having stated that she supported the DFRDB Amendment Bill, when “push came to shove” she lacked the courage to vote in the Affirmative.
To cite fiscal restraint as a reason for not passing the Bill is sheer hypocrisy when we read of the waste of funds in schemes such as the failed Insulation Scheme, the BER and now a more than $4 Billion blow-out in the cost of “Compensation” for those impacted upon by the non-sensical Carbon Tax which, if the 5% reduction by 2020 is achieved, will result in a nett reduction of 71.5 one thousandths of 1 percent of Global emissions.
Surely our Military members deserve to be treated better.
Dear KEITH RUSSELL, I hope the Gillard Labor Government takes serious notice of what you’ve written here. You’ve made a hard call on this – and pinned your colours with the Defence Force Family, your Brethren. It is disappointing for you,as a onetime True Believer to be thus betrayed for the sake of political expediency. There are hundreds of thousands of you, given the latest polls. It is disappointing across the political spectrum, as far as DIGGERGATE is concerned. Sadly, the Greens and indeed the Opposition are MIA.
Thanks for not just thinking about it Keith, but for actually leaving your important electronic footprint on this page of Digger history.
Dear UCDALLOI, say it isn’t so! How have successive Governments got away with this? Fraud is the right word! I refuse to believe that fellow Australians,, once they know the truth, will tolerate what has been done in our name! This injustice is so widespread, it’s like a
toxic virus in the Defence Force Family.
Thanks for putting this in the public domain. How else would we know about it.
The Government doesn’t want us to know about it. And cares about it even less.
G’day Tess and All,
As most may already know, Brigadier Neil Weeks will be interviewed by Mark Parton on 2CC here in Canberra tomorrow morning (13 July 2011) at 7:45am. What Mark and the community at large might not know is that there is well over 150,000 people directly affected by broken indexation (not including dependent spouses and extended family).
Here are the actual numbers of primary benefit members affected:
# Affected % of Electorate
CANBERRA 59295 48.3
FRASER 61138 50.92
HUME 20588 21.38
EDEN-MONARO 15425 16.32
In 1989 the Gvoernment of the day (a Labor Government) was directly responsible for breaking our indexation and by doing so they set in motion a direct breach of employment contract. It’s time for the Parliament as a whole to fix the problem once and for all and the way to do it is to access the excess earnings of the Future Fund (and the fix MUST include an income component).
Warm regards
Peter Thornton
Dear OLD FELLAH,spot on. You are a national treasure.
I have no doubt that as we speak Senator Kate Lundy is wiping off more emails than Rebekah Brooks and the News of the World. Why? Because surely she’s starting to pack up her office.
She won’t be there much longer. She’s shut down. Closed her Blog. Nothing for you here. Doesn’t want to speak with you, the Great Unwashed. Her constituents. Still, not all glum. Maybe she’ll divvy up her Super payments. Share with a couple of homeless Diggers. There are a few.I’ve met them.
Do you know OLD FELLAH what the Parliamentary pension ratio is – to Defence pensions ?
If you divvied it up ? Three pensioners ? Four ?
BREAKING NEWS. ALERT
I have just been advised that, as DVA pensions are different from COMSUPER “Pensions” (DFRB/DFRDB recipients), it appears as though the DFRB/DFRDB superannuants will miss out on the Governments “Carbon Tax Handouts”. However they (DFRB/DFRDB recipients) just may gain some benefit from the increased tax free thresholds. This is still being examined and we will keep you posted. Watch this space. I understand that the TPI pensioners will receive the “handout” which is great news.
Dear PETER THORNTON, you are magnificent! Your forensic attention to electoral detail will be the undoing of the Gillard Labor Government and lead you all to Justice.
Who needs the Supposition!
Don’t you dare defect Pierre! They will be trying to poach you because their current team is clearly so pathetic and the like of Mark Arbib is so preoccupied with being a US spyster and starring in his own C Grade movie.
These are very comfy stats for Team Fair Go that you present here. Wonderful political mischief can take place. Peter, once again, you’ve put the statistical truth out there.
I didn’t know about the 1989 breach. Or that the Labor Government has priors – at least to this extent. Not a good political look for them is it ?
Of course, fast forward to when the sloth like Opposition could have actually opposed the FIB bill – and didn’t.
The bottom line is that Labor and the Greens and Senator Xenophon, et al, ALL betrayed you.
We have to live with that. But we don’t have to tolerate it. And they will come to regret it.
Thanks Peter, for all the good and wonderful works you continue to do for the cause.
Pace yourself Bro, I know you’re a TPI and that you are selfless in your concerns for your
Brethren.
We should all be thanking Senators Kate Lundy and Bob Brown, and the like, for contributing to the rejection of the Fair Indexation Bill. Why? Because their dishonour of promises made to the Defence community has lead to a greater galvanizing of action than we could have otherwise achieved.
I was among the first to swear allegiance to Queen Elizabeth II. The Oath I took upon enlistment in 1953 was (from my personal documents):
“I…swear that I will well and truly serve our Sovereign Lady the Queen in the Air Force of the Commonwealth of Australia for the term of 15 years or until sooner lawfully discharged, dismissed or removed and that I will resist Her Majesty’s enemies and cause Her Majesty’s peace to be kept and maintained and that I will in all matters appertaining to my service faithfully discharge my duty according to law. SO HELP ME GOD”
I managed to serve for 32 years, always aware of my oath and what it may mean, if I was called to exercise extreme duty.
What oath did our Senators and Parliamentary representatives take?
Neil Weekes is absolutely right to take the stand he has and congratulations to all those veterans who have climbed on board to give the message to this very arrogant and uncaring government that we will not lie down! All veterans’ associations, federations’ etc should get behind this campaign as, I guess, none of us understand why veterans are treated this way by their parliament. And the politicians will never voluntarily tell us why either. Unfortunately, it will have to be forced from them. Veterans should, and now must, collectively stand up and do something about this gross miscarriage of justice. Above all, don’t be afraid to challenge a politician and have your say. Write to them.
As a retired solicitor,I would like to make a point at law which is VERY relevant to all veterans. Please bear with me.
The Veterans’ Entitlement Act 1986 is an Act passed by the Hawke Labor government. Under that Act all entitlements for veterans of the Vietnam conflict (and others)are administered. Some years ago a veteran had cause to challenge a decision made by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs in relation to his entitlements. The matter ended up before the Federal Court of Australia; which Court interpreted that Act as one which excluded the principles of equity (fairness and natural justice) from the administration of all veterans’ entitlements, pensions and otherwise. That “fact” has been confirmed to me by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs in writing. Successive Ministers for Veterans’ Affairs have consistently, to date, failed to address the issue. The former Minister, Alan Griffin, gave me a written assurance “equity” DID apply in the administration of veterans’ entitlements but when an excerpt from the DVA letter (citing Mr Michael Weiss) was produced to him stating otherwise, Mr Griffin was forced to admit that equity had no application in the administration of veterans’ entitlements as the VEA 1986 was a “beneficial” (whatever that means) Act of parliament. Some 14 letters to Mr Griffin later no satisfactory response has been received and the current Minister is simply not interested in responding either. Being a retired lawyer, I appreciate that all Acts of parliament are “beneficial” to someone or something. But veterans are, obviously, not entitled to any “beneficial” interpretation of that particular Act. We are denied equity. Full stop! Clearly the Hawke government either drafted the VEA 1986 with the intention that it be interpreted by the Courts in the way it has been or, alternatively, the interpretation of that Act came as a welcomed surprise. The government was then more than happy to go along with the court’s decision without introducing amending legislation to correct the inequity created. Either way, a gross miscarriage of justice has been inflicted on the veteran community generally.
The current refusal by the Senate (principally the Greens and Independents, but those in the Labor cause in the main did not object) to deny indexation of veterans’ superannuation and pension benefits is yet another example of equity being denied to the veteran community.
Now I ask: “Why do criminals have the principles of equity enshrined in statute law (fair investigation and collation of evidence, etc), illegal immigrants have the right to invoke equity in the administration of their entitlements to be, or stay here, and those seeking permanent residency status have not only the right to invoke equity regarding their claims BUT ALSO have a power of Ministerial intervention when “wrongs” are done to them by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship, but veterans do not have similar rights?”
Treasurer Swan promised the “all pensions” would be considered under the Harmer review but has subsequently done nothing to fulfill his promise that, particularly, veterans would specifically be included in the review.
Veterans are the only section in our community I am aware of that are denied the right to be treated fairly and with natural justice in the conduct of their affairs. Regrettably, the Department of Veterans’ Affairs receives, and will continue to receive, the blame for many matters it has decided and veterans have to appreciate that Department is bound to follow both the government policy and the interpretation of the statutes by the courts in relation to administration of veterans’ entitlements. But, in reality, the majority of the angst against the Department by the veteran community would be alleviated if only the politicians would introduce amending legislation to restore equitable rights to veterans. The Department would, presumably, then have a discretion to correct inadvertent or negligent errors internally without the veteran having to go back through the whole system again to have the wrong redressed; as is the present requirement. Administrative costs to the taxpayer and the social effects for the veteran would also be substantially reduced if Tribunals and Courts were able to invoke equity to resolve inadvertent or negligent decisions made within the system. At the present time lower courts and tribunals are bound by the Federal Court precedent denying equity to veterans.
So, the Gillard government now has a moral and social obligation to restore equity to veterans and allow for proper indexation of veterans’ pensions in line with the indexation given to the rest of society. If the Gillard government believes that it cannot afford to do so then it should look at the profligate waste of public moneys supporting failed schemes nationally and unnecessary foreign investments in priority to internal interests, and determine where the government’s priorities really lie.
The general media should be onto this like a shot as it has been going on for far too long. Why are veterans denied equity!
I leave this thought with you:
“That you can read this is due to the general diligence of our education system. That you are able to read this in English is due to the service and sacrifice of the veteran community, present with us and departed, and those currently serving in the Defence Forces of this great country.”
Perhaps the Gillard government resents this fact.
Dear BILL ARDEN,I do thank you for your service to this country – and look at the wonderful company you keep with your fine Brethren here. Can you tell me Bill, do we have a
‘ Covenant ‘ in place in Australia,between the Defence Forces and, in our case, the Queen ?
Love to hear back from you.
And I was wondering about The Oath. Bill, does the Air Force take the same Oath as the Navy and Army?
G’day Tess,
Thanks for your response and continued superb efforts for all of us.
Sorry the data I provided above is not spread across the page properly. I did try to fix this but when I eventually posted my comment the data went a little skew if again.
Anyway, in regards to your query of how a previous Government had broken our indexation … well it happened in two principle ways.
The first was when they adopted the international standard for CPI calculations which was quite divergent to the old CPI and when introduced it introduced a number of BS components such as “quality adjustments” into the equation. There has been much written on this and in fact I deal with some aspects of this in my April Research paper.
The second is that the CPI was the main component that influenced the central wage arbitration system when it was operating back and up to the early 1990a. When the Government jettisoned that system they inadvertently broke the relativity of government retirement pay / pensions to community wages. The Howard Government clearly understood the implication of the previous changes and made the necessary adjustments for the Old Age Pension but left us second class citizens to wallow in an ever increasing spiral of welfare. It is for these two reasons (predominately) that you see the divergence in the 3 line graph of our pensions relative to that of the Old Age Pension and Politician pensions (i.e. the graph at the top of the article.
Irrespective of the Libs complicity in this long held injustice, they still tried to forge a change in the recent bill as a first but progressive step to rectifying the injustice for all. It should also be placed on the record that Tony Abbott in fact had made a plea to the PM before the last election (on radio 2AW I think) to take a bipartisan approach to this issue … in other words he wanted to take the issue off the election table. What did Labor do? Well as history would show, Wayne Swan released the confident Government Actuary document saying that the Libs had an $8Billion black hole in their numbers and then it went downhill from there. What most don’t know is that the AGA’s figures were proven to be wrong and in recent times that $8Billion dollar figure is now miraculously been reduced to $6Billion, but even that figure rests on a very shaky foundation as it is based upon the data errors, ill conceived ideas and false assumptions that I have uncovered in my research (for all to see and consider).
Finally, all I can say is: if the Department of Finance and its subsidiaries can’t get these basic numbers right with regards to Military and Commonwealth retirement benefits when they have access to all the exact COMSUPER numbers, the what bloody hope have we got when it comes to them forecasting far flung Carbon Taxes and offsets, and commodity prices that supposedly underpin the proposed Mining Resource Rent Tax? Heaven bloody help us! … that’s all I can say.
I hope this helps …
Warm regards
Peter Thornton
You Darling PHILIP CLARKE! What a powerful argument. I had no idea! You have gone to so much kind trouble – and I feel sure you have given the Team a great gift. So many, I know, will take inspiration from what you have written and what’s more, will act upon it. I fear (in the best sense of the word ) that you have provide a mighty key. Onya PHILIP. Thanks for putting this in the public domain, too. We won’t know about such things, unless others are prepared to share with us.
Neil Weekes is absolutely right to take the stand he has and congratulations to all those veterans who have climbed on board to give the message to this government that we will not lie down! All veterans’ associations, federations’ etc should get behind this campaign as, I guess, none of us understand why veterans are treated this way by their parliament. Veterans should, and now must, collectively stand up and do something about this gross miscarriage of justice. Above all, don’t be afraid to challenge a politician and have your say. Write to them.
As a retired solicitor, I would like to make a point at law which is very relevant to all veterans. Please bear with me.
The Veterans’ Entitlement Act 1986 (VEA) is an Act passed by the Hawke Labor government. Under the VEA all entitlements for veterans of the Vietnam conflict (and others) are administered. Some years ago a veteran had cause to challenge a decision made by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs in relation to his entitlements. The matter ended up before the Federal Court of Australia; which Court interpreted the VEA as one which excluded the principles of equity (fairness and natural justice) from the administration of all veterans’ entitlements, pensions and otherwise. That “fact” has been confirmed to me by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs in writing. Successive Ministers for Veterans’ Affairs have consistently, to date, failed to address the issue. The former Minister, Alan Griffin, gave me a written assurance “equity” did apply in the administration of veterans’ entitlements but when an excerpt from the DVA letter (citing Mr Michael Weiss) was produced to him stating otherwise, Mr Griffin was forced to admit that equity had no application in the administration of veterans’ entitlements as the VEA was a “beneficial” (whatever that means) Act of parliament. Some 14 letters to Mr Griffin later no satisfactory response has been received and the current Minister is simply not interested in responding either. Being a retired lawyer, I appreciate that all Acts of parliament are “beneficial” to someone or something. But veterans are, obviously, not entitled to any “beneficial” interpretation of that particular Act. We are denied equity. Clearly the Hawke government either drafted the VEA with the intention that it be interpreted by the Courts in the way it has been or, alternatively, the interpretation of that Act came as a welcomed surprise. The government was then more than happy to go along with the court’s decision without introducing amending legislation to correct the inequity created. Either way, a gross miscarriage of justice has been inflicted on the veteran community generally.
The current refusal by the Senate to deny proper indexation of veterans’ superannuation and pension benefits is yet another example of equity being denied to the veteran community.
Now I ask: “Why do criminals have the principles of equity enshrined in statute law (fair investigation and collation of evidence, etc), illegal immigrants have the right to invoke equity in the administration of their entitlements to be, or stay here, and those seeking permanent residency status have not only the right to invoke equity regarding their claims but also have a power of Ministerial intervention when “wrongs” are done to them by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship, but veterans do not have similar rights?”
Veterans are the only section in our community I am aware of that are denied the right to be treated fairly and with natural justice in the conduct of their affairs. Regrettably, the Department of Veterans’ Affairs receives, and will continue to receive, the blame for many matters it has decided and veterans have to appreciate that Department is bound to follow both the government policy and the interpretation of the VEA by the courts in relation to administration of veterans’ entitlements. But, in reality, the majority of the angst against the Department by the veteran community would be alleviated if only the politicians would introduce legislation to the VEA to restore equitable rights to veterans. The Department would then, presumably, have discretion to correct inadvertent or negligent errors internally without the veteran having to go back through the whole system again to have the wrong redressed; as is the present requirement. Administrative costs to the taxpayer and the social effects for the veteran would also be substantially reduced if Tribunals and Courts were able to invoke equity to resolve inadvertent or negligent decisions made within the system. At the present time lower courts and tribunals are bound by the Federal Court precedent denying equity to veterans.
The Gillard government now has a moral and social obligation to restore equity to veterans and allow for proper indexation of veterans’ pensions in line with the indexation given to the rest of society. If the Gillard government believes that it cannot afford to do so then it should look at the profligate waste of public moneys supporting failed schemes nationally and unnecessary foreign investments in priority to internal interests, and determine where the government’s priorities really lie.
The general media should be onto this like a shot as it has been going on for far too long. Why are veterans denied equity?
I leave this thought with you:
“That you can read this is due to the general diligence of our education system. That you are able to read this in English is due to the service and sacrifice of the veteran community, present with us and departed, and those currently serving in the Defence Forces of this great country.”
STOP PRESS. MEDIA UPDATE!
MARK PARTON-NEIL WEEKES. Onya MARK PARTON,2CC Canberra Talking – who interviewed NEIL WEEKES just after 8am this morning. Reports in, that it was a fab interview – the audio should be
posted as soon as! Thanks to MARK and JORIAN -proof that SOMEONE IN CANBERRA IS LISTENING!
And doing what the media should be doing – shining a light on the plight of our Diggers and families and exposing the dark arts of politics and the abuse of power by the very people who are supposed to be our guardians.
I have been asked to post the following:
From: Lundy, Kate [ mailto:Kate.Lundy@pm.gov.au]
Sent: Tuesday, 28 June 2011 11:02 PM
To: XXXXXXX@XXXXXXXxxxxxxxXXXXXXX
Subject: Re: Fair Indexation – DFRB and DFRDB Superannuants
Thank you for your letter.
The prevailing tightness of the budget situation was the driver of the Labor position. I also expressed concern the bill did not extend to msbs and css.
I am aware of the hardship many who receive DFRDB and DFRB endure and have already begun to make the case for recognition of defence and commonwealth superannuants for the purposes of specific cost of living impacts. This is advocacy within the govt and while I don’t have many successes I will always be trying.
I will of course continue to press for the development of a new indexation methodology as I said in my speech. The ALCI (analytical living cost index) was foreshadowed in the Mathews Review, as you point out, and leaves open ‘if the govt were to devt an ALCI’ (the direct quote is in my speech on the bill).
The PBLCI in the eyes of some would be an improvement but as has been pointed out to me by advocates, has its weaknesses and the problem of maintaining value of the pension would persist.
On the issue of the timing of the govt response to the Mathews Review and the announcement of the PBLCI, I understand your cynicism and at the time (aghast, initially) I was reassured they were not linked in any way.
I know this is small comfort to you at this time. Thank you for your letter and advocacy.
Regards
Kate Lundy
Neil’s comment: And pigs fly!!!
Dear Neil
This is my version that will appear on all my emails from now and until victory.
Regards & Respect
Ron Francis VV & T&PI Adelaide
“THE NAVY WILL BE MARCHING TO CANBERRA WITH THE DIGGERS. …WILL YOU JOIN US?”
What a load of cod’s wollop from Kate Lundy!
“The prevailing tightness of the budget situation” says our Kate. Will/can she explain why the
same “driver” has not been applied to illegal immigrants who up to date have received in excess
of sixteen million dollars, yes, that’s a 16 with 6 zeros, by way of compensation for whatever
at the expense of our sick and disabled War Veterans who for the most part have to fight the
Government on a daily basis in courts around Australia for justice with the onus of proof placed
squarely on them. Sick and vunerable laymen when it comes to the legal system that the Goverment
has at their fingertips.
“A fair Go!”. KL and the rest of those self seeking Vultures in “Canburyus” would not have a clue
as to it’s meaning.
Stoker
Tess, I’m pleased you asked 12 July, 2011 at 11:27 pm
.
A covenant, in its most general sense, is a solemn promise to engage in or refrain from a specified action. Servicemen do not have the luxury of ‘negotiating’ their actions – the oath or affirmation by an enlisted member is as close as one gets to a covenant.
All three Services take the same oath or affirmation for enlisted members.
See http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/cth/consol_reg/dr2002274/sch2.html
The affirmation essentially just uses “promise” instead of “swear” and drops “SO HELP ME GOD! “
The current oath is differently worded to the one I took in 1953 as it has been re-worded to comply with changing definitions:
I, (insert full name of person) swear that I will well and truly serve Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second, Her Heirs and Successors according to law, as a member of the
(insert Australian Navy , Australian Army , or Australian Air Force )
(insert for the period of (number of years) , and any extensions of that period,
or
until retiring age, )
and that I will resist her enemies and faithfully discharge my duty according to law.
SO HELP ME GOD!
(person’s signature)
Compare the Serviceman’s oath to that of a parliamentarian (Wikipedia):
In Australia the Oath of Allegiance and the Affirmation of Allegiance are oaths of allegiance made to the monarch of Australia. Both are defined by the Constitution of Australia.
Certain public office holders in Australia such as the Governor General and members of both houses of federal parliament are required to make one of the oaths. The words of both the oath and affirmation are attached as a schedule to the Constitution.
The Oath of Allegiance reads as follows:
I, A.B., do swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Victoria, Her heirs and successors according to law. SO HELP ME GOD!
The Affirmation of Allegiance reads as follows:
I, A.B., do solemnly and sincerely affirm and declare that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Victoria, Her heirs and successors according to law.
As per the schedule in the Constitution, the words “Her” and “Queen Victoria” are substituted as required with the pronoun and name of the reigning monarch.
Dear STOKERS.Marry Me!
Dear BILL ARDEN, thanks for this homework! I had no idea that ‘Australia’ is not even mentioned in the texts. I truly thought that Australia as a nation would be cited.
It astounds me to realise that we,as a people, are not mentioned at all and that it’s all about the Queen and her heirs and successors. Dearie me.
Well maybe we should take the Fair Go campaign to England to meet with the Queen!
She might march with us to Canberra!
When I was living in at the SGT ‘S Mess I had to pay Rations and Quarters as all single service person’s. It was a condition of Service at the time same as married service person’s payed rent for the Married Quarters supplied.
Now Illegal boat people come to our shores and are given money and accommodation from the government.
I bet they don’t pay anything.
Just testing.
Thank you Tess, and your efforts on behalf of retired ADF members is so much appreciated.
I am not, and never have been, a politically minded person, just go though the motions because basically I am of the belief that we are sadly let down by politicians of all persuasions when they become elected.
I stand in awe of the other correspondents on this website, who have facts and figures to prove our case and can state it so eloquently. Thank you, lets keep it going.
BTW, I reside in Indonesia, but of course always maintain a lively interest in my home country.
Dear COLROE, thank you so much for your support, I’ll pop than in my heart pocket for the yuk times.
Also, how wonderful that you are in Indonesia and that you are still caring about your
Cobbers.
It is clear to me COLROE, and all who read your comments, that wherever you may be,
your heart is in the right place.
NEWSFLASH!NEIL WEEKES-MARK PARTON INTERVIEW
Here’s this morning’s fearless interview NEIL did with 2CC’s MARK PARTON! Onya NEIL! You are a Champion in a tale where there are many Champions.
Thanks MARK and JORIAN and RICHARD – and thanks to 2CC Talking Canberra for covering this burgeoning story.
And thanks to PETER THORNTON for his mighty efforts.
And thanks to entire Team Fair Go who continue to barrack for the Diggers and their Families.
Your collective efforts led to this interview.
http://www.2cc.net.au/podcasts/58-mark-parton-podcasts/3245-military-pension
Here is a really great letter from a retired two star officer, a RAAF Air Vice Marshal. It is very well written.
MALUA BAY NSW 2536
8 July 2011
The Hon Dr M. Kelly AM MP
PO Box 214
QUEANBEYAN NSW 2620
Dear Dr Kelly,
I have just accessed a link sent to me by a Queensland colleague and listened to your recent interview on 2CC wherein you attempted to defend your Government’s rejection in the Senate of the Private Members Bill for fair indexation of military service pensions. You may be interested to know that your interview is being circulated to all retired Service personnel throughout the country, which explains how it came to my attention on the South Coast of NSW via such a circuitous route.
Mike, I knew you when you served in the Army and I know you now as my local member. When you were elected to represent my electorate I expected you to fairly represent the interests of the retired military fraternity, without fear or favour, given your pre-election statements and your understanding of military service and all that it entails – it’s the only form of ‘public service’ with ultimate sacrifice obligations.
As one ex-serviceman to another, let me convey to you in the simplest of terms my deep feeling of revulsion regarding your defence of the stance adopted by your party, with the support of the Greens, in overturning the Bill. My feeling of repugnancy was deepened by your contemptible attempt to shift the blame for the lack of fair indexation to the previous Government – in response to your comment regarding the ‘river of gold’ that the previous government had at its disposal and did nothing, I simply note the river is now much deeper and wider in 2011 and more is being squandered by failed Federal Government programmes than ever before.
You continue to proclaim that the cost of fair indexation places it beyond support because of budgetary pressures. The cost is only large if you are naïve and believe the figures proffered by DoFD which are pure political spin designed to sway support against the Bill. A thinking person, doing a modicum of independent research, instead of blindly regurgitating the “dark arts” figures (as revealed in the recent Tanner book), would find that the real cash cost of the Fair Indexation Bill is about half of what you assert, and that is before clawback. To suggest that $90m ($60m after clawback) over four years from an annual budget of $300Bn is unaffordable defies credibility, and fools few; certainly not those who elect you in Eden-Monaro.
Your party has erred badly in its reading of the strength of disgust within the community regarding this matter. The hypocritical actions of the Prime Minister and you, my local member, have not been lost on the extensive retired community that I associate with in and around Batemans Bay – we might be old but we still vote.
From your recent comments on 2CC, clearly aged pensioners (and your own political pension) rate far higher in your mind than Service pensioners, despite your much touted military (legal) experience. How quickly one can forget, but let me assure you those in your electorate will not, nor will the many now listening to your interview.
Yours sincerely,
Peter Criss AM AFC
Air Vice-Marshal (Ret’d)
Neil’s comment:
I salute Air Vice Marshal Criss, not because you were a very senior ADF officer, but because you have had the courage and the integrity to come out so publicly and so forcefully to express your absolute disgust with the Government’s position on this National disgrace. I am sure that you feel the same way about how our TPIs have been treated.
You and Digger James are now in an illustrious and an exclusive group (of two) of retired senior officers (two star and above) who have joined our fight for “AS FAIR GO”. We can only hope that your stirling example will encourage others of your ilk to speak out as well.
Thank you and thanks to Digger James.
“I WILL MARCH TO CANBERRA WITH THE DIGGERS…WILL YOU JOIN ME?”
Hi Tess,
As suggested by Neil,
My 8 registered letters (as below)in the mail Monday morning. – Only one verbal response so far but I have paper, envelopes and stamps and getting ready for the 16th Aug.
Keep up the good stuff
PS Had to do a separate letter for the “greons”
Michael Warnbro
Senator ……..
Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits Amendment Bill (Fair Indexation) 2010.
Dear Senator,
I write to voice my disgust with the negative vote concerning the Fair Indexation Bill, above.
As you well know, one of your own brethren, Ian McManus has deserted and resigned from the party after 30 years.
In a letter to Senator Lundy, 29 June 2011, he stated,
“I continually found greed, corruption, self-interest, branch stacking and elected representatives who often scoffed at the plight of their constituents…”
Countless millions of taxpayer dollars are pouring out of this country every day to placate countries who have little regard for our way of life, seemingly in a vain effort to win their governments over, at the expense of people like our returned servicemen and women. Please do not reply that financial considerations were at the forefront of your decision given the waste I have outlined.
It is hoped that a reflection of this matter may prove to have a reversal of your vote and more in keeping with the views of the elected representatives in the other place. If this decision is not reversed I will take every action possible, to generate a vote which may assist in the government’s defeat at the next election.”
This from one of your own party.
Doesn’t this suggest a problem?
I am 100% certain that this negative act of vetoing the Bill will lead to your party’s defeat at the next election and I am confident that it will be sooner than later.
We are ordinary people who expect a fair deal – no more than any body else – no less.
I am angry, we are angry and I for one will not desist until we get justice and a fair deal.
We are many and we are standing up and getting counted.
Yours in angst
RAN Veteran (Retd)
10 July 2011
Dear MICHAEL,how fabulous to read this and to have the Navy start the day for us! Can you tell us who you have got the single verbal response from ? This is important MICHAEL,so that we know who it is – and what party they represent – we believe in open and transparent government – even if politicians don’t. Put it in a comment here, so that it’s out there.
And MICHAEL, could you please post in a comment the names of those politicians you have sent your letter to. It will help all of us to shine a light on which politicians are ignoring you.
* The courage that your compatriot, Vietnam Veteran (Navy) Ian McManus showed in writing that explosive letter of support for a Fair Go for past and serving members of the Defence Force Family, is only matched by his political courage in doing so.
* I understand that he actually resigned several years ago – in disgust at conduct of the
Labor Party in NSW.
So one thing we know about former NSW Labor politician Ian McManus is that he is a man and a politician who is prepared to take a stand over what he believes to be immoral and unethical conduct and he has publicly denounced the 30 years worth of greed, corruption and self-interest of the Labor Party he has witnessed and has expressed his disgust at their mocking of their own consituents – that is, we the people.
Well done Tess,
We now have coverage in the TASMANIAN TIMES,(4/7/11)”BRIGADIER NEIL WEEKES, MC, “THROWS DOWN THE GAUNTLET”. This is great news and we have Tess to thank for her continuing support of this Campaign.
Hi Tess – As requested – Addressees below.
Australia Post has a “Tracking Tool” which allows you to see the status of your mail.
Reg letters were posted @ 1630 Mon 11 Jul.
At 1045 14 Jul 2011 (WST)
4 x delivered
3 x Accepted by Facility
1 x Awaiting collection.
Only one response at 1107 Tues 12 July, from a staffer in Senator Bishop’s office (Victoria Park WA), advising that my letter would be forwarded to my electorate member for Brand, Mr Gary Gray.
Still early days.
I had written to Mr Gray on 6 May 2011 prior to the 16 June vote. No response. I’m going again.
Arbib, MV (ALP, NSW) Level 8,
Commonwealth Parliament Offices
70 Phillip Street Sydney NSW 2000
Bilyk, CL (ALP, TAS)
Shop 3, Kingston Plaza
20 Channel Highway Kingston Tas 7050
Bishop, TM (ALP, WA)
Suite 31 443 Albany Highway Victoria Park WA 6100
Brown, CL (ALP, TAS)
AMP Building, Ground Floor
27 Elizabeth Street
Hobart Tas 7001
Brown, RJ ( TAS, Greens)
Level 1, Murray Street Pier
Murray Street Hobart Tas 7000
Cameron, DN (ALP, NSW)
Unit 6 5 Raymond Road Springwood NSW 2777
Carr, KJ (ALP, VIC)
62 Lygon Street Carlton South Vic 3053
Conroy, SM (ALP, VIC)
17 Mason Street Newport Vic 3015
Good to see our surviving POW’s from Japan, Europe and Korea are to get some assistance in the way of a supplement of $500 PF, I figure these guys and gals would be in their 80′s now.
You’re a Champion Tess.
Can’t make the march – But I’ll be with you in spirit.
Take care
Michael – Warnbro
Dear MICHAEL, thank you for your service to this country – and for your wonderful words of support.
Thank you for posting the names up here for all to see – this enables other Veterans and supporters in Tassie and elsewhere to compare measures of indifference by politicians.
Please let us know if you don’t get a written response from them shortly, Michael. After all they get a postal allowance – and you don’t.
You’ve spent a fair bit of money on this Call to Arms for a Fair Go for past and serving members of the Defence Force Family – your Brethren.
And you ARE marching with us Michael, in spirit. Crikey, you’ve already got a head start with all this work you’ve done for the cause.
And in another great Tassie coincidence, did you read the comment from JEANETTE BARTLETT about NEIL’s CALL TO ARMS being published in that journalistic Tassie Tiger, The Tasmanian Times?
Thanks Michael, good to be walking alongside you.
Thanks to Independent Australia for giving us the opportunity to have our say on military super indexation and other related matters.
The hypocracy, lies and deceit spread by Labor since the 2011 election, will ensure that they are never trusted by the Serving and ex serving military community and their families again. The Canberra region politicians like Kate Lundy and Mike Kelly, have been particularly devious in making promises, that they never intended to keep.
This Labor Government has said that it couldn’t afford the cost of Senator Ronaldson’s Fair Go Bill.Senator Wong said the Bill was a stunt. Senator Feeney says that ex service people are better off than the general population.
Yet Labor Ministers, parliamentary secretaries any other Labor ploiticians cue up to be seen attending military funerals for soldiers killed in action overseas. No doubt they see this as awonderful photo opportunity and PR exercise. But when it comes to looking after ex servicemen who return from wars and/or are retired,(and still breathing), they don’t want to know about us.
The recent Senate Enquiry into the now lost Bill, clearly showed a huge discrepancy between those supporting the Bill and those against it. As the final vote was 34 for and 34 against, this gave every opportunity for Labor pollies supposedly supporting us (and don’t forget the Greens who have said the same).
How is it that politicians can refuse to support a move of our indexation from CPI only to one that puts us on a level playing field with aged pensioners, who have had the indexation sought in this Bill since 1997. Pre 2004 federal politicians and some senior public servants enjoy a pension that is indexed to the current rate of pay and allowances of current politicians. When a military superanuant dies, his spouse receives 62% of his/her pension. In the case of the aforementioned politicians the rate is 82%. Military superannuants must serve for 20 years to be eligible for military super pensions. Pollies need 8 years. If military super is so good, it is logical to assume that pollies pensions are too extreme and should only be indexed at the same rate as military and commonwealth superannuants.
The Coalition has shown that it understands the “Unique Nature of Military Service” and all that entails. Clearly the Labor Party, the Greens and Senator Xenaphon just don’t get it.
In terms of wasted money by the current Government since 1997, we have seen billions of dollars wasted on failed projects such as pink batts. We see this Government pledging $500(mill)to Indonesis to build mosques. This Government is currently negotiating with Malaysia to bring 4000 refugees into Australia, in exchange for 800 boat paople that arrive in Australia. The Immigration Minister recently stated that it is costing $80,000 per ilegal immigrant/boat person per annum. If we take another unscheduled net 3200 from Malaysia, that will cost an additional $256(mill)per annum, over current costs.
Then again after the Government introduces the Carbon Tax, the tax revenues from the 500 major polluters, will still leave a shortfall of $4.5(bill) to be found. Bob Brown has said he would only support legislation that the country could afford. The PM and Treasurer have constantly stated that the budget will be in surplus by 2012/13. Of course they don’t mention that borrowings at that time will be approximately $200(bill). When will that debt be paid off? History tells us, that only a coalition Government has the will and capability to rid this country of debt. Bob Brown has sais that he would be prepared to pass the Bill, if the Coalition supports an increase to counter the cost of additional military super by increasing the Mining Profits Tax. It is easy to make promises when you know such a premise would not and, should not be accepted by the Coalition.
The current government does not mention the fact that there will be no catch up for miliry superannuants, if the Bill had been passed. At best, it would have prevented miliry superannuants from falling further behind. Look at Peter Thornton’s figures(elsewhere in this topic) which clearly show the impact a CPI based indexation has had on military pensions, when compared to politicians and aged pensions.
There is only one conclusion to be drawn. Only under a coalition government and a senate not controlled by the Greens and Labor, will serving and ex servicemen’s needs and expectations be met. Anyone voting for the Greens or Labor at any future election, is voting to continue the disgraceful inequities and insults being encountered by all serving and retired military personnel. If we target marginal Labor seats and Canberra based seats in the House of Representatives and fight aginst votes for either Labor or Greens in the Senate, we can look forward with some hope, to the future.
The DFWA has formed an alliance with other relevant ESO’s, now called ADSO. They clearly are attempting to do more than any other organistaion to support serving and retired military personnel. The RSL continues to have less input and impact in this area, which is disappointing at best. The best solution would be for the RSL to join ADSO, which would give us one strong and powerful voice, which any political party would be foolish to ignore.In this context, the RSL would need to understand that it would not control ADSO, but would ne an important contributing member of the organisation, with equal rights and input enjoyed by all other ESO’s.
John Griffiths
A Vietnam Veteran and DFRDB Superannuant since 1985
I do not like Bob Brown but his office is the only one to answer my email and today my registered letter. No reply from ALP members for my area and surrounding areas. Craig Thompson, Jill Hall and Deb O’Neil. Or from senator’s Lundy and Xenophon. The letter from Brown was the same as the email if they had the mining tax we would get fair indexation.
Bob
“I WILL MARCH TO CANBERRA WITH THE DIGGERS…WILL YOU JOIN ME?”
Bob Ihlein
Deb O’Neil (ALP Robertson NSW)is on a 1.00% margin
Craig Thomson (ALP Dobell NSW) is on a 5.07% margin
Jill Hall (ALP Shortland NSW) is in a safe seat
You should get some attention from the first two, unless they don’t care!
Yeah Bill
You would think so will send another letter to them all next week see if I get a reply.
Bob
Tess these are the marginal Federal seats in the 2010 election for the House of Representatives (? Yeah, right).
I have tried to set them out in readable columns but posting to the forum sometimes does not accept Tabs – you might be able to fix that at your end.
I have listed these in ascending order of marginality (weakness) – the ‘first strike’ list, regardless of their politics. I can do any sort.
I am thinking of producing mark-up maps from the AEC maps with marginals highlighted – so individuals can see at a glance whether they are in those divisions. Can you (will you) display either jpg or PDF files?
Souces: Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) and Mackerras Pendulum (as in Wikipedia).
Darren Cheeseman Corangamite (Vic) ALP 0.41%
Ken Wyatt Hasluck (WA) LIB 0.57%
Andrew Southcott Boothby (SA) LIB 0.75%
Michelle Rowland Greenway (NSW) ALP 0.88%
Laura Smyth La Trobe (Vic) ALP 0.91%
Deborah O’Neill Robertson (NSW) ALP 1%
Bruce Billson Dunkley (Vic) LIB 1.02%
David Bradbury Lindsay (NSW) ALP 1.12%
Graham Perrett Moreton (Qld) ALP 1.13%
Teresa Gambaro Brisbane (Qld) LNP 1.13%
Andrew Wilkie Denison (Tas) IND 1.21%
Louise Markus Macquarie (NSW) LIB 1.26%
Daryl Melham Banks (NSW) ALP 1.45%
Bert Van Manen Forde (Qld) LNP 1.63%
Natasha Griggs Solomon (NT) CLP 1.75%
Alan Tudge Aston (Vic) LIB 1.76%
Wyatt Roy Longman (Qld) LNP 1.92%
Ewen Jones Herbert (Qld) LNP 2.17%
Don Randall Canning (WA) LIB 2.19%
Mike Symon Deakin (Vic) ALP 2.41%
George Christensen Dawson (Qld) LNP 2.43%
Yvette D’Ath Petrie (Qld) ALP 2.51%
Steve Irons Swan (WA) LIB 2.53%
John Murphy Reid (NSW) ALP 2.68%
Ross Vasta Bonner (Qld) LNP 2.82%
Russell Matheson Macarthur (NSW) LIB 3.02%
John Alexander Bennelong (NSW) LIB 3.12%
Wayne Swan Lilley (Qld) ALP 3.18%
Gary Gray Brand (WA) ALP 3.33%
Christopher Pyne Sturt (SA) LIB 3.43%
Tony Crook O’Connor (WA) WAN 3.56%
Ken O’Dowd Flynn (Qld) LNP 3.58%
Kirsten Livermore Capricornia (Qld) ALP 3.68%
Warren Snowdon Lingiari (NT) ALP 3.7%
Peter Slipper Fisher (Qld) LNP 4.13%
Tony Smith Casey (Vic) LIB 4.18%
Janelle Saffin Page (NSW) ALP 4.19%
Anthony Albanese Grayndler (NSW) ALP 4.23%
Mike Kelly Eden-Monaro (NSW) ALP 4.24%
Shayne Neumann Blair (Qld) ALP 4.24%
Julie Owens Parramatta (NSW) ALP 4.37%
Russell Broadbent McMillan (Vic) LIB 4.41%
Warren Entsch Leichhardt (Qld) LNP 4.55%
Craig Thomson Dobell (NSW) ALP 5.07%
Peter Dutton Dickson (Qld) LNP 5.13%
Peter Garrett Kingsford Smith (NSW) ALP 5.16%
Craig Kelly Hughes (NSW) LIB 5.17%
Joanna Gash Gilmore (NSW) LIB 5.32%
Rob Mitchell McEwen (Vic) ALP 5.32%
Bob Baldwin Paterson (NSW) LIB 5.33%
Craig Emerson Rankin (Qld) ALP 5.41%
Michael Keenan Stirling (WA) LIB 5.55%
Steve Georganas Hindmarsh (SA) ALP 5.7%
Melissa Parke Fremantle (WA) ALP 5.7%
Bernie Ripoll Oxley (Qld) ALP 5.77%
Stephen Smith Perth (WA) ALP 5.88%
Dear LOJO, you have given us a most extraordinary insight – and it is important to know how you feel and why you feel it. The sense of betrayal is palpable. And you are certainly not alone in your views. In a nation of increasing haves and have nots,I understand how so many of you feel that you have been relegated to the have nots.
Dear BILL ARDEN, How good are you Bro!!!!!!!!
You’re going to be poached by the ABC on election night to do commentary; that will be coming up sooner than Julia thinks.
Thanks Bill, now we can all see at a glance. Interesting figures for the Minister for Defence, Stephen Smith wouldn’t you say Bill ? And for the Minister for Veteran Affairs,Warren Snowjob – oops Snowdon. And crikey, look at Mike Kelly,wasn’t he one of you mob? Did you hear his interview with Mark Parton on 2CC ? Not a word about any of you.
All pollispeak. Speaking in tongues. Forked tongues.
AIR VICE-MARSHAL (Ret’d)Peter Criss AM AFC has given me permission to post on his behalf, this letter he sent to Mike Kelly.
8 July 2011
The Hon Dr M. Kelly AM MP
PO Box 214
QUEANBEYAN NSW 2620
Dear Dr Kelly,
I have just accessed a link sent to me by a Queensland colleague and listened to your recent interview on 2CC wherein you attempted to defend your Government’s rejection in the Senate of the Private Members Bill for fair indexation of military service pensions. You may be interested to know that your interview is being circulated to all retired Service personnel throughout the country, which explains how it came to my attention on the South Coast of NSW via such a circuitous route.
Mike, I knew you when you served in the Army and I know you now as my local member. When you were elected to represent my electorate I expected you to fairly represent the interests of the retired military fraternity, without fear or favour, given your pre-election statements and your understanding of military service and all that it entails – it’s the only form of ‘public service’ with ultimate sacrifice obligations.
As one ex-serviceman to another, let me convey to you in the simplest of terms my deep feeling of revulsion regarding your defence of the stance adopted by your party, with the support of the Greens, in overturning the Bill. My feeling of repugnancy was deepened by your contemptible attempt to shift the blame for the lack of fair indexation to the previous Government – in response to your comment regarding the ‘river of gold’ that the previous government had at its disposal and did nothing, I simply note the river is now much deeper and wider in 2011 and more is being squandered by failed Federal Government programmes than ever before.
You continue to proclaim that the cost of fair indexation places it beyond support because of budgetary pressures. The cost is only large if you are naïve and believe the figures proffered by DoFD which are pure political spin designed to sway support against the Bill. A thinking person, doing a modicum of independent research, instead of blindly regurgitating the “dark arts” figures (as revealed in the recent Tanner book), would find that the real cash cost of the Fair Indexation Bill is about half of what you assert, and that is before clawback. To suggest that $90m ($60m after clawback) over four years from an annual budget of $300Bn is unaffordable defies credibility, and fools few; certainly not those who elect you in Eden-Monaro.
Your party has erred badly in its reading of the strength of disgust within the community regarding this matter. The hypocritical actions of the Prime Minister and you, my local member, have not been lost on the extensive retired community that I associate with in and around Batemans Bay – we might be old but we still vote.
From your recent comments on 2CC, clearly aged pensioners (and your own political pension) rate far higher in your mind than Service pensioners, despite your much touted military (legal) experience. How quickly one can forget, but let me assure you those in your electorate will not, nor will the many now listening to your interview.
Yours sincerely,
Peter Criss AM AFC
Air Vice-Marshal (Ret’d)
—– Original Message —–
From: Jim Anderson
To: Neil Weeks
Sent: Thursday, July 14, 2011 10:50 AM
Subject: Fw: ‘DO YOU SUPPORT ME’ VIDEO
Neil
PFYI again
Jim
—– Original Message —–
From:
To:
Sent: Thursday, July 14, 2011 10:39 AM
Subject: FW: ‘DO YOU SUPPORT ME’ VIDEO
——————————————————————————–
From:
Sent: Wednesday, 13 July 2011 5:44 PM
To:
Subject: ‘DO YOU SUPPORT ME’ VIDEO
Received this track of emails today. We might have to refer to these in the future. Neil
___________________________________________________________________________________
FYI fella’s.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
Dear Senator,
Thankyou. It is heartening to learn that you will continue to challenge the Gillard Labor Government and its arbitrary and gross neglect of DFRDB Superannuants, including the issue of currently remunerated ADF personnel. Both these sectors need you and your colleagues help. The Gillard Labor Government seems to think its perfectly acceptable to engage in a photo opportunity when RAN Ships and troops are deployed to the Middle-East and also when some are repatriated to Australia in a body bag, but conveniently forget the living who fought and continue to fight in heightened areas of conflict. What we want is equity in remunerative parity. A DFRDB recipient’s pension continues to lose rapid pace with other forms of pensions. I can assure you ADF personnel have long memories and none will rest until such injustices are appropriately addressed. To do otherwise will be political suicide for the Gillard Government or any government that follows it. As a matter of courtesy I intend transmitting your response to elements of the ADF community, with whom I’m in regularly contact. I can assure you they will retransmit your heartening response to their contact list, and so forth.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Dear WO ,
I note your response below to my staffer. As initially indicated, due to the volume of emails received, I normally limit my responses to my own constituents; however, you have made a compelling case which warrants a personal response!
As Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Materiel, I have ongoing contact with members of the various branches of the armed services and have former army personnel on my staff. The ongoing support of service personnel, both past and present, is a real everyday concern for me.
As you may be aware, I have spent the past 8 + years try to gain indexation equity for all Commonwealth superannuants, both military and civil. Having spent so much time with Executive members of DFWA and similar groups and continually raising the issue with my Coalition colleagues, culminating in the introduction of the Defence Force Retirement & Death Benefits (Fair Indexation) Bill 2011 as a Private Member’s Bill by the Coalition, it was a mammoth blow to lose for the sake of one vote.
There are those of us in this job with real concerns about the financial situation of those who have served our nation in so many capacities. The effect of the iniquitous carbon tax to those on fixed incomes is of particular concern.
It seems to me that if this tax is to be introduced, the least the Gillard Labor Government could do would be to ensure adequate compensation for self funded superannuants, who seem to be missing out on all fronts. To this end I asked questions in the Senate of Minister Penny Wong about this exact matter on June 15th. Not surprisingly, she was unable to provide an answer. I have provided a link to Hansard and the questions, which start at page 54: http://www.aph.gov.au/hansard/senate/dailys/ds150611.pdf.
I also included my statement about the non response on my web page, which you may also like to look at on: http://www.garyhumphries.com/2011/06/1578. You will also find my statement about the loss of the DFRDB Fair Indexation Bill there under ‘Canberra community media releases’.
I can assure you that I have not given up the fight for indexation equity for Commonwealth superannuants both military and civil; I will continue the fight for as long as it takes.
Yours sincerely,
Gary Humphries
SENATOR FOR THE ACT
Shadow Parliamentary Secretary to the Shadow Attorney-General
Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Materiel
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Dear Patricia,
Thank you for your response. I point out to you I worked and lived in the ACT from 1983 to 2004. During this time my family and I worked tirelessly to ensure Sen. Humphries, firstly, became a member of the ACT Assembly and later as a Senator for the ACT in Federal Parliament. However, he would be oblivious to this. So, I think I have every right to approach him now for representation, particularly when he required all ACT conservatives to deliver to him two of the greatest prizes one can attain as a political careerist. So before you fob me off, please remember that it has been voters like me, who identified Sen. Humphries as a person of substance who would make a discernable difference to the lives of we Canberrans. Given this, Sen. Humphries should be grateful for the provision of hard work and support that delivered him to the lofty position he currently enjoys. I should also point out to you that the ACT has been, and will continue to be, awash with current and former ADP personnel. The networking that occurs between the ADF community is nothing short of frantic and phenomenal, both within the ACT and elsewhere. With this backdrop, please do not forget, ignore or underestimate the people who supported him when he required their devotion to the cause. Sen. Humphries continues to enjoy a position of influence, occupies a power base, and can make a discernable difference to the lives of the ADF community…………………. Please don’t let us down. It’s also pertinent to recall an adage that says “never forget those you meet on the way up, lest you also meet them on the way down”.
Footnote: On 1 July 2011, DFRDB recipients received notification from the relevant Authority that, as a result of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) increase, our pensions will be increased by 2%. In years past we have received 0% increase. You may not agree, but these figures are as insulting as they reflect neglect. And, a succession of governments wonder why a long-term career in the ADF is not regarded as being particularly attractive anymore………
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Dear Mr P,
Thank you for your email, the contents have been noted.
As a member of the Australian Senate, you will appreciate that Senator Humphries receives some hundreds of emails every day. Many of these are sent by people who live outside the Australian Capital Territory.
It is simply beyond the Senator’s resources to respond personally to all these transmissions. It is also his obligation to respond primarily to the needs of his own constituents in the ACT.
The Senator would be happy therefore to respond more fully to the message you have sent if you can supply your current street address in the ACT. Alternatively, if you would like to send a message to a Member of Federal Parliament in your own state or territory, you can refer to http://www.aph.gov.au/whoswho/index.htm to find the email or the physical address of someone in a position to respond to your concerns.
Thank you again for your message.
Regards,
Patricia Davies OAM
Office of Senator Gary Humphries
SENATOR FOR THE ACT
Shadow Parliamentary Secretary to the Shadow Attorney-General
Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Materiel
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Dear Minister and Senator,
Please allow yourself five minutes to view the video ‘Do You Support Me’ at the link shown below. I specifically draw your attention to the warriors who have served, and will continue serve, Australia’s national interests, and the extraordinary affects and strain such service places on loved-ones left behind, and often forgotten by Government. I also draw your attention to the current plight of DFRDB recipients, who have served in areas of conflict and served their country with distinction – in the name of promoting democracy and to enable the restoration and preservation of peace and stability. If, at the conclusion of viewing the video ‘Do You Support Me’, you’re not sufficiently motivated enough to initiate parliamentary remedial action, I suggest to you that you’re totally oblivious and insensitive to the remuneration pension injustices being perpetrated on the ADF Community – both current and former.
Warrant Officer, RAN (Rtd)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apScD-kcP84
Well done, Bill Arden. You have saved me a great deal of work. In my last SITREP I promised to post a list of the marginal seats. Bill has done that for me.
Why is this so important?
Remember that we have asked all of you to prepare a letter to your local poltician, including your State Senators. If you have already sent a letter but still have not received a reply, then please draft another “follow up” letter.
For those who have not yet sent a letter to their local politician and their State Senators then please draft up one for each. It does not cost much to send these by registered mail!!
Then, please hold all these letters until 12 August 2011. Then please post all your letters, by registered mail, on 13 August 2011.
We want all our letters to arrive at Parliament House on either Monday, 16th August or on Tuesday, 17 August 2011.
For those who are really keen, please send another letter to any of the politicians who hold a marginal seat, especially any ALP, Greens or Independent members, as listed by Bill.
Remember that Wednesday, 18th August 2011 is Vietnam Veterans’ Day.
Please help us in this “Raid” during our “Siege” of the politicians.
G’day Michael,
Well done that man. You are superb, mate, and I hope that everyone else is getting their “paper, envelopes and stamps ready for 16th August”.
We must post our letters so that they arrive in volume at Parliament House on either Monday, 16th August or Tuesday, 17th August.
Please do not send your letters to the electoral office of the politicians.
We must flood Parliament House on 16th and 17th August, just before Vietnam Veterans’ Day.
Please follow Michael’s lead.
I will.
“I WILL MARCH TO CANBERRA WITH THE DIGGERS.WILL YOU JOIN ME?”
To all those who are interested in the fight for a fair go, these are some of the main links which provide an excellent overview of the
current situation and the campaign to date.
Please note: To open these links, you will need to hold the Ctrl key down and click onto the link at the same time.
Fair Go Campaign
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zP8Qj30aFgc
Neil Weekes
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ppgVdeFXCnY
http://independentaustralia.net/2011/defence/exclusive-diggergate-continues-the-march-for-justice/
Independent Australia – “Diggergate”
http://www.Facebook.com/IndependentAus
Podcast 2CC and The Hon Dr Mike Kelly AM, MP … Member for Eden-Monaro (NSW)
http://2cc.net.au/mp3/MP-Mike-Kelly-Defence-pensions-070720112cc.mp3
Podcast 2CC – Interview with Neil Weekes -13/7/2011
http://2cc.net.au/podcasts/58-mark-parton-podcasts/3245-military-pension
Please circulate to all your friends far and wide.
NEIL WEEKES TAKES ON MIKE KELLY!
WEEKES 1 – KELLY 0
* Now that MIKE KELLY has swapped his uniform for a political suit, he has become, in the words of at least one Veteran, a ‘ turncoat.’
* In an inane and strategically silly effort to counteract this burgeoning grassroots ‘Khaki Spring’movement and douse down political fallout from the Fair Go campaign, the Gillard Labor Government sent in the ‘troop’ Mike Kelly, to supplant the inept and bad Tokyo Rose karma of the dismal Senator Kate Lundy, who betrayed Diggers on June 16,when she voted against the Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits Bill Amendment 2010 (FIB) and who has now been relegated to emptying out the waste paper baskets in Julia’s back office as part of her political rehabilitation.
* MIKE KELLY’s radio interview with 2CCs MARK PARTON is a classic example of spin and obfuscation. And he is breathtaking in his total lack of concern for those who once were his brethren. He has indeed shown his true colours. And they are not yours. He now marches to the irregular beat of a broken drum.
* Listen to his interview and judge for yourself.
* Then listen to NEIL WEEKES, as MARK PARTON gives NEIL the right to reply. Onya MARK, Onya 2CC.
* WEEKES, as usual, tells it like it is. No spin:from the head as well as the gut and heart.
Onya Neil. Onya Team Fair Go. Onya everyone who has left a comment and those who would like to but can’t afford a computer and don’t have easy access to one.
Here are links to both radio interviews, side by side, so you can make your own comparison.
http://2cc.net.au/mp3/MP-Mike-Kelly-Defence-pensions-070720112cc.mp3
http://2cc.net.au/podcasts/58-mark-parton-podcasts/3245-military-pension
HOT OFF THE PRESS:”NEGLECTED HEROES”
NEW GEORGE MANSFORD POEM! FRESH FROM THE ‘FAIR GO’ CAMPAIGN TRENCHES
READ IT FIRST HERE!
Neglected Heroes
Dedicated to those who served and are now penalised by Government for becoming casualties of war
When Canberra Suits speak of our glorious dead
Honour,duty, love of country and much more is said
To guide them, they use notes written by others
Followed by a short silence for our fallen brothers
Soon after in chauffeured limousines they have departed
The glorious dead forgotten and notes already discarded
Meanwhile veterans walk, shuffle or are wheeled away
There won’t be as many next year on this special day
These warrior need no prepared notes from others
To recall the past and speak proudly of fallen brothers
They too were once youngsters in uniform who left our shores
Many who became casualties and crippled by war
Now reside at the bottom of the food chain
Receive pitiful pensions and often wracked with pain
Some live in recluse; others struggle to provide for family and wife
For many, frequent haunting nightmares of past bloody strife
Is there any one in Canberra who really, really cares
For these disabled veterans who served with honourand dared
Neglected heroes with eroded pensions who struggle to live
The blind; the crippled; the mentally ill; what else left to give?
Their families too have been sentenced by society to just exist
A flow of medals offers no warmth or comfort on any wish list
Frequent political spin which is simply bullshit doesn’t comfort them
It won’t clothe, feed or pay the bills of such neglected women and men
Put simply, can’t our Government get priorities right now and then?
Surely those who risked all and still suffer deserve a Fair Go
If not, a new generation of disabled veterans is also soon to be condemned
George Mansford ©July 2011
MEDIA ALERT!att: MICHAEL AND ALL.
TASMANIAN TIMES will publish this article on Monday!
The Impossibly Handsome LINDSAY TUFFIN who founded
this feisty independent online newspaper has just given me the
heads up!!!!!! Onya Lindsay! Onya Tassie Times! Gosh,it’s
great to be given some more life-saving oxygen for this
Just cause!
MICHAEL from Tassie, if you can, would you be our Scout and let us know when it’s
published ?
Jeannette Bartlett says: 15 July, 2011 at 10:40 am
MESSAGE OF CONDOLENCE
Sergeant Todd Langley
To Todd’s family, his mates and friends, our deepest sympathy is extended to you all. The tragic lost of another great warrior, is a loss felt by all.
LEST WE FORGET
“Wars are hungry beasts with an insatiable appetite for life.”
NEIL WEEKES, Remembrance Day 2009. Townsville.
Listen to his moving speech and see the wonderful gathering of young and old, in
that beautiful setting – all members of our Defence Force Family, and the very people who have been – and continue to be – trashed by their own Government(s).
http://www.abc.net.au/local/videos/2009/11/11/2740074.htm
MESSAGE OF CONDOLENCE
WE WILL MARCH TO CANBERRA IN YOUR MEMORY, SGT TODD LANGLEY. AND FOR ALL THE OTHER DIGGERS KILLED IN ACTION. AND FOR ALL PAST AND SERVING DEFENCE BRETHREN.
Our Sympathy and empathy for Sgt Todd Langley’s immediate family, his mates on and off the battlefield and the wider Defence Force Family. We are also mindful of the resurrected pain
of the other 27 Australian Defence Force families who have lost husbands, sons, lovers, brothers, uncles and nephews and cobbers, killed in the Afghanistan War – and also we do not forget the 182 Australians who have been Wounded In Action – or the distress of their families.
LEST WE FORGET
Dear readers, I sent this Letter To The Editor, Courier Mail today. Maybe we should all be mice!!! Chances of getting it published, virtually zero.
Dear Sir,
Reading the Courier Mail today, as I do most days, I discovered an article on a woman removing a rodent’s head. Newsworthy stuff. I contrast this with the fact that your newspaper has ignored the plight of Ex ADF personnel, and the failure of the Senate, on June 16, to pass the Defence Pensions Fair Indexation Bill. This bill denied the rights of thousands of ex servicemen and women to receive a fair and just treatment in relation to annual pensions. This group of citizens, who faithfully served in difficult times for this country, have been asking for fairer renumeration for nigh on 20 years. However we are continually denied what we consider a right, ie, to be treated equally as are other pension recipients, eg. Old Age Pensioners.
The Defence Pensions are linked to the CPI, which has over the years has eroded our spending power, whereas Old Age Pensioners are linked to a more generous system. I ask, why is this not an issue, and why do main stream press not take up the cudgel on behalf of Defence Pension recipients? The annual DFRDB pension is now at an average of $22,500 pa, for recipient and family. The Courier Mail, and other major newspapers are complicit, in that they fail to take up the issue on behalf of many of their readers. However, there are many who are fighting for us, and we will be heard, somehow.
How disappointed I am that a dead mouse takes priority over a real news story.
Yours sincerly
Condolences for TODD LANGLEY and sympathy for his family and friends.
We will remember him … and in his absence … we will continue to fight for his family and all the families of our fallen brethern.
Today we say farewell to a digger mate, Sergeant Todd Langley. He will forever remain young. We extend our sympathies to his family, to his Unit mates and to his friends. This will not ease their sense of loss but it is all we have to offer. He gave his life in a foreign land so that the people there, and here in Australia, could live in peace. There is no greater act of love than a man should lay down his life for another, especially when he doesn’t even know the other “man”.
LEST WE FORGET
MESSAGE OF CONDOLENCE – ON BEHALF OF THE RAR CORPORATION
Sergeant Todd Matthew Langley
Our condolences to Reigan and their children and to parents Val and Neville Langley.
From
THE ROYAL AUSTRALIAN REGIMENT FAMILY
A Warrior’s Farewell
Go now and travel beyond the void
Seek the green column and when you meet
See once more those smiling faces
Hear again laughter and sounds of marching feet
No more the visions of the bloody past
Gone are the nightmares and lingering pain
Soon you will be home at long, long last
United with fallen comrades once again
And when the final roll is called
Another page of history complete
You will rest with brave spirits such as they
In a camp where you will find restful sleep
Go swiftly now and seek your past
Your duty done for all to tell
With pride of who and what you were
And now we bid you a fond farewell
(George Mansford – December 2007)
COPY OF LETTER RECEIVED ON 14TH JULY FROM BOB BROWN’S OFFICE – JUST ANOTHER FORMED LETTER!
Dear Neil,
Thank you for writing to Senator Brown; I am replying on his behalf.
The Greens maintain our position that the current indexation of all commonwealth superannuation pensions is unfair.
We are committed to working with Government to find a way in which this can be addressed in a financially responsible manner. Our proposal that a properly applied tax on mining super profits which would raise an extra $100 billion over the decade has been rejected by both the major parties.
Kind regards,
Anna Sildever
Office of Senator Bob Brown
Well what else can you expect? Treated with distain, like something you step over on the footpath.
“I WILL MARCH TO CANBERRA WITH THE DIGGERS.WILL YOU JOIN ME?”
Calling PETER THORNTON, Dear Peter, would you like to tell us all what you think of this rude second-hand pro forma non-response to our Military Cross holder, Brig (R’td) Neil Weekes by Senator Bob Brown, given that you actually posed a question yourself to Senator Brown at that
Politics in the Pub session – and Peter, could you also post that amazing YOUTUBE video that recorded you asking the question and the staggering answer that Senator Brown shamelessly gave you. So everyone can see what sort of political bribery and horsetrading goes on – with the lives – and deaths – of real human beings in the Defence Force Family.
FYI
Please find attached a media release from the Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Senator the Hon. Michael Ronaldson, regarding ‘compensation’ for veterans as a result of the carbon tax.
Senator the Hon. Michael Ronaldson
Liberal Senator for Victoria
Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Affairs
Shadow Minister Assisting the Leader of the Opposition on the Centenary of ANZAC
M E D I A R E L E A S E
Friday, 15 July 2011
Will veterans really be better off?
News today that veterans will receive up-front payments to ‘compensate’ for the Gillard-Brown Government’s broken ‘no carbon tax’ promise pose more questions than answers.
Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Senator the Hon. Michael Ronaldson, said the veteran community was highly sceptical that the Gillard-Brown Government could deliver anything, let alone a complex and toxic carbon tax.
“Veterans can never be fully compensated for the cost of a carbon tax”, Senator Ronaldson said.
“Australia’s veteran community simply does not trust the Gillard-Brown Government to get this right.”
“Military superannuants, already battling with unfair indexation of their pensions, are left no better off under the carbon tax. Unless they are eligible for a Commonwealth Seniors Health Care card, many will receive no up-front compensation to assist with the increased cost of everyday items like electricity, groceries, gas and water.”
“Military pensions remain unjustly, unfairly and inequitably indexed and these superannuants will be left even further behind under a carbon tax.
“Given all of the other debacles, including pink batts, school halls, green loans and the ongoing saga of unfair indexation of DFRB and DFRDB pensions, Australia’s veterans have simply given up believing that this Labor-Greens Government will do anything positive for them.”
Senator Ronaldson said it also remained unclear whether ordinary indexation increases in March and September would be paid in full and be unaffected by the carbon tax.
“Veterans’ pensions are already increased twice per year to take account of changes in the cost of living. What is unclear in this package is whether these scheduled increases will still occur, and whether they will truly reflect increases as a result of the carbon tax.”
“Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Warren Snowdon, must guarantee that the usual March and September indexation changes will not be offset against the ‘compensation’ provided for the carbon tax.”
“The veteran community is already deeply sceptical about the Gillard-Brown Government’s ability to deliver. With even more questions left outstanding as a result of the carbon tax ‘compensation’ package, veterans and their families are left wondering whether they really will be better off?”, Senator Ronaldson said.
<>
_____________________________
Robert Hardie
Adviser
Office of Senator the Hon. Michael Ronaldson
Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Affairs | Liberal Senator for Victoria
Shadow Minister Assisting the Leader of the Opposition on the Centenary of ANZAC
È0418 432 909 | * robert.hardie@aph.gov.au
Suite S1.31 | Parliament House | CANBERRA ACT 2600
( 02 6277 3582 | 7 02 6277 5761
Level 17 | 90 Collins Street | MELBOURNE VIC 3000
( 03 9650 0255 | 7 03 9650 9031
Neil’s Comment:
What the Senator has said is not strictly correct. He states that: “Veterans’ pensions are already increased twice per year to take account of changes in the cost of living.” We all know that our DFRB/DFRDB syperannuation payments are “indexed” twice a year. This does not mean that we receive any increase bat all (and this has happened more often than we would like!!) or that these increases take into account the changes in the cost of living. Senator, our DFRB/DFRDB superannuation payments are INDEXED AGAINST THE CPI AND, AS STATED BY THE AUSTRALIAN BUREAU OF STATISTICS, THE CPI IS NOT AN ACCURATE MEASURE OF THE REAL INCREASES TO THE COST OF LIVING. NORMALLY THE INCREASES IN THE COST OF LIVING FAR EXCEED THE CPI. SO WE SEE OUR MISERLY INCOME GRADUALLY BUT INEXORABLY LOSE ITS PURCHASING POWER. THIS IS THE WHOLE RATIONALE FOR OUR FIGHT FOR A FAIR GO!!!
Senator, please be precise when you release such information.
Senators Lundy, Brown, Xenophon, and the rest of that traitorous bunch,
My father and his older brother lost their father to a German torpedo in World war 1 at the ages of 2 and 4 respectively. My father saw active service with the Australian army in New Guinea, and his older brother was captured by the Japanese in Singapore in World War 2, suffering terribly at their hands. Their younger half brother served in the RAF during Wold War 2. My Mother’s father fought with the NSW Mounted rifles in the Boer War, then with the 1st Australian Light Horse in Egypt and Gallipoli during World War 1. I served with the RAAF for 20 years, fortunately for me not having to serv in an armed conflict. As you can see, service of our country holds a great deal of pride for me and my family. Your shabby treatment of the former servicemen and women of this country would hardly encourage me to support my children making a career choice in the military, noble as the cause may be.
Many of my compatriots have served this country faithfully and without question in both peace and conflict. That many have died, suffered, and continue to suffer as a result of their service, is irrefutable. That you choose to turn your backs on those who have ensured the freedoms of you and your country is inexcusable and as contempable as it is disgusting.
That you publicly supported a fair go for the retired military people of this country is admirable, yet when the chips were down you turned and ran like the cowards you are. Playing politics with peoples lives is not what this country is about, nor what those who fought for it would have envisioned. I would have thought that you could put the welfare of our veterans above party politics, but then you showed your true colours. Your platitudes and excuses hold no sway with our service community, so once more we must fight an enemy – an enemy within – your government. If you seriously supported this cause you would not be merely paying lip service, but actively persuing our cause. We now know that won’t happen.
Just as you and your ilk are the masters of spin and dirty tricks, we will take the fight to the polls, and we will fight fairly and truthfully, for in the end, the truth will win. You will be exposed for what you are, and our untarnished name will shine through.
The letters will soon bombard you, and we will not go away. We remember our comrades every day in the service clubs of this nation, and, lest we forget, we will remember your political bastardry. You underestimate us at your own political peril.
Maurie Simons.
Dear Tess and All,
Whilst I do have some doubts now about the Greens sincerity, I still believe that the Greens are committed to the fair indexation of all our pensions (both Military and Commonwealth) but I feel that their recent thinking is unfounded and that they have been bamboozled on two separate fronts.
The first front is that they continue to blindly accept the rubbery figures from DoFD and its subsidiaries (e.g. the AGA/Treasury) when they have been provided clear evidence that something is drastically wrong with the Establishment’s estimates.
It then follows, if I and other independent commentators can find major deficiencies in the Establishments’ estimates for Commonwealth and Military Super when the Establishment has direct and unfettered access to all the discrete data, then what bloody hope do we have (or the Parliament for that matter) in the Establishment accurately forecasting and estimating the likely revenues that might come from the proposed Super Profits Mining Tax?
It has been clearly shown (and with history as our witness now) that the excess earnings from the Future Fund is the most appropriate means by which to ameliorate the problem of broken indexation (a problem that a former Labor Government caused by it’s own hand) whilst not overly affecting the Future Fund’s original legislative mandate. Why is this so hard for politicians to see and accept?
I would call upon the Greens to immediately investigate this matter and in doing so I am sure they will come to the same conclusion that I have that they and the Parliament more generally have been truly deceived.
Anyway, here’s the video link at the “Politics in the Pub” (my question starts 2:05mins in):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YXvBo_2UPQI&feature=related
Warm regards
Peter Thornton
And Dear SENATOR MICHAEL RONALDSON, of course you would seize the opportunity for some political point scoring against your beleaguered opponents but the fact remains,for years you had the chance to rectify this terrible injustice when you were in office. And didn’t.
Nor do you make any promises in your expedient Press Release to do so. Not that any of us believe the promises of politicians anymore, if we ever did. Besides, both the Abbott Liberal Opposition, the Greens and the Gillard Labor Government keep misrepresenting the actual premise of pensions – as Neil Weekes points out.
Ultimately Senator, it would take such a piddling amount of money to do the right thing by our Diggers past and present and their families.
Frankly, on the very day when Australia and the Defence Force Family, and Sgt Todd Langley’s family and friends farewelled a much loved Husband and Dad, I am disgusted that your Press Release -and that of the Minister for Veterans Affairs, Warren Snowdon whose Press Release headline alone is farcical and nonsensical in the extreme, didn’t even mention Sgt Todd Langley, nor his wife and family, nor express any condolences whatsoever.
I can’t believe it. I can’t believe the insensitivity. You only released your Press Statement after Snowdon sent out his. Who advises you dudes ?
It’s all about the money ain’t it Senator. Money and Power and Statistics.
It’s not about the Diggers and their families at all,is it.
Dear 10SUMPY, thank you for your service to this country – and for the generations of Defenders that your family has sacrificed to this nation and in the name of its Governments.
I was trying to add the accumulative years of your family’s collective service, maybe Maurie, you might let us all know.
Certainly what you have written has made me renew my vows to help Diggers and families, past and present, as much as I can in my own way. Not that they needed renewing Maurie.
You are so courageous and wonderful to tell it like it has been – and is – for your family.
This is our history. And you and others are writing it here on Independent Australia.
It is a chapter that we have never seen before. And I find a great joy in seeing and hearing you all have a voice hitherto denied to you – and unashamedly and defiantly engaged in conversation with one another. Unafraid of the watchers.
I’ve said this before, and it must be repeated. I was largely ignorant of what had been happening. I should not have been. The way you have been treated for decades, is a national disgrace.
Your comments and their strength are now enshrined within this important historical document.
So when Prime Ministers and Ministers of Defence write their memoirs glorifying themselves and rewriting history, we will open the pages of this document and read your comments and the comments of your Brethren and supporters, and we will come to know the Truth.
That you were betrayed. Not by the enemy. But by the enemy of your enemy. Who was not your friend.
SUPPORTERS UNITE.
I have extracted the number of DVA clients in the federal electorates as at 1 April 2011. Net Total Beneficiaries, NOT including persons receiving VCES payments or payments under the MRCA or SRCA, totals 353605. (Source: DVA public literature)
If the Defence Family Community can depend on anyone to support a campaign for a Fair Go it would be the Veterans, all 353605 of them! They alone could change the face of the Parliament in 24 of the 56 marginal seats, of all parties, with votes to spare in each of those electorates! The excess of the majority required in 24 seats ranges from 94 to 2823 votes. Then we can add those DFRDB recipients who are not DVA clients, and their family members etc., etc.
If anyone doubts the electoral clout of the Defence Family Community they should remember the rollout of participants and supporters on ANZAC day around the country. If those that support us were waving flags with a symbolised staff it would be easy to see who can be counted upon.
I suggest sitting members and aspirants start to pay attention to their mail, and their constituents.
Dear PETER THORNTON, what is it that they don’t get? I can no longer accept that it is a mistake, a miscalculation, a misreading, or not being in full possession of the facts, blah, blah.
If these lies persist, then there is clearly a collusion. It suits all three political divisions to keep the Fair Go campaign at bay.
Not once. Not once. Not once ( just in case “they” didn’t get it the first two times )has the Gillard Labor Government, the Abbott Opposition, the Greens, or any of the alleged Independents contradicted your figures. Or have they ?
* I encourage anyone who hasn’t seen the YOUTUBE video of you asking Senator Brown a legitimate question, to have a squizzy now. If anyone had any doubts that Diggers are reduced to a mere political equation, this video will set you right!
Onya Peter. And pace yourself Bro. I know you’re not in tip top health. Like many of you.
Dear BILL ARDEN. Wow!!!!!!Crikey. That is a helluva election bloc. And of course, that doesn’t include families, friends and supporters.
This is important intel – and worth including in letters to politicians of ALL hue. Bill you are a champion.
The way you’ve put it really helps me get an overall view. Such magnificent detail. Forensic. I would expect nothing else from you Bill. The pollies need to be afraid. Very afraid.
To think in one seat alone it would take a mere 94 votes! Done deal I’d say.
I WILL MARCH TO CANBERRA WITH THE DIGGERS.
Can someone kindly post a generic mailing address that accesses all of the Senators at Parliament House so that our letters will arrive at the same destination PO to increase the impact.
In addition to the excellent letter written by AVM Criss, there have been a number of other letters written to Mike Kelly after his pathetic radio interview. Some of these letters are in general circulation, and one such letter which also captures the grass-roots sentiments I am seeing from DFWA members and others is shown below:
Dear Dr Kelly,
I have just received a copy of the letter written to you by Air Vice-Marshal (Retd) Peter Criss. I, too, have listened to your interview on 2CC, as have most recipients of DFRDB “pensions”, and countless other retired ADF members.
My reaction, and everyone else’s, was the same as Peter’s. Irrespective of our political leanings, we all rejoiced in your election, believing that at last we would have a supportive voice in the parliament. Sadly, your military voice is as loud as Garrett’s environmental voice; deafening in its silence. Worse, and once again like Garrett, you actively move against your natural constituency.
Please don’t make the mistake of thinking that Peter’s letter is just another wail from a disgruntled voter. There are thousands of us, and an abnormally high percentage of them are in your electorate.
The size of your pension may well depend on your future attitude to ours.
Murray Smythe
Lieutenant Commander RAN (Retd)
Sandy Main has givem approval to post his message here. Neil WeekesSubject: Fair Go campaign
Morning Men,
Most of you will have seen much of the growing publicity associated with the DFRB/DFRDB indexation Fair Go campaign being so ably and energetically driven by Neil Weekes and others. Most of you also saw my email to Neil a few days back wherein I suggested a fighting fund to enable us all to get some (hopefully) favourable publicity for our cause. In fact, the fund already exists and details of it are contained in the attachment to Guppy Rich’s relevant and recent email to the various squadron associations, which most of you will have seen. If not, holler, and I will forward it to you. I found the details of the fund a bit hard
to find/access, so here they are again, for making a donation: The RAR Corporation Account, BSB 064 127 Account No 1030 4915. If you have made or intend to make a donation, follow it up with an email to:
receipt@rarcorporation.com
containing your name, date and the amount so that a receipt can be issued to you. Not tax deductible, unfortunately. And feel free to forward this email to any of your own DFRB/DFRDB acquaintances who may not yet be fully in the info loop regarding this groundswell of dissatisfaction.
>
I am forwarding $50 and hopefully many others amongst you will also be able to support the cause to rectify this grievous and growing injustice against us all. As I mentioned earlier, such a donation from all concerned, if possible, would throw up $2.75 million and give our cause some serious weaponry. I am also drafting letters to the appropriate politicians, as Neil has urged, and would also urge you to do likewise.
>
> Cheers,
>
> Sandy
Maurice Cullen has asked me to post this to this page. Neil Weekes
Hi Neil,
I actually received a reply from Andrew Bolt which is below. Great xxxxxxx HELP !!!
Regards Maurice
______________________________________________________________________
Subject: RE: HELP
Date: Thu, 14 Jul 2011 13:14:09 +1000
From: BoltA@heraldsun.com.au
To: mauricecullen@live.com.au
Thanks for that good tip, Maurice.
Andrew Bolt
Herald Sun
http://blogs.news.com.au/heraldsun/andrewbolt/
Neil’s comment. Seems like Mr Andrew Bolte is very happy to support our fight for “A FAIR GO” and that he will do everything to help us – or have I missed something here?
“I WILL MARCH TO CANBERRA WITH THE DIGGERS.WILL YOU JOIN ME?”
Walter Buchanan has asked me to post a copy of his “follow-up” letter to Senator Brown, following his receipt of the pro-forma rersponse from the Senator’s office.’ Neil Weekes
Warner
Queensland
15 July 2011
Sen B Brown
GPO Box 404
Hobart
Tasmania 7001
Sen Brown,
I refer to the banal reply I received from you in relation to my letter in which I made several requests.
The lack of a considered reply indicates one of several points:
ONE. You are too lazy to read my letter and had a minion reply.
TWO: You are not interested in those who have stood up when required and given their all for our nation.
THREE: The questions asked, were beyond you ability or knowledge to give a considered reply.
The reply from your office dated 12 July is disgusting but reflects what one is learning to expect from the Green party.
Ethics, Integrity and the principle of “a fair go” espoused by all politicians and especially by the Green Party appears to have gone out the door, and come the next election. ……
To assist you and to give you an opportunity to display some respect to a member of the voting public, I have included a copy of my original letter to you and I have highlighted the question to which I expect to receive a considered reply.
Yours etc
G’day Walter,
Great letter. It says it all and it would be a great example for everyone else to use in their follow-up letters which we want everyone to post, by registered mail, on 13/14 August.
This reply from Senator Brown’s office is a disgrace and just goes to prove that they are not taking our fight for “A FAIR GO” seriously, nor do they give a damn about us.
The war continues.
“I WILL MARCH TO CANBERRA WITH THE DIGGERS.WILL YOU JOIN ME?”
G’day to you all
I just wish I were as elequent as the contributors to this Forum.
Suffice it to say than I am behind you all the way and will keep writing to bloody politicians until my fingers fall off.
Jim Anderson
Innisfail FNQ
Edward Blacker has asked me to post this response from Senator Brown’s office to this site.
Dear Edward,
Thank you for writing to Senator Brown; I am replying on his behalf.
The Greens maintain our position that the current indexation of all commonwealth superannuation pensions is unfair.
We are committed to working with Government to find a way in which this can be addressed in a financially responsible manner. Our proposal that a properly applied tax on mining super profits which would raise an extra $100 billion over the decade has been rejected by both the major parties.
Kind regards,
Anna Sildever
Office of Senator Bob Brown
Surprise, surprise!!!!
This is exactly the same as all the other replies. Senator Brown does not even get to see our letters.
Well, Senator Brown, we have long memories.
“I WILL MARCH TO CANBERRA WITH THE DIGGERS.WILL YOU JOIN ME?”
Dear Robert
Thank you for the information, the League has been also working hard on this issue also. There are a number of statement on the National Web site which you may like to visit. I have enclose a copy of one from the National President. I can not understand the thinking of the Government on this matter, it would be a different story if they had to live on the DFRB!
“The National Executive and members of the Returned & Services League of Australia express
great disappointment at the defeat in the Senate today of the Fair Indexation Bill introduced
by Senator the Hon. Michael Ronaldson, Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Affairs on behalf of
the Opposition.
The RSL is also most disappointed that the Government has not yet formally responded to
our detailed Military Superannuation Indexation submission of February 2010 in which we
put a compelling case supporting the replacement of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for
adjusting payments to military superannuants with an index which makes adjustments
reflecting increases in the cost of living. As was acknowledged during the debate in the
Senate today, the CPI is by definition a measure of inflation and is not designed to reflect
changes in the cost of living.
We will not relent in our efforts aimed at convincing Senators and Members of the House of
Representatives to pass legislation supporting the legitimate and reasonable expectations of
military superannuants for fair indexati” END OF QUOTE
Kind Regards Don
Tee This is the reply I got from Don Rowe NSW State RSL President on the 4th of July.
Regatrds
Bob
“I WILL MARCH TO CANBERRA WITH THE DIGGERS.WILL YOU JOIN ME?”
Dear WALTER BUCHANAN, you Champion. Sit on his tail all the way. It is of little use mouthing platitudes about compassion and kindness for the earth, if you display neither towards those who crawl upon it. You are all now seeing the calibre of and nature of
governance in Australia. It’s pathetic.
Prime Minister Julia Gillard talks about the media writing ‘crap.’
That may be the best way to describe the nature of our politicians and the business of
politics.
Perhaps if the pollies put a bit more moral fibre into our diet…….
STOP PRESS!
FORMER SAS Officer DAVID CIRULIS tells it like it is.
Thank you JOSEPH CATANZARO for your brilliant article and thank
you The West Australian for publishing the story.
Most of all,thank you DAVID CIRULIS for your courage and for sharing your
personal story. You are a champion. You have unlocked a number of doors
for many of your Brethren. Many will identify with you David. Young and old alike.
Here’s a link to DAVID’s compelling story:
http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/-/breaking/9857110/sas-veterans-very-private-war-after-front-line-career/
Read this heartfelt letter written to Michelle Rowland MP, Member for Greenway, lodged in this column on behalf of Jenny Warne, NSW
Dear Ms Rowland …
I draw your attention to the attachment and also to the emails I am forwarding to you from eloquent Australians who have proudly served this Nation in the Armed Forces … I am the wife of a fifth generation Australian, who also proudly served his country, but feels it is futile to write to anyone within the Labour Government, but as we have been married for 47 years, including 20 years as a “Navy Wife”, I feel duty bound to try and as a retired tax payer, I feel entitled to write to you … I would also be surprised if this email is read or if any further action is taken … but “Navy Wives”, retired or not, are a strong band of forceful women that do not take lightly to being ignored … Please read on …
Hopefully you are aware of the DFRDB issue currently circulating, without any success, to your fellow MPs and beyond … this email has been sent to my husband, who served Australia as a proud member of the Australian Royal Navy for just over twenty (20) years, eighteen of which were served in Submarines, including four years under training in the UK from the age of 18 to 22 years of age. Our eldest son also proudly served in the Royal Australian Navy, entering through ADFA, which back in the days of the Liberal Government was a proudly run Academy, turning out wonderful Defence Force personnel in all of the three Services … unfortunately, our son only served ten (10) years, because, unlike his father, he had the wisdom to work out that our wonderful Serving Defence Personnel were never going to be highly valued or looked after under your Government and so he moved into the Merchant Navy, using the world class training received during his period of service.
Our extended “family” of retired Submariners continue to fight daily battles now of a different kind, many battling ill health caused from lack of OH&S, which was non existent back in the “good old days”, yet they still proudly speak of their days serving their country and they march together proudly each ANZAC Day and they get together every year on the Queen’s Birthday Weekend, in a different part of Australia to make sure they can all afford to attend when it comes to their Submarine Associations turn to host the event in their State Capital City. Proud men and proud wives and partners re-living the days when the men-folk were away for months at a time defending their country and doing a job that they were very poorly paid to do, but happy in the knowledge that they were also building a DFRB Pension to make up for some of the deprivations experienced by their wives and partners, who were left behind to run the home, bring up the children and try to make the mearge Navy Pay stretch.
Fast forward now to our retirement years, the DFRB continues to be inadequately indexed, leaving many of us struggling to live on the hard-earned Navy Pension, with no chance of a Centrelink Pension because we are “self-funded retirees” !!! Imagine how we view with absolute disgust and horror the payments made to the refugees and worse still, to the illegal immigrants, who will eventually drain this country and, together with the Greens, “Do-Gooders” and the “Bleeding Hearts Brigade”, will turn it into a country devoid of national pride and worse still, devoid of men and women willing to put their lives on the line to defend Australia.
The “Lucky Country” is now only lucky if you are illegal, a refugee or a politician … thank you for your time and please have the grace to feel guilty when you collect your pension on retirement.
Jennifer Ware
Dear Tess,
You mentioned recently that you did not know about the post mortems by the UK on soldier casualties. The Canadians do it too. This takes place in Ontario each time a soldier is killed in Afghanistan & comes back to Canada. All Post mortems for the military are done in Toronto, but they arrive in Trenton & go West along the 401 to Toronto. Canada does it with dignity and the deepest public respect and pride. They have instituted “Red Shirt Friday” as a result. I have a Power Point presentation describing it in detail. You may find this presentation very moving. Look for the red shirts. If you would like to view it, how would you like it sent?
By contrast, we Australian veterans can not even trust our government not to fiddle the books regarding our superannuation while we are alive and still breathing. Nor can we trust the Ministers of this government not to lie to us about their intent, regarding equitable indexation of the DFRDB superannuation scheme. One only needs to analyse the letters of reply to some of our veterans on this issue. How can we respect those whom we can not trust? How can we respect Ministers of the Crown who show their contempt for their constituents by deliberately ignoring letters addressed to them by the voters? The Labor government has already ignored plenty of letters from this veteran community on this issue, what’s another one in such a crowd? I recently sent a Registered letter to each of six elected representatives. Four have the courtesy to acknowledge receipt. Only one of the four has the courtesy to instruct their staff to respond in writing – Senator Brown. Two have not. They are Senator Lundy and the Prime Minister. What does that tell you of the contempt they hold for the author? Each was despatched as a registered article and has a receipt slip attached to it that MUST be signed and returned at time of delivery, OR if the addressee refuses to accept the article then the article with receipt still attached MUST be returned unopened to sender. There is no other option available. It is a service I paid extra for – for this very reason. The recipients of these two articles should check the regulations and penalties that apply to anyone interfering in any way with the correct delivery of mail.
Does Senator Lundy and Prime Minister Gillard each feel that they are above the law, just as our exalted, elected representatives feel so free to lie through their teeth to their constituents and then have the gall to call it “spin”? My dictionary spells it “lie” not “spin”. That other spin-word is spelled “contempt” not “respect”. I guess a politician’s speech-writer needs a Spin-word Dictionary and English Usage reference where a word’s antonyms are listed as synonyms for use by the writer as spin. Perhaps with a bit of thought, between us we could compile such a publication here on Independent Australia? Please consider contributing spin-words you have encountered used by politicians to the “Spin-word Dictionary and Thesaurus”, Australian Parliamentary Edition, 2011. Here is another: “betray” / “trust”. Maybe we could take a copy of it with us when we march to Canberra and present it formally to the head “spin-doctor” at Parliament House, for reference purposes. Here’s another: “self-centred” / “loyal”. This would be fun, if it wasn’t so tragic.
Regards,
Bill Bowser
Post script. Thank you to Dave for STANDING UP and SPEAKING OUT. Would that more will follow.
from another sabre
Interesting to hear Bob Brown’s deputy Julia gillard asking the the press to stop writing crap. Perhaps she and her cohorts could stop speaking it first!
Maurie Simons
Solution?
Double Dissolution!
To AIR VICE-MARSHAL (Ret’d)Peter Criss AM AFC
Peter
As one who has been involved in many aspects of the two campaigns for a fair indexation for disability payments and superannuation I welcomed seeing a copy of the letter that you had sent to Mike Kelly MP and the supporting email of your comments from Joe Francis MLA.
It is very refreshing for the service community to see this type of support from a senior retired Officer.
I am wondering if I might prevail on your time to ask you to write a similar letter in regards to the discrimatory actions of this government against the recipients of disability payments by its continued use of the entirely inadequate CPI indexation of these payments.
I am sure that both Neil and Blue are able to provide you with any data and information that you may require about this matter.
I would also ask you to encourage your pears to take action as you have done.
Again thank you for the letter that you have placed on record.
Bob May
Sunshine Coast
Vietnam Veteran
What a solution John,
DOUBLE DISSOLUTION!
What a fabulous solution, let’s go for it!
I write this with trepidation as to whether the Australian Parliament will take any notice of the reporting on the rejection of the DFRB/DFRDB fair indexation bill.
There are many letters,emails and phone calls to members of Parliament that still have to be answered.
The ones that been answered so far do not give any indication that there is any compassion or understanding for what the ADF members are going through at this particular time and the hardships in trying to keep up the real cost of living on their DFRB/DFRDB pensions.
Senator Mike Kelly you are a traitor to your fellow ADF members and you will go down in history as just that.
Kate Lundy it is quite apparent that you have no scruples’ other than to cow down to your masters in an attempt to better your career, well you have failed you are finished.
Nick Xenophon your time will come and you will be targeted at the next election.
The great Senator Bob Brown you will be held in contempt for decades to come you the man that sat there when Peter Thornton asked the question, why you rejected the Fair Indexation Bill,you replied you would not support it as Tony Abbot did not support the mining tax bill, what a cop out, if you do not play my way I will take my ball and go home. Bob how childish is that.
I have witnessed the many statements and updates on this site and the outpouring of emotions by many and I thank Tess Lawerence for all her support.
I have read the article written by the Canberra Times on the report of the ongoing research into detection of IED booby traps and how so many of the casualities have been from the special forces and who can forget the look on the face of the black labrador and knowing that four of the detection dogs have lost their lives.
Then there was that touching story of David Cirulis published in the West Australian detailing his tragic treatment dealt out by DVA when he needed help, something that is being played out all over Australia and the Government does not care. Thankfully David is now receiving the help he needs.
I find it hard to believe that this Government will change their mind and put changes in place until we rise up and put candidates up against the sitting members, we remember what Don Chipp said (Keep the bastards honest) I say lets vote the bastards out.
I will not lie down and let these so called patriotic Australians(who lie through their teeth)get the better of us.I know you are all fighting hard to keep an up beat on this situation but when push comes to shove it is better to shove hard first and worry if you pushed to hard later.
Retired RAAF 20 year veteran
G’day Barry,
Well said that man.
“I WILL MARCH TO CANBERRA WITH THE DIGGERS.WILL YOU JOIN ME?”
Barry, can I ask you to place this slogan at the bottom of all your letters and emails on the subject of our fight for “A FAIR GO” from now on, as it has a clear message for all our politicians who are reading these posts?
“I WILL MARCH TO CANBERRA WITH THE DIGGERS.WILL YOU JOIN ME?”
G’day “Navysparker” (Jim Anderson),
Mate, you said it better than most of us have. You have joined the fight for “A FAIR GO”.
Eloquence is one thing, mate, but it’s the spirit and the heart and our mateship that will win this “war”, not eloquence.
So you keep writing with those two fingers (as I do). We need people such as you because you make it all worthwhile. Cheers and thanks, you make me feel very humbled.
“I WILL MARCH TO CANBERRA WITH THE DIGGERS.WILL YOU JOIN ME?”
Editorial appearing in Daily Telegraph 2nd July, 2011 -
Written by: Journalist, Gemma Jones
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/national/a-diggers-true-worth-politicians-are-snubbing-war-heroes/story-e6freuzr-1226085922768
A Digger’s true worth –
Politicians are snubbing war veterans over their pensions.
WAR veterans and retired military personnel struggling to survive on pensions indexed lower than those given to regular pensioners are devastated the federal government has blocked a rise.
The Defence Force Welfare Association has campaigned for more than a decade for Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits pensions to be indexed at the generous rate of the aged pension and politicians’ super.
Labor MPs this month voted against a bill which would have seen the generous indexation applied to military pensioners, who also pay tax on their meagre earnings.
Retired servicemen and women exist on an average $22,500 a year from the scheme they paid for through a 5.5 per cent salary sacrifice during their careers. The pension is indexed to CPI even though the aged pension is indexed to a higher cost of living measure.
Executive Director of the welfare association Les Bienkiewicz said he found it difficult to reconcile the attendance of politicians at the funerals of soldiers and events commemorating the lives of Australia’s war dead.
“Our members and supporters watch in dismay at the way government continues to assign a low priority for support to our servicemen and women despite saying the opposite at commemorative and other public forums,” Mr Bienkiewicz said.
The government said the proposed change in indexation would cost $1.7 billion over four years and increase Commonwealth unfunded liabilities by $6.2 billion. Mr Bienkiewicz claimed the cost would be $20 million a year.
Victorian Liberal Senator Michael Ronaldson this month introduced a private members bill into the Senate for fairer indexation.
The welfare association had hoped Labor Senator Kate Lundy would vote for the bill as she has supported those who had spoken out for fairer indexation. But she voted against the bill.
The vote was deadlocked at 34-all and would have passed if Ms Lundy had not voted along party lines. Labor, the Greens and independent MP Nick Xenophon all voted against the bill.
Dear JULLIA GILLLARD AND STEPPHEN SMMITH, and while we’re at it, on behalf of the Matelots,what’s with the ROYAL AUSTRALLIAN NAVY badge ?
I don’t expect factory workers in Hong Kong to spell Australia correctly, and for all I know that might have been how it was spelled in the Order, but this blue is pathetic. And why were
the badges manufactured overseas and not made here in Australia ?
Here’s how News.com reported it:http://www.news.com.au/national/royal-australian-navy-uniforms-issued-with-badges-that-misspell-countrys-name-report/story-e6frfkvr-1226095590492
G’day GRUMPS, here’s a list of all Senators – by State and Territory, hope this helps.
http://www.aph.gov.au/Senate/senators/homepages/index.asp?sort=state
G’day BILL BOWSER, thanks for this intel re post mortems of UK military personnel Killed In Action. And the info re Canada.
Do you have any info about coronial inquests in these two countries ? My understanding is that the UK conducts public coronial inquests and findings into military personnel KIA.
Not sure if this is automatically done in ALL cases, or by family request – would really like to know what the situation is here in Oz.
I think it is imperative that these matters are open and transparent – especially in view of voiced concerns about multiple deployments and other matters.
As you have pointed out, given that Australian Veterans cannot trust the Government not to
‘ fiddle the books ‘we have the right to know what happens when it comes to Post Mortems of Diggers Killed in Action – and what sort of Coronial Inquests are held – and what happens to the Findings.
The 28 soldiers Killed In Action – and the 182 Wounded in Action are drawn from the Australian community. That community is entitled to answers. And has the right to know if there are any mitigating or contributory factors to these deaths and injury, that we should all know about.
G’Day 10SUMPY,
I was just thinking about what the Prime Minister said about the media writing’ crap ‘ and thought I’d make a cuppa and try and write something in defence – but YOU have said it so brilliantly MAURIE! Onya.
G’day JOHN MCKOSKER, what a great slogan. What’s more, it’s spot on! Onya.
I WILL MARCH TO CANBERRA WITH THE DIGGERS. WILL YOU JOIN ME ?
From: Lawrie Heath
Date: 16/07/2011 10:59:56 AM
To: Eileen Christoffel
Subject: Re: Servicemens’ Retirement benefits [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED]
This letter is excellent and truthful. I also have had a go at at Mike Kelly on several occasions about this and other things. He has demonstrated to me that he is not interested in ex-servicemen/women at all only being an obedient boy to the Labor party . When we still lived on the Sunshine Coast I worked with the RSL as a Pension Officer for several years helping ex-service people with their claims. A number of them were Ex-Navy who had served on the patrol boats protecting our shores. From their experiences they shared with me I developed a submission requesting that this service be recognised under the VEA as Hazardous Service. That was well over four years ago. Just after the last election I meet with Kelly over a matter concerning this submission requesting him to follow it up. At this time he was the person responsible for this under Rudd. He didn’t follow it up and then things changed when Gillard took over and Senator Feeney took this role on. Kelly did nothing to follow up my request even through he was my local member. I have been to Feeney on a number of occasions (I had to keep chasing him for answers) and finally he did write back to me saying they had decided against my request and the patrol boat activities would remain as peacetime service. (Obviously all to do with money) He promised me a response with their reasons for this decision and even after many inquiries to his office that letter with reasons still has not come. I have now accused them of being unprofessional. This government is NOT interested in ex or currently serving ADF members even through they continually say they are. I believe that there is only one way to deal with them and that’s through the media. However to make this effective all ex-service people and ESOs have to get together and have a combined effort. For example if I tried it on my own they would ignore me like they have done before. When Alan Griffin was the DVA Minister he hated me because I was always up his ribs about their lack of attention to the issues with the military compensation processes. He instigated an inquiry into the military comp processes – he told me that the inquiry was to investigate the WHOLE of the military comp arena but we now know that it only really looked at the 2004 Act. It was a complete waste of money.
So unless we do what we all used to be good at and work as a team we will not get anywhere with them. If you want to send this on to any of your ex ADF mates please do so – I would be very happy to talk with them.
Regards,
Lawrie Heath
Hi all
I probably need to amplify this part of the above posting to Peter Criss.
“I am wondering if I might prevail on your time to ask you to write a similar letter in regards to the discrimatory actions of this government against the recipients of disability payments by its continued use of the entirely inadequate CPI indexation of these payments.”
Some of you might be inclined to say that this is erroneous and in a way it is as it only gives a broad brush summary of the issue.
This is the discriminatory part “In the Budget of 2009 Labor excluded all DVA DPs from the increases granted to other major pensions. In order to exclude DPs, Griffin had to enact legislation that circumvented the existing Sept. 2007 legislation.”
The indexation of DPs is not the problem – Well was not a problem until that the Labor Government excluded DPs from the 2009 Budget increase that should have been granted to DPs under the existing legislation of Sept 2007.
And now everyone is confused. Well you should be.
So by its action in 2009 an inequity is created in the disabled veteran community when compared to their civilian counterpart.
In the different way the military and civilian commonwealth superannuation recipients have been discriminated against by never having have there superannuation adequately and fairly indexed.
We must all realise that there are two separate issues here
and support each other but let Neil Weeks lead the superannuation fight and Blue Ryan the disability fight.
Yes I know someone is going to ask me what happened in the 2010 budget and the 2011 budget to disability. To be honest I am not sure of the answer but I an going to find out and when I do I will be back with an answer.
Whatever happens in either or both of these campaigns I will be in Canberra parked on the front lawn.
Bob
G’day BARRY ROSE,thank you for your support and for your great input and support for the ever-growing Fair Go team that now numbers thousands of supporters.
You are honest in presenting your point of view and fearless in your comments about those who have betrayed you. They have been named and shamed.
For some time now, it has become painfully obvious to Australians that the whole notion of noble aspiration in governance has been discarded, along with any concern or compassion for the people they purport to serve.
That is obvious in the diffident and pro forma responses so many of you get to your letters.
Continue to collect them as tokens of their contempt for your years of service and loyalty.
Is there even a single political champion for the Fair Go cause in Parliament, who has been prepared to break ranks publicly and to stand up for you and fight for Justice ?
Canberra underestimates you. Your Brethren does not.
G’day NAVYSPARKER, who could have put it more eloqently than you. Love your work!
Dear BILL BOWSER, re the ‘RED SHIRT FRIDAY ‘ presentation, is that a file that you can
put into a comment on this page ? Is it prepared by the Canadian Defence Forces ?
And love your idea for a ‘Spindictionary.’ Go for it!
Positions Vacant
Candidates to run in the next Federal Election
There are many seats coming up for grabs in all States and Territories
The only requirement is that you sign an oath of allegiance to work for a better outcome for all members of the Australian Defence Forces both past and present.
When I say that the seats are becoming vacant, will be through the ground swell of discontent and anger amongst all the ADF family and the general public on how Governments past and present have handled the DFRB/DFRDB and TPI pensions and how veterans are treated by DVA in their hour of need.
If you are an ex-ADF member or working in the civilian area and you think you have something to contribute contact me.
bro15723@bigpond.net.au
I will march to Canberra with the diggers will you join me
Here is another two star officer who has supported AVM Crissy’s letter.
From: Bernie [mailto:hill55@vtown.com.au]
Sent: Sunday, 17 July 2011 11:20 AM
To: Recipient list suppressed:
Cc: pjcriss@bigpond.com
Subject: DFRDB PENSIONS REBUTTAL
Gidday
There you go Neil & David another Senior Offr in Direct Spt, besides the AVM in his atch letter!
Persevere
Bernie
For action please. An excellent representation that I thoroughly support.
David Ferguson AM, CSC [R]
Major General
Dear Tess, How does one post a power-point presentation onto this page?
regards,
Bill bowser
Here is a copy of an email sent to the Leader of the Opposition byb John George:
Dear Tony,
Further to my email this morning perhaps this will serve as a reminder of what our servicemen and women past and present go through and why they deserve more sympathetic consideration by politicians, and in particular Government.
How about you put us further up your list of priorities when challenging Gillard and her ilk?
Regards,
John George
—— Forwarded Message
From: Kevin Bovill
Date: Sun, 17 Jul 2011 11:36:50 +0800
To: ‘Bernie’
Cc: ‘Neil Weekes’
Subject: FW: Secret Toll Of The War
Gentlemen and fellow veterans,
Please see: http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/-/national/9857098/secret-toll-of-the-war/
Cheers,
Kiwi
________________________________________
From: Kevin Bovill [mailto:kbovill@iinet.net.au]
Sent: Sunday, 17 July 2011 10:56 AM
To: ‘letters@wanews.com.au’
Subject: Secret Toll Of The War
To: The Editor The Weekend West.
Dear Sir,
I extend my congratulations to both your reporter Joe Catanzaro and yourself for his insightful article on the abuse and mistreatment of the former SAS Sergeant David Cirulis and your accompanying editorial. David Cirulis’s case is but the tip of the iceberg regarding the neglect and abuses inflicted upon veterans and service dependants over many years by successive governments. Government although well aware of the long standing injustices , unfairness and inequities of the three separate pieces of legislation that covers our veteran community and service dependants, has always found ingenious ways of avoiding “ fixing the problem” whilst maintaining an orchestrated propaganda program to convince the Australia public that “ we have the best veteran’s legislation in the world,” “ our veterans and war widows are well looked after,” “ our veterans are generously provided for” and perhaps the biggest lie of all,” we respect and honour our serving men and women and they deserve the best the nation can provide.”
All of course palpable nonsense as David Cirulis’s case very effectively demonstrates. The issue is complex and little is ever as it seems but at its core is the unwillingness of government to squarely face the issues and commit the necessary funding to comprehensively fix the problems. Howard, Rudd and Gillard have all weaselled their way out of doing anything of substance about the issues, all have tinkered around the edges, made a few cosmetic changes and indulged in what has been largely smoke and mirrors campaign of public deception.
In a act of sheer political treachery, the Greens recently reneged on a previous promise to support an opposition bill in the Senate intended to redress some long standing inequities in Defence superannuation. They prostituted their vote in a trade off with government for support in another area while at the same time with breathless hypocrisy bleated their ongoing “ support” for the men and women of our defence forces.
The veteran community asks from government, nothing more than same fair, just and equitable treatment that is accorded the rest of society with due recognition for their unique role in the service of our nation.
We know this as a “ FAIR GO.”
Kevin Bovill
Borneo and Vietnam Veteran
TPI
8 Noble Way
Success WA 6164
94991444
0422896813
Dear BILL BOWSER, oops, sorry, what I meant was, could you post a link here in the comments section either relating to the Powerpoint presentation and/or any article about it, so that it’s in the public domain for us to consider and discuss.
You are a champ coming up with all this helpful info.
G’day David (Ferguson),
Thanks for your comments but more importantly for coming out publicly to support the stance taken by Air Vice Marshal Crissy.
It is great to have an Army two star officer (retired) who has had the courage to do this and I sincerely hope that others will follow the lead that you, AVM Crissy and MAJGEN “Digger” James have shown.
I do know that there will be another letter of support released by a retired senior (three star) officer some time this coming week, so our fight for “A FAR GO” is gathering some traction.
Cheers,
Neil Weekes
“I WILL MARCH TO CANBERRA WITH THE DIGGERS.WILL YOU JOIN ME?”
Here is another letter from a very respected member of the Defence community:
Hi all,
The involvement of Peter Criss is welcomed and appreciated. Contributions and participation of many other retired senior officers would add some weight to the index campaign.
Peter’s letter to Mr Kelly also reflects the two-faced approach of Senator Kate Lundy, (Senator for the ACT),who openly supported military superannuates views on pension indexation. Senator Lundy has committed a falsehood in her apparent support for fairness and even went so far as to have a blog site – ComSuper & Defence Pension. Her latest cop out is her statement that she is “..bound to vote with the Labor Caucus decision.” She and Kelly have attempted to curry favour with ex-military personnel with an outward show of support in the hope of obtaining their votes, but when the crunch came they opted out. Had she voted to support the bill along with her weak character mate – Mr Mike Kelly – the bill would have been passed despite her claim “Asserting that I personally held a deciding vote for this bill is incorrect and misleading.” Obviously, Lundy must have received so many emails concerning her about face on this issue that she has now closed her blog – “..I have closed comments on my blog for the time being. I refer you to the code of conduct for my website.” Her cowardly stance and also that of Kellys’ has revealed their true stance and hoodwinking of ex-military personnel. Any vets who think their elected representatives will assist and support them, particularly the likes of these two, need to think again and consider their votes at the next election. The actions of Lundy and Kelly debunks their efforts to present themselves as representing the interests of ex-military personnel – nothing but a myth! They have insulted us and given offense. Their 2007 pre-election printed propaganda proves their hypocritical approach to the pension issue.
Senator Lundy’s stance of outwardly supporting the veteran was evidenced during a meeting this writer had with her some time ago on pension and other matters concerning the veteran, (she was given a lengthy paper by me), was clearly a hideous and an insulting facade. Her assurances to get back to me were as equally false as was her assurance that she would consult with Kelly who, she said, would also communicate with me. Despite several E-mails and phone calls to her office and a call-in when she was being interviewed on ABC radio, Senator Lundy has been silent. Her integrity is moribund. But then one should not be surprised at her lack of honesty and integrity, a trait which seems to be common amongst politicians especially Labor. Nor at any time during our meeting did Senator Lundy give any indication that in any event she would vote with the Caucus as to do so would have revealed the futility of her condescending attitude. (Xenophon, Nick – Senator for South Australia, who also publicly stated his support for military pension changes also voted against against the bill on 16 Jun. He too has closed off his website claiming it is under construction.)
It should be borne in mind that Mr Kelly was ONLY a legal officer with no qualifications to lead, or to command, any combat force. He was a Colonel ONLY because of his legal qualifications and service in an operational area does NOT make him a combat veteran.
Our largest veteran organisation has been extremely dilatory in pushing the Government (any Government) over the pension issue. Although some movement has occurred amongst other ESOs/individuals including the prospect of a class action, we need to be much more forthright in pursuing our case. A demonstration in Canberra outside Parliament House IN STRENGTH would impress the government of the seriousness of our intentions. Greater effect would be achieved to hold such a demo on/about, say, 24 Apr 12, but must be done when Parliament is sitting.
This E-mail will be copied to both Senator Lundy and Mr Kelly. Both should realise that there is a large number of veterans/military superannuates in the ACT and in the latter’s electorate. A response from either or both is problematical; the more likely outcome will be no reply which will prove their lack of real interest in veteran matters.
John Giersch
WO1 (Rtd)
DFRDBF Recipient
Dear KEVIN BOVILL, thank you for your service to this country.
DAVID’s case is emblematic of similar situations endured by so many of you and basically kept a dirty little secret from the Australian people by successive Governments. JOE and the WESTY are to be congratulated for exposing the truth.
The Gillard Labor Government, the Greens, the Opposition and the Independents had the chance to put an end to this injustice, but instead, chose to turn their backs on you.
It was and remains, an act of ” sheer political treachery ” as you so elequently write, Kevin.
It would seem that this government is now trying to buy the Veteran Community with their Carbon Tax rebates.
Handouts are not needed … what is needed is fairer superannuation and pension plans that keep us in line with the average person on the street. It is getting to the stage that, as veterans relying on a military super or compensation payment (the TPI is not a pension), we cannot afford to live in our own country, all the while giving themselves a pay rise. Julia’s pay increase was some $10000+ p/a.
As others have posted here, they (the politicians) weep crocodile tears at the funerals of our veterans while they hide the details of those who have also paid an extreme sacrifice physically and mentally. The people of Australia should know what is really happening to our wounded boys and girls who survive, and go on to try to make a new life, with these injuries.
Why is this government wasting millions of our dollars trying to placate other countries, while treating our veterans like lepers?
Vietnam Vet
“I WILL MARCH TO CANBERRA WITH THE DIGGERS. WILL YOU JOIN ME?”
Tonight, the Greens / ALP Government launch their advertising campaign to support their introduction of the “CARBON (DIOXIDE) TAX”. This will cost $12 million to implement, but sources indicate that the overall cost is closer to $23 million!!!
How can the Government afford this amount of money at a drop of a hat and still have the stupidity to say they cannot afford to look after those members of the ADF who have served twenty years or more, plus their families?
This is outrageous and if I wasn’t crying, I would laugh at the Government’s duplicity and ineptitude.
Now will you join the DIGGERS’ MARH TO CANBERRA?
On Friday, 15 July 2001, I received a letter from the Defence Force Retirement & Death Benefits Scheme, advising me that, as a result of “an upward movement in the Consumer Price Index (CPI)….your DFRDB Pension will increase by 2% on 14 July 2011..”
This translates to an increase of ….wait for it……wait for it…..$1.86 per fortnight. Yep, I get an additional $1.86 per fortnight. That will not even buy me a cup of Bushell’s Tea!!!!
“I WILL MARCH TO CANBERRA WITH THE DIGGERS.WILL YOU JOIN ME?”
I just went back through the CPI increases I have received since 2011.
Date CPI % $ Payment Date
Dec-02 1.40 $8.60 Jan-03
Jun-03 2.00 $12.45 Jul-03
Dec-03 0.6 3.81 Jan-04
Jun-04 1.40 $8.94 Jul-04
Dec-04 0.90 $5.83 Jan-05
Jun-05 1.40 $9.15 Jul-05
Dec-03 1.60 $10.61 Jan-06
Dec-06 2.50 $17.07 Jan-07
Dec-07 1.90 $13.30 Jan-08
Jun-08 2.30 $16.40 Jul-08
Dec-08 2.70 $19.70 Jan-09
Jun-09 0.00 $0.00 Jul-09
Jan-10 1.30 $9.74 Jan-10
Jun-10 1.40 $10.63 Jul-10
Jul-11 2.00 $15.59 Jul-11
I bet the Retired Members of parliament could show a completely different set of figures for their pension increases.
I WILL MARCH TO CANBERRA WITH THE DIGGERS.WILL YOU JOIN ME?”
I am going to try and get a car sticker for the above and put it on the back window of my car.
Remembrance day would be another good day to March on Canberra if they are sitting.
Bob
Allen Petersenhas given his approval for me to post this letter.
From: Allen Petersen [mailto:petersaj@bigpond.net.au]
Sent: Saturday, 16 July 2011 02:08
To: Warren Snowdon (Lab)
Cc: Alice Plate (Media); Matthew McKeon1(CoS)
Subject: PERSONAL INQUIRY
PERSONAL INQUIRY
Dear Warren,
Can you please explain to me and my Veteran colleagues IF: “Over the past five years, the veteran population has declined by around a quarter, resulting in a decrease in the number of claims made to the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA).” (your figures), and the veteran population has declined from 460,000 to 360,000 since 2005-06. And Claims lodged with the Department during the same period have dropped by 30 per cent.
WHY any Govt commitment to increase DFRB/DFRDB and TPI compensation and other associated pensions, which is a diminishing liability to Govt purse; as we are disappearing at an alarming rate! Andthere is “clawback” as well.
This seems to sink the argument of the economic rationalists in (Treasury) that any such increases would cost the Nation, “billions of dollars”!!!
Warren, this doesn’t make your calculations for denying veterans TPI and DFRDB increases stack up, does it?
I’d appreciate the courtesy of a reply from you and/or the department in due course. Thank you.
kindest regards,
Allen
Perth, WA TPI,
The TASMANIAN TIMES,another independent news website, has supported us by republishing my INDEPENDENT AUSTRALIA article today.
Please let all your Tassie mates know. Onya Founding Editor LINDSAY TUFFIN and
the TASMANIAN TIMES team:http://tasmaniantimes.com/index.php?/weblog/article/tess/
Tess
This is a copy of the email reply I got from Jill Hall Member for Shortland after I replied to Her letter which was a reply to my letter to the three feleral members on the Central Coast of NSW Ihope you can understand my reply to reply from etc.
Dear Mr Ihlein
I will forward your letter to the Minister and I will ensure our Caucus Members are aware of the issue. Mike Kelly ,the Member for Eden Monaro, is ex defence forces and has been a good advocate in our Caucus.
Kind regards
Jill Hall
From: Bob Ihlein [mailto:robert.ihlein@optusnet.com.au]
Sent: Friday, 15 July 2011 3:20 PM
To: Hall, Jill (MP)
Subject: Letter Ref Fair Indexation Bill
Dear Jill Hall
Thank you for your reply to my letter as attached you should have seen that I wrote the letter to the Three of the Members of Parliament on the Central Coast and thank you for your reply the other two who are in very marginal seat have not bothered to reply yet.
You need to know that the defence community is very disappointed in the current government and we are all getting spin answers. No one can give a definite reply as to why the ALP voted against the bill in the Senate other than they voted on party lines as it is not financially viable to give us a fair indexation on our Superannuation. We get the current CPI this year it was 2% some years it has been 0%.
Now your superannuation will have a better rise than that when you retire I am sure. You are in a safe seat but your two counter parts south of you are not but you all have a lot of DFRDBF superannuates in your electorates so don’t just pass my letter to Mr Thompson represent the Ex Defence persons in your electorate ( that I used to Live in at Gwandalan for a long time and used to get letters from you stating if I had any problems to contact you so here I am) do something your colleagues are lacking in and help get this wrong fixed.
Regards
Robert Ihlein.
Thanks again for the reply you are the second of a lot of letters I have written to reply..
THIS IS THE LETTER I WROTE TO THE THREE MEMBERS. Jill Hall sent a reply back stating that I was not in her Electorate and she would forward it to My Federal Member Craig Thompson. Hence my reply to her above..
5 Th July 2011
Craig Thompson
Member for Dobell,
Jill Hall
Member for Shortland,
Deb O’Neill
Member for Robertson.
Dear Federal Member’s for the Central Coast
As you would all know by now your government has put most of the Serving and Ex Serving members of the Defence force off side by defeating the fair indexation bill in the Senate last month. That is the Labor, Greens and Independent Senator’s who have been advised that it is not economically viable and would cost billions. There are not that many of us for an increase in our pensions to cost billions.
The government that you three belong to has lost touch with the average Australian you are too concerned in keeping Bob Brown and his greens on side. They do not represent the majority of Australians.
Get back to the basics of running this Country or get out and let someone who can govern us take over. While ever you have Gillard as your leader you will struggle to keep your jobs.
You all have seats on the Central Coast where a lot of Pensioners have retired and a lot of them are ex service pensioners who receive a pension from DFRDB or DFRDBF administered by Comsuper.
In our eyes you come over as being greedy and self serving so and so’s you don’t move a bill to reduce the indexation of the very generous pensions and allowances that you will receive when you retire.
I served my country for twenty years in the Army with postings to Vietnam. Papua New Guinea and many states of Australia which has played a very heavy toll on my family.
We need to stop moving forward with Gillard and get a leader who we can respect and who will give us in the Defence family a fair go.
Robert Ihlein DFRDBF pensioner
Bob
I WILL MARCH TO CANBERRA WITH THE DIGGERS.WILL YOU JOIN ME?”
Phillip Clark has given approval for a copy of his letter to be posted to this site, Neil Weekes
26 Sampson Street
ORANGE NSW 2800
18 July 2011
The Hon Warren Snowdon MP
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs
PO Box 4007
ALICE SPRINGS NT 0870
Dear Honourable Minister
RE: DVA AND THE DENIAL OF EQUITY TO VETERANS
Thank you for your letter of 12 July.
Jesus Christ! Clearly, I am unable to get through to you. You appear to have some difficulty comprehending me. Or is it that you choose avoidance of the issue rather than addressing the problem? This is NOT about ME being “unhappy with current rate of disability pension”. I will now apply for an increase in my disability pension as you are clearly implying that I should do so and by me so doing will render your future excuses ineffective.
MY REQUEST OF YOU IS TO HAVE THE LEGISLATION CHANGED TO RESTORE THE RIGHTS OF EQUITY (FAIRNESS AND NATURAL JUSTICE) TO ALL VETERANS!!!!
The Federal Court has ruled veterans are denied the right to equity!! Only parliament can change that common law ruling by amending the VE Act 1986! Got it now??!!
To ensure that you understand this FACT, will you now please confirm you understand that I am not talking about any “change to the eligibility for the special rate”. Rather, I am about restoring to all veterans access to a fundament legal right (to be treated fairly and with natural justice) in the administration of their respective entitlements; a legal right that is available to all other Australian residents!!!! That is, if there is any wrong done equity will be available to veterans (as it is, I repeat, available to all other Australians) to redress that wrong.
Are you in the picture now? Do you now understand or do you require Senior Counsel’s advice (which I have) to confirm the FACT that veterans are denied equity by a court ruling? The great oxymoron: “Labor and fairness for the veteran community”!!
As for you having much mail to deal with, with respect, that is your problem. You wanted the job and you will ultimately be responsible at the ballot box for your avoidance and inaction.
Why are veterans (not just me) treated differently under the law?? Please answer this as there can be absolutely NO justification for this regrettable fact! Or do you require Bob Brown’s consent before doing so?
And what about the equitable indexation of veterans’ pensions? You will, no doubt, avoid that also! Carbon tax will sink you but denial of equity and equitable pension indexation to veterans will really put the nail in your government’s hypocritical and deceitful coffin!
Bring on 2013 election time!!! “Gillard – Gotta Go” – an appropriate slogan now, let alone in 2013!
Philip J Clark
2792532 (Corporal)
Ex ARA(NS) A Company, 7th Battalion Royal Australian Regiment.
2nd Tour (for the full duration) 1970-1971
For further information, please contact Robert Hardie on 0418 432 909.
Senator the Hon. Michael Ronaldson
Liberal Senator for Victoria
Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Affairs
Shadow Minister Assisting the Leader of the Opposition on the Centenary of ANZAC
M E D I A R E L E A S E
Monday, 18 July 2011
Senator Ronaldson condemns union’s misuse of the Last Post
Senator the Hon. Michael Ronaldson, Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, today condemned the Australian Licensed Aircraft Engineers Association’s inappropriate use of the Last Post to mark the end of a stop work.
“This is appalling behaviour from a union, whose leadership should have known better.” Senator Ronaldson said.
“The Last Post holds a sacred place in Australian culture. It is played when we commemorate those who have fallen in battle. It is grossly disrespectful to play the Last Post as a political stunt.”
“The leadership of the union owes Australia’s veterans an immediate apology.”
______________________________
Robert Hardie
Adviser
Office of Senator the Hon Michael Ronaldson
Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Affairs | Senator for Victoria
È0418 432 909 | * robert.hardie@aph.gov.au
The Senate | Parliament House | CANBERRA ACT 2600
( 02 6277 3582 | 7 02 6277 5761
Level 17, 90 Collins Street | MELBOURNE VIC 3000
( 03 9650 0255 | 7 03 9650 9031
G’day Robert (Hardie),
What a shameless act by this Union. The Last Post is symbolically linked with the death or burial of a member or ex-member of the ADF.
We have just buried our mate, Sergeant Todd Langley, who was killed in action in Afghanistan. The Last Post was played at his funeral while his family, friends and others stood silently while those melancholy notes were played. Many in the crowd wiped tears from their eyes.
For a Union to play the Last Post on such an occasion shows a complete lack of respect for our fallen mates. Words fail me. I am appalled, disgusted, outraged. I lost some of by “boys” in Vietnam. How dare this Union capitalise on this most sacred tradition.
It is a sacrilege.
How dare they do this?
Neil Weekes, AM, MC
Dear BOB IHLEIN,gosh, you are really putting in, Cobber. And thanks for posting your letters and their responses. This way, the whole world can see how Australians are treated by their pollies. Look at all the effort and information that goes into your letters – and look
at the response.
I am just astounded at the response and fobbing off you got from Jill Hall. Not sure what planet she’s on, but it certainly isn’t inhabited.
Doesn’t she know about Kelly’s ‘turncoat’interview – or the response to it by Neil Weekes on 2CC, in the interview Neil did with Mark Parton?
*I note that there is not the slightest interest in your well being Bob. With your continuing contribition, you are making such a difference! Onya Bob.
I WILL MARCH TO CANBERRA WITH THE DIGGERS. WILL YOU JOIN ME ?
Hi Tess – In addition to Bob Ihlein’s input from 18 July 2011 at 8:16 am, I’ve gone
back to 1985 (my records)with the CPI figures. (I’ve included your figures Bob – Thanks)
Don’t know how it will go tx to a web page
Interesting to note that the effective date is 3 months after the statisticians have
declared a change whether an increase or not.
Date CPI % Effect Date Date CPI % Effect Date
Mar 85 4.4% 01 Jul Jan 03 1.4 01Jan
Mar 86 9.2% 01 Jul Jul 03 2.0 01 Jul
Mar 87 9.4% 01 Jul Jan 04 0.6 01Jan
Mar 88 6.9% 01 Jul Jul 04 1.4% 01 Jul
Mar 89 6.8% 01 Jul Jan 05 0.9% 01Jan
Mar 90 8.6% 01 Jul Jul 05 1.4% 01 Jul
Mar 91 4.9% 01 Jul Jan 06 1.6% 01Jan
Mar 92 1.7% 01 Jul Jul 06 1.4% 01 Jul
Mar 93 1.2 01 Jul Jan 07 2.5% 01Jan
Mar 94 1.4% 01 Jul Jul 07 1.4% 01 Jul
Mar 95 3.9% 01 Jul Jan 08 1.9% 01Jan
Mar 96 3.7% 01 Jul Jul 08 2.3% 01 Jul
Mar 97 1.3% 01 Jul Jan 09 2.7% 01Jan
Mar 98 0.0 01 Jul Jul 09 0.0% 01 Jul
Jun 99 1.1% 01 Jul Jan 10 1.3% 01Jan
Jun 00 2.8 01 Jul Jun 10 1.4% 01 Jul
Jun 01 6.0% 01 Jul Jan 11 1.3% 01Jan
Jan 02 1.1% 01Jan Jul 11 2.0% 01 Jul
Jul 02 1.8 01 Jul
These are prob available from the Bureau of Stats?
Take care
Michael fm Warnbro
G’day Phil,
Well said!! The politicians simply do not get it. My inside intelligence advises me that they will continue to ignore our fight for “A FAIR GO”, hoping that we will run out of “huff and puff”. Well they are in for a surprise.
We have started the siege, now we will continue to worry the hell out of them by hit and hit harder tactics, commencing with OPERATION “LETTER RAID” on 12 Aug and 13 Aug.
And that’s one of many tactics we will be using for as long as it takes to win this “war”.
More to follow in the next SITREP.
“I WILL MARCH TO CANBERRA WITH THE DIGGERS. WILL YOU JOIN ME?”
Re: THE LAST POST. Dear All, here’s an article from today’s Sydney Morning Herald about that playing of the Last Post: http://m.smh.com.au/travel/travel-news/last-post-broadcast-at-qantas-strike-a-new-low-20110718-1hkp9.html
The playing of the Last Post by the union under the circumstances is to put it mildly, a bloody disgrace, and is a blight on that union.
If I could make a further comment in relation to Neil Weekes post of 16 July regarding Gemma Jones article on in dexation in the Sydney Daily Telegraph, I asked the question of the paper 3 times since the aticle was published, why there no follow up. Still No response.
I also e-mailed the Canberra Times, again no response.
This is the e-mail’s, the latest, to-day, 18 Jul 2011.
Dear Sir/Madam
I ask again, is the Canberra Times going to report on this most important matter. Are you aware, or don’t care, that this affects thousands of serving and ex-serving members of the Australian Defence Force. Are you also aware, that Senator Kate Lundy has closed any comment on her blog, citing “inappropriate comment”. Are you also aware that she cited “caucus decisions” not to support the bill, despite her and Mike Kelly’s claim in support of indexation before the last two elections.
It is about time the people of Canberra were made aware of the conduct of Senator Lundy and others in the defeat of this Bill. The Canberra Times is the only news outlet that can report on this, but choose not to. Why is this?
It behoves the Canberra Times to report this, or has pressure been applied from outside sources, not to report.
I await the publication of my letter and a printed explanation in the Canberra Times, without the usual garbage as to why, there has been, no reports.
I wait with bated breath for responses, although I suspect that I will be holding my breath for a long time before there is any response.
John Sainsbury
34 Dalley Crescent
LATHAM ACT 2615
6254 6205
——————————————————————————–
From: John and Pauline [mailto:psainsbu@bigpond.net.au]
Sent: Tuesday, June 21, 2011 4:07 PM
To: ‘letters.editor@canberratimes.com.au’
Subject: Military Superannuation Indexation of DFRDB/DFRB
Dear Sir/Madam
I refer to the vote in the Senate on 16 June 2011 in relation to the sinking of the Military Superannuation (DFRDB/DFRB) Indexation Bill with the help of Senator Kate Lundy and others. This was not again, even reported or commented on by the Canberra Times. I ask why, when it affects many serving and ex-serving members of the Australian Defence Force residing in Canberra and surrounding regions and, in the long run, will probably affect Commonwealth Public Servants.
Below (dated August 2009) is comment I made to Senator Lundy. I did not receive the courtesy of a reply. I forwarded further comment this week as below, still no response.
August 28, 2009 at 12:03 pm.
Kate,
Do you have the gumption to stand up to Rudd and Tanner over this issue? It stinks. If it is good enough for polies to have pensions linked to parliamentary saleries,surely it is only right that retired military and public servant’s have pensions indexed to male average weekly earnings, the same as old age and service pensions.
Further to my comments in August 2009 above, nothing has changed and the following is made.
Dear Senator
After your vote in the Senate last week in relation to the Indexation of DFRDB/DFRB which killed the passing of the bill, I can only hold you in the utmost contempt after all the posturing you and others in the Labor Party carried out in support of indexation before the last election.
This was just another ploy to get elected.
It is about time you and others in the Labor Party in the ACT and elsewhere in Australia, stopped taking ex and current members of the ADF for granted.
I hope you felt a glow after your vote.
It will be interesting if the Canberra Times sees fit to publish this (which I doubt) and other letters that I know have been sent to the Canberra Times by other affected ex and serving members of the ADF (Australian Defence Force).
John Sainsbury
34 Dalley Crescent
Latham ACT.
6254 6205
G’day all
Just another upgrade on the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, The Hon (?) Mr Snowdon. Having clearly set out what the legal position is to this supposed representative of the veteran community, he came back (today) with the usual political avoidance tactic and completely ignored the actual issue. Why am I not surprised?
I attach my reply of even date. This man clearly thinks veterans are morons! We are not and I think we should bombard this arrogant miscreant with letters informing him that we are not going to take this lying down. I urge all veterans to write to Snowdon at the address on my letter.
Tel: (02) 6361.9579 26 Sampson Street
(Please ring if you feel inclined) ORANGE NSW 2800
18 July 2011
The Hon Warren Snowdon MP
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs
PO Box 4007
ALICE SPRINGS NT 0870
Dear Honourable Minister
RE: DVA AND THE DENIAL OF EQUITY TO VETERANS
Thank you for your letter of 12 July.
Jesus Christ! Clearly, I am unable to get through to you. You appear to have some difficulty comprehending me. Or is it that you choose avoidance of the issue rather than addressing the problem? This is NOT about ME being “unhappy with current rate of disability pension”. I will now apply for an increase in my disability pension as you are clearly implying that I should do so and by me so doing will render your future excuses ineffective.
MY REQUEST OF YOU IS TO HAVE THE LEGISLATION CHANGED TO RESTORE THE RIGHTS OF EQUITY (FAIRNESS AND NATURAL JUSTICE) TO ALL VETERANS!!!!
The Federal Court has ruled veterans are denied the right to equity!! Only parliament can change that common law ruling by amending the VE Act 1986! Got it now??!!
To ensure that you understand this FACT, will you now please confirm you understand that I am not talking about any “change to the eligibility for the special rate”. Rather, I am about restoring to all veterans access to a fundament legal right (to be treated fairly and with natural justice) in the administration of their respective entitlements; a legal right that is available to all other Australian residents!!!! That is, if there is any wrong done equity will be available to veterans (as it is, I repeat, available to all other Australians) to redress that wrong. Are you in the picture now? Do you now understand or do you require Senior Counsel’s advice (which I have) to confirm the FACT that veterans are denied equity by a court ruling? The great oxymoron: “Labor and fairness for the veteran community”!!
As for you having much mail to deal with, with respect, that is your problem. You wanted the job and you will ultimately be responsible at the ballot box for your avoidance and inaction.
Why are veterans (not just me) treated differently under the law?? Please answer this as there can be absolutely NO justification for this regrettable fact! Or do you require Bob Brown’s consent before doing so?
And what about the equitable indexation of veterans’ pensions? You will, no doubt, avoid that also! Carbon tax will sink you but denial of equity and equitable pension indexation to veterans will really put the nail in your government’s hypocritical and deceitful coffin! Bring on 2013 election time!!! “Gillard – Gotta Go” – an appropriate slogan now, let alone in 2013!
Philip J Clark
2792532 (Corporal)
Ex ARA(NS) A Company, 7th Battalion Royal Australian Regiment.
2nd Tour (for the full duration) 1970-1971
You Champion,MICHAEL,you dudes are just so forensic and pay such attention to detail – pity
the Government doesn’t do the same thing.
You must have a top filing system Michael. Gosh, the percentages seem to point to such extremes. What was happening in January 2002 I wonder ? Is that what you were taxed – or interest ?
Michael, I am a Class ‘A’ Drongo, so forgive the dopey question. I’d rather ask you than pretend to know the answer.
Onya NEIL WEEKES, Parliament might be in recess ( although who can tell with its terminal inertia) but the Fair Go Campaign is not!
Dear JOHN SAINSBURY, so good to read your view on the playing of The Last Post – and also to read the letters you’ve sent to The Canberra Times and Senator Kate Lundy.
Senator Lundy’s credibility is now seriously at question, and she has only to read these comments to know how her betrayal is viewed.
It is so disappointing to know that The Canberra Times continues to ignore this story.
Of all our newspapers, positioned as it is in the fulcrum of politics, I had great faith
that it would be concerned for you all and conduct its own investigation.
Perhaps it still might John. But your contribution to this fight for Justice remains an important addition and comment on this most extraordinary document of hope and quest for Justice.
You are in good company JOHN SAINSBURY. And they in yours. You march to the beat of the same drum as your Brethren.
Breaking News! Age and Welfare Pensions Cut.
The Government has decided to cut Age and Welfare pensions because the Nation can’t afford the cost over the next 45 years. It is the “fiscally responsible” thing to do, a Government spokesman said, off the record.
Age and welfare pensions will no longer keep up with the cost of living; pensioners will just have to make do with what they get. But don’t expect any big announcement about the change, the Government plans to sneak it through the Parliament whilst no one is looking.
————————————————————-
OK, the Government isn’t planng to do that (well, not that I know of, at least). But you can imagine the outcry from Australia’s 3.3 million welfare recipients, if the Government actually went ahead with such an inept social policy decision.
Yet that is exactly what happened in the late 1980s for Australia’s retired military personnel, their widows and those with disabilities. One day, they had a pension that kept pace with changes in the cost of living, the next day, they didn’t – all done with a stroke of the legislative pen, which cunningly allowed for major changes in the way the CPI was calculated.
I say cunning, because by keeping the same label (CPI) for a very different cost index, (one that no longer measured the true cost of living), the government of the day was able to sneak the change past most of the dozy politicians with barely a conscious murmur. And it goes without saying that there was no announcement from the Government to warn military pensioners to start tightening their belts. No, it was simply left to them to find out over time as the value of their pensions eroded.
At the very least, this was a morally repugnant act by the Government, and for many who joined the ADF before 1988, it arguably amounted to a breach of emloyment contract.
More than twenty years later, and nothing has changed except further devaluation of the meagre pensions most military retirees receive.
Last month, the current Government had an opportunity to start the process of correcting this long standing injustice by passing the Fair Indexation Bill in the Senate. But with the help of the Greens, the Government chose to spit in the face of those who have dedicated their working lives to the defence of our Nation.
In the true traditions of Yes Minister, Government Ministers chose to cling to the discredited and fanciful costs of fair indexation dreamed up by Finance bureaucrats rather than consider the alternative advice they were given; or better still, do something original and think for themselves! They chose to accept the ridiculous cost estimates for one simple reason. This Government doesn’t want to give fairly indexed pensions to our retired military families, and by “believing” the absurdly large cost figures from Finance, they had the pretence they needed to reject the Bill in the Senate.
This morally corrupt and legally questionable Government policy MUST be overturned.
And it will only be overturned with the Australian people delivering a forceful message to every Labor and Green MP and Senator in Parliament that this appalling treatment of our former servicemen and women is totally unacceptable.
Please support the Fair Go Campaign and help us get this message out to every household across Australia.
Ray Gibson
Ray, that is a beautifully presented opinion; well crafted and to the point.
Unfortunately this forum is moving so fast much good info is being buried in the ‘archives’
I seem to have over-excited Tess with my DVA constituent’s figures way back on 15 July!
She replied; “To think in one seat alone it would take a mere 94 votes! Done deal I’d say”
The figures I quoted for DVA constituents were the ‘excess’ of DVA constituents’ votes needed to change the incumbent in 24 of the 56 marginal seats.
Here is a clearer picture, of the ‘Top-Ten’ (or most vulnerable), you do the math:
Margin__Sitting Member___Division________Party__DVA Constituents
416____Darren Cheeseman____Corangamite (Vic)__ALP___3036
535____Ken Wyatt___________Hasluck (WA)_______LIB___1917
734____Andrew Southcott____Boothby (SA)_______LIB___3258
826____Michelle Rowland____Greenway (NSW)_____ALP___1135
863____Andrew Wilkie_______Denison (Tas)______IND___2288
891____Laura Smyth_________La Trobe (Vic)_____ALP___1543
966____Deborah O’Neill_____Robertson (NSW)____ALP___3789
972____Bruce Billson_______Dunkley (Vic)______LIB___3085
1042___Teresa Gambaro______Brisbane (Qld)_____LNP___1712
1048___Graham Perrett______Moreton (Qld)______ALP___2467
Just as Tess mentions, this is NOT the full armory – there are many more of the Defence Family and campaign supporters in these electorates.
Someone mentioned a fighting fund way back. If each DVA client alone was to forgo two schooners (about $10) each, there would be $3,536,050 ($3.5 million) in the kitty! Not a bad starting price.
If anyone is really interested in the history of the CPI adjustments I can publish the full list here from 1973 to 2011.
Hi Tess,
The percentage against the month & year refers to the CPI increase on your principal/gross pension at that time, but you wait 3 months to get it.
i.e.
Mar 98 0.0% 01 Jul (No increase)(No cost increases in living at all)
Jun 99 1.1% 01 Jul (For every $100 you get in pension, you get an increase of $1.10)(Taxable tho’ offset applies)
Jul 09 0.0% 01 Jul(ZIP)
Jan 10 1.3% 01Jan (Here you get $1.30 for every $100 – Yippee)
For the same period, the cumulative % increase of
age/service pensions increased 17%
MP’s Pensions 9%
(courtesy Peter Thornton)
Where’s the equity??
This wakes me up in the morning at 0300 – So angry
I might be coming to Canberra to march with you guys!
Take care
Michael – Warnbro
The letter below is from a former Chief of the Air Force, Air Marshal Jake Newham (Retd) to Mike Kelly regarding the indexation issue and Kelly’s radio interview. The Air Marshal has given permission to widely circulate his letter.
The words very succinctly and forcefully convey a strong message from a well respected elder statesman of the Defence Force.
Ray Gibson
——————————–
Air Marshal JW Newham AC RAAF (Retd)
Church Point NSW 2105
14th July 2011
Hon Dr M Kelly AM MP
PO Box 214
Queanbeyan NSW 2620
I have read Peter Criss’s letter to you regarding the unconscionable attitude of you and your colleagues on DFRDB indexation and would like you to know I share his view. Speaking for many friends and erstwhile colleagues, we are astonished at your deception and gall. Frequently we see the ultimate hypocrisy when the Prime Minister assures families when there is a casualty, ‘we will look after you’. We note the hollow words attached to sentiments of praise and cringe when senior military figures are misused as backdrop for unpalatable announcements.
We are expected to swallow patent falsehoods in your peddling ‘reasons’ for preserving defence members’ retired pay status quo, while you, through suggestion, convey to the public the notion that pensions are straight drain from Consolidated Revenue without mentioning the fact that we contribute, and that the arrangement was changed from a superannuation fund overseen by a board until 1972 when the Jess Committee Recommendations were accepted by the Whitlam Government. For a time the provisions seemed OK until under government direction the CPI was fiddled to our disadvantage. You would have known this when you were serving, but now have switched to a scheme that contains the elements of fair, even generous, retirement benefits – a dirty dig I acknowledge, but we have been fended off for too long.
I do not apologise for the tone of this letter because we are being short changed and treated as gullible fools; the government has reduced retired servicemen and women to the lowest stratum of society.
Yours sincerely
Well said Sir, and to make it even more significant Air Marshal Newham is a former Chief of the Air Force, an Air Marshal. Thank you Jake Newham. I am sure that your public display of loyalty to those with whom you served will encourage them to continue our fight for “A FAIR GO” right up to the polling booths, no matter how long this takes.
I hope that it also serves as a fine example to all our other retired senior officers to join our campaign, especially those from Navy and the Army.
“I WILL MARCH TO CANBERRA WITH THE DIGGERS. WILL YOU JOIN ME?”
Thanks BILL ARDEN, you are so right! And why wouldn’t I be excited about all the
Team effort that is going in this wonderful FAIR GO campaign. Thanks for the clarification – this is a great at-a-glance pocket guide – for us – as well as the politicians monitoring this site.
Dear MICHAEL, I know the feeling! Thanks for the explanation – but to wait three months for it anyway ?
I hope you will indeed march to Canberra with us.
Mr. Tony Abbott, MP,
Leader of the Opposition
Liberal National Party
Dear Mr Abbott,
Further to my correspondence sent to you (by registered mail on 27th June), regarding the lack of action being taken by the Liberal National Party, following the defeat of the Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits Amendment (Fair Indexation) Bill 2010, by the Senate on Thursday, 16th June, 2010, why have you not responded to my letter! Do not insult me by your silence, my voice, along with many others, will be heard loud and clear at the polling booth!
Has it not occurred to you that you rely on the generosity of our votes on Election Day? Do you not have an obligation to view my correspondence as being of value, and as a public servant of the people of Australia, you owe me the courtesy of a genuine response to my letter? Apparently not!
You too, are ignoring the plight of the military superannuants by your lack of condemnation of the rejection of the Bill in the Senate. Why have you not come out and condemned this shameful act of bastardry of the Fair Indexation Bill? If you believe your silence will guarantee success in winning the next election, think again.
Due to the incredible groundswell of frustration, anger and discontent within the Defence Force family, and now the general public at the lack of action by Governments of all persuasions, both past and present, to provide fair indexation to military superannuants, guarantees all marginal seats will be targeted at the next election.
Why have you not seized the opportunity to take a stand on this issue and come out fighting on behalf of the Defence community? Why have you gone to ground on this issue? Is this because you too, have no intention of looking after those who gave so much to this Nation? Here is an opportunity for you to cement your name on the Lodge gates and yet, not a word have you spoken in support of this shameful act, when the Bill was rejected in the Senate.
When Parliament resumes on 16th August, will you take the opportunity to challenge the Prime Minister in the House of Representatives on this issue? Will you challenge the Prime Minister to articulate her Party’s policy on DFRB.DFRDB issue?
If you are not interested in acknowledging my letter, then it is time for you to consider this.
The number of Defence/Commonwealth public servants, in the majority of marginal seats, far outweigh the number of votes required to unseat the sitting Member.
Mr. Abbott, if you want my vote at the polling booths, then you will have to work hard for it.
I will keep writing to you (and all other politicians) until you respond to my original letter and the current one with a considered reply and not a form letter.
The people of Australia have indeed, had more than enough of politicians behaving badly. Many thousands of people in this country are struggling every day trying to make ends meet, and costs are spiraling out of control. It beggars belief that politicians are still receiving significant pay rises and yet they ignore the plight of those who need help the most. For those who were prepared and currently do lay down their lives, for the sake of this Nation, how can they be treated in such a despicable manner? It disgusts me that anyone could treat our military people so badly.
This is not what Australia is all about, what happened to our time honoured traditions, of honouring those who have made sizable contributions to our Nation, in the name of freedom. This is the ultimate sacrifice anyone could make! Whatever happened to “A FAIR GO?” Our Nation was built on “a fair go.” Military medals don’t mean much when you do not have sufficient funds to put food on the table and buy prescription medicines because there is not enough money to go around.
Many of these people are doing it tough, both financially and personally, many of whom have mental and physical scars that will stay with them forever.
This is a National disgrace, and you, as well as all other politicians, should hang your heads in shame! How can you stand tall, when you walk among us, knowing that we hold you all accountable for your lack of action to support “equity” and fair indexation for military superannuants. It is unforgivable!
You can right this terrible wrong, so why don’t you start campaigning now for EQUITY FOR MILITARY SUPERANNUANTS. Living below the Henderson Poverty Line, is not an option Mr. Abbott.
Do not think this issue will go away, as it has done in the past, the Defence Force family (3,000,000) is united and continues to receive support from the groundswell of the general public who are already up in arms over many other issues of concern, that are eroding the quality of life of all Australians.
We will continue this fight until the battle is won!
I WILL MARCH TO CANBERRA WITH THE DIGGERS,
WILL YOU JOIN US MR ABBOTT?
I retired after 38 Years service(RAAF)to find that I really couldn’t live on the military superannuation, especially after a divorce.(Sound familiar?) When I looked into it and after seeing so many ex-military in the same situation (girls and boys), I researched it and came to the same conclusions that others arrived at. The Gov. doesn’t care about us and forgot equity. No need to go into the why’s and wherefore’s, that is now common knowledge, I am with Brig Weekes, AVM Criss and AM Newham and I am going to march on Canberra….Cheers Noel (FLTLT ENGAERO ret’d)
The Hon Dr. M. Kelly AM MP
PO Box 214
Queanbeyan, NSW 2620
Dear Dr. Kelly,
I am writing to join what I am sure is a growing chorus of discontent over the rejection in the Senate of the Private Members Bill for fair indexation of military service pensions. In particular I am appalled that you saw fit to vote against the bill despite your previous outspoken support for this measure.
As one of the issues on which you campaigned strongly prior to the last federal election, I and many others in the community are at a complete loss to explain why you chose to oppose this bill in what would appear to be a complete turnaround from your previous position on this issue.
Your own press release prior to the last federal election states that, “The average Commonwealth or Defence superannuation is $20,649 and that usually supports a couple. Mike Kelly pointed out that the current Commonwealth superannuation regime indexes payments using the Consumer Price Index, which means retirees were seeing their incomes fall compared to others in the community. Mike Kelly said changes were necessary to ensure that retirees are given a fair go. Currently, people who retired on a Commonwealth superannuation pension of $20,000 today would be $7,000 worse off in 20 years time if their pension continued to be indexed by the CPI. The Commonwealth uses a wage-based index for the Age Pension. If I’m elected to parliament, I’ll argue strongly for Commonwealth superannuants to be given the same deal. It’s only fair.”
This last statement is particularly galling because you did not even have to argue strongly for this measure, simply vote for it when it was presented before the Senate. As a former serving ADF member, how is it that you then saw fit not to support this motion which would make such a difference to the lives of retired service personnel and their families?
Like many retired service personnel in the Eden Monaro electorate, I was genuinely pleased at the prospect of having Federal representation from a former serving military officer; something which has been in decline over recent decades in this country’s political makeup. Not that I would expect selective representation for the ex-military community, but rather that I believe that the ethics, integrity and courage associated so strongly with ADF service would bring much to the political arena.
It would now seem that even the values inculcated over a long military career can easily be overrun by political expediency and the need to toe the party line. Even more disappointing is that you not only opposed the bill, but now see fit to try and publically defend the decision through the use of ‘Lundyesque’ language which is misleading at best.
Perhaps given the moral challenges you must face in transitioning from your military career to one in politics, it is appropriate that at least you will be rewarded with a pension that does not decline in relative value year in year out. You would be acutely aware that Eden Monaro contains a high proportion of current and ex serving ADF members and I am sure that your stance on this issue will not be forgotten at the next Federal election.
Yours sincerely,
Matt Moncrieff
Commander, RAN (Ret’d)
Dear JEANNETTE BARTLETT, been a bit AWOL re sickbay, but rallying to read your wonderful comment. I am astonished at the calibre and sentiment of your letter to Tony Abbott, but I am no longer surprised. You voice what so many of us suspect,what so many of us feel, and what so many of us fear.
We have been marginalised by our governments and by our political guardians.
I WILL MARCH WITH YOU TO CANBERRA JEANNETTE BARTLETT and it will be a privilege.
G’day CDRE Matt Moncrieff,
It’s great to see our senior Service join our fight for “A FAIR GO”. Mr Mike Kelly, MP has much to answer for. Mr Kelly holds a marginal seat, Eden Monaro, by some 3,971 votes. However there 15,429 DFRB/DFRDB recipients and Commonwelth Public Service Pensioners living in his electorate. Even blind freddie can see that Mr Kelly is on very shaky ground.
Thanks for your excellent letter Matt and I hope that your mates now join our fight.
“I WILL MARCH TO CANBERRA WITH THE DIGGERS.WILL YOU JOIN ME?”
Dear NOEL BOWMAN, thanks so much for your comment and support. You are right, yours IS a
familiar story – which makes it all the more perplexing why you are being singled out for such
abuse. Even if there was but one of you in this position, it would not be good enough.
See you on the march to Canberra.
I WILL MARCH TO CANBERRA WITH THE DIGGERS. WILL YOU JOIN ME?
Dear MATT, it is wonderful to have you onboard. I know that you are all the same rank as far as the Fair Go campaign is concerned but there is no doubt it is heartening and such a boost to collective morale to know that former leaders of your ilk in service – still display such fearless leadership, loyalty and affection to your comrades, to the wider Defence Force Family. And that you are prepared to confront,and to stand up to, the diffidence and political hypocrisy of Mike Kelly, formerly one of your own tribe.Who could have done so much more. And did nothing.
Extract of letter sent to : Tony Abbott, Julie Bishop Joe Hockey & Malcolm Turnbull.
Following the recent rejection in the Senate on 16th June, 2011 of the Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits Amendment (Fair Indexation) 2010, would you please explain to me why your Party and in particular, Tony Abbott, has not seized the opportunity to take a stand on this issue and come out fighting on behalf of the Australian Defence community for fair indexation for military superannuants?
When Parliament resumes on 16th August, will your Party take the opportunity to challenge the Prime Minister in the House of Representatives on this issue? Will the Prime Minister be asked to articulate her Party’s policy on the DFRB/DFRB issue?
This is a National disgrace!
Mrs. Bishop, we need this situation resolved. Politicians will spin all sorts of stories about having no money, well that’s not true. There is the Futures Fund, which was set up for this very purpose. This situation could be resolved tomorrow, or has this Fund been used for other things too? The cost to rectify this is approximately $20,000,000 p.a. The Defence Force Welfare Association has produced figures to back up this argument. Their figures are available for all to scrutinize, should you be interested.
What is even more disturbing, is that when the member dies, the spouse only receives 5/8 of nothing! This is indexed against the CPI. How the hell can anyone survive on that? Can you also tell me where the other 3/8 ends up???? Well the answer to that is obvious, back into consolidated revenue for the Government to use wherever it wants. (Nice work if you can get it) How can we trust any Government who would do this?
The estimates announced by Treasury are inflated and it is understood they have been extrapolated over 45 years. Most of these people will have passed on long before this? Another “smoke and mirrors” sham by the Labor Party. Last year alone, approximately 25,000 Veterans passed away, so this is a diminishing liability. Then there is the “clawback”, because every time the DFRDB increases, the service pension decreases – “the Peter pays Paul theory” applies. Statistics, statistics and damn lies!!
Here is something I have received that may be of interest:
Don”t be fooled by Labor”s spin. If you do the calculations you will see that what Gillard & Swan are doing is ˜robbing Peter to pay Paul”.
Currently, as tax payers, we do not pay tax on the 1st $6,000 that we all earn. On 1st July 2012 Labor will increase that threshold to $18,200, & then on 1/7/2015 they will lift it even further to $19,400. Isn’t that generous of them – no tax payable on the 1st $19,400!
Here’s the catch: At the moment, we pay 15% tax on earning between $6001 – $37,000, i.e. $4,650 tax. As of 1/7/2012 we will pay 19% tax on earnings between $18,200 – $37,000, i.e. $3,572 tax next year & in 2015 19% tax on earnings between $19,400 – $37,000, i.e. $3,344 tax in 2015. Thank you Julia & Wayne, you will save us $1,078 next year & then a further $228 in 2015 (yippee!). But wait a second…………..
At the moment we pay only 30% tax on earnings between $37001 – $80,000 ( i.e. $12,900 tax), but as at 1/7/2012 that tax rate will increase to 32.5% (i.e. $13,975 tax – an increase in tax by $1,075) & as at 1/7/2015 the tax rate will be $33% ( i.e. $14,190 tax – a further increase of $215).
So in summary, they are increasing the tax in the 1st taxable bracket by $1,075 to save us $1,078 ( a nett gain of $3), and in the 2nd taxable bracket they are increasing the tax by $215 to save us $228 (a nett gain of $13). Tax payable above $80,000 will stay the same.
So people, the good news is we are all going to be better off by a whopping $16 per year. A whole sixteen dollars. Given the assertion that the new carbon tax will do ˜little or nothing” to the price of electricity, transport, groceries & fuel, we are now asked to judge Julia when we have “lived the regime”. This sounds like little more than “Greenie induced” spin to buy two more years in power and hope that Abbott does a “Hewson” before the next election.
Great way to develop policy and run a country.
Be funny if it was not so serious.
http://www.colonialfirststate.com.au/prospects/Carbon_pollution_tax_measures_July_2011.pdf
Dear Tess
I have just finished reading the latest edition of THE SPIRIT NEWSLETTER published by RAR ASSOCIATION QLD, it a must read as there is a great follow up story on the fight back campaign.
I know that most of the RAR members would have read the newsletter by now but I would suggest you all go to the site and have a read.
http://www.rar.org.au
I will march to Canberra with the Diggers will you join me?
Approximately 285,000 Australians aged over 65 who don’t receive the age pension or hold a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card will miss out on the carbon tax compensation announced today.
National Seniors Australia chief executive, Michael O’Neill, said: “The government has been generous in compensating pensioners and Commonwealth Seniors Health Card holders with a Clean Energy Supplement projected to be over and above the cost-of-living impact of the carbon tax”.
“National Seniors is concerned, however, that a single self funded retiree on an income of $50,000 or a couple on $80,000 a year will not receive cost-of-living assistance”.
“As debate rages around whether $150,000 a year constitutes a middle-income Australian family, a single self-funded retiree on $51,000 is deemed wealthy enough to resist the price impacts of a carbon tax,” said O’Neill.
“Retirees on fixed incomes have very little capacity to adjust to unforeseen price increases. Many are already struggling with basic living costs,” he said.
The Commonwealth Seniors Health Card entitles low income retirees to cheaper medicines and help with utilities. However, despite rising living costs the card’s income limits of $50,000 for singles and $80,000 for couples have not increased since 2001.
“Today’s announcement only provides impetus to calls for indexation of the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card. Had the 2001 income limits kept pace with inflation, we wouldn’t have had older Australians falling through the carbon tax compensation cracks,” said O’Neill.
Pensioners and Commonwealth Seniors Health Card holders will receive a Clean Energy Supplement of $338 (singles) and $510 (couples) annually, starting March 2013; and a tax free lump sum advance payment of $250 in May 2012.
Media Contact: Sarah Saunders 0409 055 156
Courtesy of Peter Thornton
“I WILL MARCH TO CANBERRA WITH THE DIGGERS.WILL YOU JOIN ME?”
Here is an entire email trace of letters to a politicain, repliy and counter reply. Well dome Warren. Keep at them.
From: warren james strong [mailto:wwwazza1@bigpond.com]
Sent: Sunday, 17 July 2011 8:38 AM
To: sealure2@bigpond.net.au
Subject: Fw: DFRDB – BILL
—– Original Message —–
From: warren james strong
To: Dodd, John (Sen B. Brown)
Cc: Stan Hannaford ; senator.xenophon@aph.gov.au ; senator.wong@aph.gov.au ; senator.bob.brown@aph.gov.au ; senator.lundy@aph.gov.au
Sent: Tuesday, July 12, 2011 12:12 PM
Subject: Re: DFRDB – BILL
John,
I thank you for your reply. However I think is a cop out when you mention super profits from Mining Taxes. Well you the Greens had your chance however due to the bargaining between the Greens, Independents and Labor Party why didn’t this happen. There was 1000 who were going to be be hit with the carbon tax now there is 500. So it is obvious that due to persuasion from a party within the negotiations got their way with the 500 that are now free.
So what you Greens are saying to us Veterans now stiff shit we did not get the super profits tax so you can live a life on pittance and suffer and you are second class citizens so we are not going to help you. So when it comes to pay rises for politicians and money that the Government wants to squander on Asylum seekers, Malaysian Facilities etc you the Greens will do a deal with them as they have done a deal with you by what you people more or less wanted for the introduction of the Carbon Tax. Yes Mr Brown, Greens, has stated he is more than happy. So when it comes to pay rises and squandering of money for facilities that I have mentioned WILL you the Greens vote against it and have a conscious vote and say well the Indexation for the Veterans was voted against so we will not pass this and that through the Senate. OF COURSE THE GREENS WILL NOT BECAUSE YOU DID A DEAL WITH LABOR AND THE INDEPENDENTS ON CARBON TAX.
So what you Greens are saying to us Veterans, CARBON TAX has priority over Veterans that PUT their lives on the line and fought and still are fighting wars were politicians sent us and we mean nothing to you people. We put our NATION first and you people PUT Carbon Tax before the Veterans of this country.
So China and other countries can pollute the world and nothing is said. It is a amazing when Gillard backpedals on Q&A when asked what did she say to China about the Carbon emissions. What did she say” Inferring that they have millions of people when need employment, more or less they can pollute the atmosphere and do you think the Chinese are going to listen to her, NO WAY.
YOU people still do not get it.
Warren Strong
—– Original Message —–
From: Dodd, John (Sen B. Brown)
To: warren james strong
Sent: Tuesday, July 12, 2011 10:44 AM
Subject: RE: DFRDB – BILL
Dear Warren
Thank you for your e-mail.
The Greens maintain our position that the current indexation of all commonwealth superannuation pensions is unfair. We are committed to working with government to find a way in which this can be addressed in a financially responsible manner. Our proposal that a properly applied tax on mining super profits which would raise an extra $100b over the decade has been rejected by both the major parties.
Regards
John Dodd
Office of Senator Bob Brown
From: warren james strong [mailto:wwwazza1@bigpond.com]
Sent: Tuesday, 5 July 2011 10:55 AM
To: Xenophon, Nick (Senator); Wong, Penelope (Senator); Brown, Bob (Senator); Lundy, Kate (Senator)
Cc: warren james strong
Subject: DFRDB – BILL
All,
I am Warren Strong, 20 years Service, Army, 1971 to 1991, retired Warrant Officer.
I like the others who are recipients of DFRDB after 20 years service and are hurt that you people have ROBBED us all of quality of life and also our wives, partners etc. It is absolutely unacceptable that you people have classed us as second class citizens due to your narrow minded decisions on this matter.
You all obviously do not understand what we are going through and to live on approximately $23,500.00 per annum. Irrespective what your finance researches have told you yes that amount. I am aware that your researches say it is more. It has also been pointed out and I know the Retired Brigadier Weeks in a Registered Letter to the four of you has pointed this out. In the case of the death of a recipient of DFRDB the spouse gets 5/8 of that. Put yourselves in the position of those who have to live on this amount of money. We are aware what your spouses get and they have never served in the ADF or sent away from their families to countries that the Governments send us to serve in a War Theatre or Operational duties. I for one have spent a lot of time away from my wife and daughter for considerable time whether it be in Australia or Overseas. It is obvious that you people do not understand what our service men and women had to endure.
Senator Wong . Senator Wong you have got no idea what you have done to us and yourself and your party. It is amazing that you always go back to the Liberal Party by saying they had 11 years to fix these problems and never did. One again on I & A once again you made this statement. You have no substance in what you are saying and always reflecting on the past. Please Remember IF YOU LIVE IN THE PAST YOU ARE ROBBING THE FUTURE. If you took this on board and may I point out the four of you should take heed of this quote we who are recipients of DFRDB would be better off. he crap your party go on with about the amount of money it would cost and obviously this is on party lines and you are directed by your factions within your party. Yes it is Ok for you to pass in the senate for pay rises for all politicians but when it comes to us the second class citizens of the Defense Forces no way. We are all aware that the money that your party has squandered over the PINK BATS, money to overseas countries that could not give a shit about us and where you are providing money to their government to build schools and promote anti western propaganda. You must be hiding in a cave if you do not think these people will always hate us.
So yes you are being bribed by these governments to keep giving money. The average person do not receive a scent. The money that your party are going to spend on infra- structure in Malaysia and provided care to refugees/asylum seekers. Once again your party has their head in the sand and once again we the tax payer are being ripped off. The money that you are giving to refugees living in this country is out of control. Once again your party are throwing money left right and centre and the poor old pensioner is living on pittance and yes we the RECIPIENTS of the DFRDB are getting less than the pensioner. You should be ashamed of yourself.
Senator Brown. You now run the Labor Party and I do not think you have any idea about the Defense Forces. You are the PURITAN of Australian politics and sorry some US of are not robots. What Bob wants Bob gets.
Senator Lundy. We are all aware what you have done to us because of your casting VOTE. It is well documented and circulated with in the Veterans what you have done and yes you are the JUDAS of the Veteran community and also described as TOKYO ROSE and JANE FONDA. You obviously do not understand so look at your Bible History, and also the History of the Second World War and the Vietnam War and you will understand what you have done to us Veterans.
As I have already stated we are aware of what you have done to us so I hope when the next election takes place you will understand why your seat maybe in jeopardy and the Veteran Community will be making those within your electorate aware of what you have done to us.
Senator Xenophon. You were a breath of fresh air to me when you were elected on I thought this man knows what he is about and he will keep the BASTARDS honest. I took particular interest in you and though I like this man. Well my opinion has definitely changed and I do not know who is holding your strings or using you as a puppet. I notice of late that you are indecisive and I thought you of all people would look after the Veteran Community. You too also procrastinate over policy and procedures and yes you did vote on positions get pay rises. You have totally lost me.
It is amazing that you people BOW YOUR HEADS in a minutes silence for the death of our brave men who have sacrificed their lives since being in Afghanistan and yes another one today. You people do not give a Rats Arse about our people and yes we are Second Class Citizens and all you are doing is making a mockery of yourselves including the weeping widow Gillard. If Gillard cared about the veteran community she would of ensured that we get a FAIR GO instead of the party lines directing her what to do. Yes ROB us veterans of a good life style and looking after our spouses.
In conclusion you people are a National Disgrace to the Veteran Community and we are making all aware through our network and also the media what you have done to us. As they say DO UN TO OTHERS AS THEE DO UN TO YOU. I hope that you heed the advice of the Veteran Community to take steps to improve our lifestyle and perhaps the FEW might take some morbid satisfaction from the fact that they have saved the treasure from having to make a handout to whining veterans.Is the government going to change their decision? Like we say probably not.
Hang your heads in shame and come on the next election. Also please do not acknowledge this email because the damage has been done and like all
Veterans we have a low opinion of you people.
Warren Strong
Brigadier Brian Wade, AM (Ret)
PO Box 114
Indooroopilly QLD 4068
5 July 2011
Senator Mark Furner
PO Box 2246
Strathpine Qld 4500
Dear Senator Furner,
The Senate’s rejection of the Fair Indexation Bill on 16th June, 2011 is, in my opinion, a shameful betrayal of the men and women who have served our Nation in the Australian Defence Force for 20 years or more.
I was appalled that this decision was primarily based on financial restraints and yet our Politicians, including you, never seem to hesitate in approving an increase to your own salaries, despite the same financial restraints!
It is a complete mockery for members of our Parliament to attend the funerals of our young warriors who have been killed in action, and to observe a minute’s silence in the House of Representatives and in the Senate, and yet reject a Bill which would have aligned the increases to DFRB and DFRDB superannuants’ pensions with our old age pensioners. This disgraceful decision, obviously based on Party lines, has alienated the Veteran Community and it has ensured that DFRB and DFRDB superannuants will continue to see their measly pensions losing purchasing power.
This is compounded for those surviving spouses who only receive 5/8th of the DFRB/DFRDB superannuants’ pension which continues to be indexed against the CPI. It seems inequitable and immoral to me that the surviving spouse of a political pensioner has his/her pension indexed against the increases to the salary of a back bencher. Where is the justice in this?
Could you please explain to me why the Government has accepted the recommendation by the Matthews Review that the CPI remains the most appropriate method of indexation for military superannuants? If this is a legitimate argument, then please also explain to the Veteran Community why your pensions are not also indexed against the CPI when you retire?
The Matthews Review does suggest the use of an Analytical Living Cost Index and the Government introduced the Pensioners and Beneficiaries Cost of Living Index (PBCLI) the day after the Matthews Review was released. I am at an absolute loss to understand why the PBCLI was not accepted as a fair indexation tool for military superannuants. Perhaps you can enlighten me?
You should be aware that this decision has greatly angered the Veteran Community and we will continue to fight for a “fair go”, especially as the Labor Party has abandoned the spirit of its election commitment to conduct a review that would address the inadequacy and inequity of the Indexation method (CPI) which has not kept up with the cost of living.
This is immoral, it lacks the principle of “a fair go” espoused by all politicians and especially by the Labor Party. How do you explain this to a Veteran who has fought for his country, who has been sent into action by his Government, who has seen his mates die in action and who has readily surrendered his own freedom so that our Nation can meet its International commitments and remain free?
I formerly request that you acknowledge receipt of this letter and that you provide me with your answers, not just Party line answers, to the questions I have posed.
Yours sincerely,
Brian Wade, AM
Brigadier Retired
cc:
Senator Claire Moore
Senator the Hon John Hogg
Senator the Hon Joe Ludwig
Senator the Hon Jan McLucas
Senator Nick Xenophon
Senator Bob Brown
For Information:
The Hon Tony Abbott MP
The Hon Julia Gillard MP
Mr Bernie Ripoll MP
The Horseshoe Falls
YASS NSW 2582
July 2011
Senator Nick Xenophon
Senator Penny Wong
Senator Bob Brown
Senator Kate Lundy
Cc:
The Hon. Prime Minister Julia Gillard MP
The Hon. Tony Abbott MP
The Senate’s rejection of the Fair Indexation Bill on 16th June, 2011, was a deceitful betrayal of your electorates and the men and women who have served you and our Nation in the Australian Defence Force for 20 years or more.
Senator Lundy you and three other Labor politicians signed a letter on 9 Sep 09 indicating that you would support this Bill….but you voted against it. Where is your integrity and loyalty to your electorate?
Senator Brown you and your party supported fair indexation prior to the last election but then voted against the Bill due to some ‘tit for tat’ to get even with the Liberals. That might be good politics but I do not rate your ethics and ask you also, where is your integrity and loyalty to your electorate?
I have heard it said that this decision, like the many reviews of Indexation for Defence Superannuation /DFRDB commencing in 1972, was based on financial restraints…the Country cannot afford it. Could you please explain how you, our Politicians, throughout these DFRDB Reviews have never hesitated to approve the several increases to your own salaries and therefore superannuation, despite the financial state of the Nation!!
Wayne Swan was quoted in The Australian last week as saying “Australia already has the Future Fund, set up to cover the pension liabilities of Government sector workers. The fund which invests overseas, has assets of about $70 billion”. Ex ADF members are ex Government sector workers and should be entitled to have our superannuation indexation adjusted from this fund.
Why are we not entitled to FAIR, JUST AND EQUAL INDEXATION of our superannuation from this fund?
I am aware that Centrelink clients have had their tax payer funded pensions indexed against the greater of CPI, MTAWE or PBCLI for some years now courtesy of the Howard Government.
Why do you discriminate against long serving ex ADF members, many having put their lives on the line for this country?
Are we lesser Australians???… Good enough to send into battle at your whim and then forget when the job is done.
How do you look our young soldiers in the eye, when you attend the funerals of their mates, our young warriors, who have been killed in action, knowing that you have no intention of ensuring equitable financial arrangements for them when they get out of the ADF?
You then complete the hypocrisy by observing a minutes silence in the House of Representatives and The Senate acknowledging these KIAs and then reject a Bill which would have aligned the increases to DFRB and DFRDB superannuants’ pensions with our old age pensioners.
This disgraceful decision, obviously based on Party lines, has alienated the Veteran Community and it has ensured that DFRB and DFRDB superannuants will see their superannuation (average annual pension is approximately $23,600) continue to lose its purchasing power. This will be exacerbated by increases to the cost of electricity, increased vehicle registration, increased cost of food, increased cost of petrol, increased insurance cost, increased medical costs and the list goes on and undoubtedly will include new taxes!!
This is compounded for those surviving spouses who only receive 62.5% of the DFRB/DFRDB superannuants’ pension which continues to be indexed against the CPI. It seems inequitable and immoral to me that the surviving partner of a political pensioner has his/her pension indexed against the increases to the salary of a back bencher and receives 83% of that salary. Does this mean that a politician’s partner makes a 20% greater contribution to the defense and well-being of our Nation when compared to the spouse of a lowly soldier, airman or navy personnel? Where is the justice in this?
This is immoral, it lacks the principle of “a fair go” espoused by all politicians and especially by the Labor Party. How do you explain this to a Veteran who has fought for his country, who has been sent into action by his Government, who has seen his mates fall in action, who has readily surrendered his own freedoms so that our nation can meet its International commitments and to ensure our Nation remains free?
I formerly request that you acknowledge receipt of my letter and that you personnaly answer the questions that I have posed in this letter.
Yours sincerely,
Tony Jensen
Vietnam Veteran
Dear TONY JENSEN,thank you for your service to this country. I often write this because I do not want you to think that all Australians discard you as military waste – as does the Gillard Labor Government and all the politicians who have collaborated with them.
We have to remember that the Liberal Coalition also did absolutely zilch in all their years of office. We have to recognise and identify political hypocrisy and speak of it, without fear or favour.
Even now, from Shadow Ministers we have heard no commitment. That’s all they are; shadows.
This is a wonderful letter Tony, and can you please ensure that you post in these comments
the responses you get and/or if you get no response at all from some of these political
poseurs.
* Thanks Neil, for posting the comment for Tony.
Dear BRIAN WADE, thank you for your service to this country – and for your continuing service to your fellow countrymen and women.
If only senior polticians were as loyal to their professed ideals and noble aspirations as
you clearly are.
It is so very heartening to have your name among all the illustrious other names in these comments – each and every one – in the comments. Here you are all treated the first among equals.
These comments continue to form an important document – an Honour Roll of the Defence Force Family and supporters, determined to disallow successive governments to continue to treat you with contempt.
Onya Brian.
I WILL MARCH TO CANBERRA WITH THE DIGGERS!
Dear BARRY ROSE, thanks for the heads up. You’re right, it is a good read and a great
advocacy site – chokkers with info.
Onya Barry and the FAIR GO Team. Legends all!
Dear WARREN STRONG, you are a champion! That email thread bears utter testimony of how political parties – including the Greens – have reduced human beings to mere numerics.
This is such a moving letter – and they don’t need to waste any more money on focus groups, but rather, focus on what you and everyone else have written in these comments.
And Warren, you have astutely pointed out something that most media has failed to discuss.
You are spot on about the 1000 companies that we were told would be paying carbon tax
( hey, what’s yet another lie, it’s become the lingua franca of this Government and politicians in general ).
Now that list has been reduced to 500, as you point out. Can we see a list of the 500 companies please Prime Minister Gillard ?
And can we see a list of the 500 companies that were left off the list ?
Not that we don’t trust you or anything……
Onya Warren.
Posted with the permission on Paul Threfall.
—– Original Message —–
From: “Hutchins, Annika (Sen K. Lundy)”
To: “Paul Threlfall”
Sent: Thursday, July 21, 2011 11:35 AM
Subject: RE: Website: Response to Letter re Fair Indexation Bill
Dear Paul
Senator Lundy is currently on personal leave at the moment. I understand she wants to respond to all of the emails and letters she has received on this issue personally when she returns.
Given the large amount of emails and letters she has received on this issue to date, I ask you to please be patient for a response.
Kind regards
Annika Hutchins
Office of the Hon. Senator Kate Lundy
Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister
Parliamentary Secretary for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs
T 02 6277 3334 | F 02 6277 3884 | M 0418 488 295
http://www.katelundy.com.au
Well I hope that Senator Lundy returns to Parliament before 16 August otherwise she will not be able to get into her office after all our letters have arrived as aresult of OPERATION “LETTER RAID”.
See the next SITREP to be released soon. This SITREP will include a generic address at Parliament House to address letters to all Senators and to all Members of the House of Representatives, and particularly to those Members who occupy a marginal seat. These seats will also be included in the SITREP.
“I WILL MARCH TO CANBERRA WITH THE DIGGERS.WILL YOU JOIN ME?”
The two letters below were written by Air Vice Marshal (Retd) Ted Radford, Victorian State President of the Defence Force Welfare Association. AVM Radford is another retired senior Air Force officer with a distinguished career that included appointments as Air Commander Australia and Deputy Chief of the Air Force. His letters to the two senators make compelling reading. The AVM has agreed to wide circulation of his his letters.
Ray Gibson
———————————————————–
20 July 2011
Senator Nick Xenophon
Level 2
31 Ebenezer Place
Adelaide SA 5000
Dear Senator Xenophon
I am writing to you in your role as an Independent Senator who had the opportunity to make a difference but elected not to when voting recently in the Senate on the Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits Amendment (Fair Indexation) Bill 2010.
In this regard, I note that in your first speech in the Senate, you made much of what you might say in your last speech. “Will I have made a difference? Will I have fought the battles that needed fighting and helped those who needed helping? Will I have sought every opportunity to make life a little better for people, a little fairer for people and maybe even a little easier for people?” May I suggest that you have failed your first test in this regard and that if you continue to sit on the fence in such matters, you will never make “life a little better…..a little fairer”. To be frank, hiding behind generalities such as “an unacceptably high level of waste and fraud in the Defence Force”, achieves nothing. Furthermore, to level an allegation of fraud against those who fight and die so that you are free to express your opinion, is abhorrent. I would hope that the term ‘Defence Force’, which means those serving in uniform, has been used in ignorance rather than advisedly.
Returning to the Senate vote, Government Senators including you and the Greens voted along Labor Party lines to reject the Fair Indexation Bill, apparently, from Government statements on the issue, because to pass the Bill would have been financially irresponsible, or to use your words, because there is “a need to be fiscally cautious”. This position is presumedly based on the DoFD figures estimating the cost to be $175M over the forward estimates (four years), the “fiscal cost”, an accounting device, at $1.7B and the total cost as $6B. Unfortunately, Finance has repeatedly refused to provide the assumptions made to arrive at such numbers, which are clearly designed to scare and confuse. Indeed, Lindsay Tanner refers to such “devices” in his book Sideshow as “standard tricks employed to maximise political appearances” and that the common practice was to switch “to which indicator suited the argument better”. He further advises, “whenever a politician cites spending figures ……… examine the fine print very carefully.”
Instead of analysing these DoFD figures, let’s look at some simple facts. The latest (2009-10) DFRDB Annual Report says that total real expenditure on all DFRDB superannuation pensions in FY2009-10 was $1.285B. Further, the Australian Government Actuary (AGA) tells us to use a CPI ‘per annum’ rate of 2.5% and a wage growth rate of 4% for military superannuation pension forecasts, meaning that the additional cost of fair indexation, if linked directly to wage growth, would be 4% minus 2.5%, that is 1.5%.
This means that the first year maximum additional cost of fair indexation would be $1.285B x 1.5%. That’s $19.275M. Call it $20M. The second year additional cost of fair indexation is $20M + ($20M x 1.5%). That’s $20.3M, but let’s round it way up to $21M. Similarly, the third year is $22M and the fourth year is $23M if the cost is always rounded up. (These simple sums do not account for new beneficiaries entering, who add to the cost, or for current beneficiaries dying, who reduce the cost – nor for twice-yearly indexation at CPI.)
Hence, even if the additional cost of fair indexation is always rounded up, the four year forward estimates cost is about $86M ($20M + $21M + $22M + $23M), which is a gross figure before “clawback” and other offsets. And that’s for all DFRDB pensioners, not just those aged over 55 years. I concede that the $86M ‘ball park’ estimate is not accurate but it and all other estimates (for example, the Podger Review ($85M in 2008 possibly $95M now) and the Coalition ($98M)), are similar, ranging from 50% to 60% of Finance’s $175M.
Turning first to ‘other offsets’, although DFRDB closed to new entrants in 1990, DFRDB’s remaining 4,246 ADF members still compulsorily contribute $22.3M pa (2009-10). While this is only a modest offset, interestingly from an all important cash flow point of view, it roughly equals the per annum cost of fair indexation before clawback.
A second ‘offset’ is the often forgotten fact that all DFRDB contributors compulsorily paid 5.5% of their pre-tax pay to consolidated revenue. This is a huge offset over the life of the DFRDB scheme and one that is totally ignored in the Finance figures.
“Clawback” through increased taxation and reduced Age/Service pension payments will lower the net cost of fair indexation significantly. Indeed, taking the consensus figure of 30% clawback (now (2011) even agreed by Finance), the cost reduces to about $60M over the forward estimates. This “ball park” figure is consistent with the Australian Government Actuary estimate of $12M as a first year (2010-11) net cost, which is less than 0.00004% of 2010-11 Budget outlays and an infinitesimal percentage of GDP. To suggest this is not affordable is absurd in the extreme and is blatant hypocrisy, particularly in the context of the Future Fund assets of $67.6Billion (Mar 2010) specifically earmarked to pay unfunded superannuation liabilities.
Senator, against this background, I ask why have you now reneged on your core values expounded in your first Senate speech. How easy it is to abandon such values, when the success that was sought has been achieved. By your vote, not only have you betrayed the ADF community, including the widows of those killed in action, but you have also forced them to endure the ever reducing purchasing power of their pensions and a declining standard of living.
I look forward to your reply.
Yours sincerely
Ted Radford
Air Vice-Marshal (Retd)
President
DFWA Victoria Branch
—————————————————————–
19 July 2011
Senator Rachel Siewert
Unit 1, 151 Brisbane Street
Northbridge WA 6003
Dear Senator Siewert
I am writing to you in your role as Greens spokeperson regarding veteran affairs and, in particular, to address the recent Senate vote on the Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits Amendment (Fair Indexation) Bill 2010.
Government Senators including Senator Xenophon voted along party lines to reject the Fair Indexation Bill 2010, apparently, from Government statements on the issue, because to pass the Bill would have been financially irresponsible. This position is presumedly based on the DoFD figures estimating the cost to be $175M over the forward estimates (four years), the “fiscal cost”, an accounting device, at $1.7B and the total cost as $6B. Unfortunately, Finance has repeatedly refused to provide the assumptions made to arrive at such numbers, which are clearly designed to scare and confuse. Indeed, Lindsay Tanner refers to such “devices” in his book Sideshow as “standard tricks employed to maximise political appearances” and that the common practice was to switch “to which indicator suited the argument better”. He further advises, “whenever a politician cites spending figures ……… examine the fine print very carefully.”
Instead of analysing these DoFD figures, let’s look at some simple facts. The latest (2009-10) DFRDB Annual Report says that total real expenditure on all DFRDB superannuation pensions in FY2009-10 was $1.285B. Further, the Australian Government Actuary (AGA) tells us to use a CPI ‘per annum’ rate of 2.5% and a wage growth rate of 4% for military superannuation pension forecasts, meaning that the additional cost of fair indexation, if linked directly to wage growth, would be 4% minus 2.5%, that is 1.5%. This means that the first year maximum additional cost of fair indexation would be $1.285B x 1.5%. That’s $19.275M. Call it $20M. The second year additional cost of fair indexation is $20M + ($20M x 1.5%). That’s $20.3M, but let’s round it way up to $21M. Similarly, the third year is $22M and the fourth year is $23M if the cost is always rounded up. (These simple sums do not account for new beneficiaries entering, who add to the cost, or for current beneficiaries dying, who reduce the cost – nor for twice-yearly indexation at CPI.)
Hence, even if the additional cost of fair indexation is always rounded up, the four year forward estimates cost is about $86M ($20M + $21M + $22M + $23M), which is a gross figure before “clawback” and other offsets. And that’s for all DFRDB pensioners, not just those aged over 55 years. I concede that the $86M ‘ball park’ estimate is not accurate but it and all other estimates (for example, the Podger Review ($85M in 2008 possibly $95M now) and the Coalition ($98M)), are similar, ranging from 50% to 60% of Finance’s $175M.
“Clawback” through increased taxation and reduced Age/Service pension payments will lower the net cost of fair indexation significantly. Indeed, taking the consensus figure of 30% clawback (now (2011) even agreed by Finance), the cost reduces to about $60M over the forward estimates. This “ball park” figure is consistent with the Australian Government Actuary estimate of $12M as a first year (2010-11) net cost, which is less than 0.00004% of 2010-11 Budget outlays and an infinitesimal percentage of GDP. To suggest this is not affordable is absurd in the extreme and is blatant hypocrisy, particularly in the context of the Future Fund assets of $67.6Billion (Mar 2010) specifically earmarked to pay unfunded superannuation liabilities.
Senator, against this background, I ask why the Greens Party has not shown the integrity and back bone that your party so often claims and has now reneged on your stated policy that “the Government should now act to provide wage-based indexation on the same terms as the Aged Pension” and that the costs involved “are outweighed by the longer term benefits and principle of fairness.”
Also in his book, Lindsay Tanner attributes the Greens success in the recent election to portraying “themselves as the party that refuses to betray core convictions for political expediency”. How easy it is to abandon core values, when the success that was sought has been achieved. By your Party’s vote, not only have you betrayed the ADF community, including the widows of those killed in action, but you have also singled them out to a lifetime of ever reducing purchasing power of their pensions and a declining standard of living?
I look forward to your reply.
Yours sincerely
Ted Radford
Air Vice-Marshal
President DFWA Victoria Branch
Dear PAUL THRELFALL, thank you so much for publishing the response you got from Senator Kate Lundy’s office. She can shut down the comments section on her site to stop you exercising your democratic right to freedom of speech with your Parliamentary representative – and she can run, but she can’t hide from her hypocrisy or incompetence.
Anyhow, Prime Minister Julia Gillard and the Faceless men who installed her don’t trust Senator Lundy to handle this matter anymore – and that’s why all communications between Lundy and Diggers now have to go through the PM’s department; now known as Clueless Central.
Dear TED RADFORD, thank you for your service to this country.
Once again,I am so moved to see the great bond between you all – and to see how loyal you are to one another and to this great cause. You did not desert your cobbers whilst in service – and you do not desert them now.
Both of your letters to Senators Nick Xenophon and Rachel Siewert are an indictment of the
political contempt in which you have all been held – for decades – by your GOvernment.
I am disgusted by what has been done to you by successive Australian Governments in our name.
By ‘our ‘ name, I mean in the name of the Australian people; your brothers and sisters.
Politicians have taken advantage of the many constraints upon Defence Force personnel.
But the scuttling of the Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits Amendment Bill (2010)
on June 16, and the singular betrayal of Senator Kate Lundy, Senator Xenophon and the Greens
saw you throw down the gauntlet to the Gillard Labor Government; no longer content to be perceived as begging victims but instead mobilising yourselves into a formidable force, a clear and present danger politically, given your growing numbers, and given your savvy targetting of marginal seats.
Onya TED RADFORD, for your great leadership and support, equally shared with all who
appear here in these comments.
We all look forward to the response you get from your beautifully crafted letters.
Thanks RAY GIBSON, for posting these.
Dear NEIL WEEKES. Spot on!
Can’t wait for the next SITREP.
At least you communicate regularly with the Team – as we now realise, communications is not a strong suit of Prime Minister Julia Gillard, Defence Minister Stephen Smith or Senator Kate Lundy.
Does anyone know who’s in charge here ?
Tess
To answer your question BOB BROWN he is in charge worst luck.
Bob
Dear BOB IHLEIN. You are certainly not alone in thinking that!
AVM Radford’s inclusion of the competing calculations (also contained in the July newsletter of the QLD RARA) used by the Senate review committee to dismiss the Fair Indexation Bill caused me to ask;
“How did DoFD come up with a figure of $175 million over a four year estimate of the cost of fair indexation when all others (now including me) could only estimate around half that figure?”. I rate it as one third of their figure.
I think I have the answer!
The DFRDB stated in 2010 that the average DFRDB pension was $23549.
The Australian Government Actuary (AGA) uses an annual CPI increase of 2.5%.
The Australian Government Actuary (AGA) uses an annual wage growth rate of 4%
The difference between the CPI rate and the Wage rate is 4% less 2.5% which equals 1.5%.
The greater of the two rates is 4% but it is only 1.5% more than the usual (and budgeted) CPI.
DoFD have calculated the TOTAL ‘cost of increase’ to be based on 4% NOT the 1.5% ‘increase’ sought.
How?
Over four years;
23549.00 + 4% = 24490.96 year 1
24490.96 + 4% = 25470.60 year 2
25470.60 + 4% = 26489.42 year 3
26489.42 + 4% = 27549.00 year 4
An increase over 4 years of $4000
Of the 53003 DFRDB pensioners (!) let’s say 43751 are over the age of 55 years (not unreasonable).
Then, $4000 times 43751 = $175,003,966.29 dollars over the 4 years estimates. Bingo!
The same calculation method using 1.5% (the increase sought) gives $63,222,393.65 over four years, or $15,805,598.41 per year; say $16 million a year.
One hellava difference ($111,781,572.62). Prove me wrong DoFD.
Based on these figures, and unless I am proven wrong, I believe the committee should reconvene to consider this NEW evidence, and take another vote based on a revised consideration that this is ‘financially responsible’ or tell us what IS financially responsible.
G’day all,
These are my personal comments and views of the recent Public Forum which was arranged for Senator Ronaldson to meet with members of the Defence community in Townsville on 19 July 2011.
There were many aspects of the meeting that I have not commented on, especially the open dissatisfaction with DVA and the DVA proceeses and the time taken to resolve claims. This was very distressing for those who stood up in front of all those attending to tell their personal stories. The Federal Member for Herbert, Mr Ewen Jones, MP was very supportive and undertook to speak with these people personally and to speak with DVA staff. My comments really concentrayte on those DFRB/DFRDB matters discussed.
The Forum was attended by approximately 100 veterans and ex-Defence members and some spouses.
Senator Rolandson gave a very long opening statement, which took far too long thus restricting the time supposedly allocated to question time. In this statement he said, words to the effect, that when the Howard Government “left” office, there had been a surplus of $4o Billion. Now there was a huge debt that grew exponentially every day. He then said that, if the Opposition won Government, they would be restricted in what they could do. I raised my concern regarding this as it implied, at least to me, that they may not be able to fund the increased costs of implementing a fair indexation for the DFRB/DFRDB recipients. I asked him why they, or indeed the Greens-ALP Government, could not fix this immediately by accessing the Futures Fund. Senator Rolandson made no mention of the Futures Fund in his reply, but he assured me and all those in attendance that the Opposition will fund a fair indexation method. He restated this commitment several times during and after the Forum. BUT???
I spoke personally to Senator Rolandson after this Public Forum. I made it very clear, in Weekes syllables, that I believed that Tony Abbott MUST come out very soon, immediately after Parliament resumes, to challenge the Greens-Labor Government on their decision to scuttle the Fair Indexation Bill in the Senate on 16 June. I told him that the entire Defence community was bitterly disappointed that he had not done this already. This would be recorded in Hansard. It would attract national media coverage.
I made it very clear that, if the LNP thought that they could take our vote for granted and therefore not do anything about our fight until just before the next election, then the LNP and Tony Abbott should think again. I told him that Tony Abbott must be prepared to walk this march with us as there are many cynics in the Defence community who will jump ship if they perceive this last minute wrangling as “vote buying”.
Senator Rolandson appeared to have no knowledge about the fact that DFRB/DFRDB recipients, whose “super” payments exceed the tax threshold, still pay tax, albeit with a 10% rebate, even after they turn 60 years old.
The Senator appeared to have no knowledge of the PM’s last comment on National TV last Sunday night, when she was announcing how much each group would receive as a result of the carbon (dioxide) tax compensation payments (handouts). The PM looked gravely at the camera and said, “…and all these will be indexed against the CPI.” I asked the Senator why the Opposition had not picked upon this and why had they not made a political mile from it. After all this is the basis of OUR fight for “A FAIR GO”? I reinforced this point and stated that as far as the Old Aged Pensioners were concerned their “compensation” handouts would very quickly disappear as the CPI does not maintain parity with the real increases in the cost of living. What was the Opposition saying about this? NOTHING!!!
I then asked the Senator if the Opposition would consider repaying the 1.8% of our DFRB/DFRDB super that PM Paul Keating “stole” from us during 1986 – 1989 when he froze the application of the CPI to all DFRB/DFRDB recipients and to all CSS pensioners. Unfortunately the Senator again appeared to have no knowledge of this and he failed to answer my question.
Having said all that, I think that we should be more demanding of the Opposition. I think that we should encourage Tony Abbott to raise these issues in Parliament, so that they are brought to the attention of the Australian people. I think that we should not just accept that the Opposition will look after us. After all “There will be no Carbon Tax under any Government I lead!!” has shown us how quickly things can change.
I think that September is far too late for this and Tony Abbott needs to speak out sooner, preferably in Parliament as the impact will be far greater.
My partner actually wrote to Tony Abbott about this exact subject on 27 June and, to date, has not had the courtesy of a response. We have to be serious here fellows, and kids gloves will not land a knock out blow!!
We should not be naive and I think that the time for always being nice and cosy with any politician is gone.
Cheers,
Neil
“I WILL MARCH TO CANBERRA WITH THE DIGGERS.WILL YOU JOIN ME?”
Hi Bill,
You may be on to something regarding the metodology DoFD used to arrive at their mythical cost of $175m.
However, there are other possible explanations, including one I uncovered a while back by analysing the 2011-12 Defence Budget papers.
There are two tables in the documents that refer to military superannuation costs. Table 73 reveals the real cash costs of military super over the next five years, whilst Table 71 shows the costs required for the same thing, but adjusted to reflect accrual accounting requirements (including God knows what overheads and assumptions going forward).
The point of interest is that the average increase between the cash and accrual costs shown in the two tables is around 95% i.e. the accrual cost is about 95% higher than the real cash cost, and is reasonably consistent for each of the five years shown.
Taking this 95% increase factor and applying it to our calculated cash figures for the next four years: $21M, $22M, $23M, $24M, produces a revised fair indexation cost of ….wait for it…..$175.5 Million Dollars! Awfully close to the Government’s cash figure of $175 million.
This provides additional evidence that the Government is not using real world cash costs, but possibly the inflated accrual costs which includes fiddle factors apportioned for overheads which would exist whether we got the fair indexation increase or not.
Its just another possible explanation and fits with the Dark Arts games that DoFD get up to to confuse the poor politicians into believing whatever they want them to believe.
The problem is that DoFD will never own up to it. Even if the bureacrats had to front another inquiry, you can bet they would weasel word their way around the truth.
At a recent meeting between these people and our DFWA execs to discuss the their costings, they simply stonewalled and refused to reveal how they arrived at their figures.
We just have to keep using excellent opportunties such as this to expose the DofD costs for what they are – A TOTAL SHAM!
Ray Gibson
Dear BILL ARDEN.Thank you sleuth. You are right. The committee should reconvene. Now.
Better still, those incompetents should be disbanded and a new committee installed. After all, you have just indicated how little knowledge or attention the committee paid to the figures. I wonder who provided those figures to the committee ?
It would be too awful to contemplate it was all a con job – but what you’ve shown us here Bill, certainly points to that.
Dear NEIL WEEKES, this is a most important report of the Senator Ronaldson forum and I thank you for its honesty.
I urge everyone to read this.
I am certainly disturbed at the attempts by Senator Ronaldson and his minders to stifle you all.
This campaign for a Fair Go has burgeoned into such a massive political force that the Liberal Party and others think that they can simply insinuate themselves into your confidence and secure a swag of free votes.
I caution you to resist from any further such forums unless one or more of you are on the forum panel – and not relegated to the back of the room. In fact, don’t sanction the forums unless this is so.
If you can, organise such forums yourself – and invite any/all politicians to attend.
And read out apologies. And read out the names of those who did not bother to respond.
Post everything online.
For decades you have been treated as cannon fodder and I know that you are not in the mood to be treated as political fodder.
I am also concerned at the great discourtesy shown to you Neil, given that you remain such a prominent spokesman for Diggers past and present.
Senator Ronaldson’s ignorance of key issues, that you have exposed in your report, speaks of the shallow attention he has paid to your plight – and the fact that he is more concerned about conning a few more votes from you than he is righting the terrible injustice imposed upon you all.
One major thing that we should all bear in mind, given our direct experience of how poorly we are governed – is this:
If we have discovered all this political sludge and incompetence in relation to Diggergate – then what about all the other decision making processes that we don’t know about???!
Thank you Neil for making it clear to Senator Ronaldson in ‘ Weekes syllables ‘ that Opposition Leader Tony Abbott should make a statement about his commitment – or otherwise – in relation to Diggergate.
And if he’s not prepared to do that now – and if he’s not prepared to initiate a campaign now, whilst in Opposition – then you all know where you stand – and where you can start directing your vote.
Plus Neil, having heard both you AND Senator Ronaldson speak, I fear that Senator Ronaldson knows he would be no match for your eloquence, passion,or the compelling case you and your Brethren make on behalf of the Australian Defence Force Family.
Onya NEIL,
Did Senator Ronaldson say he would march to Canberra with the Diggers ?
Would he even cross the floor for you?
Friday, July 22, 2011
Thank you Brigadier Neil for your excellent input on 21 July 2011. This is just the sort of revelation we need – that they are all tarred with the same brush.
I was suspicious when a member of the LNP suddenly got a conscience after 11 years of doing nothing while in government to fix the indexation problem, then came up with a ‘bare-bones’ private members Bill to get someone else to fix it when they were in opposition! It pains me a bit to say this but I think Senator Wong was right to call it a ‘stunt’.
The Bill covered only DFRDB recipients aged over 55 (later acknowledged to be amended to include DFRB recipients). The Opposition were in a win, win, win situation:
If the Bill got up it would embarrass the Labor government because they would then have to vote against the Bill in the Lower House (again) en bloc, and embarrass Mike Kelly MHR, and open Pandora’s electorate box – more damage to them – their fault.
If it didn’t get up it would embarrass Senator Lundy and/or the Greens but the Opposition knew Labor would vote en bloc (embarrassing Lundy) which would leave the Greens to save the day – but wait; there’s more. The Greens were blinded by power and tried to ransom a deal with the Opposition over the mining tax. The Opposition held off knowing the Greens would have to take the fall. So the Opposition got two birds with one stone.
Either way, the Opposition comes out on top because it can’t be held responsible, as it wasn’t their fault. They made an effort (pat on the back) but the others stuffed it up! Say no more – and that’s exactly what they are doing.
Now that Neil Weekes has put Ronaldson on the spot we find that they, the Opposition, are also concerned about fiscal responsibility if they get into power. I would have thought that fiscal responsibility was a given for ALL those in Parliament – it should be a responsibility of any government and be part of the job description. There is no need to trot it out as some newfound superior quality.
I will march to the next bi-election electorate, waving my ‘Fair Go’ placard, or shirt, or hat, or ribbon. Let’s see if we can test them one at a time – “In you go, Fair Go, or out you go”
[...] Click here to link to the website. [...]
Victorian ABC has a segment on DFRDB last night Friday 22nd July.
ABC website: http://www.abc.net.au/7.30/vic/
We need to get this onto national current affairs programs or even a full investigation/story through 60 Minutes where the politicians need to justify their figures with facts, as former Labor Finance Minister wrote in his recently released book “whenever a politician cites spending figures ……… examine the fine print very carefully.”
“I WILL MARCH TO CANBERRA WITH THE DIGGERS. WILL YOU JOIN ME?”
Copy of email sent to Josie Taylor, host of the Victorian ABC 7.30 Show.
G’day Josie,
Have just had a chance to view the coverage of our Military Superannuation on your ABC 7.30 Show and I want to be one of the many DFRB/DFRDB recipients who will thank you and congratulate you for bringing our plight to the attention of the Australian public. It was a great show and I just hope that you will receive sufficient positive feedback to encourage you to do a follow-up show.
One of the points which did not come out was that those ADF members who did not complete 20 years service before they retired from thje ADF only received their contributions back. They received no interest, no gratuity payment. So the Government had their funds all that time for free and the poor old digger would have been better off putting his 5.5% into a bank account. From memory, this was changed so that those who served 15 or more years, but not 20, not only received their contributions back but they received some interest. One of our readers will, I am sure, provide the precise details.
The second point is that we cannot roll our DFRDB superannuation fund over into another fund of our own choosing, unlike every other Australian can.
Finally each officer rank had been allocated a “notional” retiring age. If an officer retired before this age he/she lost 3% of his/her super for every year he/she retired before this arbitary date. From memory the notional retiring age for a Major was 45 years old. Therefore if a Major retired at 40 years old, he/she would have been penalised 15% of his/her superannuation entitlements. That’s an enormous amount of one’s savings, isn’t it?
Minister Smith, or it might have been the ABC, said that this fair indexation would cost $100 Million dollars per year to implement. The DFWA and others, particularly Peter Thornton, have estimated the real cost is approximately $20 Million per year. The Government is spernding $12 Million on its carbon tax advertisements and Millions more on the illegal boat people deal with Malaysia, not to mention all the other Government largesse.
Josie, it was a marvellous Show and I thank you most sincerely for giving us some much positive, and supportive, exposure.
Kind regards,
Neil Weekes, AM, MC
“I WILL MARCH TO CANBERRA WITH THE DIGGERS. WILL YOU JOIN ME?”
23rd July, 2011
SITUATION REPORT NO. 4 (SITREP 4) PART 1
G’day folks,
WELCOME TO THE OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF OUR NEW WEBSITE – “JUST A FAIR GO”
http://www.justafairgo.net/
OBJECTIVE……..TO WIN THE BATTLE FOR A FAIR GO for all members of the Defence Community.
In this website you will find numerous articles relating to the issues surrounding fair indexation for military superannuants, including videos, podcasts, letters to politicians and a “shame file”. It will include a place for you to add your own comments, on any of the topics. It will also include links to other relevant websites. The site is still being developed and more information will be added, as it comes to hand.
Your comments are important and will provide an excellent forum for your messages to reach others.
No letters or comments that contain inflammatory, derogatory or personal criticisms of other contributors will be accepted. Pseudonyms or nicknames will not be accepted. The website is designed to win the war for “a fair go”. All our energies must be directed for that purpose, and not lost to internal bickering and personal agendas.
So start browsing and tell your friends, so they can be kept informed as well.
Any suggested amendments/corrections, or follow up correspondence is to be directed to:
acalltoarms@bigpond.com
Due to the avalanche of emails and phone calls received, particularly over the last few weeks, the “JUST A FAIR GO” site has been developed to provide information to help Veterans, ex-members of the Australian Defence and their families, in their fight for fair indexation for their “self funded superannuation” and to have it protected against the ever increasing cost of living.
Our aim is to collate the evidence and present it on the site to assist everyone gain a better understanding of the complexities and issues surrounding military superannuation (and other related issues). We would encourage you to take an active role in this Campaign by sending registered letters to Federal politicians of all political persuasions, voicing your frustration and demanding this gross injustice be rectified.
The site also provides important links to other sites, ie. TPI, DFWA and the Alliance of Defence Service Organisations. It is not our intent to replicate these sites, but we will reproduce their Updates and Newsletters, with their approval, on our site for ease of reference, and provide links so that readers can easily be redirected to the main website.
Finally, we must congratulate Dean, our Webmaster, who has spent many long hours in the last two weeks to develop the “JUST A FAIR GO” site. Now the Defence community has an opportunity to access the site and become better informed about military superannuation and the complexities that surround it. Well done, Dean, you have provided a great service for your mates.
This website is still being developed and we readily acknowledge that there are still spelling and grammar mistakes,
but these will be corrected in due course. Additional material will also be added.
___________________________________________________________________________________________
SITUATION REPORT NO. 4 (SITREP 4) – The Siege – Consolidation
Preamble
MEDIA ALERT -
Watch the latest interview on the ABC 7.30 Show regarding DFRB/DFRDB Issue. Follow this link:
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-07-22/war-veteran-campaign-for-better-pensions/2806974
Our fight continues… but success will not be achieved without your action. We must maintain a united and cohesive group. Those who are directly affected by the rejection of the Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits Amendment (Fair Indexation) Bill 2010 by the Senate on 16th June, must be prepared to take ACTION…. This means everyone must arm themselves with pen and paper and start writing. The power of our letters will be in the volume of mail that is delivered to Parliament House! (More about this further in this SITREP)
Even if you are not a DFRB/DFRDB recipient, this still affects you, as YOUR MATES NEED YOUR HELP as do OUR FUTURE WARRIORS, so please join the LETTER RAID CAMPAIGN! (Refer to section below).
We encourage you to continue to refer to the tasks in SITREP 1 – These are still very relevant and we must continue to perform these tasks regularly. They form the basis of our campaign strategy.
For those people who did not receive a copy of the Situation Report No. 1, the lists of tasks are shown below. For those who did, maintain your rage and keep sending those letters! By failing to do so, our message will not remain at the forefront, so please continue with your efforts. Copies of all SITREPS can be found on the new website:
http://www.justafairgo.net
All our earnest meetings with politicians and members of Government Departments
will achieve little.
Politically and publicly shaming such people into action, just might achieve our objective.
Continue to bombard the politicians with your letters of protest. Ensure these letters are only sent by registered mail. (Emails achieve nothing!) See details below on OPERATION “LETTER RAID.”
If you have not received a response to your initial letter within four weeks, send another letter, by registered mail (it doesn’t cost much), demanding a personal response (not a formed letter), and remind the politician very firmly that they are only servants of the people. Remember, no abusive or inflammatory language please. We must maintain our professionalism and dignity. (if unsure what to write, samples of letters to politicians can be found on the new website to assist you):
http://www.justafairgo.net
Every time a politician visits your area, attend their press gatherings, or their public meetings. Make sure that you get to have your questions heard. We must be their constant shadow and always let them know we are in attendance.
We must humanise this Campaign. We implore those who are in serious financial strife to contact the Alliance of Defence Service Organisations, contact details below.
DFWA – Email: national@dfwa.org.au RARC – Email: secretary@rarcorporation.com
Website: http://www.dfwa.org.au Website: http://www.rarcorporation.com
NAA – Email: nationalsecretary@navalassoc.org.au RAAFA – Email:secretary@raafa.org.au
Website: http://www.navalassoc.org.au/index.html Website: http://www.raafa.org.au
ASASA – Email: Davcat66@oal.com
We must provide factual information to show there are many DFRB/DFRDB recipients, or their surviving spouses, who are doing it tough on their miserly superannuation “pension.” We will protect your name, but without personal experience stories, there will be many, including the media, who will continue to disbelieve our plight.
DO NOT invite politicians to attend our Commemorative activities. If they do attend, do not acknowledge them in any speeches. If they approach any Veteran groups, politely turn your back and refuse to engage in any conversation with them. Some organizations are already implementing this.
A “Name and Shame file” has now been established. (Now included on the new website – http://www.justafairgo.net). We have provided a list of those Senators who voted against the Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits Amendment (Fair Indexation) Bill 2010 in the Senate on the 16th June.
Maintain the “Airwave War” by continuing to bombard your local radio stations. These give immediate access to millions of Australians, most of whom have no knowledge or understanding of our fight for “A FAIR GO.” Remember to speak in simple language, do not use military jargon, as the general public will have no idea what you are talking about. Tell them of your personal hardships. To date, we are having some great success with interviews on Australia All Over with Macca (twice), Talking Back the Night, on Gold FM (Christian Argenti on the Gold Coast which was broadcast to 40 regional centres throughout Australia), Radio 2CC (twice), the largest radio station in Canberra. Victoria’s ABC 7.30 Show, which included an interview with several members of the Defence community, on the DFRB/DFRDB issue, earlier this evening, (Friday, 22nd July) will be replayed on Saturday morning at 11.30 a.m. on ABC Channel 24.
There have been several articles albeit, some small, in some newspapers, and an article in the Northern Services Courier.
Please let us know if you have spoken on radio, including the name of the Radio station and the date, so that these details can be included in future SITREPs. (We need to monitor our successes, and keep you informed). Email your details to: acalltoarms@bigpond.com
Opposing Forces
Our intelligence indicates that the politicians are deliberately ignoring all our correspondence in the hope that we will run out of “huff and puff” and that this Campaign will simply disappear like similar Campaigns have. How wrong they are!
Friendly Forces
The groundswell of anger and discontent continues to grow….and the sense of betrayal is palpable. We continue to receive dozens of emails every day, offering support and requesting to be added to our distribution list. Currently, we have 1,000 members on our email distribution list, many of them are currently serving members of all three Services.
My challenge to the retired Senior Officers of all three Services (2 & 3 Star) has had a pleasing result so far. Air Marshall Jake Newham (a former CAS), Air Vice Marshall Peter Criss, MAJGEN David Ferguson, MAJGEN “Digger” James and Commodore Matt Moncrieff, RAN, have joined our fight for “A FAIR GO”. We hope others will follow their lead.
While it has been hectic till now, we must anticipate that there will be times of far less intensity. This is where our real challenge will be. We will keep communicating with you throughout this Campaign, BUT YOU MUST MAINTAIN YOUR RESOLVE AND YOUR COMMITMENT to see this fight right through to the polling booths at the next Election, whenever that may be.
Mission: To win the war for “A FAIR GO” for all Members of the Defence community (serving members, ex-service members and their families).
Execution
General Outline
OPERATION “LETTER RAID”
Parliament resumes sitting on 16th August and we strongly urge you, your family and friends, to become part of the “OPERATION LETTER RAID” Campaign. Our Politicians need to be convinced that we have not gone away, and that we are more determined than ever to bombard them with our letters until they realise that we are serious in our endeavours to win fair indexation for military superannuants and their families! We will not give up until we win the battle!
The Operation (Tasks)
Everyone is to send a minimum of three registered letters, preferably five, to politicians at Parliament House.
The aims of this OPERATION are as follows:
• To encourage our people to take an “active”role, and not sit back and let others do the work.
• To take ownership of this campaign and actually participate – every action is a step closer to success!
• To swamp Parliament House with “hard” material. All letters have to be registered, signed for, delivered to offices, opened and read by the staff, because they cannot assume that every letter they receive has been written by one of us. By rights, every letter should be answered.
Ha! Ha!
• To clearly demonstrate to politicians that there is a large group of our Defence community who are completely disillusioned with the current indexation method of our DFRB/DFRDB superannuation.
• Most importantly – to clearly demonstrate to the politicians that we are an organized and a cohesive group who can coordinate such actions, thereby implying that we can organize other activities.
Timings
All these letters must be addressed to Parliament House, not to the individual electoral offices. We will encourage people to write three letters: one to their local MP (regardless of political party), one to a State Senator and the third to our erstwhile Prime Minister.
Letters are to arrive at Parliament House on either Tuesday, 16th (the day Parliament resumes) or Wednesday 17th August, (the day before Vietnam Veterans’ Day.)
This means your letters must be posted on either 12th August or 13th August.
In the interim, members are encouraged to “trickle feed” letters, specifically to the Independents and to those ALP members holding marginal seats. If you do not receive a reply to your letter, then we would strongly urge you to take the initiative, and follow up with a further letter demanding a considered reply. These should also be sent on 12th/13th August.
OPERATION “LETTER RAID” letters must be posted in the first instance to PARLIAMENT HOUSE on 12th/13th August.
All letters must be addressed to:
Senator…..
The Senate,
Parliament House,
CANBERRA, ACT 2600
For those still feeling energetic….. please copy your letters and forward them on at the same time to the Electoral Offices of the Senators who voted against the Bill, to ensure they are totally bombarded!! A complete listing of Senators and all their electoral offices can be obtained from this link:
http://www.aph.gov.au/Senate/senators/homepages/index.asp
Names of those Senators who voted against the Bill are as follows:
M. V. Arbib (ALP) C. L. Bilyk (ALP) T. M. Bishop (ALP) R. J. Brown (ALP)
D.N. Cameron (ALP) K.J. Carr (ALP) S. M. Conroy (ALP) P. Crossin (ALP)
D. Farrell (ALP) J. Faulkner (ALP) Retd D. Feeney (ALP) M. G. Forshaw (ALP)Retd M. L. Furner (ALP) S. C. Hanson-Young (ALP) J. J. Hogg (ALP) A. Hurley (ALP)
S. Hutchins (ALP) S. Ludlam (GREENS) K. A. Lundy (ALP) G. M. Marshall (ALP)
A. McEwen (ALP) J. McLucas (ALP) C. Milne (GREENS) C. M. Moore (ALP)
K. O”Brien (ALP) Retd.L. C. Pratt (ALP) N. J. Sherry (ALP) R. Siewert (GREENS)
U. Stephens (ALP) G. Sterle (ALP) P. Wong (ALP) D. Wortley (ALP) Retd.
N. Xenophon (INDEP) R. J. Brown (GREENS)
Marginal seats
For those who really want to take the fight to the politicians, please send another letter to your local politician, especially if they hold a marginal seat, as listed below. Again these letters should be addressed to Parliament House, and not to the Member’s Electoral Office.
The generic address is as follows (for additional information go to this link, eg. telephone numbers, etc:
http://www.aph.gov.au/house/members/mi-alpha.asp
Member’s Name………..MP,
Federal Member for…………..
House of Representatives
CANBERRA, ACT 2600
House of Representatives – Marginal Seats
Name Seat Party Name Seat Party
Darren Cheesman Corangamite ALP Ken Wyatt Hasluck LIB
Andrew Southcott Boothby LIB Michelle Rowland Greenway ALP
Laura Smyth LaTrobe ALP Deborah O’Neill Robertson ALP
Bruce Billson Dunkley LIB David Bradbury Lindsay ALP
Graham Perrett Moreton ALP Tess Gambaro Brisbane LNP
Andrew Wilkie Denison IND Louise Markus Macquarie LIB
Daryl Melham Banks ALP Bert Van Manen Forde LNP
Natasha Griggs Solomon CLP Alan Tudge Aston LIB
Wyatt Roy Longman LNP Evan Jones Herbert LIB
Don Randall Canning LIB Mike Symon Deakin ALP
George Christensen Dawson LNP Yvette D’Ath Petrie ALP
Stephen Irons Swan LIB John Murphy Reid ALP
Ross Vasta Bonner LNP Russell Matheson Macarthur LIB
John Alexander Bennelong LIB Wayne Swan Lilley ALP
Gary Gray Brand ALP Christopher Pyne Sturt LIB
Kirsten Livermore Capricornia ALP Peter Slipper Fisher LNP
Warren Snowden Lingiari ALP Tony Smith Casey LIB
Janelle Saffin Page ALP Anthony Albanese Grayndler ALP
Mike Kelly Eden Monaro ALP Shayne Neumann Blair ALP
Julie Owens Parramatta ALP Russell Broadbent McMillian LIB
Warren Enisch Leichhardt LNP Craig Thomsom Dobell ALP
Peter Dutton Dickson LNP Peter Garrett Kings.Smith ALP
Craig Kelly Hughes LIB Joanna Gash Gilmore LIB
Rob Mitchell McEwen ALP Bob Baldwin Paterson LIB
Craig Emerson Rankin ALP Michael Keenan Stirling LIB
Steve Georganas Hindmarsh ALP Melissa Parke Fremantle ALP
Bernie Ripoll Oxley ALP Stephen Smith Perth ALP
It is worth noting that the number of Defence/Commonwealth public servants, living in the majority of marginal seats, far outweighs the number of votes required to unseat the sitting Member in each of those seats. When writing to these politicians, remind them that their seat will be targeted at the next election. (A comprehensive table giving all relevant information can be found on our website: http://www.justafairgo.net Please include the various figures in your letter to your particular politician. e.g. “I note you hold your seat by………votes. However, I also note that there are ……….DFRB/DFRDB recipients and Commonwealth Public Service Pensioners living in your Electorate. I think you should consider this, going into the next Election.”
The success of OPERATION “LETTER RAID” will be guaranteed if you consider this formula:
• There 1,000 members on this emailing address
• If each member writes and mails three letters = 3,000 letters
• If one other relative in each household writes another 3 letters = 3,000 letters
• If each member then sends this SITREP to five other members and requests each new recipient and one relative of each new recipient, to each write three letters = 30,000 letters
• TOTAL 36,000 LETTERS and this is only the beginning…….
There are some recipients of this SITREP who will on forward it to more than 100 (in some cases more than 1,000) other people, who hopefully, will do the same thing and all recipients will write their three letters. Not a lot to ask, we could easily achieve over 50,000 letters arriving at Parliament House within a span of two days.
Let’s make it happen! – People Power will Win!
______________________________________________________________________________________________
Additional Information
Carbon (Dioxide) Tax
The average DFRB/DFRDB superannuation payment (“pension”) is $22,559. Whilst our members might receive some tax relief with an increase in the non-tax threshold, as a result of the new Carbon (Dioxide) Tax, this certainly does not address the fact that the inflationary pressures of the proposed carbon price is not well known. Given the Government’s track record, we lack any confidence in any modelling undertaken by the Department of Finance and Deregulation / Treasury. Basically the proposed carbon tax will impact on each member differently, as it will be determined by their total taxable income, whether they are on any other benefits and whether or not they receive a Commonwealth Health Card. Consequently it would be advisable to seek advice from a financial adviser, an accountant or from your tax consultant.
Once we have more precise details on how this tax will impact on DFRB/DFRDB recipients we will post it to this site and we will include the details in a SITREP.
Remember while the Government and the Opposition are completely preoccupied with the Carbon Tax debate, we have little chance of gaining any political traction. That is why it is essential for OPERATION “LETTER RAID” to be carried out strictly in accordance with the program outlined above.
We understand that another action group will be conducting a Rally on the lawns of Parliament House on 16th August to demonstrate against the introduction of the carbon tax. http://www.hadenough.com
Unresolved Issues
The ‘FAIR GO” Campaign is a “rolling” campaign, as it will continue to address other related matters which still have yet to be resolved, including:
• TPI Pensions
• Commutation of DFRB/DFRDB pensions
• Life Expectancy Tables
• Taxation on DFRB/DFRDB superannuation payments
• Treatment of surviving spouses of DFRB/DFRDB recipients
• Pharmaceutical Expenses
• Restoration of PM Keating’s “stolen” 1.8% of the DFRB/DFRDB superannuation payments from October 1986 to November 1989.
Replies from Politicians
To date, very few responses have been received from our Politicians of all parties. Those that have been received have normally been written by staff members from the politician’s office. Responses have been identical and have been of no value to our cause. They have been full of rhetoric and “hot air.” This clearly demonstrates, once again, their lack of interest, their lack of concern and their determination to ignore us! Their puerile responses do them no justice and only continue to inflame the situation and increase our resolve to see this out until the bitter end.
Independent Australia (online publication)
http://www.independentaustralia.net/2011/politics/exclusive-breaking-news
All members are encouraged to continue posting their letters and emails, as well as any responses from politicians (both letters and emails), to the website above. This site has become the official historical document for our fight for “A FAIR GO” and it is essential that we maintain it up to date for the duration of our fight. You should be aware that this site is monitored regularly by the politicians and by an ever increasing number of the general public.
We acknowledge the fabulous work done by Tess Lawrence, Journalist Advocate. Without her inspiration and her indefatigable determination, we would never have got this far – thanks Tess.
I will march to Canberra with the Diggers, will you join me?
Neil Weekes, AM, MC
I have received approval to post this letter, which I believe is a “watershed” letter as it has been released by the Springwood Tri-Servies RSL Branch Inc. Neil Weekes
21st. July 2011
The Hon. Dr. Craig Emerson MP
PO Box 349
WOODRIDGE QLD. 4114
Dear Dr. Emerson,
Re: FAIR INDEXATION BILL.
As you are no doubt aware the above Bill relating to indexation of Military Superannuants was rejected by the Senate on June 16 last, causing great angst amongst the ex service community and concern for those still serving.
All that people request is to be treated equally, particularly those who have served our country in times of threat and in fulfilling our international obligations in accord with the wishes of our Governments, of both political persuasions, over many years.
We ask that you consult with your party and its associated supporters, i.e. Australian Greens and Independents, to have this issue brought forward and resolved in favour of Fair Indexation to the DFRB/DFRBD Superannuation and to be indexed twice yearly and receive the same percentage increase as the Old Age Pension.
The following is an extract from the Australian Bureau of Statistics which strongly demonstrates the declining spending power of DFRBD Superannuants.
THE ALL GROUPS PENSIONER AND BENEFICIARY LIVING COST INDEX (PBLCI)
rose 1.9% for the March quarter 2011, compared with a rise of 0.7% in the December quarter 2011.
showed a larger increase for the March quarter 2011 than the CPI (+1.6%).
rose 4.6% through the year to March quarter 2011, compared to a through the year rise of 4.0% to December quarter 2010.
showed a larger increase through the year to March quarter 2011 than the CPI (+3.3%).
At our last meeting a decision was made, and unanimously supported, to refrain from extending invitations to ALL Federal politicians to future functions and commemorations held by our sub branch.
Please note that this applies to ALL Federal politicians as the Opposition has had many opportunities whilst in Government to redress this inequality and failed to do so, despite many promises to the contrary. The same criticism applies to our current Government.
Lest We Forget
A.G. Hamlyn –Sub Branch President
c.c the Hon. J. Gillard, The Hon. A. Abbott, Sen. R Brown,. Albert & Logan News
I have discussed the DFRDB indexation issue with a Labor party member, and Federal Delegate, of a local branch (a marginal seat). He is an ex-gunner (a ‘young gun’, short term) and he has already moved (in July) that the subject be discussed at the local branch meeting in August. He has passed to me the following letter sent to over 100 of his old A Field Battery mates for input (personal details edited out).
I have the authors permission to publish this letter. I believe this is worth sharing with the readers of this forum, to form a balanced view. We are not alone.
“Hello Everyone,
I wish to bring to your attention again, the issue that is DFRB & DFRDB. To most of you, this is an issue of concern. To all of us, we should not forget our mates, those that are struggling to make ends meet, for this gentlemen, is their hour of need. Our collective hour of need!
Recently, you may remember, I wrote to the Battery as a whole asking if there were any issues, concerns or information that may assist me when I put forward the motion in support of the issues pertaining to the subject matter.
This issue does not affect me financially but surely there must be some of you that could provide something? Even if you think it may be trivial, I would appreciate any offerings you may have. Please send any info before 1800hrs, Monday 1 August, 2011.
A good friend of mine has been helping me to ‘bone up’ on this issue and yes; I firmly believe there is a case to be argued.
Without going into too much detail, indexing your pension to the CPI is wrong in so many ways. Not least of which is the fact that it is a better measurement of inflation than it is an indicator of ‘cost of living’. This method of indexation was seen for its pitfalls as far back as the introduction of accord in the mid-eighties. There was the ‘tweaking’ of super under the Whitlam Govt. i.e. ‘the Govt, stole our money’, when transferring DFRB to consolidated revenue. And then there was the 2% Keating took from the funds during the ‘recession we had to have’ that was never re-compensated. There is an argument there, also.
But gentlemen, please remember that a Coalition govt. was in power for eleven years and they sat on the same reports and did nothing either. Recipients of DFRB, and to a lesser extent, DFRDB were affected at the introduction of the GST. My point being is that both major parties have been remiss of their responsibilities over the years.
What I surmise is that, whilst our brothers have quality of life, they should be entitled to a quality of life that was promised to them financially. At least I remember that ‘Candy, you serve 20 years, you’ll get a pension’. I know a lot of you remained ‘loyal’ for those reasons. It was a promise that was promoted by both sides of politics and it is time to stand by that promise. However it can and will be done is a challenge for the Govt. of the day, but as long as it gets done. I dare anyone to challenge that.
So, I say again, on the very day of the birthday of ‘A’ Field Battery, 140 years young, I want to put forward a motion at a Labor Party meeting that will not only see justice for our surviving diggers, our mates, but the service and sacrifice that our proud Battery has made in the development and security of this great country. My intention is; to do the very best I can.
I need your help! I want your help. I want to help.
Cheers
Candy”
STOP PRESS! JOSIE TAYLOR ABC TV 7.30 VICTORIA/QUEENSLAND
Dear All,keep posting this brilliant report – and pass it around.
Thanks Presenter/Reporter Josie Taylor – and thanks to the hard working 7.30 ( Victoria ) team for having the courage to consider and investigate this issue.
Thank you for interviewing Defence Minister Stephen Smith, because as yet, he won’t meet with the Diggers.
He’ll visit them when they’re in coffins and there’s a photo opportunity to exploit – but he won’t meet with IAN MCMANUS and NEIL WEEKES and others whilst they’re still alive. Why not ?
You’re their servant Minister Smith. It’s not the other way around.
They’re not going to fade away Smithy. How dare you continue to insult them and demean their service to this country. And how dare you hold their families in such contempt.
See for yourselves Australia, what the Minister for Offence, Stephen Smith, thinks of Australia’s Defence Force Personnel.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-07-22/pensions-for-returned-servicemen-criticised/2807000
Dear NEIL WEEKES, thank you so much for your kind and supportive words. For me, it is a privilege and part of my commitment to walk with you all since I became involved and wrote that first article posted on Independent Australia on June 25.
You are now mobilised into a coherent and competent force. You have been underestimated by the Gillard Labor Government and the Opposition, Greens and Independents alike.
You have been marginalised and trashed and thrashed for decades.
I have never underestimated any of you. I see in you a glimpse of something in the Australian character and heritage that has been misplaced and displaced by a political
artiface that has no relevance whatsover with the people.
So many people, upon reading your comments here, have remarked about your collective intelligence, due dilligence and hard work and passion – and your caring for your Brethren.
It’s as if they are surprised that ‘cannon fodder ‘ actually has a heart and thinks.
I think it’s because for so long you have been locked out of public discourse. No more.
I am unashamedly your subjective advocate – and will remain so as long as I am of any use to you. I am outnumbered and outgunned journalistically, but I have no compunction in standing shoulder to shoulder with you, and feel safe under your mantle of protection and support.
I WILL MARCH TO CANBERRA WITH THE DIGGERS. WILL YOU JOIN ME ?
NORWAY CONDOLENCE:
Our sympathy and empathy for our grieving brothers and sisters in Norway.
The horrific bombings and executions are cogent reminders that cowardice and the enemy within are two sides of the coinage of terrorism.
ONYA CADEL EVANS! You Champion!
You never gave up. And neither will we!
Our pursuit for a Fair Go for Diggers past and present continues to gather support from the wider community. You are a wonderful inspiration.
STOP PRESS! RSL DIGGERS vote to BAN ALL Federal politicians from functions and commemorative events.
Read A.G Hamlyn’s ( President of the Sub-Branch of the Springwood RSL ) amazing letter to Minister for Trade Craig Emerson.
What amazing and courageous support! And what effective activism!
Onya Springwood. We can ALL learn from this. Please let us know of Emerson’s response. Or, if he doesn’t bother responding at all.
* Thanks NEIL WEEKES for posting this important watershed letter.
There has been much discussion on what “we” should do now, but who is actually doing anything? Posting our displeasure to our various websites is great but our message is only getting out to the converted, to those who already access these sites.
Don’t get me wrong,this is great as we need to keep our members informed, but we really need to flood the radio stations while this issue is “hot”. Talk Back Radio is the way to go, because it will get the general public involved. Don’t wait until an interview has been arranged, get on the radios now.
I guess the other way to get our message across is to include this matter in our letters that we will send as part of OPERATION “LETTER RAID” but even then the politicians will probably not even get to read one of our letters. Their staffers will do that. Radio is the way to go for the next week before the Minister’s unconscionable obfuscation of our plight by his use of “rubbery figures” is old news.
OPERATION “LETTER RAID”
THE MARCH TO CANBERRA HAS BEGUN. WILL YOU JOIN ME?
I was extremely happy to see the Springwood RSL take a stance. Perhaps we all need to lobby our sub-branches to similar actions, which may ultimately force the hand of the RSL leadership to openly support us and publicly criticize the treatment meted out by successive governments. Much as I disliked Paul Keating, he could not have been more accurate in 1992 when he referred to the senate as “unrepresentative swill”. It should also be noted that the senators of the territories (ACT and NT) have their terms in office defined as per house of representative elections. Those 4 senators should be targeted (this means you MS Lundy!!) at the next election. Also Neil, I was discussing the letter raid with a friend, and he suggested that we mark our registered letters as ‘PRIVATE AND CONFIDENTIAL’ so that they have to be opened by the addressee. That might brown them off somewhat.
Keep up the fight. Maurie Simons
I WILL MARCH TO CANBERRA WITH THE DIGGERS. WILL YOU JOIN ME?
Dear NEIL WEEKES, agree that radio is a powerful medium, but all media is important and all overtures should be viewed ‘ as well as ‘ and not ‘instead of. ‘ Campaigns must embrace print, TV and radio – and social media – in equal measure and energy.
We don’t have or want the hundreds of spin doctors, PR machines, lobbyists, minders et al employed by the Gillard Labor Government.
But we do need for the truth to get out there and we have a common aim in seeking Justice for past and serving Diggers and their families and heirs.
It is critical to leave an electronic imprint in writing – as evidence and as documentation
and also to refute the many faux facts and misinformation promulgated by this and previous governments.
Moreover, these comments provide an important resource and historical record and an invaluable archive for the wider community to access, view and consider.
Also,the comments have become an important ‘ meeting place. ‘ Of minds and hearts.
You have been underestimated by politicians. Your eloquent, passionate and competent voices here indicate just how severely has been that underestimation.
From: Ray Payne
Sent: Sunday, 24 July 2011 10:54 AM
To: ‘Neil’
Subject: RE: FAIR GO WEBSITE
Neil,
Just a question … If it gets to the stage that we coordinate a campaign in marginal electorates is there anything preventing us from wearing coats and medals and handing out information or how to vote cards at the polling and pre-polling booths?
Ray
G’day Ray,
Not at all, mate. What a great idea. In fact, I have a devious plan to conduct a number of protest demonstrations outside the electoral offices of some of the marginal seats, while Parliament is in recess, of course, so that the Politician should be there.
I hope to do that at a couple of electoral seats, then coordinate these protests at several seats all around Australia, all at the same time on the same day, then we do the whole lot.
This is an ongoing plan, based on the assumption that the Government may run its full term to 2013.
This will take a great deal of organisation and coordination, but if people are willing to assist, everything is possible –
START ME WITH TEN WHO ARE STOUT-HEARTED MEN AND I’LL SOON GIVE YOU TEN THOUSAND MORE!!!
Cheers,
Neil
OPERATION “LETTER RAID”
THE MARCH TO CANBERRA HAS BEGUN. WILL YOU JOIN ME?
Dear 10SUMPY.It is great to have this support from the Springwood RSL – think it’s a great idea to garner rolling support. And I didn’t realise that about Territories Senators.
Onya, Maurie!
Fudgy Finance Figures Deny Diggers a Fair Go!
Tanner’s black art of fudging costs for Government policies and programs to suit the political agenda of the day is alive and well.
This well used device can found in the toolkit of any self-respecting Finance Department bureaucrat in Canberra. One current example is the absurdly large cost estimates Finance has used to try and kill support for Fair Indexation for military superannuation pensions.
Unfortunately, many gullible politicians have been duped by the mythical Finance figures and accepted the Minister’s spin that fair indexation of military superannuation pensions at the same rate as the Age pension is unaffordable for our long serving military retirees.
The bureaucracy is making a laughing stock of the Parliament in the true ideals of Yes Minister, but it is no laughing matter to the many thousands of ex-military families and widows who see their standard of living being eroded year after year.
The buck stops with the Prime Minister on this.
So how about it Prime Minister — When will your Government stop dabbling in Tanner’s black arts of deception and reveal to Parliament the true costs of fair indexation for our Digger’s superannuation pensions?
I wrote to Minister Smith, as follows:
Your appearance on 7:30 Stateline Victoria on Friday 22 July included a seriously damaging misrepresentation of the facts concerning fair indexation of military superannuation.
This issue is well known, given that on 16 June the Senate, with Labor’s vote and that of the Greens, rejected the Bill designed as a first step to resolve this long standing inequity; even though the House of Representatives (you included, presumably) had agreed to support the Bill only two weeks earlier.
On the Stateline program you did not challenge the merits of the case. Indeed, you implied in your statements that looking after our veterans is “very important as part of the Australian ethos.”
Why then, Minister, did you misleadingly state that fair indexation would result in “billions of dollars cost to tax payers”? You know very well that this is the cost when projected for many decades into the future. All government programs cost money, and projected over a long period they cost a lot of money. But it is a non sequitur to imply that just entitlements should therefore not be provided for.
Your cynical use of this number is nothing more than a smokescreen and scare campaign to avoid the Government meeting its obligations towards our veterans. For a Minister for Defence to use such tactics is a disgrace, and is an insult to the 60,000 or so veterans who are being deliberately obstructed and seriously disadvantaged financially – contrary to their just entitlement. And it is time that this un-Australian behaviour stopped. It is disingenuous and serves only to demonstrate to veterans, and to currently serving ADF people on MSBS conditions, that you really mean to obstruct their fair and just claims for the restoration of one of their conditions of service. Yes, Minister, a condition of service, taken away retrospectively by government inaction.
The cost, Minister, has been presented in numerous submissions by the DFWA, among others, with evidence and analysis from independent commentators. It is some $20 million per annum. That cost estimate has been left unchallenged, including as recently as 28 June 2011, when it was discussed at a face to face meeting with officials from the Department of Finance and Deregulation, officers from Mr Snowdon’s and Senator Wong’s offices and an official from the Department of Defence.
Because of actions like yours military superannuants continue to face ever-decreasing purchasing power, reducing standards of living, and continuing, illogical and unjust dismissal by the Government (people) they served. I am at a loss to understand how your behaviour fits with Labor’s strong core value of “fairness” and its principle of a “fair go” for all Australians. Ex-service people regard it as nothing more than a callous betrayal.
I will be pleased to receive your personal and direct response to this, and to learn what you are doing to help fix this injustice.
Who would not be apalled with the lack lustre performance of a government that consists of many who undermined the Vietnam involvement and march and spat on returned diggers. I have nothing but contempt for this government and the spineless concubine that has let this country down so many times before. I pray to God that a full scale global war is not raging because we would be under a foreign flag and wearing chains. Guys I applaud your fight and I along with countless other Australians salute you and your cause.
Another salvo fired at Mike Kelly MP, by a very good marksman. Well done Rodney, and thanks for sharing your letter.
Ray Gibson
—————————————————————
St HELENS
TASMANIA 7216
17 July 2011
The Hon Dr M. Kelly AM MP
PO Box 214
QUEANBEYAN. NSW. 2620
Dear Dr Kelly,
By now you will have received a letter from AVM Criss, that letter has been circulated widely on the internet and indications are that thousands of ex-servicemen, veterans and their families agree with the sentiments he has expressed.
Like AVM Criss, when you were elected I felt we had a “friend at Court”, you would represent our position and at the very least you would explain to other politicians and bureaucrats the very significant distinction between military service and other forms of public service. It was not to be.
Initially your Party relied heavily on the Matthews Report to deny our claims, both the Report and it’s Terms of Reference are flawed and a great deal has been written to discredit the document.
Now the Party line is that even if we have been treated unfairly you can’t afford to redress this matter. In doing so you have inflated the cost to justify rejection, that approach might be a little more palatable if there was any evidence of fiscal responsibility in your Party’s other policies and programs. Anyhow anyone who subscribes to your approach should have a look at Peter Thornton’s analysis of the DoF figures.
Lastly perhaps the most insulting response is that for those of us that are struggling there is always a welfare safety net. We don’t want welfare we just want equity.
Obviously you have moved on from your military days and embarked on what I suppose you hope is a lengthy and rewarding political career. We hope to disappoint you as you have disappointed us.
Yours sincerely
Rodney K.S. Ross
Congratulations to the Springwood RSL for joining the fight. Let’s hope that more RSL Clubs will take the lead from Springwood and come on board.
Sumpy, that’s a great idea to include the words PRIVATE & CONFIDENTIAL on all registered mail to our politicians. This will ensure the mail reaches the politicians concerned. I have some letters ready to be posted in the morning and I will run with your suggestion! Thanks for the tip.
I WILL MARCH TO CANBERRA WITH THE DIGGERS, WILL OTHER RSL CLUBS JOIN ME?
Dear RODNEY K.S.ROSS, your letter to MIKE KELLY is brilliant – and exposes the hypocrisy of Mike Kelly as an individual and the Gillard Labor Government as a political party.
The insulting notion that you should all resort to the Welfare safety net is a worrying and dangerous assertion.
That Welfare safety net is there for people who need it – not for people who need it to compensate for the Government’s treachery, incompetence, and indeed, lies.
How dare the Government itself suggest those funds be ‘ plundered ‘ by you all. How dare they insult you by reducing this to a purely venal pursuit. And how dare their insult recipients of welfare.
There are serious moral and ethical issues on foot; as well as that implied sacred covenant between the soldier and his/her Government, to be military servants of Australia and thus prepared to lay their lives on the line on the understanding that retirement, death and injury benefits would reflect this undertaking and sacrifice.
Sadly, it is a one-sided covenant. You have been abused and trashed for decades by successive Governments.
One would have thought that Mike Kelly, having once had the privilege of wearing his country’s uniform, would have been your staunch ally rather than ( to quote one of your brethren ) become a ‘ turncoat.’
Welcome, RODNEY K.S. ROSS, so good to have another Taswegian on board, and from wonderful St Helens.
Your letter is a corker, and we can all learn from it.
Politicians are supposed to be the servants of the people. Not the other way around.
We have all been too servile to them for too long.
Posted with the blessing of Bernie McGurgan:
—– Original Message —–
From: Bernie McGurgan
To: Neil ;
Cc:
Sent: Sunday, July 24, 2011 3:29 PM
Subject: DFRB/DFRDB Indexation
Gidday John & Neil
Yep my DFRDB increase was exactly $20.60 wef 14 JUL 11!
My decrease in Service entitlement (WS pension) was exactly $297.36 down to $290.72 a LOSS of $6.64 PF, wef 28 JUL 11 and after another increase of $00.34 wef 01 JUL 11! I don’t know what the latter was for probably for some sort of re-assessment?
So I have a net gain of $13.96 ($20.60 minus $6.64 = $13.96), I have not worried about the piddling $00.34 PF!
This is all part of “clawback” and the Government will not release definite financial statements nor figures in this regard!
I would imagine around 60/70% of DFRB/DFRDB recipients, particularly SVN Veterans, would perhaps receive WS entitlements of some percentage, and this again would lower the Governments financial bill, via clawback, if superannuation was to be indexed against CPI, PBLCI and MTAWE whichever is the greater, just like the Age Pension!
If partial WS recipients and DFRDB superannuants were to receive indexation as above it is a much better “out come” as use of such indexation methods against DFRDB entitlements is very much greater, as DFRDB entitlements are much larger PF entitlements than partial WS etc!
There is no one receiving DFRB/DFRDB and full WS entitlements! Once you receive a certain amount of ever increasing income you will eventually be “income asetted out” from WS payments via the sliding scale! Again clawback rears its ugly head! So we need to be very careful in this regard as to ever increasing DFRB/DFRDB payments?
John Graham and I went through this exercise with Griffin around 5/7 years ago! He never produced the exact figures I wanted in regards to DUAL WS and DFRB/DFRDB recipients = guesswork on my part in 2011, but it is very important in the overall scheme of things and I’m sure they have the “numbers” on tap, but won’t release!
The amount WS decreases is worked out on a very confusing sliding scale (available on DVA website) and depends how much “assessed” extra income you receive which dictates how much WS/FN you will get!
_________________________________________________________________________________________
As an addendum if you are on WS payments you are not taxed until you reach 65 or 66 years of age now in 2011?
It is all tax free up until the ever increasing Age pension number of 2010 plus!
I don’t believe Age pension recipients are taxed at all?
This taxing rule makes no sense to me at all?
Bernie
Hope this explains it a little better?
Persevere
Bernie
Dear HOEBEE, thank you for this astounding and powerful reposte to DEFENCE MINISTER STEPHEN SMITH’s lies on last Friday’s 7.30 Victoria/Queensland on ABC TV in a report by presenter JOSIE TAYLOR.
I use the word ‘ lies ‘ rather than misrepresentations because I implicitly trust the detailed figures and forensic analysis provided by you and your Brethren over those promulgated by the Gillard Labor Government and it is worth noting that those figures have not been contradicted by ANYONE in Government, or any politician of any political hue for that matter.
IAN MCMANUS, NEIL WEEKES and others have requested a face to face meeting with MINISTER SMITH.
He would be utterly aware that the figures he gave the ABC were lies.
Why doesn’t he have enough courage to meet with you ?
And why wouldn’t he want to meet with you, regardless ?
So many of us expected so much more from Stephen Smith when he was appointed Minister of Defence.
Dear BERNIE MCGURGAN,Crikey, your first few pars says it all.
How dare the Gillard Labor Government continue to treat you all with
such contempt, and in our name.
As more Australians become aware of your predicament, the Government will experience
a greater backlash.
Recent polling indicates that Prime Minister Julia Gillard is in a precarious political position in her own Victorian electorate of Lalor.
Given the number of Defence Force recipients in Lalor who are already mobilising in this campaign, if an election was held today, you certainly have the political power to unseat her.
And you could replicate this across the nation, given that the wider Defence Force Family grouping is calculated to number about 3million.
Some family!
I have a question for everybody that is supporting this PUSH why is it everybody only talking about the people aged 55 and over I am younger that that and on a disability pension does this not effect me as well or am I just wasting my breath.
Thanks
Bruce
You are absolutely right Bruce.
It does affect you and the Fair Go campaign recognises that. It was the Coalition that came up with the idea of restricting the Fair Indexation Bill to over 55s. The Alliance of Defence Organisations ADSO supported the Bill, but made it very clear to the Coalition that this was just the first step towards getting fair Indexation for all DFRB/DFRDB and MSBS pensioners. IF you go to the Just A Fair Go Website:
http://www.justafairgo.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=7:milsuperfacts&catid=7:fairgo&Itemid=161
and check out the Fact sheet you will see the full range of military super injustices that are on the Fair Go Agenda. This includes fair indexation for all military superannuation pensioners.
Ray Gibson
Bruce
As Ray says, those driving the campaign are very aware of the unfair situation for people like you Bruce. My letters to Coalition Shadow Ministers and MPs have strongly urged them to not only re-present their now-rejected Fair Indexation Bill, but also to extend it to include MSBS and under 55s on disability. If you wish to have a copy of what I sent in, please let me know via: [I am sure they would pass your mesage on to me. You would be welcome to adapt it for your own purposes. On that note, I would also strongly urge you to join the writing campaign. See the Fair Go web site: http://www.justafairgo.net/
Bert Hoebee
The address to pass your message to me Bruce is:
acalltoarms@bigpond.com
Bert
http://picasaweb.google.com/greghoey1/GregHoeyPicassaArtPhotos#5610187060513473314
There is such a thing as question time in Parliament.
Several competent and responsible people have challenged the figures provided by the Department of Finance and Deregulation (DoFD) to the House Committee review of the Fair Indexation Bill. These challenges have been detailed and documented and tabled.
The DoFD has denied that their figures are wrong. How come the Opposition hasn’t asked the DoFD to table details of its calculations?
The Opposition proposed and presented the Bill. Why haven’t they followed through and challenged the issues that went contrary to their own statements?
Why hasn’t the Opposition challenged Labor and the Greens and the Independent to explain their calculations, or on what figures they made their ‘fiscally responsible’ decision to reject the Bill?
Where is the proponent of the Bill? Where is the Opposition?
Let us start asking these questions of our Parliamentarians, and adding them to our letters.
Here is my email to Tony Abbot, “his” reply, and my response. Pissed off? Yes, but at least better than what I received from Brown and Lundy, zero.
Dear Mr Abbott, My question is directed to you, and could you pls reply personally, though I do appreciate you are a busy man. Why do you not attack the Government on the issue of the Defence Force Pensions Fair Indexation Bill, recently rejected by the Greens ad Labor Senators, in particular, Kate Lundy. This has been ongoing, with previous lip service to changes, however there appears to be a denial of justice, rampant amongst our elected parliamentary members. I note that every time another Digger is killed our politicians express their sorrow and with platitudes unkindly viewed by past members of those same Defence Forces who now receive pensions based on CPI, and which are now well below the payments received by old age pensioners. Why do you not mention this to the press, do we not rate a mention? All we want is a fair go. You have it within your power to make this a national issue, and further place Gillard and her partners, the Greens, in a hot spot which will badly reflect on them. However apart from the politics, I believe that you are a fair man, and that you will do what is right. Please do something!! Thank You Daryl Collins-Roe Ex RAAF Defence pension recipient of $23000 p.a.
Reply
Thank you for your email to the Leader of the Opposition the Hon Tony Abbott MHR. Mr Abbott has asked me to respond on his behalf.
The Coalition appreciates the time and effort that many Australians put into sharing their views. Your comments have been carefully noted.
On behalf of Mr Abbott I thank you for your letter.
I have also attached a copy of Mr Abbott’s Budget Reply speech for your interest.
Yours sincerely
Tony Abbott’s office
My response:
And your reply is what I had expected. It appears that your boss,which ever minion reads this, operates under a standard bullshit response. “Your comments have been carefully noted”.
As it appears likely that Mr Abbott will more than likely be the next PM, I would have thought it more appropriate that he, at the least, gives you some idea about the issues I raised.
You, Tony Abbots Office, do not even bother to reply with a name.
Very poor, and down the drain goes another vote.
This is my name.
Daryl Collins-Roe
From: colroe@gmail.com [mailto:colroe@gmail.com]
Sent: Tuesday, 12 July 2011 6:04 PM
To: tony@tonyabbott.com.au
Subject: Tony Abbott MP – Contact Form
It appears to me, despite all the letters, emails, etc, to the mainstream media and politicians, we are the subject of a “shutout” or “shutup”.
I would like to mention a quote from arguably the greatest military general in history, Napoleon Bonaparte, whose Field Marshall’s advised him not to lead an army into Italy because the alps were impassable at that time of year. Napoleon replied, “For Napoleons Army, there shall be no alps”. He tackled the alps, and conquered Italy.
Can we not take the fight directly to the people. Perhaps some active campaigning, as previously mentioned, in seats that may be lost, and also how about some campaigning in Abbotts and Gillards seats, with letterbox drops and pamphlets?. I dont know how or if this could be done, but it would certainly create some interest.
G’day all,
REPORT ON TONY ABBOTT’S FORUM IN TOWNSVILLE ON 24TH JULY, 2011
On Friday, 23rd July, 2011 the Prime Minister of Australia, the Honorable Julia Gillard, MP arrived in Townsville with little fanfare. After announcing some Federal funding to improve the Bruce Highway, the Prime Minister then conducted a “forum” with some high school students. As far as I know, the forum dealt primarily with carbon tax matters.
The Prime Minister did not conduct a public forum and most Townsvillians were unaware of the Prime Minister’s visit until they read about in the Townsville Bulletin on the following day!!!
The Federal Member for Herbert, Mr. Ewen Jones, MP, arranged a public forum which was held at the Brothers’ League Club on Sunday afternoon on 24th July. The guest speaker was the Leader of the Opposition, Mr Tony Abbott, MP.
While escorting Mr. Abbott to the stage, Mr. Jones introduced Mr. Abbott to a number of those attending the forum. This was completely impromptu as there was no pre-arranged seating. When I was introduced to Mr. Abbott, he responded by saying “you’re that Brigadier who is leading the push for a fair indexation for the DFRB people.” I responded by saying we were fighting for a fair indexation, that I had a least one question for him and that I would like to see him after the meeting. I mention this, not to trumpet my own involvement, but rather to state that if Mr. Abbott was aware of our fight, we can be certain that the Greens-ALP Government is aware of our movement too. To me, this is critically important as it clearly demonstrates that our fight for “A FAIR GO” is having a major impact on our politicians and continues to gain traction.
Approximately 300 people attended this forum. Mr. Abbott was warmly greeted with an applause that did not seem to want to stop. After a short introduction by Mr. Jones, Mr. Abbott spoke for about five minutes (unlike Senator Ronaldson’s 30 minutes) and then opened the forum to questions from the floor. Mr. Abbott was confident, articulate and very self-assured. At no stage did he criticise the Prime Minister, the ALP, Senator Brown or the Greens. He fielded a large number of questions on the carbon tax and espoused his own views on alternative solutions.
A Vietnam Veteran asked Mr. Abbott about the DFRB/DFRDB Indexation matter and requested Mr. Abbott to confirm his policy towards a fair indexation scheme. Mr. Abbott reiterated the LNP policy that a fair indexation was already on their election platform. He said “You don’t get a fair deal in your indexation. We put our Bill into the Senate and we feel very unhappy that the Labor Party rejected it. It’s something we introduced before the last election and the Labor Party and the Greens supported it. It remains on our agenda and we are committed to it.”
During the question time, after I had questioned Mr. Abbott on the application of the CPI to the carbon tax handouts and why he and the LNP had not confronted the Prime Minister on this point which had appeared to go unnoticed, he responded by saying “Don’t you think I go at her hard enough Neil? Do you think I should go at her even harder?” When I responded that he should, on both accounts, the audience gave him a thundering round of applause. Mr. Abbott has a good sense of humour.
After the forum, I managed to have three-five minutes with Mr. Abbott. He re-affirmed his statement regarding the introduction of a fair indexation for DFRB/DFRDB recipients and said it should be based on something like the MTAWE. I replied that all we were after was to be treated the same as our old age pensioners and to receive the same percentage increase which they received twice yearly.
I also mentioned the need to remove the taxation on our DFRDB superannuation and made it clear that we were being discriminated against as, together with the Commonwealth Public Service pensioners, we were the only groups legislated against to continue paying tax, even after we had reached the statutory pensioner’s age. Mr. Abbott indicated that this would be something else that needed to be looked at.
I also reminded him that we needed to look at the TPI situation, because they too, had been discriminated against in 2009.
Finally, I believe it was a very positive outcome for the veterans and ex-members of the Defence community. Mr. Abbott appeared conversant with our issues and he was sincere in saying that we had not been well looked after.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
Having said all the above, I remain firmly of the view that we should continue to pressure the Liberal-National Party on this and related matters. We must never take them for granted. There is one absolute truism after an election and that is we elect a person who becomes a politician!!!
There’s nothing in this world
Can halt or mar a plan
When stout-hearted men
Can stick together
Man to man!!
OPERATION “LETTER RAID”
THE MARCH TO CANBERRA HAS BEGUN. WILL YOU JOIN ME?
G’day to you all
When you see all our asylum seekers rioting and burning their accommodation blocks and kitchens down only to have them replaced almost overnight, their specialist menus and lavish handouts and now the Malaysian fiasco, it really does make a mockery of Labor’s statement that they can’t afford, a pittance by comparison, to help the very people who have really done a bit for this country.
Makes you sick to your toenails.
Best
Jim Anderson
Innisfail
Dear COLROE, spot on re political front – and within the comments you will find reference to this – and also a list of all electoral zones – and the number of recipients in each of those zones. There is no doubt you are a potent political force – and threat.
Check in with Peter Thornton too – or any of the team – and did you read Neil’s report of the forum held in Townsville by Opposition Leader Tony Abbott ?
Dear NEIL WEEKES,thanks for your detailed report on the Townsville forum.
Why do you think that Prime Minister Julia Gillard’s earlier visit was so secretive ?
Could it be that she and her minders were terrified that you might ask her some real questions about Diggergate and confront her about the abject hypocrisy and political cowardice of scuttling the Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits Amendments Bill on June 16 ?
Dear NAVYSPARKER, I well understand the hurt and anger you feel. There is no question that to restore Justice to you involves a mere comparative pittance.
Justice, I feel, is best served if it is restored without depriving it to others.
In these past few months we have seen policy – and vast monies – distributed on the run; all in attempts to appease poll driven egos and reputations, a dysfunctional Parliament and a dismal calibre of governance.
Hi Tess
I wrote to Senator Brown earlier this month about the unfair indexation of veterans’ DFRB and DFDRB pensions and received a reply; from a staffer. Brown will simply not reply to letters personally. Others have also written to Senator Brown and have, I understand, received the same generic reply, as follows:
“(date) 2011
Dear (first name)
Thank you for writing to Senator Brown; I am replying on his behalf.
The Greens maintain our position that the current indexation of all commonwealth superannuation pensions is unfair.
We are committed to working with government to find a way in which this can be addresses in a financially responsible manner. Our proposal that a properly applied tax on mining super profits which would raise an extra $100 billion over the decade has been rejected by both major parties.
Kind regards
Anna Sildever
Office of Senator Bob Brown”
I have responded as follows:
“Dear Senator Brown
Thank you for your letter of the 12th instant.
I believe this generic production is your standard and insulting reply to every letter received by your office concerning this indexation question. Clearly, you consider veterans’ to be either morons or, alternatively, you lack the ability or capacity to respond in a personal way.
If the Greens consider the “current indexation of all commonwealth superannuation pensions is unfair”, why did you vote against the fair indexation Bill? Now I appreciate that you would never, ever, ever practice deceit and /or hypocrisy, would you?!!! So I must presume you are, as the de-facto Prime Minister, clearly considering fairness and natural justice for veterans’ is an insignificant triviality not worthy of any further action. But you are more than content that your parliamentary pensions are indexed at a higher rate than the rest of society!! Hypocrisy at the highest level!!! How can you look in your mirror?
The Greens are now at the cross-roads. People do not want a minority party running the country and they do not like radicals; which the Greens are.You are facing, with Labor, a pending disaster at the 2013 polls but you are too self-obsessed to see it.You are so intent with pushing your own agenda that you appear to have totally lost any capacity to consider others. That is not good government, Senator Brown!
Will you now commit to vote to restore equity to the provisions of the Veterans’ Entitlement Act, 1986 so that DFRB and DFDRB pensions indexation, and all other matters relative to veterans’ entitlements, must be considered fairly at law; which is not presently the case? There is, at law, no obligation for veterans’ to be treated with fairness and natural justice by the government as the Federal Court has ruled that principles of equity do not apply to veterans in the administration of any of their entitlements.
But you will not do that, will you? Veterans’ simply do not deserve the right (every other Australian resident has) to be treated with any “equity” (fairness and natural justice) do they, Senator Brown?
Yours faithfully”
I will, no doubt, receive generic reply #2.
I hope veterans’ get right into Neil’s letter campaign and bombard our politicians; particularly Labor, the Greens and the Independents, with their complaints for united we will win this disgraceful miscarriage of justice.
Keep up the good work.
Regards
Phil
Tess
I deposited my 12 letters with my local Post Office today registered and paid for. As I will be away on the 12th August he will post them for me to arrive at Parliament House by the 16th. In my letter to BROWN I did ask him if he could read and write as I got the same generic answers to my last letters to him. Great to hear we are spending three hundred million on the illegals but stuff all on Veterans.
Regards
BOB
OPERATION “LETTER RAID”
THE MARCH TO CANBERRA HAS BEGUN. WILL YOU JOIN ME?
How we are rated by the political parties.
A search for the mention of DFRDB in the Web pages for the major political parties revealed:
Labor Party – 1 item mentioning DFRDB to 12 August 2010
http://www.alp.org.au/federal-government/news/$8-billion-liberal-bungle-on-military-super/
Liberal Party – 13 Items mentioning DFRDB up to 15 July 2011
http://www.liberal.org.au/
National Party – 3 Items mentioning DFRDB up to 13 August 2010
http://nationals.org.au/home.aspx
The Greens Party – No results for DFRDB
http://greens.org.au/
Michael from Warnbro
Well done guys & girls – At least you got an answer, altho’ generic.
I guess I was making a statement rather than asking a question. (my letter below)
Just listened to the President of the Czech Republic at the National Press Club talking on global warming and what a crock it is!
Re-enforced my views on the subject – wish our pollies would pay attention before we’re too far down the track.
Senator R.J. Brown
Level 1, Murray Street Pier
Murray Street
Hobart TAS 7000
Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits Amendment Bill (Fair Indexation) 2010.
Dear Senator,
I write to voice my disgust with the negative vote concerning the Fair Indexation Bill, above.
The Government says it has no money, it suddenly found $16 million as a gift for the people of Sudan. Whilst I do not begrudge this gift, I expect that charity should begin at home first. Once again, the Government has insulted all those who have fought and continue to fight for the freedom of this Nation.
As for using our plight as a bargaining tool with the coalition to gain the mining tax vote, I find your actions despicable.
We are ordinary people who expect a fair deal – no more than any body else – no less.
I am angry, we are angry and I for one will not desist until we get justice and a fair deal.
We are many and we are standing up and getting counted.
Yours in angst
RAN Veteran (Retd)
10 July 2011
Dear PHILIP CLARK, each pro forma response is an indictment on the politician concerned and catagoric evidence of their continuing indifference and political cowardice.
Don’t be in the slightest bit deterred by them. Your letters are from the heart. Their responses are from a machine. The party machine.
You’d be hard-pressed to find an Australian today, who is not singularly unimpressed with the calibre of governance in this country.
SENATOR BOB BROWN’s political expediency has already been identified and exposed in the very telling “Politics in the Pub ” video in these comments. Do have a look PHILIP,you will see how the idealism and noble aspirations once associated with Brown and the Greens has given way to venal powerfarming and political horsetrading.
Continue to post their pro forma responses.
You will have the opportunity to respond in even a more succinct pro forma fashion on election day.
Dear MICHAEL, re your letter to SENATOR BOB BROWN and FIB – you make a very salient point – and with compassion for others.
I still can’t get over what has happened to you all, in the many decades that you have been fighting for equity, parity and Justice.
No-one can ever suggest you have asked for more than a fair go.
Frankly, I am disappointed that no-one has stepped forth from the Union Movement to even lend you some support or offer to mediate. Gone are the days when they might have looked out for those slipping between the political cracks.
These days, of course, their leaders comprise the Faceless men who superimposed Julia Gillard on our political landscape, over Kevin Rudd. Do they regret it ? You betcha!
Will they admit it ? Not on your Nellie.
I appreciate that the Defence Forces are not allowed to strike, have a union per se, for all the bleeding obvious reasons.
But is clear that successive Governments have taken advantage of this.
The Gillard Labor Government clearly is in its dying days. Even though Tony Abbott is leading in the polls at the moment – that is only because we have no alternative. And both Abbott and Gillard have both proved to the Australian people that they are shameless liars.
The scuttling of the Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefit Amendment Bill 2010(FIB) on June 16 is clear evidence that Policians colluded to betray you.
It should not be forgotten that when in power for those long years – and remember those long years involved the invasions of Iraq and Afghanistan – and the East Timor mission – the Liberal Party did nothing for you.
You would have thought that they would have done the right thing. They did not.
You all did. You did what your country asked of you. And more besides.
Dear PHILIP CLARK, please copy your comments onto here
So important, you champ.
26th July, 2011
The Hon. Dr. Mike Kelly, AM, MP,
Federal Member for Eden- Monaro
House of Representatives
Parliament House
CANBERRA ACT 2600
Dear Dr. Kelly,
I refer to your response to “Mr” Peter Criss of 25th July, 2011. It was recently reported by the media that our erstwhile Prime Minister and your leader, the Honorable Julia Gillard, MP, reportedly told the media that they should “……stop printing crap!” With all due respect to your position, Dr. Kelly, I would strongly recommend that you also heed the Prime Minister’s advice!
Before I respond to the content of your letter, may I also express my disgust regarding your lack of respect to a very senior retired officer of the Australian Defence Force. I notice that your letterhead shows very clearly “The Hon. Dr. Mike Kelly, AM, MP and I thought it would have been protocol for you to address this officer by his retired rank – “Air Vice-Marshal Peter Criss”!
Dr. Kelly, you know as well as all members of the Defence community know, that there is a huge difference between retired members of the Australian Defence Force and the retired members of the Commonwealth Public Service. They have different employment obligations and they are not linked legislatively. To try to combine the cost of meeting any increase to their pension with the costs of a fair indexation for DFRB/DFRDB recipients, is pure hyperbole! You extoll your service in the Australian Defence Force (…..”my career in many war zones came at great threat to my life in countless situations…..I was forced to fight with my rifle in every way it is possible to use it, including butt stroke and bayonet….”) therefore you know full well the huge difference that exists between Commonwealth Public Servants and Defence Force personnel. While we do not deny the Commonwealth Public Servants may be justified in submitting their own claim for a higher pension, this is an entirely different argument. It is a nonsense to lump the Commonwealth Public Servants with the Australian Defence Force – and you know it!!!
You ramble on about the failures of the previous Government. We are very familiar with all this rhetoric and we could quite as easily lay the same blame against Whitlam, Keating, Hawke and all previous governments for the last twenty years! So please don’t play games with us or patronize us! It is very tiresome and we are no longer gullible fools who loyally click our heels together whenever the government tells us to so. Those days are gone, because we learnt this after the former Prime Minister, the Hon. Paul Keating, MP “stole” 1.8% of our DFRB/DFRDB entitlements during 1986 – 1989 (which has never been repaid!!!!). So please don’t lecture to us about what previous governments have done to ex-service personnel! We have had enough of this puerile argument!!
You say that you can honestly substantiate the projected additional costs for the implementation of a fair indexation for DFRB/DFRDB recipients. Yet, you indicate that the alternative costings include all military and civilian personnel (i.e. all DFRB/DFRDB recipients plus Commonwealth Public Service Pensioners). Again, this is blatant misinformation, and again you know it!! Our calculations have never included the Commonwealth Public Service Pensioners and why should we? Again you are using smoke and mirrors to obfuscate the inadequacies of your government’s calculations. If you are so confident of the accuracy of the projections by the Department of Finance and Deregulation, and Finance Minister, Senator Penny Wong, please release a copy of the full financial analysis with its assumptions for public scrutiny and independent professional analysis .
Our submission has always been deliberately based on achieving a fair indexation for those members who have served our nation for twenty years or more. While we would have included those DFRB/DFRDB recipients, who are under fifty five years old, we very quickly acknowledged that this would increase the associated costs significantly. This would play right into the hands of the economic rationalists of all political parties and no one would achieve anything. Those DFRB/DFRDB recipients who are over fifty five need to have their future guaranteed as a matter of priority. To quote your own words, we are “….chipping away…..” at the multitude of injustices that have been imposed on Defence Force personnel and their families for decades.
Again, you attempt to lump MSBS recipients into the same basket as the DFRB/DFRDB recipients and the Commonwealth Service Pensioners, knowing full well that the MSBS recipients operate completely differently to the DFRB/DFRDB recipients. It’s no wonder your government’s projections are astronomically higher than the real costs? To compound this, these costs are then extrapolated over an unspecified period of time to produce figures that absolutely petrify the Australian public.
Whatever happened to the Prime Minister’s assurance of “……complete transparency…. and evidence based decision making”?
This deliberate obfuscation substantiates Mr Lindsay Tanner’s comments:
“…misuse of government spending information is a favourite artifice………as a shadow minister and Minister for Finance I became adept at these dark arts using some of what are now the standard tricks employed to maximise political appearances: switching between cash and accrual accounting; using nominal, real or proportion of gross domestic product indicators of spending according to which indicator suited the argument better; classifying yearly spending as capital; making commitments beyond the forward estimate years……..”
Mr Tanner went on to say:
“The lesson is simple: whenever a politician cites spending figures to show what a fine job he or she is doing, examine the fine print very carefully.”
Quod erat demonstratum!!!
Stop playing games with us, Dr. Kelly and at least have the courage and the integrity to tell us the truth.
Failing to do that, I suggest you do as you have stated “……it would be the easiest thing in the world for me just pack this in and go and get a better paid and easier job……” In all probability, you may just have to do that after the next election, remembering there are 15,429 ex-Defence and ex-Public Service voters in your electorate of Eden-Monaro. Good luck.
THE MARCH TO CANBERRA HAS BEGUN. WILL YOU JOIN US?
My letter to the Editor of the Queensland Times following publication of an indexation article that included ill-informed comments from local labor MP Shayne Neumann.
Dear Sir,
I congratulate Yvonne Gardiner for her excellent article on the long running battle by veterans to achieve fair indexation with their retirement pensions (QT 23 July 11).
I must however, take issue with the statements attributed to the Member for Blair. Shayne Neumann’s arrogantly stupid comments reveal either a genuine ignorance of the issues or total complicity with Labor’s campaign of deception to deny Diggers fair indexation of their military retirement pensions.
Every statement made by Mr Neumann is factually wrong, and if he had bothered to do a modicum of independent research rather than relying on the tiresome spin of his Party, he might have something useful to contribute.
His assertion that taxpayers would actually pay about six billion dollars if the Alliance’s demands for fair indexation were met is nothing more than scaremongering propaganda generated by Finance Department bureaucrats. These same bureaucrats have not been able to submit their costing assertions to public scrutiny, and until they do, they have as much credibility as the Prime Minister’s promise that there would be no carbon tax before the election.
He then suggests that fair indexation would be economically irresponsible. No Mr Neumann, what is financially irresponsible is your Government’s Billions of wasted taxpayer dollars through mismanagement and incompetence. $20 million a year from a $300 Billion a year budget to provide veterans with fair indexation of their pensions, equal to the age pension indexation, is responsible and upholds the principle of social justice , something that was once a pillar of Labor Party beliefs.
Not content with that, he digs a bigger hole for himself by arguing that the military pension was not designed to replace a person’s income. Hello!! The DFRDB scheme was designed to provide retirement income, and that income was intended to keep pace with the real cost of living. If you read the Jess Report that formed the basis of the scheme in 1972, you would find this fact is beyond dispute.
And the Member’s final throw away line is that fair indexation would be a retrospective change to the basis of employment. Wrong again Mr Neumann! Sucked in by more misinformation from the bureaucracy. If you checked the facts, you would find that in the mid-1980s, our DFRDB pensions were indexed for real cost of living changes. Now they are not. What we seek is restoration of the employment conditions that were deceptively taken away through deliberate manipulation of the CPI.
If Shayne Neumann’s comments in this article reflect the level of intellectual integrity within the Labor Party, then I fear for the wellbeing of our nation over the next two years.
Ray Gibson
Hi Tess & David – You’re doing well.
My reg. letter in the mail today to my local member.
Take care.
Warnbro 26 July 2011
The Hon Gary Gray AO MP
1/15 Kent Street
Rockingham
WA 6168
Special Minister of State For the Public Service and Integrity.
Dear Gary,
Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits Amendment Bill (Fair Indexation) 2010.
You will be aware of the “Fair Go” campaign being conducted by the Alliance of Defence Service Organisations following the negative vote on the “Bill” above.
I am also sure that you are aware of the large number of service and ex-service families and friends, along with fair-minded persons who want to see a fair deal done, not only in our electorate of Brand, but Australia wide.
Your government has squandered a comfortable surplus to arrive at an increasingly huge deficit since taking office in November 2007.
The failed schemes implemented and sanctioned by your government including the Roof Batts Scheme, resulting in loss of life and extensive property damage; the Global Warming fiasco at huge cost, since discontinued after the Copenhagen “jolly” but costing the taxpayer with building rental and wages if these unemployed persons have not been redeployed; the blow-out of the NBN along with the current proposal to impose a carbon tax effective 01 July 2012. (General consensus is the carbon tax is a mistake) There are others, I am sure you are aware!
I am uncertain of your personal thoughts on the proposed carbon tax but I do know that you have to toe the “party line” like others in your party have done to our detriment on the 16 June 2011.
I’m sure the “party line” does not prevent you from looking at the evidence, which is available for anyone to see on the “Independent Australia” site re Fair Indexation for Diggers and the “Just a Fair Go” site. See how our funds were lost/stolen/misappropriated by successive governments. Any other company committing these acts would have gone to jail.
I can only assume that your government is “stalling”, as your finance people are at a loss at how to explain their miscalculations at the proposed cost at implementing fair indexation, initially for defence force superannuants but expected to follow on to others who have been duped for years by yours and previous governments.
We were good “soldiers” and did as we were told, no complaints – BUT – We’ve had enough!
As Special Minister of State For the Public Service and Integrity and my elected representative in the Commonwealth Parliament, I expect you to represent me accordingly.
We are ordinary people who expect a fair deal – no more than any body else – no less.
I am angry, we are angry. Can we count on your support in getting a fair deal?
Michael RAN Veteran (Rtd)
Dear NEIL WEEKES, your letter to ‘turncoat’ MIKE KELLY exposing the insult, injury and facile inadequacies of his response to AIR VICE MARSHAL PETER CRISS (R’td) will forever remain one of the key touchstones of this extraordinary and very moving campaign for a fair go for Diggers.
I am grateful that you have published it here, alongside the many other comments and letters of your brethren, because it reflects not only the intellectual rigour of your argument but also the moral bankruptcy of the Gillard Labor Government, its apologists like MIKE KELLY, SENATOR KATE LUNDY,SENATOR PENNY WONG, the MINISTER FOR DEFENCE STEPHEN SMITH, SENATOR BOB BROWN and others who suckle off the Labor teat and milking political expediency.
It’s hardly worth mentioning the MINISTER FOR VETERANS’ AFFAIRS, WARREN SNOWDON, he’s such a non-event.
You are right to point out that you have been abused by successive Australian Governments;for decades. You have been lied to – and you have been betrayed.
This abuse makes mockery of any public Government declaration about concerns for human rights in other countries. It is clear to anyone that you are the victims of serial discrimination by successive Government(s).
You are all such a wonderful inspiration to other individuals and groups.
I salute you NEIL WEEKES – and all of you. What an amazing group of human beings you are.
So wise,so steadfast, so honest and true, real, raw and open. No wonder our politicians are confused. They only understand the dialects of spin, polls and focus groups and Pollispeak. They don’t understand Peoplespeak; it’s long fallen out of use.
It is so easy to carp on the sidelines but it takes personal courage to cease being a mere bystander and to lend public support for a fair go for Diggers past and present,widows,families and heirs and those wounded in mind and body.
Dear RAY, onya for exposing SHAYNE NEUMANN’s ‘scaremongering propaganda’.
Peddling lies and misinformation on this issue clearly continues to be Labor Party platform.
Thank you for being vigilant and restoring the truth here Ray. It is so important that these untruths are publicly challenged.
Let us know if your letter is published in the QUEENSLAND TIMES – and onya reporter YVONNE GARDINER!
* I don’t feel you will have to wait two years for a change of Government Ray.
* And I don’t feel you will have to wait another two long years for Justice, either. Not with the likes of you campaigning so earnestly and astutely.
Hi all
Keep up the fight. There is still no response from Senator Lundy, apart from one of her lackies who stated that the Senator is on personal leave and will respond to all letters etc on her return. Pigs fly again.
I have also taken the liberty ( which I suspect has been sent by others) Sit Rep No 4 to the Australian, Alan Jones, Ray Hadley and others. I have asked themn to READ the Sit Rep and get someone to do an in depth report on ALL the issues. I wont hold my breath that anything will happen.
I am getting (as are others) extreamly frustrated that the Canberra Times will not report or comment on these issues. I suspect that they do not wish to upset the Labor Party, and especially Senator Lundy by exposing her hyprocity in her actions.
If she feels so strongly about indexation, she should resign from the Labor Party and sit as an Independant in the Senate. Cant have that.
ABS CPI June quarter 2011 up 0.9%
The Australian Bureau of Statistics ABS)advises that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 0.9% in the June quarter 2011, compared with a rise of 1.6% in the March quarter 2011.
The most significant price rises this quarter were for fruit (+26.9%), automotive fuel (+4.0%), hospital and medical services (+3.4%), furniture (+6.0%) and deposit and loan facilities (+2.1%). The most significant offsetting price falls were for vegetables (–10.3%), audio, visual and computing equipment (–6.3%), electricity (–1.5%),holiday travel and accommodation (–1.5%) and milk (–4.6%).
Fruit prices increased by 26.9% in the June quarter 2011 mainly due to an increase of approximately 138% in the price of bananas due to shortages created by Cyclone Yasi. Banana prices increased 470% over the six months to the June quarter 2011.
The ABS Consumer Price Index rose 3.6% through the year to the June quarter 2011, compared with a rise of 3.3% through the year to March quarter 2011.
Further information is available in Consumer Price Index, Australia (cat. no. 6401.0).
The 16th series CPI will be introduced from the September quarter 2011. This will include a new commodity classification and expenditure weights from the 2009–10 Household Expenditure survey. For more details about the upcoming changes to the CPI, please refer to Changes to the CPI from September Quarter 2011.
Provided by the Australian Bureau of Statistics
Dear MICHAEL,XXXXXX for your support! We knew from Ground Zero that we would be in for the long haul. We’re all up to it. We’ve strapped ourselves to the ropes on this one.
I didn’t realise that GARY GRAY was the SPECIAL MINISTER FOR STATE FOR THE PUBLIC SERVICE AND INTEGRITY, so thanks for pointing that out!
Your letter is brilliant MICHAEL, and please post the Minister’s response asap.
You are a champion among champions!!!!!
Dear JOHN SAINSBURY, it is indeed disappointing that The Canberra Times has not seen fit to do their own thing in relation to this story.
Just because a media organisation ignores a story is not proof positive that the story is not worthy. Far from it,John.
On the other hand, other media, including ABC TV 7.30 VICTORIA/QUEENSLAND and others, have indeed explored the topic.
I have often argued in lectures, and panels/debates that it is often what is NOT published rather than what IS published that is the true measure of a newspaper.
Dear All,
After reading a copy of a couple of documents sent to me indirectly by Dr Kelly, I wanted to share his following words as recorded in the Hansard:
“Let us get the facts straight. …… Let us start with the fair indexation for all veterans compensation pensions from 20 March 2008, where we indexed those pensions to both CPI and MTAWE. The PBLCI, the pensioner and beneficiary living cost index, has also been employed to make sure that we have an accurate reflection of the actual cost of living for these recipients.”
Dr Kelly’s factual statement clearly identifies and reinforces our position that “fair indexation” requires a collective mix of the CPI, MTAWE and PBLCI in order to accurately reflect the “actual cost of living” in the Australian community.
Dr Kelly’s acknowledgment of this fact puts to rest once and for all the discredited Mr Matthews’ Review, which suggested that the CPI alone was adequate for Commonwealth and Military Retirees. The facts speak for themselves in that the CPI alon does not maintain purchasing power or protect living standards; a position which is explicitly backed up by the ABS.
The Labor party as a collective should jettison the Matthews Report immediately because it is flawed and certainly irrelevant in the current debate. Labor should seriously start to listen to Dr Kelly’s “prattling on” and move to apply an indexation mechanism that provides the same percentage increase as used to index other Commonwealth income benefits to ensure that the purchasing power of Commonwealth retirement incomes, and therefore the living standards of resepctive recipients, is maintained from here on in.
The suggestion of and the delay in trying to create yet another “Living Cost index” IS NOT the answer!
In regards to my previous post, and to clarify, I should have said “letters sent by Dr Kelly to AVM Peter Criss which I have recieved indirectly”. PT
Hi Tess,
There is a similar comment, same page from Steven from Leda “These pensioners lose every day”, that doesn’t copy too well when scanned.
From the Sound Telegraph “Opinion” page Weds 27 July 2011 (Circulation 43317 in the Rockingham area)
The Editor kindly printed this.
Take care
Government cheating Diggers
Defence Force superannuants Australia wide are up in arms and fighting back after the Australian Senate rejected the Defence Force Retirement Death Benefit, (Fair Indexation Bill)2010 on the 16 June 2011.
Over 50,000 DFRDB members are seeking parity for their Defence retirement superannuation pensions.
Indexation remains aligned to the CPI, which the Bureau of Statistics determined 15 years ago, does not equate to the increase in the cost of living.
Aged and politition’s pensions are indexed against the Male Total Average Weekly Earnings (MTAWE) or Pensioner & Beneficiary Living Cost Index (PBLCI), whichever is the greater,
As self funded retirees, members are finding it increasingly difficult to maintain a basic living style as the value of their pensions is eroded.
The government insists that the cost is prohibitive at about $20 million per year, while pouring billions of dollars overseas for foreign aid and to score “brownie” points, without mentioning some of their failed schemes, including the current carbon price fiasco.
A large percentage of affected persons, their families, friends and fair minded people will have a decided swing against our current government come the next election which could be sooner than later with the shape that our current leaders are in.
“Independent Australia” has a very comprehensive cover of events, just “Google” Diggers vs the Gillard Government and read about the false promises and treacherous acts being committed by our elected ones.
Michael Currie Warnbro
—– Original Message —–
From: Threlfall
To: Abbott, Tony (MP)
Cc: Neil Weekes
Sent: Tuesday, July 26, 2011 4:32 PM
Subject: Re: Tony Abbott MP – Contact Form
Thank you for your response. I realise he is a busy man but I have one more issue for Mr Abbott to consider and that deals with the Fair Indexation Bill for Defence Superannuants
When Parliament resumes on 16th August, would you please be so kind as to ask him will he please take the opportunity to challenge the Prime Minister in the House of Representatives on this issue?
We retired superannuants noted the Senate Labor, Greens and Independents defeated the bill that was unanimously agreed in the House of Representatives.
Will he please challenge the Prime Minister to articulate her Party’s policy on DFRB/DFRDB issue?
I think I speak on behalf of thousands of retirees who wish to see our pension aligned to the real cost of living. The subject is well know to Mr Abbott after his most recent in depth conversation with Brigadier Neil Weekes (Retired) in Townsville.
Thank you
Dear MICHAEL, you champion, and Onya to the SOUND TELEGRAPH and the Editor for publishing your beaut letter.
Our regional, suburban and community newspapers are critical to spreading the word amongst our communities.
And every form of communication is an important component to achieving objectives – Justice and a Fair Go for past and serving Diggers and their widows, families and heirs.
And thanks, for acknowledging Independent Australia and the collaborative effort of all who are contributing to this important and historical document of comments and letters.
It is also a journal of record that personifies a singular aspect of the Australian character that is often oblique and difficult to describe – Mateship.
Thanks Michael, and you take care too – and thanks for caring about your Brethren as well.
This is a good thing you are all doing. You are all part of something wonderful.
Oops! MICHAEL, I meant to say for publishing STEVEN from Leda’s letter, and to refer to your letter, but pressed the wrong key!
Brigadier Brian Wade, AM (Ret)
Indooroopilly QLD
Sent this letter to Senator Furner on 5th July. See his reply below
Dear Senator Furner,
The Senate’s rejection of the Fair Indexation Bill on 16th June, 2011 is, in my opinion, a shameful betrayal of the men and women who have served our Nation in the Australian Defence Force for 20 years or more.
I was appalled that this decision was primarily based on financial restraints and yet our Politicians, including you, never seem to hesitate in approving an increase to your own salaries, despite the same financial restraints!
It is a complete mockery for members of our Parliament to attend the funerals of our young warriors who have been killed in action, and to observe a minute’s silence in the House of Representatives and in the Senate, and yet reject a Bill which would have aligned the increases to DFRB and DFRDB superannuants’ pensions with our old age pensioners. This disgraceful decision, obviously based on Party lines, has alienated the Veteran Community and it has ensured that DFRB and DFRDB superannuants will continue to see their measly pensions losing purchasing power.
This is compounded for those surviving spouses who only receive 5/8th of the DFRB/DFRDB superannuants’ pension which continues to be indexed against the CPI. It seems inequitable and immoral to me that the surviving spouse of a political pensioner has his/her pension indexed against the increases to the salary of a back bencher. Where is the justice in this?
Could you please explain to me why the Government has accepted the recommendation by the Matthews Review that the CPI remains the most appropriate method of indexation for military superannuants? If this is a legitimate argument, then please also explain to the Veteran Community why your pensions are not also indexed against the CPI when you retire?
The Matthews Review does suggest the use of an Analytical Living Cost Index and the Government introduced the Pensioners and Beneficiaries Cost of Living Index (PBCLI) the day after the Matthews Review was released. I am at an absolute loss to understand why the PBCLI was not accepted as a fair indexation tool for military superannuants. Perhaps you can enlighten me?
You should be aware that this decision has greatly angered the Veteran Community and we will continue to fight for a “fair go”, especially as the Labor Party has abandoned the spirit of its election commitment to conduct a review that would address the inadequacy and inequity of the Indexation method (CPI) which has not kept up with the cost of living.
This is immoral, it lacks the principle of “a fair go” espoused by all politicians and especially by the Labor Party. How do you explain this to a Veteran who has fought for his country, who has been sent into action by his Government, who has seen his mates die in action and who has readily surrendered his own freedom so that our Nation can meet its International commitments and remain free?
I formerly request that you acknowledge receipt of this letter and that you provide me with your answers, not just Party line answers, to the questions I have posed.
Yours sincerely,
Brian Wade, AM
Brigadier Retired
The following Senator’s also received a copy of Brigadier Wade’s letter.
cc:
Senator Claire Moore
Senator the Hon John Hogg
Senator the Hon Joe Ludwig
Senator the Hon Jan McLucas
Senator Nick Xenophon
Senator Bob Brown
For Information:
The Hon Tony Abbott MP
The Hon Julia Gillard MP
Mr Bernie Ripoll MP
Senator Furner’s response to Brigadier Brian Wade, AM, (Ret)DATED 13th July, 2011
Dear Mr. Wade,
Thank you for your correspondence in relation to your concerns with the Consumer Price Index being used as the adjustment method for Defence Force Superannuation pensions.
Military superannuation is an important component of Defence’s attractive and compelling employment offer. It forms part of a member’s retirement income after separation from the Australian Defence Force.
In an appendix to the report into his Review of Pension Indexation Arrangements in Australian Government Civilian and Military Superannuation Schemes, Mr. Trevor Matthews costed alternative indexation methodologies. Based on actuarial advice that was commissioned by the Department of Defence and the Department of Finance and Deregulation, Mr. Matthews found that the most significant cost of changing the indexation methodology would be to the unfunded superannuation liabilities, which are accrued liabilities that the Government would have to meet as members retire.
Recent advice from the Australian Government Actuary indicates that changing indexation arrangements from 1 July 2011 for recipients of Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits (and Defence Force Retirement Benefits) pensions over 55 years of age would immediately increase the unfunded liability by $6.2 billion. The increase in unfunded liability would be even greater if the changed indexation arrangements were applied to all military superannuation pensions. these are significant costs and as a responsible economic managers, the Government believes now is not the time to be considering changes to indexation methodology.
I enclose a fact sheet in relation to the indexation issue for your information.
I trust this information is of assistance to you.
Yours sincerely,
MARK FURNER
SENATOR FOR QUEENSLAND
Dear RETIRED BRIGADIER BRIAN WADE, am so keen to hear what you think of SENATOR MARK FURNER’s
response to your important and considered letter.
Thanks to JEANNETTE BARTLETT for posting both. It is so helpful to view and consider them side by side.
I know who I believe.
WILL YOU JOIN ME AND MARCH TO CANBERRA WITH THE DIGGERS ?
In a letter to Senator Ludwig on 3 May, well before the Senate Vote on 16 June, I raised a number of specific issues about fair indexation and asked specific questions of him.
He responded on 9 July. Check out his response below and then compare it with the letter above that Brig Brian Wade received from Senator Furner.
Apart from the opening sentence, it is exactly the same proforma letter, including the attachment, which is a poor attempt to copy the Fact Sheet that ADSO circulated some time ago. They can’t even be original!
Apart from the total unprofessionalism of this pathetic response, this is a clear measure of the contempt that Ministers in this Government have for the veteran community. Senator Ludwig will be hearing further from me!
———————
Dear Mr Gibson,
I write in relation to your recent contact with my office regarding the Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits Amendment (Fair indexation) Bill 2010.
Military superannuation is an important component of Defence’s attractive and compelling employment offer. It forms part of a member’s retirement income after separation from the Australian Defence Force.
In an appendix to the report into his Review of Pension Indexation Arrangements in Australian Government Civilian and Military Superannuation Schemes, Mr. Trevor Matthews costed alternative indexation methodologies. Based on actuarial advice that was commissioned by the Department of Defence and the Department of Finance and Deregulation, Mr. Matthews found that the most significant cost of changing the indexation methodology would be to the unfunded superannuation liabilities, which are accrued liabilities that the Government would have to meet as members retire.
Recent advice from the Australian Government Actuary indicates that changing indexation arrangements from 1 July 2011 for recipients of Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits (and Defence Force Retirement Benefits) pensions over 55 years of age would immediately increase the unfunded liability by $6.2 billion. The increase in unfunded liability would be even greater if the changed indexation arrangements were applied to all military superannuation pensions. these are significant costs and as a responsible economic managers, the Government believes now is not the time to be considering changes to indexation methodology.
I enclose a fact sheet in relation to the indexation issue for your information.
Yours sincerely,
Joe Ludwig
Labor Senator for Queensland
July 2011
I put this in so we can see that the Nationals are not Happy either.
We might be able to get some support here I have written to Barnaby and Warren in my letter raid so it is worth keeping an eye on here there is a link to comments.
Bob Ihlein
WILL YOU JOIN ME AND MARCH TO CANBERRA WITH THE DIGGERS ?
Dear Friends,
In today’s Canberra Times, The Nationals Senate Leader Barnaby Joyce picks up on Reserve Bank Governor Glenn Stevens’ comments this week and warns of the growing toll on the nation’s productivity and Australian jobs as the Federal Government continues to pursue green policies.
“The policies of the Greens are unproductive. Yet Bob Brown has been successful in his advocacy of many of these policies in the new Green-Labor-Independent Government.
“This Government shut down the north of the nation by suspending the live-export trade. They tried to shut down the middle with a draft Murray-Darling Basin plan last year that caused a virtual riot and this week they have announced a plan to effectively shut down the forestry industry in the south.
“Next we will have a carbon tax to shut down whatever is left open.
“Economists and bureaucrats talk about productivity in prosaic and abstract terms but all of these anti-productivity policies have real consequences for real people.
“The reality is that the green agenda destroys real jobs; it destroys the real wealth that people have invested in their homes and small businesses, and it leaves people stranded with debts that don’t get written down because of bad government policies but asset values which do.
“For all of those fortunate enough to have relatively secure employment, we should take time to think of the people working in the timber mill in Smithton, working on the cattle property near Tenant Creek, teetering on the edge of a new Murray-Darling Basin plan in Deniliquin or working in a coalmine in the Hunter Valley as they shake their heads at the policies coming out of Canberra.
“As the cattle grazier in northern Australia said, ”We don’t want social security, we just want to keep our job.”
Seems to me a perfectly reasonable request.
Click here to read Barnaby’s column in full.
Kind regards,
Senator Barnaby Joyce
Leader of The Nationals in the Senate
Help us fight the carbon tax:
• Get involved
• Forward this email to a friend
• Tell your friends about our policies
• Make a donation
http://www.nationals.org.au/News/Blogs/tabid/103/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/6649/Shutting-down-in-a-green-hollow.aspx
When will these idiots realize they’ve got their sums wrong – Bloody thieves. This from a friend of mine who I haven’t seen for a lot of years. He is an ex matelot, been through the mill and remembers! This is pre 1972!!
Where do they get off doing what they did – They should have gone to jail!! Makes one sick!! I’ve told him abour the united front.
Good one Bert!
As an ex serving member of the defence force I write in support of Mike Currie and Steven Cruden when stating their grievance about the unfair treatment of defence personnel and their superannuation payments.
Perhaps the public should be aware that the defence force once had a perfectly good superannuation scheme run for and by its members who contributed 5.5% of their income to the fund. At the time it was known as DFRB (Defence Force Retirement Benefit) fund and was so successful that each five years an audit was made and members actually received a refund!
There has been some speculation that this fund could have become self-sufficient and non-contributary for some time had it been allowed to continue as such.
However Gough Whitlam arrogantly took over the fund almost as soon as he came into ‘power’ and all of that money went into consolidated revenue. From that time on we never received a refund.
The dismay among members at this act of treachery was further compounded when it was revealed that we would now have to draw our ‘super’ from the CentreLink of the day putting us in the same stable as welfare recipients. (This is no longer the case due to the uproar from service personnel.)
Now we have the same party further kicking us in the guts by this unfair treatment of not linking our payments to the same indexation benchmark as themselves and pensioners in order to bring in a budget surplus! Bear in mind that we not only paid our taxes as did pensioners but also contributed 5.5% of our income to boot! The government can’t afford it? As a young sailor with a growing family I couldn’t afford to lose 5.5% of my income either but I thought that I would get a fair deal at the end of the day.
The members receiving DFRDB and MSBS need to form a united front to fight this inequity and I call on a very senior retired officer with some standing in the political system to take the lead.
UK VETERANS UPDATE:FYI. RE NUCLEAR TESTS. BBC REPORT
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-14320465
Dear RAY, well spotted!
This is because the PRIME MINISTER JULIA GILLARD and her minders have issued directives and provided the text that her MINISTERS and MPs have been instructed that they MUST use in response to your letters.
Whilst this indicates that the campaign has burgeoned into this now potent force, it is really an insult to your intelligence, is rude, discourteous and contemptuous of the proper dialogue and discourse that should take place between the community and constituents and our Ministers and Parliamentary representatives.
The Gillard Labor Government clearly thinks you are a pack of drongos and wouldn’t notice that the responses are the same.
I actually consider such censorial political thuggery as an affront to due parliamentary process,an abuse of Government power,influence and a flagrant suppression of freedom of speech.
You can be assured that each and every politician that allows themselves to be so manipulated by the Gillard Propaganda Unit and uses this text is publicly declaring to us that they are not their own person but are servants to the Labor Party Machine.
Look at the right mess SENATOR JOE LUDWIG has made of the Live Export scandal.
We should not be surprised at his support for the continued mistreatment and abuse of Diggers past and present, widows, families and heirs.
Thank you for exposing this Ray, and placing it on the public record here.
Please continue to expose such political diffidence and laziness.
Dear PAUL, well done re your request to OPPOSITION LEADER TONY ABBOTT to raise this matter in Parliament.
History won’t forget that the Liberals/Nationals did NOTHING to rectify matters in their long years in office.
Please post Tony Abbott’s response, Ray.
Onya for being proactive!
Dear MICHAEL, thanks for posting this. It is hard to come to terms with what seems to be a ‘pilfering’ of your monies.
Are you saying that these monies have never been returned to you ?
Have you written your three letters yet, in preparation for OPERATION “LETTER RAID”? I have written six so far and will send another four follow-up letters to the PM and Senators Xenophon, Lundy, Wong and Brown, none of whom have had the courtesy to respond to my initial letters sent to them over a month ago.
Phil Clark has written 22 letters, so far.
Someone else has prepared 10, so far.
How many have you, your family and your friends, written, all ready to be posted on 12/13 August.
This is our time to stand up and be counted, to do something positive for a very just cause.
Please do not let this go until the last minute. DO IT NOW.
THE MARCH TO CANBERRA HAS BEGUN. WILL YOU JOIN US?
Hi Tess,
(Couresy of Birnie McGurgan)
“By way of background Whitlam came to power in DEC 72 and saw an ideal opportunity, shortly after, to misappropiate and reallocate the accumulated funds of the DFRDB/DFRB superannuation schemes for the ADF! Up to that time the DFRDB/DFRB schemes had been self supporting with some $200 million in accumulated funds! He simply transferred these two superannuation schemes into consolidated revenue and took the $200 million to spend as he wished, on one of his many egotistic trips! I might add the funds were in good financial shape due to astute investment by the respective Boards at that time! Once the funds were transferred to consolidated revenue they then became an “untaxed” scheme in the parlance of the day! This is now having serious repercussions in 2006/07 in regard to “Taxed” and “Untaxed” superannuation schemes!”
You could call it misappropriation of funds, I call it theft!! Why didn’t somebody go to jail?
The “stolen 2%” from Oct 1986 over a 3 year period. Somebody has to pay the “bills”. About $37 million by my conservative calculations.
To answer your question Tess re return of monies –
Yes – We are by way of a taxed super benefit indexed to CPI.
We have been seriously disadvantaged by our government of the day and we are fighting for restoration and a fair go.
(Which government you say?? – Take your pick)
G’day Neil , Tess and all
Now up to 34 letters and going on steadily until I get individual letters to all Labor, Green and Independents. Hope to have all those done (about 120, I think) before parliament opens in a couple of weeks. Coalition will be sent by email.
The “Gillard” letter attached to these individual letters is available from me. pcsampson26@gmail.com if anyone wants to have a look at it. Bit too long to include here.
Sen Joe Ludwig’s response to Gibbo is a joke! Swan is, as usual, way out with his figures and has virtually admitted he has stuffed them up. Ludwig’s figures on “unfunded” pensions for veterans’ alone is $6.2 billion. Wonder what the unfunded pensions for politicians are? We are still paying for MP’s who are now out in the private sector earning mega-bucks and claiming their entitlements. Somehow I guess we all took on the wrong profession!!! The hypocrisy is quite unbelievable. Being a “Little Piggy” from 7RAR, I know what it’s like to have the snout in the trough but these buggers have taken “troughing” to an altogether new level!
As for Wong, she is simply trying to muddy the waters.
Keep the letters coming. To save costs, I am going to put all mine in separate envelopes (Labor and Green together, of course) and post them to the “Office of the Clerk of the House”, PO Box 6021, Parliament House, Canberra ACT 2600
Come on guys. Lets get into ‘em!!
Phil
Great to hear about the letters already written or underway.
One thing I have noticed in some recent letters is that there may be some confusion creeping in over the cost estimates for fair indexation – both theirs and ours. This understandable, because it remains a black art to most!
I think it is important that we expose the Government lie on costs, but do it in a consistent way that let’s them know we are on their case and we won’t be bluffed by Ministers’mouthing off the ridiculous spin of their minders.
So with that in mind, perhaps the following words may help those who have yet to put pen to paper (or hit the keyboard!)
The Government has waged a campaign of misinformation on the costs to taxpayers to implement fair indexation for military superannuation pensions.
This deceptive campaign caused the rejection of the Fair Indexation Bill in the Senate because unthinking politicians were fooled into believing that fair indexation would cost Australian taxpayers billions and billions of dollars, and was therefore unaffordable.
This is a gross exaggeration of the true cost because it is a cost measured over 40 years or more using untested assumptions; and because from 2020, it is the legislated intent of Parliament that all military superannuation will be funded from a special fund – the Future Fund, which already exists. From 2020, there will be no cost to the Commonwealth budget, regardless of whether fair indexation is introduced or not. That’s right – no cost to the Commonwealth budget!
So at the absolute worst, between now and 2020, the unfunded liability would be well under $1 billion. So much for their fanciful $6.2 billion!
The Government’s estimation of short term cash costs to the Australian taxpayer are also exaggerated because they fail to allow for an acknowledged 30% clawback of the cost through increased taxation and reduced social welfare outlays. Using the Government’s own figure of $175 million, the real cost to taxpayers, after clawback, would be around $120 million over 4 years.
Looking only at the additional cash cost on a year by year basis, it averages at around $20 million per year, before clawback, over the next 4 years (about $14 million per year after clawback). To suggest that this is unaffordable from an annual Commonwealth budget of $300 Billion (which also increases each year through GDP growth) is complete nonsense. We know it – They know it.
The Government Lie is exposed!
Ray Gibson
Hi Tess,
Further to Philip Clark’s good info on sending letters via a single address to the House of Representatives, if you wish to send letters to Senators via a single address then you can use “Office of the Clerk of the Senate PO Box 6100 Parliament House Canberra ACT 2600.”
A little covering note to the Clerk stating that you cannot afford stamps for all members and would they mind distributing the letters for you should do the trick.
Doug Conn
G’day Tess and all
Up to 40 now. Latest to Sen Ludwig below.
Keep up the good work Tess and Dave. You are champions!!
26 Sampson Street
ORANGE NSW 2800
27 July 2011
Senator the Hon Joe Ludwig MP
Parliament House
CANBERRA ACT 2600
Dear Hon Member
RE: EQUITY AND THE INDEXATION OF VETERANS’ PENSIONS
I enclose herewith signed copy of my correspondence of even date to the Prime Minister, the contents of which are self explanatory.
The veteran community is fed up to the eye teeth with the inequities that prevail in the administration of our entitlements. Inequities principally starting with that charismatic and self-indulgent Mr Robert J Hawke MP and the then Labor Party government’s Veterans’ Entitlement Act 1986 which denied fairness and natural justice to veterans’ through a Federal Court ruling. A ruling never corrected via amending legislation from the Labor Party! Labor is, clearly, unjust and uncaring so far as veterans’ are concerned! The latest inequity being the Senate’s recent failure to index veterans’ pensions equitably. A failure supported by the vote of your fallacious Labor Party in its unholy alliance with the Greens and Independents, who are of equally deficient ethics. Look at the indexation of your parliamentary superannuation in comparison to all others! Where is the equity and fairness in that? Hypocrites! Opportunistic and deceitful hypocrites!
Your response to Mr Gibson (Independent Australian “Forum” July 2011) is just another typical example of your Labor Party’s avoidance of the issue and a deliberate attempt to be the purveyor of more misleading information. Your figures are rubbery, Senator, and Labor’s budgetary “estimates” to date have been far from accurate, let alone convincing. I am beginning to wonder about the Treasurer’s fiscal abilities! Will you kindly inform me what the “funded” pension component is for federal parliamentarians for the next thirty (30) year prediction? Your parliamentary pensions are fully funded in the budget estimates, so this information should be readily available. Why has the equitable indexation of veterans’ pensions been omitted from this forward estimates budgeting? Because you don’t give a tuppenny damn about us as we are a convenient source of “fiscal responsibility” to enable the Labor Party to fund those minorities that pledge allegiance to its cause! We are really proud of our service, Senator, and that is something you can never take away from us; unlike equitable pensions indexing! Clearly, the Labor Party is not at all supportive of us. Shame on you all!!
It is possible, Senator, that all veterans’ are, colloquially, “mad”. That tends to happen as a result of war. But we are NOT STUPID Senator and your Labor rabble would do well to understand that.
Veterans’ are sick of it! Parliament sent us away to undertake its fights and still does not have the decency and integrity to treat us fairly!!! Shame on you all!! But I guess you were just another anti-Vietnam War “troops” protestor so you still enjoy dishing the crap out to us!
2.
The Labor Party has no absolute mandate to do what it is currently seeking to do. It is flying, arrogantly, in the face of public opinion because it thinks it knows what is best for all. Well, Senator Joe Ludwig MP, it does not! Veterans’ no longer believe those now deceitful and infamous words of that other Labor Party egoist and self-appointed doyen of public justice, Mr Paul Keating MP, “Trust us! We know what is best for you!” The Labor Party will not treat us fairly and we cannot “trust” it! What is best for us is NOT the current Labor Party!
Roll on 2013!!!!! And all veterans’ will vote, Senator Joe Ludwig MP!! Be assured of that! Restore equity to us! But we cannot expect you to support fairness and natural justice for us; can we? You are, after all, bound by your Labor Party and its anti-veteran attitude. Vets no longer count for you!!
Yours in disgust
Philip Clark
2792532 ARA(NS)
7th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment
South Vietnam 1970-71 (full tour)
I will, no doubt, be not favour with the courtesy of a reply.
Keep at it guys.
Regards
Phil
G’day all,
For those who have been emailing me and have not yet received a reply, please accept my humble apologies. However I am away from Townsville, hence away from my office, and do not return until 13 August. While I agree with Ray, I believe that we will never win our fight based on comprative costings. The bureaucratic economic rationalists will win every time. Statistics, statistics and damned lies.
If we do use this argument, we must demand that the Government release all its costing assumptions, projections and analysis for independent study. So perhaps we should add this to our letters.
As far as OPERATION “LETTER RAID” is concerned, I think that we all know that the politicians will not open our letters personally, nor will they answer them personally. What we are trying to achieve is to disrupt Parliament House by having thousands of letters arrive in Parliament House within two days. This will clearly demonstate that there are thousnads of members within the Defence community who have had enough of all this economic smoke and mirrors. It will prove that we are a very, cohesive and well-organised group that will not go away this time, even if we have to actually march to Canberra.
Let’s FLOOD PARLIAMENT HOUSE WITH LETTERS.
THE MARCH TO CANBERRA HAS BEGUN. WILL YOU JOIN US? IF YES, WRITE THREE LETTERS.
Dear RAY, you are a champ, thanks for clarifying matters and also for keeping an eye on things – we all must. Thank you for exposing the lie.
The Government thinks that by repeating the lie often enough it will somehow transmogrify into the truth!
Dear DOUG CONN, how good are you Bro!!!!
Frankly, many of us don’t have a bean to spare, so this is a fab tip. Thanks for it Doug, and please, you too, keep a lookout for us all.
Somehow, we all feel secure with you gentlemen – and women – on board – than we ever would with entrusting our fate with our politicians. As if!
Dear PHILIP CLARK,you are a dead set legend!!!!!!!
Philip, SENATOR JOE LUDWIG would be reeling in both shock and awe at receiving this.
He and his minders would be totally incapable of writing such a letter, let alone understand it. No doubt, the same Indonesian translators assisting him with the Live Export Scandal, will assist in translating your letters for him.
Thank you for posting your letters – and please Philip, let us know if you get responses and please post them here; even if they are pro forma rubbish.
It is generally helpful to gauge to what level of contempt one is held.
Dear NEIL WEEKES, point taken!!!!!!
What is truly wonderful, is the fact that you all have a share in the ownership of this marvellous and inspiring campaign for justice for Diggers past and present, and widows,families and heirs.
The LETTER RAID is critical to this multipronged assault.
Look at what you have all done – and what you continue to do. The Government, in its arrogance assumed you would demob at a given point. It clearly has no idea of your calibre or of your loyalty to one another.
You are teaching all of us about the strength and dignity of people power.
I do salute you and your Dear Families.
It is a privilege to walk with you.
I WILL BE MARCHING TO CANBERRA WITH THE DIGGERS! PLEASE JOIN ME.ALL ARE WELCOME.
Dear MICHAEL, thank you for answering my question. This is outrageous ( what you’ve pointed out )
Why didn’t anyone go to jail, indeed. Because it woz the government wot dunnit!!!
Michael, not everyone in the Govt.would be happy about what has been done to you in their name – and as a citizen, I am certainly not happy about what has been done to you in our name.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if a whistleblower stepped forward from the ranks.
Hi again Cobbers. Yes our letters are important and no that alone won’t sway the bastards, but then a devious mob like us need to be inventive. I suggest that at your next RSL sub-branch meeting, you lobby them to take the same action as the Springwood triservices branch in not inviting any pollies to official RSL functions or rememberance services and letting the bludgers know in writing that they are no longer welcome whilst they actively discriminate against us. If we can get enough sub-branches to do this then the RSL leadership will need to take a stance and give voice. When you write to the greens, have a good look through their website with some of their costings in their policies and then hammer them about their blindly believing DOFD’s rubbery figures as promoted by Senator Wong and her equally devious predecesser Lindsay Tanner. In November 2007 (according to the greens’ blog) they advocated a $30.00 a week for Australia’s 1.2 million aged pensioners and costed that at $3 billion a year. Then in October 2008 Doctor Bob advocated that same increase for 1.2 million aged pensioners which would cost approximately $1 billion a year. So now they believe fair indexation for a measly 56 thousand former service personnel is going to cost billions? Well Doctor Bob, you’ve certainly lost us there. Bloody good job you’re not in treasury! You can see that in my letter to Doctor Bob (not the muppet character – but they could be one and the same!!) I will bloody hammer him about his costings and his belief of DOFD in their “fiscal responsibility” mode. The greens Sarah Hansen-Young is spruicking that we are a rich country and as such should be increasing foreign aid spending in billions, so where is there ever going to be room for 56,000 ex service personnel? How looney are this lot?
Keep at the bastards.
Cheers Maurie
G’day Tess
Thanks for yours..but I’m no legend. Just another average veteran who has done the right thing by his country (as a Nasho!- called up to serve!!!) and is now very pissed off the the politicians (particularly those currently in power) don’t appear to give a shit about us or our service.
I going to be like the frog half way down the heron’s throat with his front legs tightly its throat; when dealing with these self-interested miscreants. I ain’t NEVER going to give up!!!! So if some politician is reading this…we’re coming to get what every other Australian resident has – except us veterans’… fairness and natural justice. “EQUITY for Australians”. That is just a great, feel-good bullshit catch cry from the ALP.
Keep at it sunshine
Regards
Phil
G’day again Tess
Have just gone through the 2010 election results. Kev 07 was on a bit of a roll but the ALP got pissed off with him and Gillard went to the polls with everyone a little angry; but hopeful. Some interesting results:
SEAT
Grayndler (NSW) (Albanese ALP) 2 party preferred swing (tpp) -4.22%
Personal (P) swing against Albanese -9.37%
Melbourne (Vic) (Bandt Green) tpp -11.42% against ALP
P for Bandt +13.37% (reflecting a Green influence)
Corangamite (Vic) (Cheeseman ALP) needed the Greens preferences to take the seat.
Watson (NSW) (Burke ALP) tpp -9.06% P -9.87%
Melbourne Ports (Vic) (Danby ALP) Greens preferences decided seat
Richmond (NSW) (Elliot ALP) Greens preferences to hold seat
Rankin (Qld) (Emerson ALP) tpp -6.26% P -10.98%
Kingsford-Smith (NSW) (GARRETT ALP) tpp -8.10% p -8.93%
and that will again fall following his recent appearance at an electorate public meeting!!!
Fowler NSW (Hayes ALP) ttp -15.06% P -13.81% (Clearly on the nose then. How will he be faring now???)
Eden-Monaro (NSW) (Kelly ALP) “The seat that decides the election” Only held seat with Green preferences.
Banks (NSW) (Melham, ALP) tpp -8.92% P -10.76%
Only held seat with Green preferences
Same, same Rid NSW, Robertson NSW,Parramatta NSW,Moreton Qld,Greenway NSW,Perth WA and Lilley Qld.
Both the Greens and the ALP are on the nose across Australia so God knows what will happen in 2013 (if not before when Julie gets the push-probably by Kevin this time). But we also have to let the Coalition know it cannot take us for granted either. I have written several letters to Coalition members and John Cobb (NP-Calare) is the only one to have given me the courtesy of a reply.
Regards
Phil
Ch
Hi Tess,
Article in the comments section Weekend Courier Sat 30 Jul. “A Fair Go Sought”(Rockingham WA)re our plight.
Failed to keep a copy, but similar with content of Sound Telegraph Weds 27 July.
http://www.communitydigital.com.au/ Page 13
Both Editors have been good to us..Take care
Michael – Warnbro
I WILL BE WITH YOU MARCHING TO CANBERRA WITH THE DIGGERS!
Dear 10SUMPY, walk with us Bro, all the way. We need you.
And are inspired by you.
Dear PHILIP CLARK, sorry Cobber, but you ARE a legend! You haven’t seen all
the emails about you, singing your praises.
This is such a beaut thing, isn’t it ? This fight for Justice! It’s truly legit.
Every single letter that you write, everything you do, is a homage to those who
have gone before us Philip. No one knows that more than all of you, Brothers in Arms.
I WILL MARCH TO CANBERRA WITH THE DIGGERS. CRAWL IF I HAVE TO.
Dear PHILIP CLARK, this gets curiouser and curiouser!
How fabulous to have these stats at hand – especially when cross-matched with the
number of Veterans in various electorates!!!!!
Thank you. Now you know why you’re a dead set legend! And this ain’t the half of it!
Dear MICHAEL, it is a lovely thing, that you say ‘take care’in your comments to us.
Usually people are to embarassed to say such things in public, for reasons I have never quite understood. Not sure that I do want to understand. Because I tend to think that it is those people who are very secure in themselves who say such things to us.
Thanks for the info and will check it out.
You take care too Cobber.
Hi Tess and all vets.
Thanks for yours, Tess. It is really great to know that the vets out there are reading these posts. I know that us vets’ can win this fight if we stick together and get up the politicians in Canberra; especially the Labor mob, who have created and perpetuated this gross injustice on veterans’ for bloody years. Labor must have known about the Federal Court’s ruling denying equity to veterans’ and I suspect the Coalition was aware of it also but decided to go along with it rather than do the right thing and correct it. Either way, both sides of politics have dumped on us from a great height.
I have been asked to post the Gillard letter on this Forum. I have great pleasure doing that. That letter will appear in another post immediately after this one. But first, I have to explain what the “laches and acquiescence” legal principle is that I refer to in that letter. So here goes (and I apologize for the length of it but it is very important all vets know where I am coming from):
“Laches and acquiesence” is an equitable principle which essentially states if you stand by knowing something is wrong and the basis for that “wrongness” has not been conveyed to the person under a misapprehension that what he/she has done/is doing is correct, then “he who stands by” cannot then plead that the person who has made the error because of that misapprehension should still be penalized or disadvantaged. It is essentially a notion of promissory estoppel. Once you know of the innocent error you cannot profit by it.
Thus, if the DVA tells a veteran to do something and the veteran does that “thing”, believing what he/she has been told to do is correct when it is actually wrong, the DVA, especially if it has evidence that the veteran has innocently relied on that wrongful/erroneous advice, should not be able, in equity, to penalize that veteran. But as equity does not apply to veterans’ (due to the Federal Court ruling as it has), the DVA can not only penalize that veteran but it must do so as the Federal Court has ruled that equitable principles are not available to the veteran in the administration of their respective entitlements. And the DVA, being a part of the “executive” arm of government is bound to follow government policy of the day and the interpretation of statutes by the judiciary (courts/tribunals).
Under the Doctrine of Precedent, decisions of superior courts in the same judicial hierarchy bind all inferior courts/tribunals in the same judicial hierarchy. This being the case, no State court or tribunal in NSW (or any other State/Territory) has the power to overturn the ruling of the Federal Court!!
“Veterans’”, being under a “federal” Act of parliament and controlled by the federal government, can only appeal the Federal Court’s denial of fairness and natural justice (equity) decision to the High Court; but we are now long past the time limit for any appeal. We can make an original application in the High Court for it to determine whether veterans’ should be entitled to fairness and natural justice and, if so, that the VEA 1986 is a unconstitutional “denial of the right to equity” but where are we going to get the money to pay for the process of making an application to the High Court? “The Castle” was a nice “feel good” comedy but, practically, it will not happen that way for vets’. The politicians have effectively, whether in ignorance or knowingly, stymied veterans’ at law very effectively.
So it’s pretty clear either the Hawke Labor government in 1986 deliberately intended that equity be expressly excluded from veterans’ when their respective entitlements were being considered either by the DVA or the judiciary or, alternatively, when the Federal Court ruled as it did, successive governments, both Labor and Coalition, have been happy to maintain that Court’s interpretation without introducing amending legislation to restore equity to veterans’. Either way, veterans are currently denied a fundamental legal right the rest of the Australian population; legal, pending or illegal, has.
It is absolutely crazy! The Minister for Immigration and Citizenship has a power of “Ministerial intervention” to redress wrongs to “citizens and immigrants” done by his Department in the course of processing applications but the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs has no similar and corresponding power. So, it appears, veterans’ have a lesser status in the scheme of things than “citizens” and “immigrants”. Where are we, precisely, in the current legal structure of society? Buggered if I know!!! It is all pretty surreal but veterans’ appear to have a lesser legal standing than immigrants/refugees! And we were all either born here or served Australia, or both!
So that’s it! We are progressively and exponentially being screwed by our politicians because the Federal Court has ruled that equity does not apply to veterans’ in the administration of their respective entitlements. And the only way that can be quickly (?) corrected is by the government of the day introducing “amending” legislation to the VEA 1986 to restore equitable rights to veterans’!! But will they? Not without substantial public exposure of this situation and the community getting up in arms about the way veterans’ are being treated by their politicians. The public gives us huge support on occasions such as ANZAC Day so there is no reason to suspect that the public will not support us now. After all, we all speak English due to the service of those who fought in both World Wars!!!
So guys, I have 71 letters in the hand ready to post to the ALP/Greens and Independents in the House of Representatives to reach Canberra, I hope, on the opening day of the new term of the federal Parliament. On that day, I will also be emailing to the House of Reps Coalition members and all Senators a generic letter to which will be attached the Gillard letter.
As the Gillard letter is now to be posted here, I intend to post the original letter to her tomorrow. I hope she likes it!!
C’mon fellas. Take up the challenge and write to these blokes in Canberra and let them know you are not happy. Even if you just say “I agree with Phil Clark’s letter to the Prime Minister. Do something about restoring equity to veterans’ and equitably index our pensions”. (or words to that effect)
Regards to all and thanks for your support through Tess. Thanks also to Dave the IA editor and Tess, who has been with us all the way. Great job Tess and Dave!
Best wishes to all….
Phil
Hi Tess and all
The Gillard letter is now posted, as promised:
“26 Sampson Street
ORANGE NSW 2800
27 July 2011
The Hon J E Gillard PM MP
Locked Bag No 14 PO
WERRIBEE VIC 3030
Dear Prime Minister
RE: EQUITY AND THE INDEXATION OF VETERANS’ PENSIONS
Let me please quote from a letter I received from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs dated 21 October 2006. Mr Michael Weiss’s name is included for the purpose of authentication (and no other). He and other DVA staff simply carry out government’s policy and the court rulings when the Veterans’ Entitlement Act 1986 is interpreted. They cannot be “blamed” for the denial of equity to the veteran community generally; and they have been so blamed, quite wrongly, in the past. The blame for the denial of equitable rights to veterans’ rests solely with successive governments. The relevant quote is as follows:
“In respect to your reference to “laches and acquiescence”, advice provided to me is to the effect that the Federal Court has repeatedly emphasised that equitable doctrines cannot be used to extend a decision-maker’s authority beyond the terms of the relevant statute. Therefore, the terms of the Veterans’ Entitlement Act 1986 need to be applied to the facts of the case.”
It is, therefore, manifestly obvious that the Federal Court’s interpretation of the Veterans’ Entitlement Act 1986 denies the principles of equity (fairness and natural justice) to all veterans’ whose entitlements are administered under that Act. A Labor Party Act under the Hawke administration.
Did the Hawke Labor government intend the Veterans’ Entitlement “Bill” 1986 be drafted in such a way that the judiciary would have no alternative but to interpret the subsequent “Act” as one which denied equity to veterans’? I’m absolutely confident that question will never be answered by you. When the Federal Court handed down its interpretation of the Veterans’ Entitlement Act 1986 there was no attempt to pass amending legislation by the Labor Party government to restore equitable rights to veterans’. I’m sure had a denial of Union rights to equity had been involved any Labor government would have proceeded to introduce such amending legislation; with indecent haste! Clearly, Labor considers the service of veterans’ to be not worthy of equality within the law applicable to all other Australians! Shame on you and your self-styled Party of natural justice for all!
The current debacle in relation to the Senate’s failure to index veterans’ DFRB and DFDRB entitlements is a perpetuation of this denial of equity to veterans’. You do so either because you know you have no legal obligation to provide “equity” to veterans’ due to the Federal Court ruling as it has or, alternatively, you and your Labor Party don’t give a toss for your veterans’ and their service in the cause of our English speaking democracy.
Either way, Prime Minister, you are being put on notice by your veteran community that you and your Labor Party are at the very precipice of political disaster. You are standing, as it were; teetering precariously over the edge. The question is: “Will Messrs Rudd, Swan and/or Wong give you the push or will you stick it out to be annihilated at the 2013 polls?”
I guess you see your “mate” Senator Bob Brown, the de-facto Prime Minister, as your saviour and you will bow to his every command in an attempt to save your skin. But you have entered into the devil’s den cutting deals with that self-appointed guardian of falsities, doom and gloom! Let me make it clear. Australians do not want to be governed by the Greens and if you would care to read the manifesto the Greens adhere to you might be surprised to find that they want to stick it into you as well. The Independents (particularly that Mr Oakeshott!!) are on the nose in their respective electorates but you crave limpet-like suction to those misguided individuals also. You really have backed yourself into a very unsavoury corner, haven’t you?
To say that veterans’ have lost faith in you and the rabble you call your “government” would be a gross understatement! You do not have an absolute mandate to do anything without the help of those minorities; which minorities the vast majority of Australians presently condemn.
If you really want to do something positive before you are forced out or, colloquially, “die at your own hand” due to your intransience, arrogance and unbelievable denial of the public’s opinion of you, you will immediately:
a. introduce amending legislation to restore equitable rights for veterans’ under the Veterans’ Entitlement Act 1986 so that they might have the same legal rights to redress wrongs as every other Australian resident has; and
b. take such steps as are necessary to implement fair indexation of all DFRB and DFDRB pensions for veterans’.
Failure to do this can only result in your government, the Greens and the Independents failing to secure, at the next federal poll, the majority of votes of your veteran community; not to mention the currently serving members of the Australian Defence Forces.
The call is yours. Please stop treating veterans’ as fools and our service to this great nation (which you are progressively sending down the drain) with such abject contempt!
Yours in hope but not in expectation
Philip Clark
2792532 ARA(NS)
7th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment
South Vietnam 1970-71 (full tour)”
Do with it as you will. Cut and paste it and send it to the politicians if you like with your supporting endorsement. But please let them know you are mightily pissed off!!
Regards to all and keep fighting!!!
Phil
Dear Tess and all,
Re Senator Wong’s 16th June speech on the Fair Indexation Bill
At Tess’es request I have transfered below, some of my thoughts on Senator Wong’s speech from the IA’s “March for Justice Page”
I am writing to a number of politicians of all parties, and in preparing a letter to Senator Wong I drafted the following thoughts which others might like to use. I have already posted it as an abrieviated comment on the Penny Wong Shame file page, of Neil Weeks Fair Go website.
“While reading the Hansard record about the Senate debate of the “Fair Indexation Bill”, it seemed to me that Senator Wong has little understanding of two words which many Australians hold dearly:- Patriotism and Honour.
Near the beginning of her speech she states – “There is no-one in this chamber who lacks for patriotism. There is no-one in this chamber who does not honour deeply the work that our serving personnel undertake, and the nature of that service has been most tragically brought home in recent weeks”
Senator Wong is very free with her words about patriotism and honour, and, considering her political tirade about the opposition’s intentions with this bill, by what authority does she then speak on behalf of the opposition when it comes to patriotism?
Just because a person or a body of people governs their country, it doesn’t automatically mean they are all patriots. There are plenty of despots and dictators who today rule countries in the Middle East or Africa and don’t have any interested in patriotism. They are there for the power, privilege, and financial gain it affords them, and their cohorts. I suspect some of our politicians hold with that same point of view.
Research shows dictionaries variously define Patriotism as:
• a devotion to one’s country
• Willingness to sacrifice for one’s country.
Some more eminent people than Senator Wong have also given us definitions for patriotism.
In 1774, Samuel Johnson published The Patriot, a critique of what he viewed as false patriotism. On the evening of 7 April 1775, he made the famous statement, “Patriotism is the last refuge of the scoundrel.”
Oscar Wilde (1854 – 1900), defined it as “Patriotism is the virtue of the vicious.”
It seems clear Senator Wong’s idea of patriotism doesn’t hold with the two dictionary definitions above. Her speech reveals that her view of patriotism is more like that defined by Samuel Johnson or Oscar Wilde.
Honour
• to hold in respect or esteem
• to confer a distinction upon
I have to wonder who the idiot was that authorised our politicians to be addressed with the grandiose title of “Honourable” prior to their name. If I could meet him I would give him the good kick he deserves, for by his action he has certainly been responsible for degrading the respect and admiration that is normally associated with that word, where it is used in its original context.
Take Senator Wong’s statement during the senate reading of the Fair Indexation bill as an example.
“There is no-one in this chamber who does not honour deeply the work that our serving personnel undertake, and the nature of that service has been most tragically brought home in recent weeks”
On the Hansard record, her speech was about some 3438 words. Of those 3438 words, only in the 33 words highlighted above, does she give any recognition at all to efforts of our armed forces personnel! Her words to”honour deeply” are really a meaningless platitude to satisfy her own conscience.
It is quite clear she has little feeling or respect for us, let alone honour, because standing in Parliament, before the people of Australia, she could only award us those 33 words, or, just 0.9%, of her speech, which might suggest a modicum of direct support for our serving & ex-service personnel (and by default, their families).
I’m certain whoever the idiot I mentioned above was, he would be aghast at its association with many of our current politicians of all persuasions, but in particular, Labour and the Greens after their despicable actions on the Fair Indexation Bill.
Use of the honorific title seems to be just another of parliamentary perk which our politicians have accorded themselves (much like the 83% parliamentary widow’s pension which also comes to mind), without ever having to put up with the considerable hardships our service men and women, and their families, have had to endure during the many years of honourable service for the people of our country.
I for one will not be using the word “Honorable” in a title address again, unless the politician I am addressing has earned my respect for their actions by working properly for the benefit of Australians, instead of mostly making meaningless, political point scoring statements meant more for their party members, than the voting public who aren’t that gullible and can see through such rubbish!”
Cheers & clear skies,
Mike
Thanks Phil for an inspiring letter. I have forwarded it to my Fair Indexation Group mailing list hoping that it will also inspire them.
Paul
G’day Paul and Tess
Thanks…and no worries. Use the letter as you wish. As Neil says, the more letters parliament receives the more chance it will take notice.
Tess, the election stats can be found on the Electoral Commission website. http://www.aec.gov.au. Go to “House of Representatives” and the “First preferences”. Search through the stats there.
The message is getting through that Brown and his Greens are those running this country, not Gillard’s Labor Party; and people are really getting pissed-off with that fact. If I were Abbott I would be starting to get a little worried! When he gets in he is really going to have to perform!!! I think Gillard knows this and is intent on pushing her “reforms” regardless of public opinion. Perhaps she is a spiteful bit of gear??!!!
By 2013, we are going to be in an awful bloody mess economically if this keeps on going!
Regards
Phil
G’day Mike
You are spot on. “Honour” to Labor/Greens politicians, apparently, has something to do with their own “inner workings” and not those existing on the outside of that “Bunker of Dis-honour” in Canberra.
The public knows what it means but those elected to the Labor Party & Greens (and, perhaps, the others???)must have to swear an oath (outside that required by the Governor-General) before they are permitted to take their respective seats in the Chamber.
But the public is on to the rhetoric of these politicians but they are too dumb to understand that when they talk “honour” they are mostly shooting themselves in the foot.
Regards
Phil
Dear MIKE FINN, thanks for this, I see that PHILIP CLARK has also commented on your fine letter. Wonderful teamwork. All for one. One for all.
Dear Ladies & Gentlemen,
I recently read a letter written by Phil Clark that was posted on my old unit’s email gp. A friend directed me to this blog with respect to the author of that letter. May I say this without being patronising, your efforts are commendable. All of you.
In my own small way, I’d like to think I could help. Most certainly, this is bigger than any individual. But, where I can offer a hand, I’ll be there.
Sincerely
Brad Cairnduff
Perhaps our politicians will take no notice of anything we write, but they would be well advised to heed the words of a past elder statesman who actually knew a thing or two about the subject:
“The willingness of future generations to serve in our military will be directly dependent upon how we have treated those who served in the past.”
– George Washington
Ray
I would like to draw people’s attention back to Ray Gibson’s post on 30 July 2011. It is the clearest presentation I have seen of where the real fight is – to discredit the sole argument the Government has for denying fair indexation for increases in the cost of living to Military superannuates and widows.
They say it will cost too much (not fiscally responsible). We say rubbish, and we back that up with facts. Ray explains it well – thank you Air Commodore Ray Gibson AM (RAAF Retd.).
If we can’t persuade the Government to accept the truth of the real facts we must persuade the other party representatives to see through the false representation of the fiscal argument.
Neil Weekes’ OPERATION “LETTER RAID” is a great idea but the letters need to include much of Ray’s argument. Forget about letting off steam – keep a cool head, and maintain the aim.
To quote a SQNLDR spitfire pilot during the Battle of Britain (movie):
“Don’t think! Don’t just glance! Look! Search for the bastards”
Dear BRAD CAIRNDUFF,this is great news – if you go through the comments you will come across several SITREPS from Neil Weekes and other material from others including Peter Thornton – a number of comments have email contacts – but if you have any probs at all, please leave another message – and I’ll alert one of the lads.
Dear RAY, spot on. Rest assured, the pollies are taking notice of you all.
Dear BILL ARDEN, well said about RAY GIBSON’S post – and really, this whole comments section is chokkers with good sense and analyses that is far superior than any of the facile responses and excuses received from Gillard Government politicians about the serious abuse and injustice successive Australian Governments continue to mete out to Diggers, widows and heirs.
Tess and all others I received a reply from Craig Thomson MP Member for Dobell my local member.I will attach my letter to him and his reply.
Craig Thompson
Member for Dobell,
Jill Hall
Member for Shortland,
Deb O’Neill
Member for Robertson.
Dear Federal Member’s for the Central Coast
As you would all know by now your government has put most of the Serving and Ex Serving members of the Defence force off side by defeating the fair indexation bill in the Senate last month. That is the Labor, Greens and Independent Senator’s who have been advised that it is not economically viable and would cost billions. There are not that many of us for an increase in our pensions to cost billions.
The government that you three belong to has lost touch with the average Australian you are too concerned in keeping Bob Brown and his greens on side. They do not represent the majority of Australians.
Get back to the basics of running this Country or get out and let someone who can govern us take over. While ever you have Gillard as your leader you will struggle to keep your jobs.
You all have seats on the Central Coast where a lot of Pensioners have retired and a lot of them are ex service pensioners who receive a pension from DFRDB or DFRDBF administered by Comsuper.
In our eyes you come over as being greedy and self serving so and so’s you don’t move a bill to reduce the indexation of the very generous pensions and allowances that you will receive when you retire.
I served my country for twenty years in the Army with postings to Vietnam. Papua New Guinea and many states of Australia which has played a very heavy toll on my family.
We need to stop moving forward with Gillard and get a leader who we can respect and who will give us in the Defence family a fair go.
Robert Ihlein DFRDBF pensioner
Reply From Craig Thomson
Quote
Dear Mr. Ihlein
Thank you for your correspondence dated 5th July 2011. I apologize for the delay in replying. Your letter was forwarded to me by Jill Hall The Federal Member for Shorthand and was just received by myself. Unquote (I sent my letter to the three federal members on the Central Coast Hall O’Neil & Thomson letter attached.) So the letter I sent to him registered post ever got to him.
Quote
I read your letter with interest and recognize your 20years service with the Australian Army. Your service is commendable and I take this opportunity to personally to thank you for your commitment. Military service dose have an impact on members families, one that those not involved in the services understand.
The Minister and his department took the decision not to increase military pensions after intensive investigation and debate.
I personally raised my concerns with him, concerns that I was made aware of by retired military personnel who live in my electorate.
In regards to parliamentarian pensions entitlements these are now in inline with commonwealth superannuation entitlements.
The previous scheme has been abolished and all new members of the parliament receive the same as public servants. I am one of these members.
Yours Faithfully
Craig Thomson MP
Unquote he didn’t get to read my original letter but at least he read and answered my letter that was forwarded to him. This is more than the majority have done. I have not had a word from O’Neil yet.
Regards
Bob Ihlein
I Will March on Canberra with the Diggers.
Thanks for your support Bill.
Perhaps I should clarify a point in relation to my cost comments on 30 July. I am not suggesting that our letters only focus on the absurd costs put forward by Government. My point was that if you do decide to attack the Government on costs, it is important for our credibility that our cost arguments are as consistent and accurate as possible.
And if the cost issue is raised, then I agree with Neil that we should also be challenging the Government to release the assumptions/methodology that clearly shows how they arrived at their numbers. As I said in one of my letters, the Government has stonewalled all requests for their costing details, and this raises the question: What are they trying to hide?
Whilst the cost issue is important, I think our letters should also be hammering the fairness and social justice arguments, i.e. it is fair that our indexation should be aligned with the Age pension; and it is a matter of simple social justice that the indexation arrangement we once had (as a condition of employment) should be restored to us, after it was deceptively removed in the late 1980s.
OPERATION LETTER RAID seems to have a lot of momentum and the deadline is fast approaching. Please keep the letter writing going, and aim to get them all in the mail on Friday 12 Aug or Sat 13 Aug at the latest.
We will prevail!
Ray Gibson
Hi all,
Just read Ray’s latest comments, and Ray, you make a lot of sense. Obviously, the labour government will try to cover their tracks by not releasing DOFD estimates in their entirety, so the next option might be to hammer the greens and Xenophon in arguing that if they truly support us, they will get off their bums, and demand that DOFD costings be released in full. That will either shut us up and get us off their backs (highly unlikely) or prove to the world that senators Wong and her predecessor Tanner were telling large porky pies. The greens and Xenophon have Julia and Co by the short and curlies, so they CAN apply the pressure for release, but whether they have the backbone to do it or not remains to be seen. My letters to the greens include this request, citing openess and transparency in government, but I doubt that they will even acknowledge that in the first round. Let’s hope they surprise us. Keep up the fight and show them that our military and former military are not easily defeated in any fight.
Cheers, Maurie
Dear BOB IHLEIN, thanks for posting your letter and CRAIG THOMSON’s response, because it places it alongside other responses and means you can publicly make some political assessment of the politician concerned – and compare various responses – and I know this is assisting in mobilising voting blocs in any Federal, State and/or by-election.
Those who don’t respond at all, are simply ensuring your wrath at the ballot box.
Does CRAIG THOMSON refer to the ‘ Minister ‘ by name ? Who is he talking about Bob ? SMITH ? SNOWDON ?
Tess
He just said the Minister and I thought the Ministers passed the bill in the lower house and the Senate rejected the bill so how could the Minister after investigation etc reject the bill unless the Minister is a member of the Senate.
Bob Ihlein
Bob, Tess,
There has been some confusion about the Fair Indexation Bill, which is understandable given what has transpired.
The Bill has never been put to the Lower House. It was only introduced to the Senate as a Private Members Bill by Senator Ronaldson. The confusion comes about because a couple of weeks before the Senate vote, Stuart Robert, the Shadow Minister for Defence Personnel put a Motion to the House of Reps in support of the principle of fair indexation and in support of the Bill, and that is what was voted on in the House (passed unanimously on the voices). But that is not the same thing as actually putting the Bill to the Lower House and voting on it. It may sound like splitting hairs, but there is a clear legal/technical difference.
The Coalition went this route because (as I understand it) they thought they had a better chance of getting the Bill through the Senate, which would then have put more pressure on the MPs to pass it when it was later introduced to the Lower House. But since it didn’t pass the Senate, it has not been put to the Lower House. It’s all political games and tactics – what can I say!!
I assume the minister referred to is Snowdon since he is the minister with direct responsibility for DFRB/DFRDB.
Hope this helps to unmuddy the waters!
Ray Gibson
Thanks Ray that helps a lot it is better to know what we are talking about.
Bob
Dear BOB IHLEIN, thanks – it is strange that CRAIG THOMSOM did not identify the Minister by name.
I hope you ask him to clarify the situation.
Thanks RAY, all this just goes to reinforce that even at this stage, the entire matter is still riddled with confusion.
CRAIG THOMSON should identify his Minister.
OPERATIO “LETTER RAID” SITREP No 5
Don’t forget to post your letters on 12th /13th August to Parliament House!
Have you got your letters ready to post on 12th /13th August yet? If not, you only have a few days left…….so please, don’t delay….the success of this “raid” is dependent on the volume of mail that arrives at Parliament House at the same time!
Parliament resumes sitting on 16th August and we strongly urge you, your family and friends, to become part of the “OPERATION LETTER RAID” Campaign.
We will not give up until we have won the battle!
The Operation (Tasks)
Everyone is to send a minimum of three registered letters, preferably five, addressed to politicians at Parliament House.
The aims of this OPERATION are as follows:
To encourage our people to take an “active” role, and not sit back and let others do the work.
To take ownership of this campaign and actually participate – every action is a step closer to success!
To swamp Parliament House with “hard” material. All letters have to be registered, signed for, delivered to offices, opened and read by the staff, because they cannot assume that every letter they receive has been written by one of us. By rights, every letter should be answered.
To clearly demonstrate to politicians that there is a large group of our Defence community who are completely disillusioned with the current indexation method of our DFRB/DFRDB superannuation.
Most importantly – to clearly demonstrate to the politicians that we are an organized and a cohesive group who can coordinate such actions, thereby implying that we can organize other activities.
Timings
All these letters must be addressed to Parliament House, not to the individual electoral offices. We encourage people to write three letters: one to their local MP (regardless of political party), one to a State Senator and the third to our erstwhile Prime Minister.
Letters are to arrive at Parliament House on either Tuesday, 16th (the day Parliament resumes) or Wednesday 17th August, (the day before Vietnam Veterans’ Day.)
This means your letters must be posted on either 12th August or 13th August.
In the interim, members are encouraged to “trickle feed” letters, specifically to the Independents and to those ALP members holding marginal seats. If you do not receive a reply to your letter, then we would strongly urge you to take the initiative, and follow up with a further letter demanding a considered reply. These should also be sent on 12th/13th August.
All letters to Senators must be addressed to:
Senator…..
The Senate,
Parliament House,
CANBERRA, ACT 2600
For those still feeling energetic….. please copy your letters and forward them on at the same time to the Electoral Offices of the Senators who voted against the Bill, to ensure they are totally bombarded!!
The List of Senators who voted against the Fair Indexation Bill can be found on the JUST A Fair Go website.
Alternatively, members are encouraged to write to a politician who is holding a marginal seat. The list of marginal Federal seats can also be found on the Just A Fair Go website.
Letters to Members of the House of Representatives are to be addressed as follows:
Member’s Name, MP
House of Representatives
Parliament House
Canberra, ACT 2600
It is worth noting that the number of Defence/Commonwealth public servants, living in the majority of marginal seats, far outweighs the number of votes required to unseat the sitting Member in each of those seats. When writing to these politicians, remind them that their seat will be targeted at the next election. (A comprehensive table giving all relevant information can be found on our website: http://www.justafairgo.net Please include the various figures in your letter to your particular politician. e.g.
“I note you hold your seat by………votes. However, I also note that there are ……….DFRB/DFRDB recipients and Commonwealth Public Service Pensioners living in your Electorate. I think you should consider this, going into the next Election.”
The success of OPERATION “LETTER RAID” will be guaranteed if you consider this formula.
There 1,000 members on this emailing address
If each member writes and mails three letters = 3,000 letters
If one other relative in each household writes another 3 letters = 3,000 letters
If each member then sends this SITREP to five other members and requests each new recipient and one relative of each new recipient, to each write three letters = 30,000 letters
TOTAL 36,000 LETTERS and this is only the beginning…….
There are some recipients of this SITREP who will on forward it to more than 100 (in some cases more than 1,000) other people, who hopefully, will do the same thing and all recipients will write their three letters. Not a lot to ask, we could easily achieve over 50,000 letters arriving at Parliament House within a span of two days.
Let’s make it happen! – People Power will Win!
The success of this operation is critical for the overall success of our fight for “a fair go.”
Please don’t think about writing a letter – just do it!
To turn your dreams to a fact, it’s up to you!
If you have a soul and a spirit
Never fear it, you’ll see it thru.
Hearts can inspire other hearts with their fire
For the strong obey when a strong man shows them the way.
News just in….thanks to Michael Currie from Warnbro in Western Australia.
The Sound Telegraph ran an article on 27th July, 2011 “Government cheating Diggers”……. an extract from their article reads:
“Defence Force Superannuants, Australia wide, are up in arms and fighting back after the Senate rejected the Defence Force Retirement & Death Benefit (Fair Indexation Bill) 201 on the 16th June, 2010.
As self funded retirees, members are finding it increasingly difficult to maintain a basic living style, as the value of their pensions is eroded.
The Government insists that the cost is prohibitive at about $20 million (sic) per year, while pouring billions of dollars overseas for foreign aid and to score “brownie” points, without mentioning some of their failed schemes, including the current carbon price fiasco.
A large percentage of affected persons, their families, friends and fair minded people will have a decided swing against our current government come the next election, which could be sooner than later with the shape that our current leaders are in.”
“THE MARCH TO CANBERRA HAS BEGUN…WILL YOU JOIN US?”
Tess I have my letters waiting at my local PO as I am away they are registered and will go in the post on Friday the 12th Aug I will write another letter to Craig Thomson as confirm which minister he spoke to. Cheers Bob.
Offered for sale by serving Minister for Defence
I am offering my third car for sale. It is a 1980 Lada, brought to Australia by a good communist friend of mine. It has done 300,000 km. Some dents and bruises from an accident at ADFA. Like me, the inside is full of crap. It is actually reliable sometimes.No airbags – fitted with CPI (Can’t protect insiders) Goes like a bomb. Would be an ideal vehicle for a military superannuant wishing to upgrade his current vehicle. $15(Bill)ONO
John Griffiths
Copy of Response by Air Vice-Marshal Peter Criss to Dr Kelly (Posted with approval)
3 August 2011
The Hon Dr M. Kelly AM MP
PO Box 214
QUEANBEYAN NSW 2620
Dear Dr Kelly,
Lamentably, I feel compelled to respond to your letter of 25 July. Let me assure you my interest in politics is limited to honesty, delivery and good government – I remain outcome, not Party focussed. Also, I have little interest in your previous military record; it’s the substance of your past, present and future actions as my local member that has my undivided focus.
I have read very carefully your letter to me which was widely circulated by your staff on the day it was posted to me; I received it three days later. I have also noted the Townsville Bulletin article of 29 July confirming you personally authored the letter.
Thank you for clarifying that because until then I had assumed a staff member of yours had authored the e-mail as a prank given its tone and level.
Despite your claims, I did not, nor would I, comment on your Service record. I will leave that to others who worked with you to substantiate your claims should they feel so compelled. If my remark; “…your much touted military (legal) experience” caused distress then I simply point out that it was a factual representation of data available to me on the Australian Parliament House Members web page, your biographical details as shown on your Parliamentary Secretary web page and your personal web page, all
accessed via the official APH site.
I wholeheartedly endorse your “fundamental principle …never leave anyone behind.” If only that principle had been invoked in the eighties by your Party when it redefined the CPI to make it only reflect an inflation measure and not the real change in purchasing power, then all of the current grief and hardship that action is causing in the retired military community could have been negated. The retired military superannuants were further sequestered when that same Government addressed this anomaly in the late eighties but for only the aged and their own pensions.
The Fair Go campaign is not about achieving a new entitlement, it is about your Party restoring an entitlement that existed up until the CPI was deliberately redefined (manipulated springs to mind): even the most charitable would be hard pressed to assert the ramifications on military and Commonwealth superannuants were not foreseen at that time.
You now have a wonderful opportunity to demonstrate your proclaimed support for fair indexation; simply reintroduce the Bill without delay, with amendment to gain bipartisan support, and restore purchasing power indexation to military pensions.
The Ex-Service Community never saw the Fair Indexation Bill as the final solution; it was always seen as a first step towards fair indexation for all military pensions, including disability. This was made abundantly clear to both the Coalition and the Government by the Ex-Service community.
However, using your logic, it appears you would prefer that nothing is achieved rather than making incremental progress. You argue that the Fair Indexation Bill is unaffordable but you increased the cost by lumping everyone into the same one size fits all solution. A perfect political catch 22 was created with the prospects of endless talkfests and no action –Sir Humphrey Appleby would be proud, but let me assure you the troops are not amused.
The DFRB, DFRDB & MSBS are completely separate from the CSS & PSS legislated
superannuation schemes. Not surprisingly, my explicit concern is for the military servants who have demonstrated their willingness to defend our country and its interests with their lives if so directed by Government.
Fair CSS/PSS indexation is a separate issue with its own political and moral considerations. SCOA has acknowledged this; you should do the same.
You state in your letter that you have carefully looked into the costing issue and that my figure of $90 million for all military and civilian personnel is “widely off the mark”. Once again you cloud the issue because the cost I quoted never included the civilian schemes. If you genuinely have a clear insight into the cost of the Fair Indexation Bill, which is the cost I referred to, I urge you to share that detailed information (including all of the assumptions on which the numbers are based) with
me and the rest of the Ex-Service community.
Will you please do that?
Your facilitating that transfer of information would be sincerely appreciated because DFWA and other Ex-Service organisations have been attempting to obtain those details from DoFD but are continually
stonewalled by the Department’s intransigence.
I have also been reliably informed that the meeting you referred to with DFWA and SCOA fell well short of your upbeat description; Minister Wong did not attend the meeting as you asserted, and the extent of DoFD participation in the “ongoing dialogue” was their continued refusal to explain their costing’s assumptions and childish sniggers from some officials as DFWA explained theirs.
Unwisely, you repeated the now familiar line that underpins Labor’s misinformation campaign on fair indexation for DFRB/DFRDB pensioners claiming it would cost taxpayers “billions and billions of dollars”. We heard it again from Minister Smith as recently as last week. You know and I know that this unfunded liability figure is a projected estimate over the next 40 years and is based on the highly dubious DoFD assumptions previously challenged – deliberate scaremongering and it worked. You
also know by 2020 the unfunded liability will be extinguished because military superannuation will no longer be paid from consolidated revenue.
The true cost in terms of unfunded liability to 2020 is well under $1billion (after clawback). So, by 2020 DFDB and most DFRDB superannuant will have witnessed their schemes go full circle in fifty years, but with all their contributions having been stripped into consolidated revenue in the process without any recourse. Fortunately, we also know the government responsible for all those decisions and Diggers don’t forget.
Dr Kelly, this matter does not require further work to develop a new index as you allude. A fair system of pension indexation for retired military and their disabled already exists otherwise it would not be in use today; if it is good enough for Age pensioners and most retired politicians, it must be appropriate for military superannuants and their disabled if one truly values the service they gave.
The Fair Indexation Bill was a “political stunt” in your view. I do not know or care, but I can certainly see some classic political stunts detailed above. We in the retired Defence community are fed up with political point scoring; we want outcomes now.
Please just get on with it and stop denying our retired and disabled Diggers a fair go.
Yours sincerely,
Peter Criss
Dear Peter Criss,
You have done all military superannuants proud. It just goes to prove the continuing arrogance of this Labor Government. All Kelly is after is a pacifier( the same for Kate Lundy), for the large number of retired Commonwealth and Military superannuants in his electorate.
From memory, there weren’t too many top barristers and solicitors in the regular military during my 21 years of service. The best of them were in the Army Reserve. The very best ones were in law firms earning mega dollars and formidable reputations and had nothing to do with military justice.
I can’t ever recall a military lawyer carrying a rifle or pistol. let alone firing one in anger. Come to think of it; if we had a batallion of lawyers in combat protecting us, we all probably would have been left behind.
The sad part is that the current Labor Government and their Green comrades, just don’t get the unique nature of military service. Nor do they care about or understand the plight of many military superannuants trying to survive on a combination of military super and service pensions.
Imagine the uproar in parliament, if pre 2004 politicians were told their future pensions were to be adjusted against movements in the CPI only and on their death, their survivimg spouse would only receive 62% of their pension.
The only way we will see light at at the end of the tunnel is to get rid of Labor and Green pollies at the next election. I think most of us have enough trust in the Coalition now to support them with our vote.
Peter, its a pity that you or someone like you is not in charge of the RSL. Imagine the good they could do with their resources, to support everything being done by ADSO (with limited funding) and individuals from the Ex Service community.
John Griffiths
A military superannuant and Vietnam Veteran
Copy of an article from the Northern Services Courier in Townsville
LETTER RAID TARGETS MPs
THE campaign for fair indexation of military pensions will escalate this
month with “Operation Letter Raid”, a flood of registered letters to politicians returning after the Parliamentary winter break. One of the campaign leaders BRIG (ret) Neil Weekes hopes tens of thousands of letters sent by registered post to arrive on August 16-17, will demonstrate the
depth and extent of anger that has been growing since the Fair Indexation Bill was defeated by one vote in the Senate in June.
BRIG Weekes is a prominent member of the newly formed Alliance of Defence Service Organisations behind this campaign. He said since the Bill had
been defeated, he had been inundated with emails and phone calls from people in the Defence community all over Australia and overseas. “Their anger is palpable,” he said.“They have been sitting back for 20 years waiting for a fair deal and this latest setback has been the final straw.” He said he had been contacted by serving members, former members, veterans and partners, wives and widows.
BRIG Weekes said support for the campaign continued to come from every quarter. “I have had messages of support from members serving in Afghanistan, former ADF members of all ranks and from all services from all over Australia and some living in Thailand and India because they can’t afford the cost of living at home,” he said. “They’re angry, they’re focussed and they’re not going to go away and politicians
need to realise that.”
BRIG Weekes said he encouraged supporters of the campaign – veterans, former service personnel, and civilians – to write three letters. One letter should be sent to their local member, regardless of political persuasion, one to a State senator and one to Prime Minister Gillard. “We encourage everybody to write at least three letters,and preferably five,” BRIG Weekes said. “Once they have written to their local member, a senator and the PM, they could also write to senators Kate Lundy, Bob Brown, Penny Wong and Nick Xenophon, MPs Mike Kelly and Michelle Rowland and Leader of the Opposition Tony Abbott.” Supporters were encouraged to send the letters to politicians at Parliament House, not their electoral offices. BRIG Weekes said it cost about $1.60 to send a registered letter and a little bit of effort. MPs, or their staff, were obliged to open, and read, mail arriving by registered post. They should also respond to questions from constituents. BRIG Weekes said the letter should arrive at Parliament
House on August 16-17, the first sitting days after thewinter break.
He warned supporters to remain respectful and not allow themselves to become
abusive.
Templates or suggested outlines for letters were available at the website – http://www.justafairgo.net – and BRIG Weekes encouraged people to use them as a basis for their own letter. He said letters should be addressed to the member at either “The House of Representatives” or “The Senate”, Parliament House, Canberra,ACT 2600. BRIG Weekes said the campaign was having its effect.
At a forum in Townsville, Leader of the Opposition Tony Abbott, needed no
prompting when the pair was introduced. Mr Abbott knew all about the campaign – and he said as much. “It shows our message is getting through,” BRIG Weekes said. “They know who we are and they know what we want.
That’s a good start.” BRIG Weekes said he had so far written 13 letters
but one supporter, a retired Townsville solicitor, had written 22.
The ADSO has supported the campaign financially through donations made to an account managed by the Defence Force Welfare Association.
Continued next page
Donations can be made
through the justafairgo.net website.
Former senior officers AM
(ret) Jake Newham, AVM
(ret) Peter Criss, MAJGEN
(ret) David Ferguson, MAJGEN
(ret) “Digger” James
and CMDRE (ret) Matt Moncrieff
have publicly added their support to the campaign.
BRIG Weekes said planning continued for a camp on the lawns of Parliament
House if it proved necessary. He said groups from different areas planned to march on Parliament House and “dig in” until the politicians were prepared to listen.
BRIG Weekes said his group would continue to rebut distorted and untrue
arguments put forward by politicians that fair indexation of the DFRDB would
leave a “black hole” in the Budget. The true cost of indexing the DFRB and DFRDB pension in line with the Australian old age pension would be about $20m annually.
“It is an entirely affordable decision and they know it,” BRIG Weekes said.
The Fair Go Campaign will be better supported, if all serving and ex serviing military personnel give some thought to nominating prominent retired military superannuants for State and National presidencies of the RSL. This will also require military superannuants to get involved at Sub Branch level, to ensure our nominees are supported. As an example, look at the senior officers supporting our cause in the previous entry. I believe David Jamison, National President of DFWA and chief Spokeperson for ADSO has nominated for State President of the RSL in Victoria. If they are prepared to have a go, lets get behing them. Given the lack of energetic support for our cause by the RSL to date, we need some fresh blood at the top in the RSL.
John Griffiths
A military superannuant and Life Subscriber to the RSL
I hear that there is going to be convoys of Trucks hitting Canberra around the 22nd August from all oveer Australia to protest on the Carbon tax so just after they get hit with our letters there will be thousands of angry truckies reday to have their go.
Cheers
Bob
G’day Tess, Ray, and all.
Ray thanks for your 3rd August explanation on the DFRDB Act Equity situation.
The Equity bit came as a shock to me. It is pretty devastating to realise the depth of past & current Labour government’s ignorance, or, determined arrogance in denying we pensioner’s equity with the rest of Australia’s pensioners. When you think about the consequences, it doesn’t seem that far above slavery level does it? I will certainly be writing to the pollies again about the Equity issue. It might be a useful for the Coalition to bring up this cause in parliament, and dig an even deeper hole for the Labour/Greens Axis chances at the 2013 election. Even though changing the Act to ensure Equity for us shouldn’t directly cost the government a lot of money, I doubt the Axis will go out of their way to rectify this either! If we and the coalition can make a big enough noise about another Labour caused injustice, to follow on from the Fair Indexation campaign, it’s possible the Axis may go for it if they can see there is minimal cost, and, a possibility of gaining a few brownie points towards the election.
I also thought it might be worth while writing to Susan Ryan the new Aged Discrimination Commissioner about the Equity issue. Susan took up office a few days ago, but I haven’t found a website or contact address for her yet. Another issue which may fall within her charter is the government’s improper/illegal scamming of commutation entitlements from DFRDB and CSS pensioners funds. During my recent searches of the internet I came across a Legal Brief dated May 2010, prepared by Wing Commander J.A.Treadwell, available here http://www.raafavic.org.au/pension-11.php
The Wg Cdr’s Comment & Summary are quite enlightening particularly the following paragraphs:
48. Thus, there can be no suggestion of reduced equity or of a reduced entitlement as a consequence of the lump sum because the entitlement under the DFRDB scheme is fixed by a retiree years of effective service and final rate of pay.
49. Thus, it appears that the notion of a reduced entitlement after commutation, that was a feature of the DFRB scheme, has been incorrectly carried forward, without any justification, by the public officials responsible for drafting the DFRDB legislation and not picked up by the members of Parliament debating the DFRDB Bill in 1973 – please see paragraphs 24 – 30
53. The current situation regarding commutation is that the DFRDB Authority, possibly without the authority of the Parliament and contrary to the Jess Report, is unlawfully imposing a long term financial penalty on military retirees who choose to commute a portion of their retired pay entitlement even after the quantum of the advance received has been fully acquitted to the Commonwealth.
54. This means that the retired military people concerned, after forfeiting the portion of the retired pay they received by way of commutation under Section 24, are not receiving their full retired pay entitlement in accordance with Section 23 of the DFRDB Act.
Perhaps after an Equity campaign, the next bomb we could put under the Axis is a Fair Commutation campaign to keep things on the boil so to speak.
Mike
WOE RAAF Retd
Confrontation Vet
Vietnam Vet
Bob Ihlien is spot on. Then you have to add all those Carbon Tax letters and packages that many people will simply mark “Return to Sender” or even post them in a personally addressed envelope to Minister Greg Combet, that will arrive at Parliament House over the next week. If we are lucky, Parliament House might disappear under a paper tsunami?
THE MARCH TO CANBERRA HAS BEGUN. WILL YOU JOIN US?
ALERT!! ALERT!!! URGENT!!
IT’S NOT TOO LATE TO WRITE YOUR THREE LETTERS.
PLEASE DO NOT LET OUR MATES DOWN. THIS WILL TAKE NO MORE THAN 30 MINUTES OF YOUR TIME AND IT”S SOMETHING YOU CAN DO, SO PLEASE DO IT.
IF YOU HAVEN’T DONE SO ALREADY, WRITE YOUR THREE LETTERS TONIGHT OR TOMORROW.
THEN POST THEM, PREFERABLY BY REGISTERED MAIL, EITHER TOMORROW (FRIDAY) OR ON SATURDAY.
THANKS FOR YOUR MAGNIFICENT SUPPORT WITH OPERATION “LETTER RAID”.
WE HOPE TO BE ABLE TO GIVE YOU A REPORT ON HOW SUCCESSFUL OUR EFFORTS HAVE BEEN.
REST ASSURED, THERE WILL BE OTHER ACTIVITIES TO CONTINUALLY REMIND OUR POLITICIANS THAT WE WILL BE IN THEIR FACES RIGHT UP TO THE NEXT ELECTION, IF THAT IS NECESSARY AND WHENEVER THAT MAY BE.
REMEMBER THAT “THE PEN IS MIGHTIER THAN THE SWORD” AND THAT EVIL WILL ONLY SUCCEED WHEN GOOD MEN AND WOMEN SIT DOWN AND DO NOTHING.
NEIL WEEKES
THE MARCH TO CANBERRA HAS BEGUN. WILL YOU JOIN US?
I got this email from the Nationals Barnaby is one of the Senators I sent one of my letters to so hopefully they will get on our side.
Dear Friends,
Last night at a community forum in Perth Julia Gillard said that there was “no better” time to introduce a carbon tax than now. She said that this was because “the Treasury is telling us we can put a price on carbon and the economy will continue to grow”.
This is the equivalent of listening to the weatherman without putting your head out the window to see if the sun is shining.
Meanwhile, last night BlueScope Steel announced to the market a $900 million writedown of its assets and signalled a review of its “domestic steelmaking production capacity”, putting at risk 5000 steel jobs. BlueScope’s chairman, Graham Kraehe, said that the Australian manufacturing industry is “under siege”.
On Wednesday, SPC Ardmona announced the closure of its canning factory in Mooroopna in the Goulburn Valley, blaming high costs and the high dollar, 150 jobs will be lost. Perhaps there are “green jobs” to replace these but as one of the factory workers summed up:
I don’t want to move to Melbourne. I’m a country boy. I hate the city. I don’t like even going to Shepparton.
The carbon tax will hit regional Australia the hardest because that is where most of our mining jobs, our manufacturing jobs and our power generation jobs are.
On Thursday the Australian Bureau of Statistics released jobs data for July. It showed the first increase in the unemployment rate since October last year. Despite a mining boom, Queensland has the highest unemployment rate in the country. Small businesses aren’t joking when they say business is tough at the moment.
In total, since the Rudd-Gillard government was elected an extra 108,000 Australians are unemployed. At the same time, the inflation rate is higher now than when the last Coalition government left office. Electricity prices are 48 per cent higher, water prices are 46 per cent higher and gas prices are 31 per cent higher.
This is the worst possible time to add a carbon tax to make life for families tougher and our businesses uncompetitive.
If the government goes ahead with a carbon tax in this environment, they will have moved from incompetent to culpable.
Next week is the first week of Parliament since Julia Gillard announced the carbon tax on carbon Sunday. This is a one-seat Parliament and one vote can stop this tax.
Your local, or closest, Labor or Independent member can stop this tax. I ask you to contact them and ask them to protect Australian jobs, protect our manufacturing industry and protect regional Australia by voting to stop this tax.
Kind regards
Senator Barnaby Joyce
Leader of The Nationals in the Senate
Help us fight the carbon tax:
• Sign our carbon tax petition
• Forward this email to a friend
• Tell your friends about our policies
• Get involved
Cheers
Bob Ihlein
Dear BOB IHLEIN,sorry that I’ve been awol, but got a leave pass for
a few hours! Thanks for this update.
It is important for Craig Thomson to name the anonymous Minister.
There are serious attempts to ameliorate the growing Diggergate crisis by the Gillard Labor Government – and they are determined to fudge and blurr the issue.
The Fair Go campaign – and the political power you now have, after mobilising so competently, has put the wind up them.
They had expected you all to flag in your energy and resolve. As if!
Hi all
This is just one of the letters I posted by registered mail on 13 August. This was to Senator Lundy, but I do not believe I will get a considered resonse. If I do get a response, it will be the Party line, as I suspect all and any, response to other letter writers will be the same. Keep up the fight.
Senator Kate Lundy
The Senate
Parliament House
CANBERRA ACT 2600
Dear Senator
Following the Senate’s rejection of the Fair Indexation Bill on 16th June, 2011, I forwarded a number of emails to your office to express my bitter disappointment on the Senate’s decision as, in my view, it was a shameful betrayal of the men and women who have served our Nation in the Australian Defence Force for 20 years or more.
I was appalled that this decision was primarily based on financial restraints and yet our Politicians, including you, will never hesitate to approve an increase to your own salaries, despite the financial state of the Nation!!
I note that you followed the Party Line, citing “caucus decisions” to vote against the Bill. Yet, before the last two elections, you expressed support to the Veterans for fair indexation, but voted against the Bill in the Senate.
If you felt so strongly about the issue, why did you not resign on the spot from the Labor Party, sit in the Senate as an Independent, and vote for the Fair Indexation Bill.
It is a complete mockery for members of our Parliament to attend the funerals of our young warriors who have been killed in action, and to observe a minute’s silence in the House of Representatives and in the Senate, and yet you reject a Bill which would have aligned the increases to DFRB and DFRDB superannuants’ pensions with our old age pensioners. This disgraceful decision, obviously based on Party lines, and spurious information from the Department of Finance and Senator Wong, has alienated the Veteran Community and it has ensured that DFRB and DFRDB superannuates will see their measly pension (average annual pension is approximately $23,600) continue to lose its purchasing power. This will be exacerbated by increases to the cost of electricity, increased vehicle registration, increased cost of food, increased cost of petrol, increased insurance cost, increased medical costs and the list goes on and undoubtedly will include new taxes!!
Especially if the Carbon Tax becomes law.
This is compounded for those surviving spouses who only receive 5/8th of the DFRB/DFRDB superannuants’ pension which continues to be indexed against the CPI. It seems inequitable and immoral to me that the surviving spouse of a political pensioner has his/her pension indexed against the increases to the salary of a back bencher. Does this mean that a politician’s spouse makes such a huge contribution to the defence and well-being of our Nation when compared to the spouse of a lowly soldier, airman or navy personnel? Where is the justice in this?
Could you please explain to me why the Government has accepted the recommendation by the Matthews Review that the CPI remains the most appropriate method of indexation for military superannuates? If this is a legitimate argument, then please explain to the Veteran Community why your pensions are not indexed against the CPI when you retire?
The Matthews Review does suggest the use of an Analytical Living Cost Index and the Government introduced the Pensioners and Beneficiaries Cost of Living Index (PBCLI) the day after the Matthews Review was released. Why was the PBCLI not accepted as a fair indexation for military superannuates?
I also forwarded, as did many others, numerous e-mails to you office, with no reply.
The only response was that you closed your website, citing “inappropriate comments”.
You should be aware that this decision has angered the Veteran Community, not only in the ACT, but around the Nation. We will continue to fight for a “fair go”, especially as the Labor Party has abandoned the spirit of its election commitment to conduct a review that would address the inadequacy and inequity of the Indexation method (CPI) which has not kept up with the cost of living.
This is immoral, as it lacks the principle of “a fair go” espoused by all politicians and, especially by the Labor Party. How do you explain this to a Veteran who has fought for his country, who has been sent into action by his Government, who has seen his mates fall in action, who has readily surrendered his own freedoms so that our nation can meet its International commitments and to ensure our Nation remains free?
I formally request that you acknowledge receipt of my letter and that you provide me with your answers, not your Party line answers, to the questions I have posed in this missive.
Yours sincerely,
John Sainsbury
34 Dalley Crescent
LATHAM ACT 2615
10 August 2011
Hi Tess
I have sent a email to Craig Thomson but no reply yet. I will be back home around the end of August so I will go into his office with his letter and ask his staff to get me an answer. He will probably be in Canberra but they should be able to get me some sort of answer.
They might think that we will go away but we will not we will keep on their back from now till there is an election.
I WILL MARCH ON CANBERRA WILL YOU JOIN ME.
Dear AIR VICE-MARSHAL PETER CRISS, your briliant and inspiring letter to DR MIKE KELLY should silence once and for all his pitiful obfuscation and political expediency. He has betrayed you. Senator Penny Wong betrayed you. Senator Kate Lundy betrayed you. The Greens betrayed you. Prime Minister Julia Gillard has sacrificed you. And previous Australian Governments likewise.
Your letter, its contents, argument and facts, expose continuing facile lies and incompetence.
Clearly, MIKE KELLY, being deemed ‘ one of you ‘ was shamelessly enlisted to appease you and to publicly explain to we, The Great Unwashed, why it is that the public purse cannot afford to give Veterans a penny more.
It’s such a pathetic ploy – and one that you have courageously exposed in detail here.
Thank you for your leadership PETER CRISS. I do salute you. This is a powerful response to
MIKE KELLY’s somewhat histrionic response that seemed to be more a defence of his military performance and an irrational political apologia of the indefensible.
Dear LOJO with the MOJO, JOHN GRIFFITHS, top idea!!!!!!!!
Onya DAVID JAMISON!!!!
Dear MIKE FINN, thank you so much for your service to this country.
Like you, I am dismayed at the decades-long abuse and mistreatment of our Diggers past and present by successive Australian Governments.
And I agree with you that this bullying financial inequity should be brought to the attention of the Anti Discrimination Commissioners/authorities, on a Commonwealth as well as State and Territory basis.
The material by WING COMMANDER J.A.TREADWELL will be of great help to the many who are monitoring this site and all of your comments.
Again, the endeavours and research – and intellectual muscle of you Diggers – far outflanks the insipid excuses and lies promulgated by the Gillard Labor Government and its acolytes.
Onya MIKE!
Onya JOHN SAINSBURY, please let us know if and when you get a response – and please let us know if you don’t get a response. We need to post online each and every insult.
But be warned, Senator Kate Lundy has been ‘ demoted ‘ in this matter and is not permitted to respond to you without the direction of Julia Gillard’s two-faced faceless men.
I continue to have a warped view of politicians and Democracy.
The former I consider to be the servants of the people – and not the other way around as they would have it.
The latter I still consider should be by, for, and of the people.
Dear BRIGADIER (Retired) NEIL WEEKES – thanks for the reminder about OPERATION LETTER RAID.
All noted.
I WILL MARCH TO CANBERRA WITH THE DIGGERS!
Posted with approval. Writer is a well-known person in my area who, for personal reasons, does not wish to post their personal details. I can vouch for this person.
The Prime Minister,
Hon Julia Gillard
House of Representatives
Parliament House
Canberra, ACT 2600
August 12, 2011
Dear Prime Minister,
I write with reference to the Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits Amendment (Fair Indexation) Bill 2010 which was rejected in the Senate by the political party you lead, and some independents, on June 16. I have a simple request as a result of that rejection: Please explain why.
I am quite concerned that this Bill was not even considered and was rejected purely on political grounds. I am also concerned at the disingenuous twaddle being peddled about the cost.
I am a civilian, born in 1959, so I missed out on being asked to do National Service and I have never considered a military career. I am, like you, a beneficiary of the men and women who rose to face that challenge.
Because in part of the sacrifices of Australian Defence Force members in years past and of those still serving and fighting for our security and safety, we can, when we retire, be confident that if our savings are not enough to support us, the old age pension will kick in and at least be enough to allow us to live with a little dignity and independence. My guess is that with your own savings – and the parliamentary pension – you won’t need the old age pension. I reckon that’s fair enough, too – there has to be some reward for the sacrifices of holding high office in a prosperous country.
What I am worried about is how I will feel in 15-20 years’ time if the current inequitable situation with military pensions being unfairly indexed is allowed to continue.
It won’t affect my income, or my ability to live the lifestyle I would like, in my senior years. But I will feel incredibly embarrassed every time a veteran or an ex-serviceman sits down with me at a golf club, a bowls club, or a barbecue… and I can afford a beer and he can’t.
If you can’t understand how the military superannuants feel about the way they have been treated by governments of both persuasions, stop and think about how the rest of the country feels about it… just plain embarrassed.
You are obviously a very canny politician. You don’t need me to tell you what effect a sentiment like that will have in an election. That sentiment is spreading already.
The inequity between the indexation of the old age pension and the DFRDB and DFRB pensions is embarrassing… for all of us. Please fix it.
Yours Faithfully,
Great to have you back, Tess. Hope that you are well.
That’s a great letter from my friend, up here in the sunny north, who is a great supporter of the Defence Community.
We will try to get a report on how effective OPERATION “LETTER RAID” has been. Hopefully the Parliamentary press will pick up the story and run with it.
THE MARCH TO CANBERRA HAS BEGUN. WILL YOU JOIN US?
Onya NEIL WEEKES, so far every ‘ civilian ‘ who finds out the truth about Veterans and the pathetic pensions and benefits, feels the same as your mate.
Unquestionably there is this understandable perception in the community that if you are in
our Defence Forces and prepared to put lives on the line at your Government’s behest, your retirement, death and disablility benefits, would reflect this risk and the measure of your sacrifice.
Why wouldn’t we be thinking this? It’s the right thing to do. We have just assumed that our Government would do the right thing for you all. The Government has betrayed you.
And they have again betrayed the Australian people by treating you so offensively, and in our name.
Most people are astonished and ashamed – and shocked to find out that successive
Australian Governments have treated you with such disdain and contempt. All the while voting themselves vast increases in moolah- despite what seems to be ever diminishing sitting days – and when Parliament does sit the calibre of politicking is a disgrace and has little to do with Governance – but everything to do with Pavlovian responses to popularity polls.
Dear Tess, Phil Clark and all,
Phil, sorry mate, I made a typo in my 11th August comment and incorrectly attributed your excellent Equity comment on the Veterans Entitlement Act, to Ray Gibson. I like to copy & past comments from here and elsewhere to a “Good Info” folder where I can retrieved parts of them offline for my current Fair Indexation and other letters.
Unfortunately prior to writing the 11th August comment, I had just pasted a copy of one of Ray’s comments into the folder. At 68, my old grey cells sometimes don’t work as quite fast as they used to and I think Ray’s name just stuck in my memory while I was typing.
While writing the comment, I thought about just how badly all of our political masters have served us. On reflection they have:
1. built themselves a fine luxurious palace of a workplace
2. ensured for themselves generous income and allowances
3. an above average pension and extravagantly high spouse’s pension
4. from the 1960s to 1980s given us in return, poor wages and conditions
5. been responsible for below average standards of housing for our families
6. taken many millions of dollars from our early well run and self funding pension scheme
7. given us a badly flawed Pension scheme which:
a. they then, and now have little understanding of
b. was very hastily debated
c. had almost no input or representation from the recipients or their parent services
d. was poorly documented and not well understood by the DRFDB board/staff or recipients
e. is very discriminatory for members electing commutation, as a large part of their DFRDB entitlement funds were and are still, probably being unlawfully transferred into consolidated revenue
8. inserted in the Veterans Entitlement Act, a denial of ‘Equity” clause
9. from the October 1986 to October 1989 discounted our pensions from the CPI Value by some 2 per cent i.e. the full CPI increases were not passed on to DFRDB pensioners. Neither have we been compensated for the loss of that entitlement
10. justified a change of indexation for Aged/Aged Service and other pensions
11. discriminated against over 60s DFRDB pensioners with the Better Super Tax. Under the “Better Super” act why do we continue to pay tax on our pensions while similar civilian pensioners aren’t taxed on theirs
12. categorically refused us DRFDB pension indexation equity by repeatedly stating the lie it is too expensive
13. the power through our defence service chiefs, to direct you to put yourself into harm’s way, to protect our country and people, or, even if there isn’t any direct threat to Australia
14. the power to ask if needs be, that you give up your life.
I have probably missed out a few other discriminatory circumstances from the list but considering just the above, it kind of reminds you of the situation in the cotton fields of the deep south of USA a few hundred years ago, doesn’t it?
Posted with the approval of Air Vice-Marshal Criss.
86 Illabunda Drive
MALUA BAY NSW 2536
9 August 2011
The Hon. Julia Gillard MP
Prime Minister of Australia
House of Representatives
Parliament House
CANBERRA ACT 2600
Dear Prime Minister,
Last night the ABC 7.00 pm TV News reported a speech made by you earlier in the day where you said:
“You can tell a great deal about a society by the way they look after their elderly.” How true!
The groundswell of discontent in the Defence community generally, and retired military superannuants and disabled ranks in particular, clearly indicates an acute level of dissatisfaction.
If you or your staff are confused by the depth of this feeling then please review the table below and then ask yourself this fundamental question; does the Labor Party genuinely care about this nationfs society of retired military personnel? My assessment is clearly not and I assure you I am apolitical.
LEGISLATION / UNDERTAKING RESPONSIBLE PARTY
(at time of decision)
LABOR COALITION
Pre 1971. DFRB superannuation scheme administered by own X X
board and contribution held separately. Excess earning
routinely returned to the member.
1971. DFRDB replaces DFRB for new recruits. All personnel
forced to contribute 5.5% of their pre-tax pay. Collected
contribution paid into consolidated revenue. TheJess Report,
which was the foundation of the DFRDB Scheme, argued that
retirement pay indexation should be linked to military
salaries, or failing that, average wages. X
1 October 1972. The DFRB Scheme closed to new members. X
2 December 1972. The new Labor Government opted for the CPI
instead. However,the CPI became a central plank in the X
centralised wage fixing system over this period (Post Dec 1972)
and so effectively a condition of employment became a
superannuation system with acost of living index that
maintained real purchasing power.
Circa 1973. $126 million in accumulated DFRDB /DFRB
superannuation funds reallocated into consolidated revenue. X
Funds declared untaxed. (The DFRB fund hadapproximately
$160M in it as at 30 June 1972 but adjustments were required)
Thefinal balance of $126M was actually transferred into
Consolidated Revenue in 1976.
1986. The Veterans’ Entitlement Act (VEA) under which all
entitlements for veterans are administered enacted. The
VEA Act excluded the principles of equity (fairness and X
natural justice) from the administration of all veterans’
entitlements, pensions and otherwise. (Federal Court of
Australia ruling).
1988. Indexation unilaterally and arbitrarily cut by 2% X
from military pensions below the CPI percentage that then
applied. .
1989. Government accepted and adopted the new
international standard for the compilation and
calculation of the CPI, which introduced such things as X
”quality” into the calculation and which resulted in a
major downward shift in inflation.
1989. CPI indexation restored but no compensation paid for X
the two year loss of retirement income from the cut in
indexation.
Circa 1991-93. (i.e. Prices and Incomes Accords
(Mark VII-VIII). With the end of centralised wage fixing, CPI X
began to delink from wages and become a measure of
inflation rather than cost of living.
30 September 1991. DFRDB ceased to be an option for new
members joining the ADF. MSBS only option for new recruits. X
Existing members given the option of staying with DFRDB
or transitioning to MSBS.
1997. CPI acknowledged as no longer protecting purchasing
power of Age Pension, after a major campaign by pensioners
because of falling standard of living. Newmeasure adopted X
but military superannuation pensions excluded.
2001. Australian Bureau of Statistics declares that CPI is X
a measure of inflation, not purchasing power.
From 2004 esalaryf used to calculate entitlements included
all income (Service, Specialist and other allowances
+ basic salary). The effect is significant. DFRDB and MSBS X
superannuants discharged pre 2004 receive a pension as much
as 50% less than their post 2004 counterparts.
2007. ALP epromisedf to fix the indexation in lead up to
the 2007 Federal election.
Result in power: Nothing (Matthews Review with constrained
TOR recommended CPI be retained for Commonwealth & Military X
super – Review widely condemned assuperficial and
inaccurate)
2007. ALP released the Podger Review into Military
Superannuation, commissioned under the previous
government. The report supported changing indexation of
DFRB/DFRDB pensions to the Age pension formula. It also X
recommended fixing the MBL limits for MSBS members and
other anomalies. For over three years, Both Labor
Governments have sat on the report and done nothing.
2009. Age pensions indexation further adjusted by
adding a pensioner and beneficiary living cost
index (PBLCI) ) together with introducing a
structural adjustment of pensions by increasing MTAWE X
to 27.5%. Military superannuation pensions ignored
2009. Coalition pre-election statement: ”if elected
to government with a majority, they would on 01 July X
2011 submit a Bill to provide for ”Fair Indexation of
DFRB/DFRDB pensions to a higher level than just CPI
indexation”.
2 June 2011. House of Representatives unanimously
supported (on voices) a coalition motion
acknowledging the unique nature of military
service and the need for fairindexation of pensions. X X
16 June 2011. the Government, The Greens and Senator
Xenophon rejected Senator Ronaldson’s Fair Indexation Bill
in the Senate. X
(+The Greens and
Senator Xenophon)
Please do not misinterpret the data in the table above and what it unmasks . there is clear evidence of decades of deceit, deliberate manipulation and shameful neglect, if not gross abuse of employees by their Commonwealth employer. If a private employer did all this they would be before the courts.
Perhaps this historical snapshot of the political treatment of military personnel over the past 40 years may help you to understand why the Defence family throughout Australia is saying . we have had enough, give us A FAIR GO. You may also now understand the reason for the level of revulsion at your showing up at funerals for servicemen killed in Afghanistan. Loyalty must flow both ways.
Expect to see this table widely distributed throughout Australia. Underestimate the depth of this groundswell of disgust at your political peril. You are right, gyou can tell a great deal about a society by the way they look after their elderlyh (especially their retired service personnel).
Yours sincerely
Peter Criss AM AFC
Air Vice-Marshal (Retfd)
G’day all,
Unfortunately the table included within Air Vice-Marshal Criss’ letter did not reproduce as per the original, despite my best efforts.
Nevertheless, this is a great letter and the associated table, which has since been updated, and being a dynamic document, will continue to be updated. It will become an excellent easy chronological reference for everyone to use whenever they are discussing the years of betrayal by various governments.
The update version will be posted to my website at http://www.justafairgo.net and I hope that this will provide the information in tabular form.
Well done Air Vice-Marshal Criss. You continue to lead the way and, even though you are a retired senior RAAF officer, I will pinch a term used by General Peter Cosgrove, AC, MC – “You have green blood” meaning of course that you are a real “digger.”
THE MARCH TO CANBERRA HAS BEGUN. WILL YOU JOIN US?
Unfortunately the photograph of Ian Stenlake, the photograph of an RAN Patrol Boat and the ADSO logo could not be reproduced.
________________________________________
Hi, I’m Ian Stenlake.
Working on the Sea Patrol TV Series was an exciting and enjoyable experience for me.
It was also very rewarding because I got to know some of the remarkable people who serve in the Australian Defence Force.
They are hard working Australians who are dedicated to serving their Nation no matter how tough the going gets; and for many of them, it becomes a career spanning twenty years or more.
But you may be surprised to learn, just as I was, how poorly these long serving ADF members are rewarded for their unique military service when they retire.
The average superannuation pension for military families is less than the couples’ rate Age pension, and what they receive isn’t adjusted to keep pace with the real cost of living.
Their pensions have fallen behind in value for the past twenty years because of inadequate adjustments for cost of living increases.
Australia’s retired military veterans are seeking a FAIR GO. All they want is to have their superannuation pensions adjusted for cost of living changes at the same percentage rate as the Age pension.
How fair is that?
If you are as disgusted by their treatment, as I am, You Can Help.
Contact your local Federal politician now, by letter or email, and express your opinion on a Fair Go for our retired Diggers. You can find out more at http://www.standto.org
STOP PRESS! SEA PATROL STAR BACKS THE DIGGERS!
This is HOT news!
Actor IAN STENLAKE,star of STINGERS and SEA PATROL is walking alongside Diggers in their fight for Justice.
Onya Ian – not only are you a handsome spunk – but your courage is handsome and spunky as well! Check out Ian’s statement posted in the comments by Neil Weekes.
Late this afternoon, DAVID JAMISON, spokesman for the powerful ALLIANCE OF DEFENCE SERVICE ORGANISATIONS, and National President of the hard working DEFENCE FORCE WELFARE ASSOCIATION issued a Press Statement confirming IAN STENLAKE’s wonderful support.
Congratulations to the ADSO and the DFWA – and congratulations to you IAN STENLAKE, for stepping forth from the shadows and standing up for Diggers past and present, their widows and heirs.
Here is the Media Release issued by the Alliance of Defence Service Organisations.
Media Contacts
DFWA Executive Director:
Les Bienkiewicz 0411 444248
http://www.dfwa.org.au
http://www.standto.org
DFWA National President:
David Jamison 0416 107557
* The Alliance comprises the Defence Force Welfare Association (DFWA); the Naval Association of Australia (NAA); the Royal Australian Regiment Corporation (RARC); the Australian Special Air Services Association (ASASA); and the RAAF Association(RAAFA).
15 August 2011
MEDIA RELEASE
TV STAR JOINS THE FIGHT FOR FAIR INDEXATION
Ian Stenlake, the lead actor in the popular TV series Sea Patrol, has come out fighting in support of a fair system for the indexation of military retirement pensions.
Ian said that through the role he played he had come to know some remarkable people who served in the Australian Defence Force, but was surprised to learn how poorly the “hard working Australians who have served their nation” have been treated in their retirement in terms of their superannuation pension and super payments.
“The pension isn’t even adjusted to keep pace with the real cost of living,” Stenlake said.
“These military pensions have fallen behind in value for the past 20 years because of inadequate adjustments for cost of living increases”.
“How fair is that?” he asks.
“Australia’s retired military veterans want a Fair Go.”
Ian is supporting the Fair Go! Campaign, which calls for the fair indexation of military superannuation pensions, by using the same percentage increase that applies to the Age pension.
David Jamison, National President of the Defence Force Welfare Association and spokesperson for the Alliance of Defence Service Organisations, welcomes Ian’s involvement as sees it as a subtle, but significant step in the campaign. “There is no doubt that our case for fair indexation is resonating with the general public and Ian’s willingness to publicly support it reflects this”.
“The Government and the Opposition should be in no doubt that our Campaign is continuing and it
will only ramp up in the coming months and in the lead up to the next election” he said.
“We won’t go away until this fundamental wrong is righted” he concluded.
Dennis Greig has written some well chosen words in an email that he used to forward the Ian Stenlake flyer to his friends. He has given permission for his words to be shared here.
———————————————–
Ian Stenlake Sea Patrol Support for Our Campaign
All,
Everyone receiving this e-mail knows me personally, and you know that I gave around 37 years all up in the service of my country along my journey through life. All of the uniformed members of Australia’s Defence Forces (ADF) work hard, train hard and frequently put their lives at risk in the defence of Australia’s interests. This is not about the politics or whether we should or shouldn’t be (or have been) in places like Afghanistan, or TImor, or Irag, or getting involved in Vietnam or any other theatres where Australian men and women have represented the entire nation. We have always represented the Government of the day, regardless of which side of politics we lean towards. What this issue is about is getting a fair go from the same governments that send us to war, or on peace keeping missions where life and limb are threatened and where we protect Australia’s interests. There has been too many killed already in these Middle East conflicts, and yet our government of today say’s our presence is essential. I read this morning that 189 Australian servicemen have been wounded whilst on active duty overseas in the Middle East – and still we go, without complaint to get the job done.
We are prepared to lay down our lives to support the way of life we enjoy and only because our politicians send us into battle – remember, we do not go into any sort of conflict of our own volition – we go because we are sent, and sent by the very same people who represent the entire population – ie our elected representatives in the parliament of the people. Those whom I know outside of the ADF are horrified when they learn how the government treats long term members of the ADF when they retire. We are not asking for anything that is over and above. It is not our fault that our pensions are not indexed to align us with the rest of the community, and despite lies and broken promises from all sides of politics, our servicemen are still being treated like third class citizens. This is unfair and definitely un-Australian.
I note as an aside, that the politicians themselves have one of the best pension schemes that anyone in the world could have and yet still they deny those that they send off to fight on their behalf the fair go that every Australian is entitled to – I often wonder that if the politicians had to go and do the fighting themselves, then there would probably never be another battle or war!! The flyer that is attached is self explanatory, as is the e-mail below. It would be extremely useful if you would consider doing two things for me. Firstly, contact your local Federal member, regardless of Party loyalties, and express your disgust at the way the government is treating the Australian servicemen and women in respect to the indexation of our pensions. Secondly, could you send this to all of your own networks of people, and ask them to contact their local Federal member and also register their disgust. Remember, we are not asking for a handout, nor are we asking for special treatment – all we are asking for is a fair go. How hard can that be.
all the best
Dennis
Dear DENNIS GREIG, thank you for your service to this country – and for letting RAY post your words – it’s great to see the loyalty, camaraderie, support and respect you all have for one another in this campaign for a Fair Go for Diggers and families.
Also, it confirms that you are not working alone towards this common goal – and it signals to the Government that you have no intention of relenting until you win this campaign.
And win it you will.
Hi all
Let us not forget Vietnam Veterans day, Thursday 18 August 2011, and other days to commemorate all serving and ex-members of the Australian Defence Force who have served either in war zones, peacekeeping missions, or at home in support of our troops who have served, or are still serving in these capacities.
John Sainsbury
ex-RAAF, 1960-1983, including Malaysia and Vietnam
Dear JOHN SAINSBURY, no way will we forget Vietnam Veterans Day – even if our Government tries to.
And JOHN, thanks so much for your service to this country. I salute you all.
And thanks for this reminder.
It makes one thinks. About so many things.
Onya JOHN.
Dear Sir,
I congratulate Yvonne Gardiner for her excellent article on the long running battle by veterans to achieve fair indexation with their retirement pensions (QT 23 July 11).
I must however, take issue with the statements attributed to the Member for Blair. Shayne Neumann’s arrogantly stupid comments reveal either a genuine ignorance of the issues or total complicity with Labor’s campaign of deception to deny Diggers fair indexation of their military retirement pensions.
Every statement made by Mr Neumann is factually wrong, and if he had bothered to do a modicum of independent research rather than relying on the tiresome spin of his Party, he might have something useful to contribute.
His assertion that taxpayers would actually pay about six billion dollars if the Alliance’s demands for fair indexation were met is nothing more than scaremongering propaganda generated by Finance Department bureaucrats. These same bureaucrats have not been able to submit their costing assertions to public scrutiny, and until they do, they have as much credibility as the Prime Minister’s promise that there would be no carbon tax before the election.
He then suggests that fair indexation would be economically irresponsible. No Mr Neumann, what is financially irresponsible is your Government’s Billions of wasted taxpayer dollars through mismanagement and incompetence. $20 million a year from a $300 Billion a year budget to provide veterans with fair indexation of their pensions, equal to the age pension indexation, is responsible and upholds the principle of social justice , something that was once a pillar of Labor Party beliefs.
Not content with that, he digs a bigger hole for himself by arguing that the military pension was not designed to replace a person’s income. Hello!! The DFRDB scheme was designed to provide retirement income, and that income was intended to keep pace with the real cost of living. If you read the Jess Report that formed the basis of the scheme in 1972, you would find this fact is beyond dispute.
And the Member’s final throw away line is that fair indexation would be a retrospective change to the basis of employment. Wrong again Mr Neumann! Sucked in by more misinformation from the bureaucracy. If you checked the facts, you would find that in the mid-1980s, our DFRDB pensions were indexed for real cost of living changes. Now they are not. What we seek is restoration of the employment conditions that were deceptively taken away through deliberate manipulation of the CPI.
If Shayne Neumann’s comments in this article reflect the level of intellectual integrity within the Labor Party, then I fear for the wellbeing of our nation over the next two years.
Ray Gibson
Hi Tess – David,
A response today via email from my Local MP, Mr Gary Gray (Brand) as below.
I had sent 3 letters
1.Posted plain mail to electorate office 6 May 2011.
2.Reg Post to electorate office 27 July 2011. (copy on this site 27 Jul @ 0717)
3.Posted plain mail 12 Aug 2011 to parliament house.
I had sent a letter to Minister Snowden (5 Aug) – (Fair Go Site), so this should serve as a reminder!
Dear Mr Currie
Thank you for contacting me. I apologise for the delay in responding to you.
I have raised your concerns regarding the Defence Forces Retirement and Death Benefits Amendment Bill with the Hon Warren Snowden, Minister for Veterans Affairs.
I will be in contact with you again when I have received a response from Minister Snowden.
Yours sincerely
Gary Gray AO MP
Federal Member for Brand
PH: +61 8 9527 9377
Fx: +61 8 9592 1361
Hey – Take care
Dear MICHAEL, thanks for this – did you retype GARY GRAY’s letter to
you here – and is the mispelling of Minister WARREN SNOWDON’s name
just a typo – or is that how GRAY spelled it ?
Hi Tess,
That’s the exact wording as received – Take care
This is a letter that I added to the flyer with Ian Stenlake. I acknowledge the assistance of Neil Weekes and ‘Dick’ Tracy (ex RAAF). I have sent this to all in my address book asking for it to be broadcast to non-defence folk as well as ‘us’.
Prior to the time of the Whitlam Government the Defence Forces had a superannuation fund that was so productive that we were getting refunds each five years. During the minimum of twenty years service to receive our superannuation we all paid 5.5% or sometimes 5% of our income into that fund.
The Whitlam Government and Labor successors appropriated our successful fund for consolidated revenue and we lost control of its management. We have then had what amounts to a ‘handout’ from the government that increased our income bi-annually by the CPI and this has happened over the last 20 years. The outcome of this is that we have been losing value of our superannuation because the CPI is an indicator of inflation and not the true cost of living.
Aged pensioners and politicians have their pension indexed by either of several methods depending on which is the highest. Military superannuants do not have that privilege.
Senator Ronaldson (Liberal) introduced the ‘Fair Indexation’ Bill designed to bring defence superannuation in line with politicians. This was defeated in the Senate by the Government, the Greens and Senator Xenophon on the basis that the government could not afford it. Yet we paid into this fund and had it been left alone it could have been self-funding! In addition military superannuants are not entitled to “roll over” their superannuation into another superannuation fund of their own choice – a right enjoyed by every other Australian.
Since then the Alliance of Defence Service Organisations (the ADSO) has been working to right this inequity. There is a groundswell of discontent and anger among ex-service personnel at the lip service these politicians give to the armed forces.
The Veterans’ Entitlement Act (VEA,) introduced during the time of the Hawke government, effectively prevents ex-service personnel from entitlements that the remainder of the population of this country (including illegal immigrants) has.
I have never watched ‘Sea Patrol’ but knowing that this man has thrown his hand into our fight I wish I had.
You can help by applying the principles outlined in the ‘flyer.’ We need the VEA overhauled and the Fair Indexation Bill reintroduced and passed. Please pass this on so that the Australian public can be made aware that all we want is a ‘Fair Go!’
Bert Denovan
ex CPO RAN
Sorry folks. My mind must have been elsewhere.
The paragraph in the above letter beginning with ‘Senator Ronaldson’
(Liberal) should have read:
‘designed to bring defence superannuation in line with AGED PENSIONERS’ not politicians.
I take full responsibility for this error which was pointed out to me by Neil Weekes.
Regards,
Bert Denovan
Dear MICHAEL, you champ. Can you believe this! GARY GRAY,MP who is very careful to point out to us all that he is an AO – and who has the title of THE SPECIAL MINISTER FOR PUBLIC SERVICE AND INTEGRITY – hasn’t got a clue about WARREN SNOWDON, THE MINISTER FOR VETERANS AFFAIRS.
Mind you, Warren Snowdon hasn’t got much of a clue himself.
The point is, this is indicative of the tardy,lazy and incompetent governance of the Gillard Labor Government.
Plus MICHAEL, they all have well paid spinmeisters, consultants, blah, blah, who are paid inordinate and vast amounts of money to ensure such faux pas don’t happen!
I double checked with you, about the mispelling because it’s easily done in transcribing – and being a dyslexic myself, I make boo boos from time to time – but excuse me, they have an entire Labor Party Propaganda Machine and media minders to ensure this doesn’t happen.!!!!! Plus, we know that the PM’s Department is now in charge of suppressing DIGGERGATE and the campaign for a FAIR GO.
This is pathetic.
And it reflects the utter diffidence and disregard that Mr GARY AO and others have for the
disgraceful predicament in which they have placed Diggers and families.
They ignore you and underestimate you at their peril.
The Ballot Box will prove that.
On this very special day, I salute you all.
I wish I could award you ALL an Australian Order.
Dear VETERANS OF THE BATTLE OF LONG TAN. On this 45th Anniversary I have been thinking of you – and the hydra headed complexities of the War in Vietnam and its continuing consequences – on you and your families – and on the world.
I know from the sacred trust that many of you have placed in me, and by sharing your stories with me – and in these public comments, sharing your stories with the world, that your journey to this day has been a difficult one.
Your country has failed you. Your Government(s) has failed you. Your country has failed you inadvertently via those transgressions against you by successive Governments, done in our name;we,the Australian people.
I talk about your predicament constantly. So far, every Australian who finds out the truth about your pension and benefits, is horrified.
Like me, they assumed that those of you who are prepared to lay their lives on the line – would be fairly compensated and acknowledged.
When I reflect on your comments, and your intellectual rigour and the moving camaraderie of the invisible bonds you share – the bonds of you who were there – that those of us who weren’t – like me – can never fully understand, I am at a loss to fathom why our Government does not do the right thing. After all, the sums involved are piddling sums in the scheme of things.
But I for one, am not prepared to put an economic cap on a life, an amputee, the insidious poison of Agent Orange or the insidious poisoning of Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome, and other syndromes I am learning about.
You have put forward cogent and unarguable competent statistics that disprove facile Government economics and lies that have been promulgated for decades.
I wish you well and have no doubts that you will win this. Losing is not an option.
You are now a formidable political power – and you can have an impact on marginal seats that far outstrips the Greens.
The Ballot Box is your ultimate weapon.
I WILL WALK TO CANBERRA WITH THE DIGGERS!
Hi All
I see my local member Craig Thomson has himself in trouble bit of luck he might get the boot from Julia.
The Truckies will be in Canberra on Monday, They will be causing a few problems for the ALP I wish them luck in their task to un seat the Government.
I WILL MARCH ON CANBERRA.
Dear BOB IHLEIN, spot on. And these people decide your fate.
What’s wrong with this picture ?
A copy of this very interesting letter has just landed on my table. There are now three Sub-Branches of the RSL that have spoken out regarding the indexation matter.
The Returned and Services League of Australia
New South Wales Branch Incorporated
“The Price of Liberty is Eternal Vigilance”
President: W. Shepherd NAMBUCCA HEADS SUB BRANCH
Secretary: J. Kent PO Box 161
Treasurer: G. Birch Nambucca Heads, NSW, 2448
Phone: 6568-6745 (Office/Fax)
6568-8682 (Secretary/Home)
Email: nhdzrslsubbranch@bigpond.com
29th June, 2011
To:
The Hon. Prime Minister Julia Gillard MP – FAX: 62734100
Senator Nick Xenophon – senator.xenophon@aph.gov.au
Senator Penny Wong – FAX 62734110
Senator Bob Brown – senator.bob.brown@aph.gov.au
Senator Kate Lundy – senator.lundy@aph.gov.au
For Information:
The Hon. Tony Abbott MP – Leader of the Opposition – FAX 62778562
Luke Hartsuyker – Member for Cowper – luke.hartsuyker.mp@aph.gov.au
Dear Prime Minister and Senators
FAIR INDEXATION BILL
The members of the Nambucca Heads RSL Sub Branch wish to express their bitter disappointment in the rejection of the Fair Indexation Bill on 16th June, 2011.
We believe the Senate’s decision as, in our view, was a shameful betrayal of the men and women who have served our Nation in the Australian Defence Force for 20 years or more.
We were appalled that this decision was primarily based on financial restraints and yet our Politicians, including you, never hesitate to approve an increase to your own salaries, despite the financial state of the Nation!!
What you have done, by this act of political bastardry (or as Senator Xenophon so eloquently put it, “the harsh brutal reality of politics.”) is to confirm in the eyes of the ADF and veteran community that you are an untruthful and double-dealing lot with little or nothing in the way of personal integrity or ethics. Whilst you may enjoy a modicum of short term electoral popularity, you will be forever regarded in the eyes of those who have served and are serving our nation in the ADF as self serving bunch worthy of only our contempt.
Your decision has been described as shameful and you are incapable of ethical, informed and principled consideration of the issue before you. It was not to be decided on its merits, which senator Lundy, Judas like, professed to support her (letter dated 14th September, 2009 and co-signed by Mike Kelly, Bob McMullan and Annette Ellis) on one hand but vote against on the other but along party lines determined by the longstanding aversion of both Labor and the Greens towards the ADF and our veteran community.
When the next Australian soldier is killed in Afghanistan and parliament rises to express its condolences and pay homage to the “magnificent” job that they are doing and the “sacrifices” that they have made, my thoughts, along with many thousand of other veterans and serving ADF members will be one of outrage and contempt for your double standards.
It is a complete mockery for members of our Parliament to attend the funerals of our young warriors who have been killed in action, and to observe a minute’s silence in the House of Representatives and in the Senate, and yet you reject a Bill which would have aligned the increases to DFRB and DFRDB superannuates pensions with our old age pensioners. This disgraceful decision, obviously based on Party lines, has alienated the Veteran Community and it has ensured that DFRB and DFRDB superannuates will see their measly pension (average annual pension is approximately $23,600) continue to lose its purchasing power. This will be exacerbated by increases to the cost of electricity, increased vehicle registration, increased cost of food, increased cost of petrol, increased insurance cost, increased medical costs and the list goes on and undoubtedly will include new taxes!!
This is compounded for those surviving spouses who only receive 5/8th of the DFRB/DFRDB superannuates’ pension which continues to be indexed against the CPI. It seems inequitable and immoral to me that the surviving spouse of a political pensioner has his/her pension indexed against the increases to the salary of a back bencher. Does this mean that a politician’s spouse makes such a huge contribution to the defence and well-being of our Nation when compared to the spouse of a lowly sailor, soldier, or airman? Where is the justice in this!
Could you please explain to us why the Government has accepted the recommendation by the Matthews Review that the CPI remains the most appropriate method of indexation for military superannuates? If this is a legitimate argument, then please explain to the Veteran Community why your pensions are not indexed against the CPI when you retire?
The Matthews Review does suggest the use of an Analytical Living Cost Index and the Government introduced the Pensioners and Beneficiaries Cost of Living Index (PBCLI) the day after the Matthews Review was released. Why was the PBCLI not accepted as a fair indexation for military superannuates?
You should be aware that this decision has angered our Veteran Community and we will continue to fight for a “fair go”, especially as the Labor Party has abandoned the spirit of its election commitment to conduct a review that would address the inadequacy and inequity of the Indexation method (CPI) which has not kept up with the cost of living.
This is immoral. It lacks the principle of “a fair go” espoused by all politicians and especially by the Labor Party. How do you explain this to a Veteran who has fought for his country, who has been sent into action by his Government, who has seen his mates fall in action, who has readily surrendered his own freedoms so that our nation can meet its International commitments and to ensure our Nation remains free?
Lest we have misjudged you and done you an injustice, please feel free to give your reasons in writing, devoid, if at all possible, of your usual pollie-waffle, obfuscation and spin so that we can better determine why you should enjoy a generous parliamentary superannuation scheme on the one hand yet deny a just fair and equitable one to those who have served our nation with a fidelity you could not even begin to understand.
We await your reply in anticipation.
Yours faithfully,
W. (Bill) Shepherd
President
Nambucca Valley RSL Sub Branch
Well said, the Nambucca Valley Sub-Branch of the RSL.
We cvan only hope that other RSL Sub-Branches will follow the lead of the Springwood, the SA and the Nambucca Sub-Branches and Branches.
We encourage all members of all Sub-Branches of the RSL to move appropriate motions that require their Presidents to write similar letters to the Government.
We need the power of the RSL behind us, no we need the power of the RSL in front of us.
THE MARCH TO CANBERRA HAS BEGUN. WILL YOU JOIN US?
This is an article from Australia’s Natioal Affairs website.
DRESSED in black and wearing a sprig of wattle, Julia Gillard yesterday hailed the 60,000 Diggers who fought in Vietnam, saying the returning veterans from Australia’s longest war were treated shamefully.
Under an overcast Canberra sky, a biting wind swept down Anzac Parade as 200 guests — greying, bemedalled veterans; Governor-General Quentin Bryce; the Prime Minister; Tony Abbott; Service Chiefs; and diplomats — gathered in front of the Vietnam Memorial to commemorate Vietnam Veterans Day.
But in her speech, Ms Gillard wrongly put Hanoi’s celebrated wartime commander, Vo Nguyen Giap, who turns 100 next week, in his grave and failed to acknowledge US Ambassador Jeffrey Bleich among the front-row VIPs.
It is understood Mr Bleich initially indicated he would be unavailable, delegating his role to Deputy Chief of Mission, Jason Hyland.
However, a last-minute change had the Ambassador — a well-known face in Canberra — take his seat about 6m to the left of the Prime Minister.
Ms Gillard was not alone in failing to recognise Mr Bleich.
In their welcoming remarks, the Master of Ceremonies and Peter Ryan, the President of the Vietnam Veterans Association, both failed to note the Ambassador’s presence, the latter inviting Mr Hyland to lay a tribute to honour the fallen.
Mr Ryan apologised for his blunder at the end of the service.
Recalling the words of former Governor-General, Michael Jeffery, a commander of the Special Air Service Regiment, the Prime Minister characterised war as a “dirty, frightening and totally unpleasant business, never to be glorified”.
Paying homage to Australia’s 521 dead during the Vietnam War, she acknowledged the shabby treatment accorded the surviving veterans.
“This was Australia’s longest war, yet we treated the returning veterans with shame. And so, we remember,” Ms Gillard said.
A prayer for peace was read by Vietnam veteran Gerry Mapstone, followed by a laying of tributes and the singing of the US Air Force Hymn. It was followed by The Ode and The Last Post.
Two-tour veteran Kevin McMillan, who served with the elite Australian Army Training Team, said the day served as a valuable message to governments regardless of their affiliation.
“Don’t forget the young men and women who are coming behind us and who will in the future,” the former sergeant said.
How easy words come to our Prime Minister: “This was Australia’s longest war, yet we treated the returning veterans with shame. And so, we remember,” Ms Gillard said. Perhaps she should have continued: And we continue to treat them and their families shamefully!!
Our PM was also reported to have said that she acknowledged the shabby treatment accorded the surviving veterans.
She should have extended this setiment to those who served 20 years or more, and their families, as they gradually but inexorably see their miserly superannuation lose its purchasing power forcing these members to go cap in hand to Centelink to apply for the Service Pension.
Yes, it’s so easy to say, Prime Minister, but what are you actually doing to fix this National disgrace?
Rest assured WE WILL REMEMBER YOU AT THE NEXT ELECTION!!
THE MARCH TO CANBERRA HAS BEGUN. WILL YOU JOIN US?
Posted with the approval of John Clarkson.
Leader of the Greens in the Senate – Hon. Senator Mr Bob Brown,
Minister for Finance – Hon. Senator Ms Penny Wong,
Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister – Hon. Senator Ms Kate Lundy,
The Federal Member for Eden-Monaro – Hon. Mr Mike Kelly, MP,
Senator Nick Xenophon.
For Information:
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs – Hon. Mr Warren Snowden, MP,
Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Affairs – Senator the Hon Michael Ronaldson,
The Federal Member for Longman – Hon. Mr Wyatt Roy, MP,
Members of the Ex-Service Community.
Friday 19th August 2011.
Indexation of the DFRDB Pensions.
Dear Senators and Members of Parliament,
It is now widely known that the debate in the Senate to amend the DFRDB to be annually adjusted to the MTAWE was heard by the Senate on the 16th June 2011, and that it was narrowly defeated. Since that time, there has been considerable material written, which has included many incorrect statements and misguided information. The now highly publicised statement by the Member for Eden-Monaro, Hon. Mr Mike Kelly, MP, including the Member’s speech to Parliament, also contained several incorrect statements.
I have read several letters written to Senators, as well as some written to Mr Mike Kelly, by a number of very senior officers, and I have a great deal of empathy with their position. As a retired Sergeant Armourer of the RAAF who has seen active service in three SE Asian theatres, plus extensive operational experience in the post Vietnam era, I can only hope that my contribution to this debate can be constructive, accurate and positive.
Firstly, I shall not enter into any debate on which Government did or did not do what actions –such statements are childish and unproductive. I shall simply deal with factual information.
• For my entire RAAF period of service, (18 January 1960 until 05 October 1984), I contributed some 5.5% of my salary to the DFRB and later the DFRDB scheme.
• Until late 1973, all DFRB contributions were paid into a “DFRB Fund”. Following a Government decision in late 1973, the entire balance of the DFRB fund was transferred to Consolidated Revenue. From that day forward, all DFRDB contributions were paid straight into Consolidated Revenue.
• Following my departure from the RAAF in October 1984, my first DFRDB payment was calculated at 41% of my Sergeant’s salary. From that first payment onwards, my DFRDB pension was adjusted to the CPI of that financial year.
• In 1986, instead of our DFRDB pensions being increased by the rate of CPI increase, they were all decreased by 2%, as the Federal Treasurer of the day said the nation could not afford to increase our pensions.
• In 1991, the Military Superannuation Benefits Scheme (MSBS) was introduced, replacing the DFRDB scheme. Currently serving members were given the opportunity to either stay with the DFRDB until their retirement or change over to the MSBS. All members entering the Defence Forces after 1991 were placed into the MSBS.
• In 1997, the CPI was acknowledged as no longer protecting the purchasing power for aged pensioners. A new measure was adopted, but did not include military pensions.
• In 2001, the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) declared that CPI is a measure of inflation, not purchasing power.
• In 2007, the Podger Review recommended changing the indexation of the DFRDB pensions to that similar to the Age Pension formula, i.e., to be adjusted according to the MTAWE. Also, in 2007, the DVA disability pensions, including the ‘Special Rate’ (TPI) pensions, were all changed to be adjusted to the MTAWE.
• In 2009, the Age pension indexation was further adjusted to be 27.5% of the MTAWE. The DVA Special rate (TPI) pension remained at 25% of the MTAWE. The DFRDB pensions were still being adjusted to the CPI.
• On 2nd June 2011, the House of Representatives unanimously supported a motion which acknowledged a need for fair indexation of military pensions.
• On 16th June 2011, the Senate debated the “Fair Indexation Bill” and voted, resulting in the defeat of the bill by one vote.
• During the debate, and in several discussions since the Senate vote, some members have compared the Commonwealth Public Service Superannuation scheme with the DFRDB fund. There is no comparison between the two funds, and there can be no comparison between the duties of a serviceman and those of a Public Servant. Much has been written to amplify this fact.
• Some members alleged that the cost of adjusting the DFRDB to that of the MTAWE would be in the Billions of dollars, and therefore be prohibitive. This statement is not only misleading, but it is also false. Those who made this claim of costing Billions did so on the assumption that the quote covered ALL military superannuation schemes PLUS the Commonwealth Public Service Superannuation. The quote given by the “Fair Go” bill was around the $90 Million mark and was specifically for the upgrade of the DFRDB scheme. Also, some have tried to align the DFRDB fund with the later MSBS. It should be noted that the later scheme was of a better quality than the older DFRDB, and therefore, the request to have the DFRDB adjusted with the MTAWE is a separate case.
• It should be heavily emphasised that the “Fair Go” campaign as well as the “Fair Indexation Bill” was never about introducing a new entitlement. The whole campaign, and the bill, was about restoring the DFRDB pensions to a more equitable method of adjustment. It has long been established that the MTAWE is a more accurate method of adjusting pensions to maintain equity with the member’s purchasing power.
• When Senator Bob Brown decided to change his mind and reject the bill, simply because the Liberal Party would not support him on a different issue, I found this to be most insulting. The Senator’s loyalty to the ex-service community must be very shallow indeed if his decision could be swayed by a piece of bribery and/or blackmail.
In my own case, when I left the RAAF in October 1984 after nearly twenty-five years service, including several areas of active service, my initial DFRDB pension was 41% of my Sergeant’s salary. Whilst I am aware that the DFRDB is not obliged to maintain any relationship with defence salaries, it is interesting to note that my pension today is about 29% of a Sergeant’s salary in today’s Air Force. For readily available MTAWE figures, in December 2006, my DFRDB pension was about 37% of the then average MTAWE, and in March 2011, my DFRDB pension is about 33% of the MTAWE.
In conclusion, I find it very repulsive that when Senators gather to debate such a serious matter as a genuine superannuation fund for service personnel who served several decades ago, they do not have the courage to think for themselves. Irrespective of which political party one belongs to, I have always believed that when a serious issue is presented, Senators should be encouraged to express their OWN opinions and indicate in the Senate accordingly.
I have read the Hansard transcript of the Senate of that day, and I was very disappointed to read that while some of the ALP Senators had publically voiced their concern for ex-service personnel outside Parliament House, but later confessed inside the Senate that they ‘simply had to’ vote according to instructions from the Labor Caucus. In my mind, this action, irrespective of which party is involved, reeks of weakness of spirit.
To all my addressees, please be assured that this matter is not over yet. The ex-service community will not rest until the DFRDB pension scheme is amended so that it is regularly adjusted to the MTAWE in line with all the other pensions.
Yours Sincerely,
John Clarkson
(Sergeant – RAAF – Retired).
I received this today from the Nationls Bob
As the Convoy of No Confidence rolls toward Canberra, The Nationals Senate Leader Barnaby Joyce writes that every effort will help to change the government and get the nation back on track.
Dear Friends,
The Convoy of No Confidence that will arrive in Canberra on Monday is the inevitable consequence of a population that is just sick to the back teeth of what is happening to their country.
Those participating are not nasty, they just want the government gone. They are regular truck drivers, regular people who are making a political point. They are driving to Canberra to ask the government to do the decent thing and go to an election. It is like when a relationship breaks down; Australians are saying they want out, or more to the point they want the government out.
I want to remind those living outside these centres that they have changed the direction of their country over the past few years.
In 2009, it was regional Australia that first stood against Kevin Rudd’s emissions trading scheme, leading to its eventual defeat on the floor of the Senate. It was regional Australia that last year stood up against a Murray-Darling Basin Plan that was going to destroy the nation’s food bowl. And this year it was regional Australia that stood up against plans to end our live cattle trade, notwithstanding the devastation that was caused during the four weeks in which Four Corners ran the country.
All of these changes came about by the force of ordinary regional Australians standing up against the nihilistic and negative vision of this goverment, which seems to want to shut down economic activity in regional Australia.
The only way to stop the carbon tax, to change the government and to get the nation back on track is for everyone to do what they can to make it happen.
Whether that is coming to Canberra on Monday, calling your local Labor or Independent MP or writing to your local paper, every little effort helps.
Kind regards
Senator Barnaby Joyce
Leader of The Nationals in the Senate
Help us change the goverment:
• Sign our carbon tax petition
• Forward this email to a friend
• Tell your friends about our policies
• Get involved
Here is a copy of an email I have received from the Office of Mr Tony Abbott, Leader of the LNP Opposition:
Thank you for your email to the Leader of the Opposition, the Hon Tony Abbott MHR regarding the indexation of military superannuation. Mr Abbott has asked me to respond on his behalf.
The Coalition is committed to delivering fair indexation of the Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefit (DFRDB) and the Defence Force Retirement Benefit (DFRB) military superannuation pensions. This is why the Coalition introduced legislation to Parliament to deliver this important reform.
The Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits Amendment (Fair Indexation) Bill 2010) fully reflected the Coalition’s 2010 election policy commitment of indexing DFRDB and DFRB pensions of recipients aged 55 and over to the higher of the Consumer Price Index (CPI), Male Total Average Weekly Earnings (MTAWE), or the Pensioner and Beneficiary Living Cost Index (PBLCI).
The Gillard Government and the Greens both made election commitments to fix military superannuation indexation. However, the Labor-Greens alliance combined to use their numbers in the Senate to defeat the Coalition’s bill.
The decision by the Labor-Greens alliance means that the 57,000 DFRDB and DFRB recipients continue to battle rising living costs with a military pension that fails to keep pace with the cost of living.
The only way for fair indexation to be delivered is to change the Government.
I invite you to stay up to date with Coalition news and policy announcements via the Liberal Party website http://www.liberal.org.au and to keep in touch with Tony Abbott via his personal website http://www.tonyabbott.com.au
Yours sincerely
Office of the Hon Tony Abbott MHR
Leader of the Opposition
Here is my response:
G’day,
It would be really great for the entire Defence community if the Opposition could be more precise.
What does “fair indexation” mean? If it to be based on the PBCLI, forget it!! If it is to be based on Labor’s proposed ACLI (Analytical Cost of Living Index) forget that too.
We simply want to have our indexation entitlements restored, not something new. We are simply asking to be treated exactly the same as Australia’s Old Aged Pensioners as far as indexation of our miserly DFRB/DFRDB superannuation payment is concerned. We want to receive the same percentage increase as awarded to our Old Aged Pensioners so that our superannuation can maintain its purchasing parity with the cost of living increases. This is what the Jess Report recommended. This is what happened initially as the CPI was a true indicator of the increases to the cost of living. When the CPI lost this equivalence, then our superannuation gradually but inexorably began to lose its purchasing power.
Give us back our dignity.
We are not asking for anything new. We simply want a fair go, to be treated just the same as our Old Aged Pensioners. Is that too much to ask after serving our Nation for twenty years or more?
We were forced to contribute 5.5% of our military salary to a superannuation fund. We had no choice in what fund. We cannot roll our super over to a super fund of our own choice – a right every other Australian enjoys. We are taxed on our super, if it exceeds the tax threshold, even after we are 60 years old and we will continue to pay tax until we die – unlike every other Australian pensioner. Why?
Why are we being discriminated against? Are we viewed as some shameful thing because we have done the Government’s dirty business in some foreign land and now nobody wants to know us??
We feel like we are being treated like second class citizens, even worse than the illegal boat people.
Mr Abbott is going to join the “Convoy of No Confidence.” He has stated that it’s the Opposition’s responsibility to speak up for and to represent those groups that are being disadvantaged. Why won’t he attack the PM and her Government on our behalf?
Is it because the Opposition is feeling just as guilty for not righting this shameful National disgrace during their three terms in power?
Quite frankly this stinks and all Governments and all Politicians should hang their heads in shame for the way they have simply ignored those who have served our Nation for most of their working lives.
Is it any wonder that there is a huge groundswell of discontent within the Defence community (serving, ex-service and families). Their sense of betrayal is palpable.
Do not be surprised if our members begin to turn their backs to all politicians at our commemorative services from now own. You do not deserve to join our team, our ranks, our discussion groups.
We are here and we will not go away, so please pass this to Mr Abbott so he can see what we are really saying, instead of passing your interpretation or your summary of this email.
The Opposition, and Mr Abbott, has made a very good start but we need to see Mr Abbott taking our plight to the PM and the Government, in the Lower House.
Cheers,
Neil Weekes, AM, MC
30 Hinchinbrook Drive
KIRWAN
TOWNSVILLE QLD 4817
Email: sealure2@bigpond.net.au
THE MARCH TO CANBERRA HAS BEGUN. WILL YOU JOIN US?
Hi all
Further to Neils comments, this is the registered letter I sent to Tony Abbott.
The Hon. Tony Abbott MP
Parliament House
CANBERRA ACT 2600
Dear Mr Abbott
Following the Senate’s rejection of the Fair Indexation Bill on 16th June, 2011, I wish to express my bitter disappointment on the Senate’s decision, despite the sterling efforts of the Coalition Senator’s in bringing the Bill into the Senate. In my view, it was a shameful betrayal of the men and women who have served our Nation in the Australian Defence Force for 20 years or more.
I was appalled that this decision was primarily based on financial restraints and yet our Politicians, including you, will never hesitate to approve an increase to your own salaries, despite the financial state of the Nation!!
It is a complete mockery for members of our Parliament to attend the funerals of our young warriors who have been killed in action, and to observe a minute’s silence in the House of Representatives and in the Senate, and yet reject a Bill which would have aligned the increases to DFRB and DFRDB superannuants’ pensions with our old age pensioners.
This disgraceful decision, obviously based on Labor Party lines, spurious information from the Department of Finance and perpetuated by Senators Wong, Lundy, the Greens (lead By Senator Brown) supported by all Labor Senators and Independents, and Labor members of the House, particularly Mike Kelly.
All of this has alienated the Veteran Community and it has ensured that DFRB and DFRDB superannuantes will see their measly pension (average annual pension is approximately $23,600) continue to lose its purchasing power.
This will be exacerbated by increases to the cost of electricity, increased vehicle registration, increased cost of food, increased cost of petrol, increased insurance cost, increased medical costs and the list goes on and undoubtedly will include new taxes!!
And, if the carbon tax becomes law, will ensure that the problem is exacerbated.
This is compounded for those surviving spouses who only receive 5/8th of the DFRB/DFRDB superannuants’ pension which continues to be indexed against the CPI. It seems inequitable and immoral to me that the surviving spouse of a political pensioner has his/her pension indexed against the increases to the salary of a back bencher. Does this mean that a politician’s spouse makes such a huge contribution to the defence and well-being of our Nation when compared to the spouse of a lowly soldier, airman or navy personnel? Where is the justice in this?
Could you please explain to me why the Government has accepted the recommendation by the Matthews Review, again based on spurious information, that the CPI remains the most appropriate method of indexation for military superannuants? If this is a legitimate argument, then please explain to the Veteran Community why your pensions are not indexed against the CPI when you retire?
The Matthews Review does suggest the use of an Analytical Living Cost Index and the Government introduced the Pensioners and Beneficiaries Cost of Living Index (PBCLI) the day after the Matthews Review was released. Why was the PBCLI not accepted as a fair indexation for military superannuates?
You should be aware that this decision has angered the Veteran Community, not only in the ACT, but across the Nation. We will, with the assistance of the Coalition, continue to fight for a “fair go”, especially as the Labor Party has abandoned the spirit of its election commitment to conduct a review that would address the inadequacy and inequity of the Indexation method (CPI) which has not kept up with the cost of living.
This is immoral, as it lacks the principle of “a fair go” espoused by all politicians and especially by the Labor Party, the Greens and Independents before the last two elections. How do you explain this to a Veteran who has fought for his country, who has been sent into action by his Government, who has seen his mates fall in action, who has readily surrendered his own freedoms so that our nation can meet its International commitments and to ensure our Nation remains free?
Despite the good intentions of the Coalition, I would formally request that you ask the Prime Minister at the firs, and every opportunity, in The House to explain to the Veteran Community why the Labor Party will not support the Bill, given the spurious information from the Department of Finance.
I would also ask that you and the Coalition use every means on TV, radio and other media at your disposal, to assist the Veterans and make the public aware of their plight.
Thank you for your indulgence.
Yours sincerely,
John Sainsbury
34 Dalley Crescent
LATHAM ACT 2615
Ph: 02 6254 6205
10 August 2011
Dear BOB IHLEIN, just read SENATOR BARNABY JOYCE’s lazy propaganda – where’s any reference to Diggers ?
In relation to his snide remarks about Four Corners running the country for four weeks.
I think Barnaby has been fondling his Joyce Stick a little too much – and thus his vision is clouded.
At least for four weeks Senator, this country had some cohesive and relevant focus on serious issues – which is more than I can say for the dismal performance of this Government – and this Parliament thus far. And this includes you.
It is time for a Federal election – and you Senator ought to be feeling nervous.
Tell us where you stand on Justice for the Diggers – and for all Defence Force personnel – and would you please desist from crawling into our tent – and do your own self-serving spin elsewhere – you are simply trying to stand on the shoulders of giants – our Diggers past and present.
Dear BILL SHEPHERD,thank you and your Brethren for your service to this fantastic nation, now being vandalised and trashed by the Gillard Labor Government and pollies in general, who have forgotten – and it’s our collective fault – that they are the servants of The People – and not the other way around.
I salute the NAMBUCCA VALLEY RSL sub-branch. You are truly champions. And so blooming gutsy.
And true.
Dear Champion NEIL WEEKES, thank you and your Brethren for your continuing service to this fabulous country.
And thank you for your report on what happened at Vietnam Veterans Day. Thank you for pointing out the anomalies that took place. Did anyone else notice, apart from you all ?
Rest assured that the caretaker Prime Minister Julia Gillard will now be aware of your report. I say ‘caretaker’ because it is my belief that this Government has a shortening life span.
Dear JOHN CLARKSON, thank you and your Brethren for your service to this country. I never say this lightly to you – and I say it because I think that we, the people – are not our governments – and I for one am horrified with what has been done to you all in our name.
Dear JOHN SAINSBURY, you are an inspiration. What a letter.
Ken Marsh
21 August 2011
The Honourable Tony Abbott
Leader of the Opposition
PO Box 6022
House of Representatives
Parliament House
Canberra, ACT 2600
Dear Mr Abbott
Either we believe in a fair go for all, or we do not believe in a fair go at all.
First, I want to thank you and your party for the support of the Fair Indexation Bill that was shamefully voted down by the Greens and Senator Xenophon who had previously expressed their support to the Veteran Community on this matter.
I have listed below in tabular form a number of facts relating to military superannuation – particularly the DFRDB scheme – and disability pensions and then applied a rating of fairness or unfairness as I see it.
Military Superannuation and Entitlements
In the period 1989 to 2008, Old Age pensions increased by 110% and Federal Parliamentary pensions 131% while military superannuation pensions rose by 68%. Fair Unfair √
The DFRDB scheme introduced in 1972 was designed to be indexed annually to maintain relativity with average weekly earnings. Indexing was linked to CPI which is now recognised as a measure of inflation, not purchasing power. This has resulted in an erosion of the living standards of military superannuants. Fair Unfair √
In 1988 indexation was unilaterally and arbitrarily cut by 2% from military pensions below the CPI percentage that then applied for two years. This loss has never been restored. Fair Unfair √
The same indexation arrangements applying to military superannuation also apply to disability payments for those incapacitated by military service. This means an ADF member who is unable to continue to work as a result of a disability resulting from service to his or her country will see over time his or her living standards eroded. Fair Unfair √
In 1997 the CPI was acknowledged as no longer protecting the purchasing power of the Aged Pension and new measures were adopted. Military pensions were excluded from the new arrangements. Fair Unfair √
Despite the fact that participants in the DFRDB scheme contributed 5.5% of their salary to the scheme – paid into general revenue – they continue to pay tax on pensions (albeit with a 10% discount) upon reaching the age of 60, unlike those receiving superannuation income from other schemes. The argument that military superannuation payments are made from untaxed funds ignores two realities:
• All contributions, including any earnings that may have accrued, by serving members towards their superannuation were used by the government for whatever purpose the government chose.
• Private sector superannuation funds were not taxed prior to 1988. Recipients of pensions paid out of these funds are tax free in the hands of recipients aged 60 and above meaning military superannuants are disadvantaged in comparison to civilian superannuants. Fair Unfair √
Widows of military superannuants receive 62.5% of the superannuants pension compared to the 67% received by widows of public servants and 82.5% by politician’s widows under the pre 2004 parliamentary superannuation scheme. Fair Unfair √
To allow for transition to civilian life members of the DFRDB scheme were entitled to commute the equivalent of 4 years of their pension. This was treated as a loan to be paid back by a reduction of their pensions, the amount being calculated on the expected life expectancy. Superannuants who live past this age continue to repay the loan until they die. This means that superannuants that did not take up this option who live well past the age at which they were expected to die may be significantly better off financially than those who took up the option. The treatment of the payback arrangement could be likened to continuing to pay the mortgage after the house is paid for. Fair Unfair √
Mr Abbott, you may disagree with all or part of my assessment regarding the fair treatment of military veterans. If you disagree with my assessment however I ask that you provide me with your reasons for doing so. Conversely, if you agree with my assessment I ask that you tell me what you and your party plan to do to correct each of these inequities.
I know that those who voted down the Fair Indexation Bill argue that they did so because it was not fiscally responsible to pass it at this time and that it did not address all inequities with military and public service superannuation. I acknowledge this. The Bill did nothing for those under 55 or members of the current scheme. What it would have done however is arrest the further decline for those older DFRB and DFRDB superannuants who have suffered the greatest erosion of their pensions while solutions were being found to address the other inequities related to military superannuation. And you know as well as I do that the figures brandied about by the Government have been demonstrated to be nothing more than a smoke screen by those better placed to challenge them in the Veteran community than me.
It was in 1967 at the height of the Vietnam War when at the age of 16 I first committed to service in the Royal Australian Air Force. I renewed that commitment 9 years later and again 6 year after that, giving me a total of 20 year’s service. While I did not see active service the fact remains that that commitment may have cost me my life as, like all who wear the nation’s uniform I signed away my right to refuse a lawful command that exposed me to the risk of real harm – a right that all civilians have. That was not the only right I surrendered in order to protect the rights of my fellow Australians.
Any attempt to compare military superannuation entitlements with that of public servants only devalues military service. Public servants do not place themselves under military law, sign away their rights as Australians in the same was as military people and do not face the hardships placed on families in the same way as defence force members.
I have a copy of a paper prepared for the Senate to aid debate on the Fair Indexation Bill prepared by the Finance and Public Legislation Committee dated May 2011. At paragraph 1.30 it states ‘that defence salaries have risen significantly over the last two decades and are now more in line with civilian salaries’. This acknowledges what those of us who served in the 1970s and 80s knew – that we could have earned significantly more as civilians without the acknowledged imposition of service conditions on us and our families. This means that the superannuation payments we receive today that have already had their real value seriously eroded commenced at a level significantly lower than would have been the case if our salaries were more in line with then civilian rates. When I retired my salary was at the maximum rate for a sergeant in the RAAF. My DFRDB pension is currently less than $19,000 pa – far less than the average figure I often see quoted and almost half what it would have been if its real value had been maintained.
Mr Abbott, I have long believed that the principle of a fair go was at the heart of what it means to be Australian. It appears to me on the evidence that I have seen that this principle does not apply to the treatment of military veterans. Should you or any of your parliamentary colleagues be surprised at the feelings of anger and betrayal felt by members of the veterans’ community for the way they have been treated by governments of all political persuasions over the decades?
I look forward to your considered response – one that addresses each of the points I have raised.
Yours Sincerely
Ken Marsh
Dear KEN MARSH, thank you for your service to this country. You have put forward an irrefutable case for a Fair Go for Diggers and families.
It is so bleeding obvious KEN. For decades you and your Brethren have been abused and conned by successive Australian Governments – including the Howard Government.
Millions of dollars are spent on eleborate recruitment campaigns for our Defence Forces.
You are so right to point out that on Civvie Street, with your qualifications, you could earn so much more – and yet you, like so many others, signed up for several terms – and in doing so forfeited rights that the rest of us daily take for granted.
The relationship between the Australian Government – and Diggers – in terms of pay and employment conditions undoubtedly goes even beyond that of a Master-Servant relationship.
It is more a Master-Slave relationship.
You are clearly held in such contempt by our Governments that you have become the last among equals.
Please post TONY ABBOTT’s response to your letter in these comments – and if he doesn’t respond, could you let us know that as well.
Onya KEN, you are all Champions. You’re all so gutsy and free from spin and artiface.
And fearless. Why am I not surprised!
To date we have received the deafening sound of silence from all Politicians, and from the Parliamentary press, following OPERATION “LETTER RAID”. It has been a hollow “NO”. Now we know for certain that over 1,000 letters were sent to Parliament House by registered mail. There would have been many more.
We are also aware that many members spent consdiderable money posting their letters by registered post. The fact that there has not been one indication from anyone in Parliament House about the obvious spike that must have occurred in the number of letters received, indicates that there has been a very deliberate policy to ignore us – and our plight.
The fact is that all Politicians of both major political parties will be reluctant to make an issue of this National disgrace as both Parties are equally guilty of the shameful treatment dished out to our long-serving ADF members over many years.
While this is very disappointing, it was not unexpected and I doubt very much if the Politicians will respond to any letters. However I am not despondent about this as we can see the game that they are playing. They are hoping, that by ignoring us, we will simply give up and quietly fade away.
So this will be a real test of our resolve, our cohesion and our friendship. We have come a long way in a very short time, too far to go back. So, if you are like me, I am feeling even more determined than ever to take this fight for “A FAIR GO” right up to the polls.
There is no way that the politicians would let us know that we have had an impact, but we have. You see, I have been informed that at least some of the Politicians had to take on more staff to handle the increased amount of correspondence. So our letters did arrive and they did have an impact.
So what’s next? Well, I suggest that we give our political representatives about two weeks to reply to us. If they have not done so by that time, then I believe we must send a “follow-up” letter demanding an answer to our initial letter(s). This time, there is no need to register such letters but I suggest that you should refer to the Registerd Number of your initial letter in your “follow-up” letter.
We will be issuing another SITREP within 24 hours.
Can I request that you do two things:
1. There are thousands of DFRB/DFRDB recipients who have not registered on our website or who may not have become involved in our “fight”. Many of these may know nothing about what is going on. Some will not want to become involved because, for many reasons, they may be financially comfortable. There are 56,000 recipients. We need everyone of you to support us. Even if you are not directly affected, we need your support to help your mates who are doing it tougher than you are. We also need your families to get involved.
Please get this message out to every DFRB/DFRDB recipient.
2. Please log on to the website of the Alliance of Defence Service Organisations and join your Local Action Groups (LAGS) or your State Action Groups. These Groups will be responsible for organising many of the activities that will be conducted in the coming weeks and months. We need people to become actively involved:
http://www.standto.org
If you really believe that what we are doing is right, then please do something to help.
HEARTS CAN INSPIRE OTHER HEARTS WITH THEIR FIRE
FOR THE STRONG OBEY WHEN A STRONG MAN SHOWS THEM THE WAY.
Stay the fight with us.
THE MARCH TO CANBERRA HAS BEGUN. WILL YOU JOIN US?
ONE DIGGER DOWN. ANOTHER WOUNDED. In Afghanistan. Yet another sad blow to the Defence Force Family. Our condolences. Here’s a link to The Age. http://www.theage.com.au/world/aussie-killed-by-ied-in-afghanistan-20110822-1j6i5.html
A digger was killed in action last night, PRIVATE Matthew Lambert, from 2nd Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment. He was killed by an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan. This was his first tour of duty in that war zone.
We all feel his death and we extend our sympathy to his family and his friends.
Let us hope that his sacrifice will not be in vain and that Afghanistan may one day be a better place as a result of his sevice.
LEST WE FORGET.
Tess
This is the reply I got from Tony Abbott same as one that has been already posted on this site.
You would like it if they could reply to your letter not just a standard letter to one and all.
Dear Mr Ihlein
Thank you for your letter to the Leader of the Opposition, the Hon Tony Abbott MHR
regarding the indexation of military superannuation. Mr Abbott has asked me to respond
on his behalf.
The Coalition is committed to delivering fair indexation of the Defence Force
Retirement and Death Benefit (DFRDB) and the Defence Force Retirement Benefit
(DFRB) military superannuation pensions. This is why the Coalition introduced
legislation to Parliament to deliver this important reform.
The Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits Amendment (Fair Indexation) Bill
2010) fully reflected the Coalition’s 2010 election policy commitment of indexing
DFRDB and DFRB pensions of recipients aged 55 and over to the higher of the
Consumer Price Index (CPI), Male Total Average Weekly Earnings (MTAWE), or the
Pensioner and Beneficiary Living Cost Index (PBLCI).
The Gillard Government and the Greens both made election commitments to fix
military superannuation indexation. However, the Labor-Greens alliance combined to
use their numbers in the Senate to defeat the Coalition’s bill.
The decision by the Labor-Greens alliance means that the 57,000 DFRDB and DFRB
recipients continue to battle rising living costs with a military pension that fails to keep
pace with the cost of living.
The only way for fair indexation to be delivered is to change the Government.
Parliament House Canberra ACT 2600
Tel (02) 6277 4022 Fax (02) 6277 8s62
http://www.tonvabbott. com. au
/-
I invite you to stay up to date with Coalition news and policy announcements via the
Liberal Party website http://www.liberal.org.au and to keep in touch with Tony Abbott via his
personal website http://www.tonyabbott.com. au.
Yours sincerely
MAXINE SELLS
Adviser
Parliament House Canberra ACT 2600
Tel (02) 6277 4022 Fax (02) 6277 8s62
http://www.tonyabbott.
Regards
Bob Ihlein
A colleague (retired one star) received the following letter from Kate Lundy in response to his letter to her before the Senate vote on the Fair Indexation Bill. His indignant reply to her follows at the end of her letter. He has agreed to having the letters published.
Ray Gibson
—————————————
SENATOR KATE LUNDY
SENATOR FOR THE AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY
Dear Mr Schubert,
Thank you for your letter of 10 May on the issue of the indexation of military superannuation, and I apologise for the delay in answering.
We DO acknowledge the unique nature of military service and our debt to our servicemen and women.
The Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits Amendment (Fair Indexation) Bill 2010 was referred to the Senate Finance and Public Administration Legislation Committee which found some problems with the Bill and advised against passing it.
The Government’s commitment to fiscal responsibility and to returning the Budget to surplus by 2012-13 must be our paramount concern. New proposals must be offset by savings over the forward estimates, and the proposals for this Bill could not satisfy this
criterion.
For me, a major problem with this Bill is that it unfairly applies to only a section of the Defence superannuants, and debars over 7,200 current Military Superannuation Benefits Scheme superannuants, as well as the future beneficiaries of the MSBS, and, of course all other Commonwealth superannuants including those employed in the Department of Defence.
I remain committed to continuing the campaign to improve the indexation methods applying to military and civilian Commonwealth pensions, and will continue to work closely with the representative organisations such as DFWA, SCOA and ACPSRO.
Thank you again for your comments, and I urge you to follow the progress of the campaign on my website at http://www.katelundy.com.au.
Yours Sincerely,
Kate Lundy
{7June 2011
—————————————
Senator Kate Lundy
Ground Floor Law Society Building
11 London Circuit
Canberra
A.C.T. 2600
CC
Senator Gary Humphries
Shop B12 Canberra Centre
Bunda Street
Civic A.C.T. 2600
Dear Senator Lundy
I refer to your letter of 17 June 2011. Thank you for the courtesy of a reply. However, I put the letter aside as it was verging on the offensive.
It offends for three reasons: the patronisingly condescending assertions; the illogicality of reasoning and specious arguments in your reply. The distortions presented would be unacceptable to any constituent but even more so to those who are denied a “Fair Go” by your government.
Your dissembling on the specific issue of Fair Indexation and then voting against a “Fair Go” has now irritated not only retired servicewomen and servicemen but a wider, concerned community who are indignant at your and the government’s attitude.
Recently, I had cause to look at your reply again. I have found that your asserted position, based on irrational reasoning, contradicts a previous statement of yours. I have attached a copy of this statement which was made available to the general public.
The material facts of a Fair Indexation have not changed in the time between your earlier statement and your action to deny a “Fair Go”. So, the politicians’ saw of “a reluctant change of heart due to changed circumstances” does not apply. As your two positions are irreconcilable, one has to ask which is correct. For you to hold two contradictory views while the material facts of the Fair Indexation situation remain unchanged requires you to defend the indefensible.
You are probably aware of the newspaper articles and endorsements by TV actors as some lead indicators of the public indignity to which I refer above. They are just part of a wider reach that includes, among others, inter- generational affiliations. Now, the generation after mine think the government lacks integrity and honesty. Bad policy by government triggered this response and the community reaction will not go away. It is growing and focusing on a government that has failed in basic decency.
Yours faithfully,
David Schubert
Great letter from David Schubert.
I am astounded by Senator Lundy’s letter. Her logic of stating that “…a major problem with this Bill is that it unfairly applies to only a section of the Defence superannuants, and debars over 7,200 current Military Superannuation Benefits Scheme superannuants, as well as the future beneficiaries of the MSBS, and, of course all other Commonwealth superannuants including those employed in the Department of Defence.” offends me. How can she even believe that other Commonwealth superannuants from the Defence Department (Commonwealth Public Servants) be considered in the same context as military superannuants? Even the inclusion of MSBS superannuants is inappropriate as the two schemes (DFRB/DFRDB and MSBS) are completely different.
This is an obvious attempt to drive a wedge between the various military superannuation groups. It’s smoke and mirrors stuff trying to diffuse our argument and lessen our “People Power” momentum that we have achieved by the Government’s betrayal, particularly Senator Lundy, by rejecting the Fair Indexation Bill in the Senate. If Senator Lundy had any credibility, ant principles, and morals, she would have crossed the floor to vote for the Bill.
She failed us so why should we trust her again?
THE MARCH TO CANBERRA HAS BEGUN. WILL YOU JOIN US?
In a post on 28 July above, I inserted Senator Ludwig’s response to my letter, written well before the Senate vote on the FIB on 16 June. At the time of my post to this website (28 July) I was aware of at least one other identical response from Senator Ludwig to another member. That made me angry.
I am now aware of three other identical responses from Senator Ludwig and Senator Moore received by others over the past few days. THEY ARE STILL AT IT – Peddling the same lies and misinformation and treating us all with absolute contempt.
How Arrogant! How Ignorant! How Rude!
Clearly, these politicians just don’t get it; and I doubt they ever will.
I should add that these recent letters are not in response to our letter raid. They are responses to letters sent before the Senate vote on 16 June – over two months ago!
AARGH! Time for another glass of red!
Ray Gibson
Thanks BOB IHLEIN, for posting TONY ABBOTT’s pro forma response. That’s why it is so important to post their replies here – so that their diffidence is publicly exposed for all to see.
It’s such lazy politics – and typical of the one-size fits all attitude by our politicians in general. We only have to consider this last wasted session of Parliament to be aware of this – and the contempt they have for we the people – and how little they care about actually governing the country – or for the ethics of governance.
Onya DAVID SCHUBERT, (and thanks RAY GIBSON) for not falling for SENATOR KATE LUNDY’s hypocritical and misleading tripe – and your spirited and gutsy response to her silly nonsense.
Dear NEIL WEEKES, thanks for your endorsement of DAVID SCHUBERT’s letter to SENATOR KATE LUNDY – and for exposing her continuing and insulting attempts to drive a wedge between various members of the Defence Force Family.
Dear RAY GIBSON. Agreed.
And Cheers!
Hi all
I at least got a reply from Tony Abbott’s office, albeit, word for wordas the othewrs posted on this sight.
I also got a reply from Dr leigh, the Labor member for Fraser in the ACT. Again, the same song sheet as Kate Lundy. I aked him specifially, where he stood on this issue, and got the same waffle and no commitment. I suspect will get the same response from the other Labor member in Canberra, who just happens to be married to Chris Urlmann, the ABC reporter on the 7.30 report.
Hi Tess Members This is my reply from Jill Hall.
Dear Mr Ihlein
Thank you for your recent letter of 12 August 201 1 regarding “A Fair Go
Campaign”.
I note your concerns and have forwarded a copy of your letter to Mr Craig
Thomson, Federal Member for Dobell, for his information.
Kind regards
/wtu Jill Hall MP
Federal Member for Shortland
What a reply got the same last time I wrote to her. They think we must be dumb we write to them get a reply that has not answer to the questions we have asked. No point in sending my letter to Thomson he could be reading it from behind bars or in the dim light of a house of ill repute.
Bob
Dear JOHN SAINSBURY, thanks for the heads up. Keep posting these replies, because these comments are now a historical record for you all – and for Australia – as well as becoming a resource and contact centre and a wonderful meeting place of hearts and minds.
The pro forma responses should be regarded as a compliment to the real impact of your campaign. They mean that you are inflicting such damage to the beleagured Gillard Labor Government, that the PM’s minders are now controlling the distribution of all responses.
Remember, that every pro-forma response you get from a politician indicates that the politician concerned is NOT their own person, and is impotent against factional edicts and a servant to mindless political expediency and treachery.
Dear BOB IHLEIN, isn’t JILL HALL’s response pathetic. She should be the Federal Minister for Shorthand! It’s so insulting. Thanks for exposing her gutless buckpassing.
Put her on the ‘ to be turfed ‘ list for the impending Federal election.
And re your reference to CRAIG THOMSON and the mysterious meanderings of political trouser snakes and houses of ill repute, I think the REAL House of Ill-Repute is Parliament House!
DIGGERGATE is a catagoric disgraceful example of how politicians prostitute themselves and are now little more than party pimps.
Consider the political thuggery that executed KEVIN RUDD and installed JULIA GILLARD.
Frankly, I think most Prostitutes are being given a bad name by politicians. At least they are more honest about how much bang you get for your buck.
On this day,the Australian people are well and truly short-changed by our politicians.
Maybe it’s just me.
Who is actually governing Australia BOB ? Perhaps we can outsource Federal Parliament.
To Malaysia. Or East Timor. Or Nauru. Or Papua New Guinea. Or Christmas Island. Or
Libya. Or Disneyland. Or Gitmo.
Posted with the approval of Ken Hussell.
K.B.Hussell
Cowra NSW 2794
8 Aug 2011
Dear Honourable member
RE – DVA AND THE DENIAL OF EQUITY TO VETERANS
From the age of sixteen years until aged thirty eight years, I served this country in the Australian Regular Army. More than twenty one of the best years of my life which included two tours of duty in Vietnam.
When I returned to Australia at the end of my first tour, I had great difficulty in returning to “life as we know it” in this great country. I was suffering from emotional and psychological stress, which still affect me today. I returned to Vietnam two years later with one broken marriage behind me. I returned from my second tour on a stretcher for surgery in Australia.
Now, at the age of seventy and with two broken marriages behind me, children from both marriages who have not spoken to me for years, many months of counselling without resolution, I look forward to my remaining years with considerable fear because I do not have the financial resources to make ends meet in any way that is comfortable.
I very much doubt that at the end of your political career you would accept the pension that I am expected to live on. I also doubt that in carrying out your day to day responsibilities you even consider for one moment, the dangers that servicemen and woman are faced with every day in a war zone in a far off country. It saddens me to see politicians at funeral services for those who have paid the supreme sacrifice because I know in my heart they will return to Canberra without so much as a further thought for those who are no longer with us or the family and loved ones they leave behind.
So, why did you vote against the Bill?. Was it a personal decision or did you just follow the party line?.
As a Vietnam Veteran, all I would ever ask for, all any Veteran would ever ask for, is a “fair go”. You have the power to give all veterans a fair go and I respectfully request that you do just that.
Yours sincerely,
K.B.Hussell
Dear K.B. HUSSELL,thank you for your service to this country. I have just read your very moving and very honest account of your feelings and predicament, sadly at the hands of your own successive Government.
In your story, I see mirrored the stories and anguish of so many of your Brethren and families, whose lives have basically been trashed by the very Governments that despatched you to war in the first place.
K.B.you have all been treated with such contempt. No question. No excuses.
Please don’t think that what governments do in our name reflects our wishes or even our consent. As I’ve written before, there is a common misconception that our Defence Force Personnel both past and present, and their families and heirs, are the recipients of retirement and death benefits that properly and fairly reflect the dangers and consequences of defending our country and our vested interests, both in Australia and overseas.
So few Australians are aware that nothing could be further from the truth.
The lies, propaganda and spin that is promulgated in recruitment ads – and in the hypocritical self-serving graveside platitudes by Prime Minister Julia Gillard and others, spits in the faces of those of you now crippled by age and injury, and those of you who are younger, but doomed to the same fate.
Hold on to that 16year old in you K.B. I can see that 16 year old in your letter. It takes extraordinary courage for you to publicly document some of your personal and shared journey.
You are one of the tens of thousands of Australians who are the inspiration for this ongoing fight for Justice for Diggers.
I can’t bear to think of you in your seventies harbouring such fear for your future.
But I know that is the reality of the situation.
I wonder when was the last time you set off on a happy adventure with Cobbers – and had some fun – when was your last holiday ? What hobbies did you have that you long ago abandoned, because you have lost heart and/or can’t afford it?
You are not a statistic to us K.B.
We are not our Government.
There are enough of us in this campaign to ensure that Justice will prevail as long as we do.
It is clear that the Australian Government is adopting the same position it does with all Defence Force crises – waiting for you to die out. Does the name Voyager or Agent Orange ring a bell ?
There is no way that the Gillard Labor Government will see out its dismal term.
The Australian people have had a gutful.
The number of Veterans in marginal seats has armed you all with powerful political weaponry.
You can train it on your enemy in the ballot box.
Mike Finn has posted an excellent letter he sent to Minister Kelly in the ‘Latest Additions’ section of the Just a Fair Go web site. Well worth reading.
Paul
Dear PAUL, this is great news. Thanks for the heads up. Can you ask MIKE FINN to also post his great letter to MINISTER KELLY, in this comments section as well. And any other sites
as well – say it loud and say it often!
Dear GEORGE MANSFORD. Come in spinner!
I’m in strife because of you. I’ve been ticked off because people are awaiting new poems from the DIGGERGATE SITE POET LAUREATE GEORGE MANSFORD.
I know you have written at least ONE poem since the last one posted. You’ve got a big fan club out here in Diggergate Land GEORGE.
Your poems are wicked and clever.
Also, could you do one for us for a Digger’s Father’s Day ?
It’s a cheeky ask, I know. But…………
Dear Tess, Paul and all,
Below is my longish letter to Mike Kelly commenting on his response to Peter Criss’s first letter. I tried a ‘softly softly’ approach but I’m not sure if it will generate anything other than the standard Labour reply. I haven’t recieved a reply yet.
Dr. Mike Kelly MP.
Dear Mike
First I would like to thank you for the work you have done in trying to rectify some of the inequities and injustices we suffer under the DFRDB Acts as it now stands.
Prior to the last election I wrote a 5 page letter detailing my own research into the inequities and injustices of the DFRDB pension scheme. Copies of the letter were sent to the leaders of major political parties, my local member, Treasurer/shadow Treasurer, minister for Veterans Affairs/shadow minister for Veterans Affairs, the independent MPs, and senators Kate Lundy & Steve Fielding. I asked the recipients to review what I had found and my recommendations, and then inform me if they were willing to rectify the issues I and others had identified. Most of the replies I received were positive, except for the Treasurer and minister for Veterans Affairs.
I am not sure if it is significant, but I did not receive a reply from the PM. By the way I am also a CSS pensioner.
Mike, the things I liked about the ‘Comsuper and Defence Force Pensions’ letter to Lindsey Tanner dated the 14th Sept 2009, which you cosigned with Annette Ellis, Bob McMullan, & Kate Lundy, was its conciseness, factuality, and clarity of purpose. The letter really left no room for argument against upgrading DFRDB, and, CSS/PSS pensions to the PBLCI indexation level. The letter showed that you weren’t concerned about not ‘toeing the party line’ where you saw Australians were being disadvantaged.
Unfortunately your 25th July 2011 reply to AVM Peter Criss’s letter didn’t have the same focus and it is hard to reconcile the differences between the two letters in style & content. Whilst I appreciate that you were responding to Peter’s letter to you, as both documents are now in the public domain I feel I have the right to comment on your reply to him.
Your response to Peter contained too many political point scoring elements, such as references to the failed Defence Acquisition Projects etc. As an ex-serviceman and veteran, you should know what we stand for and how we think. We aren’t politicians, neither are we ‘subbies’, driving around in Ford or Holden utes with the latest Rap music blaring. Political point scoring rhetoric just won’t work on us, so unfortunately a lot of your letter has been a waste of your time and effort.
The political rhetoric in your first & second paragraphs of the letter clearly show you were in ’politician’ mode when writing the letter. In particular, I find two sentences in those paragraphs quite ironic i.e. “This legislation was a political stunt designed to divide and rule many equally deserving people affected by the situation and I was not prepared to countenance this.”, and, “Anyone who supported that Bill would in effect have been abandoning one of the fundamental principles I was taught in the Army ‘never leave anyone behind’. “
By blocking the Fair Indexation Bill, what Labour has done is too ensured that “the many equally deserving people” have all been left behind!
The inclusion of a part quote in your letter from Nick Minchin stating “… he was not going to look after Fat Cats. “ does deserve a response. While not having seen the original document, I am not sure whom Nick Minchin was referring to as “Fat Cats.” In reply, I include an astute quote from Ian McManus which leaves no doubt who he is referring to, “In 30 years, as a member of the Labor Party, I continually found greed, corruption, self-interest, branch stacking and elected representatives who often scoffed at the plight of their constituents. In contrast, I continued to meet with veterans who continue to help each other find peace in their troubled lives.
So Minister, since you have given up on helping these people, who fought to ensure you an exalted position as a Minister of the Crown, I am giving up on the once great ALP.
Countless Millions of taxpayer dollars is pouring out of this country every day to placate countries who have little regard for our way of life, seemingly in a vain effort to win their governments over, at the expense of people like our returned servicemen and women. Please do not reply that financial considerations were at the forefront of your decision given the waste I have outlined.” No further comment is needed from me.
Your letter goes on to say “I have been steadily building a group within Caucus who are learning this issue and support me.” I’m sure you will agree we pensioners need all the help we can get to fight this CPI Indexation inequity. To help us truely gauge the level of Labour support, could you please tell me what is the extent of your network? Without mentioning names, is it 5, 10 or 20 MPs/ Senators?
There are a number of things that I wish to point out about your statements in paragraph 6.
• You say that Peter‘s figure of $93M for “all the military and civilian personnel is widely off the mark.” Peter made no such claim. The $93M cost he mentioned relates only to DFRDB pensioners designated in the Fair Indexation Bill.
• Your first and the final sentences are at odds with one another. If as you honestly believe, a higher indexation level for over 55 aged DFRDB pensioners (20,000+ initially) specified in the Fair Indexation Bill would in fact be ”an extremely significant cost,” such that it would have dire consequences for budget forward estimates; then it stands to reason there isn’t a snowball’s chance in hell of Labour approving a higher pension indexation level for the remaining 300,000+ military and civilian pensioners. The forward estimates funding increase required for about 15 times the number of pensioners involved could only result in what must be (for Labour), an overwhelmingly significant cost to future budget estimates. By extending this premise further, the forward estimates cost for the 150 times greater number of age pensioners etc, must result in what can only be classified as a devastatingly significant forward estimates cost which we now bear for the good of those 3 million recipients, including my own (small) Service Aged pension. The strange thing is I believe, there was hardly a dissenting voice in parliament or the senate against the acceptance of such a devastatingly significant cost
• It defies any logic & argument that as Labour already acknowledges the CPI doesn’t represent the cost of living for my Service Aged pension, they then about face and state yes it does for my DFRDB, and CSS pensions!!
• Ignoring the more wildly inflated DoFD’s figure projections, even the Government’s own figures (Senator Wong’s speech 16 June) state that fair indexation for DFRDB super pensioners aged 55 or older should cost $175M over the forward estimates period (four years).
• The four year forward estimates cost, as calculated by the Alliance of Defence Service Organisations in their Fair Indexation FAQ letter (30 May 2011) is $86M, for all DFRDB pensioners, not just those over 55 years of age, and, this is a gross figure before “clawback” or other offsets. Recently the DoFD have acknowledged their previous ‘oversight’ and raised their Clawback projections which would reduce their forward estimate costing by 30%. Other researched four year forward estimates show the cost of fair indexation ranges from the Podger Review ($85M 2008 up to $95M now?), the Coalition ($98M), Peter Thornton’s ($112M using his 2% assumption, and, around $90M using the AGA’s assumption of 1.5%).
• How is it possible that all 5 of these independent forward estimate costs are relatively similar, giving an average forward estimate cost of $94.2M, and, are so dramatically distant from the Government’s $175M?
The reality is even school children could workout the cost of the Fair Indexation bill is peanuts when compared with the forward estimates cost needed for the remaining 300,000 + military and civilian pensioners, or, all those 3million + the Aged pensioners!
Mike if you honestly believe, the cost of re-indexing our DFRDB pensions to the Fair Indexation Bill’s cost basis is far too expensive, I can only surmise you arrived at the view in one of 2 ways. The first is that your research wasn’t rigorous enough and you relied just on the “inhouse option” i.e. government documentation from DoFD, or the widely discredited Mathew’s review. Unlike DoFD’s outcomes, there is enough documentation freely available to show how other organisations have costed re-indexation of DFRDB pensions.
A few minutes work interrogating the internet will reveal more than enough material from all the individual service welfare groups, or umbrella organisations such as ADSO, DFWA, RSL, and SCOA offering a wide spectrum of documents having factual data and discussion papers on Fair Indexation equity & costing. I have included a few links below on such documents for your convenience. At the very least I recommend you read Peter Thornton’s extensive financial analysis in his submission to the Senate Finance and Public Administration Committee Inquiry into the DFRDB Amendment (Fair Indexation) Bill 2010.
The other possibility is Labour leaders have directed that all comment on the Fair Indexation Bill outcome is to be along party line; nothing else makes any sense. If this is the case no further comment is worthwhile by me.
As I mentioned earlier the internet can supply a wide range of research material. The one included below is a two paragraph extract from an earlier DFWA paper and while at first it seems a bit of a giggle, it’s not until you’ve read the second paragraph do you begin to realise the full impact of being tied to the CPI. Unfortunately for DFRDB pensioners, history is now about to repeated again after the cyclone and flood disasters, except the effects can only be much worse this time as it is not just the bananas! Would you please pass this enlightening fact on to your Caucus group?
CPI Not Dismissed by DFWA
In addition, and contrary to the report’s criticisms, most individuals and representative bodies such as DFWA have not dismissed the CPI as an important component for indexation purposes. While CPI on its own is clearly inadequate to protect purchasing power, it has a role to play as a component part of an indexation methodology.
DFWA and most other bodies have instead recognised over many years that a hybrid indexation mechanism was and is needed to maintain purchasing power in line with historical precedents.
Separate parliamentary inquiries have each essentially said much the same.
Bananas and the CPI
While CPI is one important and generally stable component input to help protect the purchasing power of pensions, the Review also fails to acknowledge that CPI can be vulnerable to significant price swings in any one element of the index, which can significantly skew the final result. This was clearly evident in July 2007 when military retirees received a zero percentage increase in indexation because the price of a single item, bananas, decreased so dramatically compared with the previous period that it effectively offset all the price rises of other index items, notably petrol. The banana skew caused significant and enduring damage to the purchasing power of military superannuation pensioners and reversionary beneficiaries27. The damage compounds over time and is irretrievable. A hybrid indexation mechanism would have avoided this patently silly outcome.
I’m not sure if Labour or Greens hierarchy are aware yet of what a disservice they’ve done themselves by their arrogance and penny pinching attitude on the Fair indexation Bill. As an ex-serviceman I imagine you’re already aware that fair indexation is now just the iceberg tip of a list of complaints about injustices built into the DFRDB Act which we are now determined to have resolved. Whereas before we may have been pretty peeved at both Labour and the coalition’s lack of action on the indexation issue, now we are all bloody angry at the hypocrisy of Labour and the Greens, and I can assure you it’s not about to go away.
Nothing raises the ire more than on Labour’s “Delivering for Seniors” web site, where Ms Gillard tells us at the cover page, third sentence, and, page 8, first sentence, “Federal Labor has always stood for fairness for older Australians.” It would be impolite of me to tell you what I think of that statement here.
We DFRDB pensioners are working hard individually, and with our welfare associations to make everybody we can reach, our families, mates, neighbours, sporting or other association members, aware of Labour’s hypocrisy on this issue, while planning for and awaiting the 2013 election.
The Facts of the Fair INDEXATION Bill as I (and I believe many others will) see them are:-
1. As an ex-serviceman you should know service/ex-service personnel don’t trust politicians.
2. You should also be aware of what we stand for, how we think and our strong resolve to right things.
3. Politicians won’t win our trust by saying things, only by doing the things they say they will do!
4. We know the Howard government said it would fix the inequity in the DFRDB pension indexation. They had both the time and the budget surplus, but failed to live up to their words.
5. We also know that before replacing the Howard government, Labour said it would fix the same inequity in the DFRDB pension indexation. Then when in government they proceeded to waste much of that same surplus on mismanaged schemes. Two Labour governments have now failed to live up to those same words and correct this injustice.
6. All politicians acknowledge that the CPI is not even close to reflecting the genuine “cost of living’ expenses, and so voted to raise the Age pension indexation to a higher, more appropriate level of indexation
7. The inequitous DFRDB pension CPI indexation still continues to reduce our spendable income with Labour and the Greens blessing.
8. Prior to the last election the coalition stated “if elected to government with a majority, they would on 01 July 2011 submit a Bill to provide for ‘Fair Indexation” of DFRDB pensions to a higher level than just CPI indexation.”
9. Senator Ronaldson’s Fair Indexation Bill was submitted to parliament before 01 July 20011.
10. The coalition did what it said it would do!
11. The Fair Indexation Bill was passed unanimously in the lower house “on voices”, i.e. Labour, Greens, Coalition, and independent MPs approved of the Bill.
12. In the senate the Bill was defeated by Labour and the Green’s voting against it.
13. If the Labour/Greens MPs believed the purpose of Bill was justified, affordable, and supported the Bill, why then didn’t their Labour/Greens senate colleagues vote for it?
14. One of these 2 groups lied of politicians lied, why?
Upgrading the DFRDB pension index to the same regime as the Age pension is morally right and clearly much more affordable than DoFD would have you believe!
If we already have perfectly adequate indexation regimes available and used for parliamentary PCSS pensions, judicial pensions, and Age/Age Service pension etc, why is it necessary to now devise another entirely new indexation regime uniquely for military and government civilian pensions? That would seem to be a waste of time and resource which could be better used elsewhere.
Could you please respond to my comments and questions as an ex-serviceman would?
Mike, I hope you will continue to support the Armed Service communities in their many needs, as so clearly highlighted by Fair Indexation and the other injustices we face in the DFRDB superannuation scheme, not as a politician who is also a Veteran, but, as a Veteran who just happens to be a politician.
Sincerely yours
Mike Finn
Confrontation Vet
Vietnam Vet
Links
Alliance of Defence Service Organisations – Fair Indexation FAQS
HTTP://WWW.RAAFA.ORG.AU/VETERANS/FAIR%20INDEXATION%20FAQ-201105.PDF
ADSO Supplementary Submission to the Senate Finance and Public Administration Committee
Inquiry into the DFRDB Amendment (Fair Indexation) Bill 2010
HTTP://WWW.RAAFA.ORG.AU/DOWNLOAD/INDEXATION%20BILL%20SUPPLEMENTARY-ADSO.PDF
Peter Thornton’s Submission to the Senate Finance and Public Administration Committee
Inquiry into the DFRDB Amendment (Fair Indexation) Bill 2010
http://www.aph.gov.au/senate/committee/fapa_ctte/defence_retirement_benefits/submissions/Submission06.pdf
Cheers, Mike
Dear MIKE FINN, this is a mighty, powerful and articulate letter, chokkers with facts and information – not a word wasted.
I’m so glad that PAUL mentioned it to us all and thank you MIKE for posting it here on this public site, so that it stands testimony and bears witness alongside the other wonderful contributions of your Defence Force brethren and supporters.
Onya MIKE, you are a champ!
* Could you please post the reply you got from the PM here as well. It would be great to place it on the public record – and it is an important and critical historical documument for the campaign.
I just watched the Sunday show on channel 7 tonight. Made me proud to be a Sapper and brought tears to my eyes to see our young Men so brave on the Kokoda Track. Only they know what they are going through we had our war with Vietnam and now these brave souls are in another War and when it is over they too will have to fight their own government to get what they are entitled to.
Pity our Politicians don’t have the courage that our Defence Force Members have. Then they might be able to run this Country that so many have fought for.
Regards
Bob Ihlein
I WILL MARCH TO CANBERRA.
Posted with the approval of Mike “Banjo” Patterson.
Dear Senator Claire Moore,
Firstly I thank you for your response, dated 23 August 2011, to my correspondence in regard to my concern about the inequality with a flawed indexation factor being applied to the military superannuation pensions.
I utilised your aim in my heading to this email as it struck me as an excellent example of an oxymoron in that it also needs to have an addendum with the caveat ” except to MILITARY SUPERANNUATANTS”.
The ongoing actions of numerous Australian Governments have seen the imposition of a fraud of indexation on OUR pensions in that it is, and has been well known, for an extended period that the Consumer Price Index,CPI, is non reflective of reality because of its basis of collection of data. The basket of goods and services is supposed to reflect the real costs of living and consequently such increases BUT items have been removed when , in fact to truthfully reflect reality, items should have been continually included.
It is noted that the politicians superannuation has been removed from this indexation factor hence it clearly shows knowledge of said indexation fault and in recent times the government has moved age pensions to a similar indexation factor as politicians indexation as it was clear that the pensions were driving our elderly into poverty. The same is happening to the pensioners on the DFRDB and DFRB schemes so one must wonder why such compassion isn’t extended to those who served their country for the agreed time frame or are we a lesser Australian – maybe its a fact that should be told to those now serving in overseas war zones as it would no doubt greatly impress those persons !!
Whilst we served we were given no written info on our pension except that we were verbally informed that it was generous and fully indexed scheme to ensure parity with the increased costs of living, and we certainly were not given an overview of the non reflective attributes of the CPI and its continued use that leads to poverty.
Because of lack of fiscal responsibility of successive governments in not ensuring the DFRB and DFRDB schemes were fully funded it now appears that the politicians consider that the ex military people shall be fiscally punished for the lack of foresight, or perhaps apathy, of politicians.
I can foresee that the general apathy to address this inequality and lack of social justice to our ex servicemen and servicewomen will eventually result in a legal case where the deceit and apathy of our elected representatives will be highlighted. In the persuit of fairness and equality of a properly reflective indexation factor I have seen political point scoring and disregard of the clearly visible fraud of the CPI.
I can but question the reason why I did the many years in the Australian Defence Forces that I did as its quite clear that you politicians have scant regard for our Defence Force Members.
Mike ‘banjo” Patterson
Yo! Poet Laureate GEORGE MANSFORD heeds the SOS!
Neglected Heroes
Dedicated to those who served and are now penalisedby Government for becoming casualties of war
When Canberra Suits speak of our glorious dead
Honour,duty, love of country and much more is said
To guide them, they use notes written by others
Followed by a short silence for our fallen brothers
Soon after in chauffeured limousines they have departed
The glorious dead forgotten and notes already discarded
Meanwhile veterans walk, shuffle or are wheeled away
There won’t be as many next year on this special day
These warrior need no prepared notes from others
To recall the past and speak proudly of fallen brothers
They too were once youngsters in uniform who left our shores
Many who became casualties and crippled by war
Now reside at the bottom of the food chain
Receivepitiful pensions and often wracked with pain
Some live in recluse; others struggle to provide for family and wife
For many, frequent haunting nightmares of past bloody strife
Is there any one in Canberra who really, really cares
For these disabled veterans who served with honourand dared
Neglected heroes with eroded pensions who struggle to live
The blind; the crippled; the mentally ill; what else left to give?
Their families too have been sentenced by society to just exist
A flow of medals offers no warmth or comfort on any wish list
Frequent political spin which is simply bullshit doesn’t comfort them
It won’t clothe, feed or pay the bills of such neglected women and men
Put simply, can’t our Government get priorities right now and then?
Surely those who risked all and still suffer deserve a Fair Go
If not, a new generation of disabled veterans is also soon to be condemned
George Mansford©July 2011
Onya GEORGE MANSFORD!Nobody does it better.
Dear MIKE ‘BANJO’PATTERSON, how right you are in in your salient respone to the Senator for Queensland, CLAIRE MOORE, one of ALL Labor politicians save for KEVIN RUDD tipped to lose
their seats in the impending Federal Election. Little wonder that the entire State is disaffected with the Gillard Labor Government, to say nothing of the majority of Australians who clearly share that opinion.
I think you’re spot on BANJO.
Also, it’s curious that you didn’t get any written information about your pension – there’s something really suss about that, don’t you think ?
Crikey, you were under the impression from what you were told that your pension would be generous, and that’s what so many of us on Civvie street thought as well – and fair enough,you should have very generous pensions, given that you put your lives in jeopardy on behalf of your country – and at the behest of politicians.
The word ‘ fraud ‘ says it all. It’s a polite way of putting this disgusting abuse and violation of your rights.
You have been discriminated against – by your own country – in so many ways and for decades.
I cannot fathom why every elected Australian politician is not demanding that this horrible
injustice be put right straightaway – and it worries me that their code of ethics and evaluation of justice is so corroded that they can turn away and go into colluding lockdown over this.
And yet, these are the same people who despatch you to war – and send some of you to your death.
My replay from Malcom Turnbull.
Cheers
Bob Ihlein
Dear Mr Ihlein
Thank you for your letter regarding the indexation of military superannuation pensions.
Contrary to your assertions, I can assure you the Coalition fully appreciates the unique nature of military service and remains resolutely committed to this reform. The Coalition will pursue it at the next election, and beyond.
The Coalition is committed to delivering fair indexation of DFRDB and DFRB military superannuation pensions. That is why the Coalition made a commitment at the 2010 election to deliver this reform.
Despite losing the election, the Coalition introduced legislation into the Senate on 18 November 2010 to deliver this important reform. This legislation fully reflects the Coalition’s stated policy position of indexing DFRDB and DFRB pensions of members aged 55 and over to the higher of the Consumer Price Index (CPI), Male Total Average Weekly Earnings (MTAWE), or the Pensioner and Beneficiary Living Cost Index (PBLCI).
Disappointingly, the Labor-Greens alliance combined to use their numbers in the Senate to defeat the Coalition’s legislation, despite both parties making election promises to fix military superannuation indexation. It is now clear that the only way for fair indexation to be delivered is for the Government to change.
With your support, and that of the wider Australian community, the Coalition will deliver a fair, just and fiscally responsible military superannuation system for Australia’s 57,000 DFRDB and DFRB military superannuants, and their families.
Regards,
Malcolm <>
Congratulations to Mike Finn (28 August 2011) for his complete outline of the arguments. That is all one needs to refer to now – except for one addition to his fact list:
“15. Since the Fair Indexation Bill, introduced by the Opposition, was defeated in the Senate, there has not been one attempt by the Opposition to discredit the reasons given by the ALP and Greens, and Independent, for rejecting the Bill! This is despite the volumes of valid arguments highlighted in the Independent Australia forum and in personal letters to MPs and Senators.”
Congratulations also to John Clarkson (ex-Sergeant – RAAF – Retired) for his excellent effort (19 August 2011). We need the input from the ranks because they represent around 80% of the ADF superannuates and their retirement pay is mostly at, and below, the ‘average’ DFRDB retired pay.
Well Tess this is the letter I wrote to Malcom Turnbull. I will also attach his reply again so that it stays in context.
Malcolm Turnbull MP
PO Box6022
House of Representatives
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600
“A FAIR GO CAMPAIGN”
Mr. Turnbull
Your silence has been deafening as to the rejection of the Fair Indexation Bill for military Superannuation DFRB & DFRDB in the Senate on the 16 Th June 2011.
The bill was passed as you know in the Lower House earlier this year and then rejected on the above date with the help of traitors like Kate Lundy, Bob Brown and Nick Xenophon. Who voted against the bill on financial restraints, party lines and other crap. We know that there are not that many of us still living for the Fair Indexation Bill to cost $1.6 billion as stated by treasury.
This country has gone to the pack since John Howard was booted you are not strong enough to fight the ALP and Brown you need to be out there fighting for your Veteran and Service Community then we might fight for you at the next election. You should send Abbott to the back bench and do a Malcolm Frazer on Gillard and bring the Governor General In..
She and her union mates with the help of Brown are bringing this country down. Why are we giving money to Countries like China, Indonesia, Sudan and others?
We should be supporting our own country first. Since Brown has been running the Country the Logging, Fishing, manufacturing industries have been stuffed and if he gets his way the mining industries will soon close. Don’t let them bring in this carbon Tax we will all be stuffed.
I served in the Army from 1968 to 1988 and obtained the rank of Warrant Officer Class Two a much respected rank in the service. I had service in South Vietnam, the Highlands of Papua New Guinea and most states of Australia.
My training in the Army taught me to respect my superiors my subordinates my peers and the government of the day. I am a Junior Vice President and Pensions officer of my local RSL Sub branch where I have to show my respect to our members and official guest that come to our functions. At present I find it difficult to have any respect for our Politicians of any persuasion it seems you are all there to feather your own nests and stuff the real Australians.
A lot of veterans have written to you and other politicians and unfortunately for you and them you don’t have the decency to reply which will be known to the public when the ballot boxes are out again. We have a wide network and we share our grievances and our good news with one another.
Robert Ihlein
I WILL MARCH TO CANBERRA WITH THE DIGGERS,
WILL YOU JOIN US MR TURNBULL
Dear Mr Ihlein
Thank you for your letter regarding the indexation of military superannuation pensions.
Contrary to your assertions, I can assure you the Coalition fully appreciates the unique nature of military service and remains resolutely committed to this reform. The Coalition will pursue it at the next election, and beyond.
The Coalition is committed to delivering fair indexation of DFRDB and DFRB military superannuation pensions. That is why the Coalition made a commitment at the 2010 election to deliver this reform.
Despite losing the election, the Coalition introduced legislation into the Senate on 18 November 2010 to deliver this important reform. This legislation fully reflects the Coalition’s stated policy position of indexing DFRDB and DFRB pensions of members aged 55 and over to the higher of the Consumer Price Index (CPI), Male Total Average Weekly Earnings (MTAWE), or the Pensioner and Beneficiary Living Cost Index (PBLCI).
Disappointingly, the Labor-Greens alliance combined to use their numbers in the Senate to defeat the Coalition’s legislation, despite both parties making election promises to fix military superannuation indexation. It is now clear that the only way for fair indexation to be delivered is for the Government to change.
With your support, and that of the wider Australian community, the Coalition will deliver a fair, just and fiscally responsible military superannuation system for Australia’s 57,000 DFRDB and DFRB military superannuants, and their families.
Regards,
Malcolm <>
I do think that Mr Turnbull did read my letter not one of his staff as he did reply to my assertions. I respect him for that I have now three reply’s to my twelve letters.
Bob.
Dear BIL ARDEN, onya for praising MIKE FINN’s letter – and also JOHN CLARKSON’s letter – and the input from the ranks. It’s a great thing to get such back-up from your mates and good for individual morale – and group morale.
I now know that you have all been fighting this dead-set injustice for decades and yet the strength of your energy and resolve, your determination not to capitulate to age or injury, but to fight the good fight despite shortage of funds and breath at times; to pick up your
pen, sometimes, in between bouts of illness and hospital visits and caring for one another notwithstanding all the other demands on your time and mind – is truly inspiring.
The great thing about your participation in this noble and most worthy of campaigns is the contribution to this historical document, by all rankings from the Great Trinity of the Defence Forces – Army,Navy,Air Force.
Also, you are all fearless. Some of the politicians I know, have been caught off guard by your honesty and propensity to tell it like it is.
The lingua franca of pollispeak is a language fashioned out of duplicity and obfuscation.
Their dialects are spun with lies, deceit,and bribes, to induce you to vote for them. They peddle treachery sugared with false promises.
You have been treated as if you are mindless cannon fodder.
In these comments, the depth of your intellect and argument – and the irrefutable case you have so eloquently and compentently presented, far outstrips any of the inane pro forma responses received from politicians.
Dear BILL ARDEN, so uplifting to read your praise for MIKE FINN’s letter and JOHN CLARKSON’s letter – and the acknowledgement of the great contribution and input from the ranks.
It’s a great thing to get such back-up from your mates and good for individual morale – and group morale. And such support is fabulous.
I now know that you have all been fighting this dead-set injustice for decades and yet the strength of your energy and resolve, your determination not to capitulate to age or injury, but to fight the good fight despite shortage of funds and breath at times; to pick up your
pen, sometimes in between bouts of illness and hospital visits and caring for one another notwithstanding all the other demands on your time and mind – is truly inspiring.
The great thing about your participation in this noble and most worthy of campaigns is the contribution to this historical document, by all rankings from the Great Trinity of the Defence Forces – Army,Navy,Air Force.
Also, you are all fearless. Some of the politicians I know, have been caught off guard by your honesty and propensity to tell it like it is.
The lingua franca of pollispeak is a language fashioned out of duplicity and obfuscation.
Their dialects are spun with lies, deceit,and bribes, to induce you to vote for them. They peddle treachery sugared with false promises.
You have been treated as if you are mindless cannon fodder.
In these comments, the depth of your intellect and argument – and the irrefutable case you have so eloquently and compentently presented, far outstrips any of the inane pro forma responses received from politicians.
Oooooh, I think I need a caffeine cuppa – I thought I lost my first comment – and had another attempt.
Never mind, BILL, your letter to MIKE is so good, it’s worth at least 2 comments!!!!!
Dear BOB IHLEIN, you are a champ to be so forthright about your beliefs and feelings.
I love your phrase ” We have a wide network and we share our grievances and our good news with one another. ” You do too.
Without doubt, politicians of all hue are monitoring your comments, because although you’re
on a declared mission, you’re also giving them a great reading of the mood of the people.
Thanks for providing both your letter and MALCOLM TURNBULL’s response, because it does put
them both into context – and on the public record.
Also, I think it is helpful to point out your military and other life experiences – including your work with the RSL. It is so moving and inspiring to know that despite obvious difficulties, including financial constraints, so many of you are still putting in and helping and serving the community and sharing your time and thoughts with one another.
I think you are right in saying that Mr Turnbull actually read your letter and replied to it personally.
I have been away in the wilds of Tasmania for three weeks. Whilst there I posted my 17 letters for the ‘Letter Raid’ campaign from the Post office of the small town of Campbell Town.
On my return to Canberra I expected my letter box to be overflowing with replies!. The only response was from Mr Abbott which was identical to the reply sent to Neil Weekes.
Perhaps today I will receive the replies I have been waiting for?
Paul
Dear PAUL, what an extraordinary effort! You champion. Hope you had a fabulous time
in Tassie.
Please post the reply from TONY ABBOTT if you can – so that we can expose all the pro forma
letters.
PAUL, I meant to say that while TONY ABBOTT sent you a pro forma response, it
seems that MALCOLM TURNBULL responded personally to BOB IHLEIN.
Worth noting.
MEDIA ALERT:
DAILY TELEGRAPH Editorial supports Diggers! Gives Kelly a serve.
…………………………………….
Denying veterans an Aussie fair go
THE foundation stone of any genuine democracy is equality. The rights of citizens must be no less than the rights of their leaders.
In Australia there is no document, no piece of paper, to guarantee this notion. Instead it is enshrined in our national spirit: Our unshakeable sense of everybody deserving a fair go.
That is why stories of generous allowances, pensions and other perks for politicians while most of us struggle to get by day to day so gall everyday Australians.
Nowhere is this disconnect more evident than in the ongoing standoff between the national government and its own war veterans, men and women who have devoted their lives to the service of their country and often made the ultimate sacrifice.
Prior to the 2007 election ex-servicemen and women called for their pensions to be indexed as other pensions were, a cause championed by former colonel turned Labor MP Mike Kelly.
Labor promised a review of this situation but, sure enough, once the election was won that was abandoned and again in June this year a bill to remedy this was defeated in the senate by just one vote. Tellingly, ACT Senator Kate Lundy – also once an advocate for change – now voted to defeat it.
More recently, Mr Kelly has been making much of his service record, with “butt stroke and bayonet”. No one would begrudge him that.
But prior to 2007 Mr Kelly also declared on pensions: “I will never stop campaigning on this issue until it is adopted and implemented for every Commonwealth superannuant in Eden-Monaro, and all of Australia.” It was, he said, a matter of fairness.
Yes Mr Kelly. And it still is.
………………………………
Here’s another poem from “Warry” George Mansford, AM. George is a truly great warrior, a man of great integrity, loyalty, and a true Aussie and a great friend. Thanks, George.
OLD DIGGERS WILL HAVE THE FINAL SAY
Old diggers are even crankier than yesterday
It’s all about what could be called survival pay
Canberra Suits don’t even bother to understand why
Because their super is not indexed to CPI
The government surely spits out much organised spin
The Party Choir sings it regularly in deafening din
Frequent official letters prepared by robots it seems
Simply just meaningless drivel posted in countless reams
What purpose the compulsory super that Diggers had to pay?
If in sunset years it’s a struggle to keep bill collectors away
Such folk could have been carefree and on the dole
Instead of constant soldiering and often living in muddy holes
A life time of soldiering during peace and strife
Duty to Nation instead of seeking a future in civilian life
The reward has been contempt, betrayal and promises broken
Slumbering committees as distractions and never woken
You who wore jungle green, RAAF blue or navy white
Stand fast, don’t lose heart and keep up the fight
Come the elections, vote to bring them down
These modern versions of Brutus and Judas in Canberra Town
George Mansford©August 2011
Yippee, another GEORGE MANSFORD poetic treasure!
Thanks NEIL WEEKES for posting this for your Dear Cobber, George has
rather a growing fan club and I got ticked off the other week
because we didn’t have any new ‘Warry’ poems!!!!!!!
And Oh Yes, by the way, thank you GEORGE. Just joshing. You are wonderful.
If only political spin was as thoughtful.
Okay, have you written September’s poem yet ?
xxxxx tess
AVM Peter Criss was interviewed on the 2UE Jason Morrison Show this morning. He did us proud by putting our case for fair indexation with clarity and conviction. For those who have not yet heard the interview, you can listen to it here http://www.2ue.com.au/blogs/2ue-blog/money-for-refugees-vs-war-veterans/20110831-1jkou.html
Ray Gibson
Hi Tess – David,
I too, have a response from Tony Abbott dated 22 Aug 2011
Identical to the letter sent to Neil Weekes(Sir) 21 Aug
Also received a response from the Hon. Michael Ronaldson(we will pursue it swiftly and with vigour at the next election and beyond) & the Hon. Mark Arbib (fwded to Warren Snowdon for action – good luck!), all generic answers I suspect – not answering any questions.
Given that Michael Ronaldson pushed the “Bill” in June, I’m loathe to sweat off on the next election, tho’ it could be sooner than later I suspect with the current goings ons, I intend being a “pest” until we get some satisfaction.
Michael of Warnbro
MEDIA ALERT FROM RAY GIBSON.
AVM PETER CRISS ON 2UE,JASON MORRISON SHOW!
Thanks for posting the link, Ray – and congratulations to
Peter Criss and thanks to 2UE.
It is fabulous to see you all voicing your opinions and
being part of the discourse and public debate, instead of being
locked out of it. It’s called Democracy, not that we’ve seen much
of that in Canberra in recent years.
Dear MICHAEL,and what an energetic and fine pest, you are.
I reckon you are spot on. The dysfunctional Gillard Labor Government is
in its death throes. Yesterday’s High Court Ruling on the farcical and
unethical Malaysia Asylum Seeker Deal,is another mighty blow.
How is it that such vast monies are squandered on such nonsensical
deals, and yet Diggers and families are constantly denied such modest pension increases?
ABC 666 local radio conducted a straw poll this morning. The question was “Is the Gillard a victim of circumstances or just hopeless?”.
By about 0830 99% of listeners had texted that they had nothing positive to say about the government. The number of callers unavailable at the moment but listening to the comments read by presenter Ross Solly, it sounded like dozens of callers made the effort to voice their displeasure at the Gillard Labor government.
Paul
Hi Tess,
Paul suggested on “Just a Fair Go”, that I post this on site. Not sure whether I did already? No response as yet!
Things aren’t looking too good for our elected govt.
Keep it rolling
Take care
Warnbro WA 6169
12 August 2011
The Hon Julia Gillard MP
Prime Minister
Parliament House
CANBERRA ACT 2600
Dear Prime Minister,
Defence Force Retirement & Death Benefits Amendment (Fair Indexation) Bill 2010
You must be aware of the groundswell of discontent, anger and frustration which continues to grow rapidly in the Defence Community, both serving and ex members, as a result of the Senate’s rejection of the Defence Force Retirement & Death Benefits Amendment (Fair Indexation) Bill 2010 on 16 June 2011.
There is also a growing sense of betrayal by your government, as, despite this huge outpouring of disgust, you appear to be ignoring our plight.
Your government has squandered a comfortable surplus to arrive at an increasingly huge deficit since taking office in November 2007.
The failed schemes implemented and sanctioned by your government including the Roof Batts Scheme, resulting in loss of life and extensive property damage; the Global Warming fiasco at huge cost, since discontinued after the Copenhagen “jolly” but costing the taxpayer with building rental and wages if these unemployed persons have not been redeployed; the blow-out of the NBN along with the current proposal to impose a carbon tax effective 01 July 2012.
$12 – 23 million to implement your carbon tax? If you, your comrades and the Greens were listening – NOBODY WANTS IT!!
There are others, I am sure you are aware!
Interesting comment in the Wall Street Journal, 18 July 2011 – “We’ll see if her government can survive”.
Come election time, I don’t believe I’d get very good “odds” on Labor or the Greens at the TAB?
We are ordinary people who expect a fair deal – no more than any body else – no less.
I am angry, we are angry.
I can only assume that your government is “stalling”, as your finance people are at a loss at how to explain their miscalculations at the proposed cost at implementing fair indexation, initially for defence force superannuants but expected to follow on to others who have been duped for years by yours and previous governments.
We were good “soldiers” and did as we were told, no complaints – BUT – We’ve had enough!
My questions:
1. Why have we been discriminated against when aged / service pensioners and parliamentary retirees have their pensions indexed at the higher rate?
2. What have you done to correct the inequity in the Veterans’ Entitlement Act (1986), which denies veterans any entitlements administered under the Act?
3. Why is your government reluctant to reveal the methodology associated with calculating the proposed costs should fair indexation be implemented. Is the calculation flawed?
Michael Currie RAN Veteran (Rtd)
Dear MICHAEL CURRIE, firstly, love the way you say ‘take care’Cobber – you too – let’s take care of one another. Onya PAUL, for your suggestion.
My brain is like my hair at the moment Michael – steel wool!!!!!
Your beaut letter is certainly worth another read – I know your comments have featured here before – but not sure if this one has, actually. It’s a great reminder of what the campaign is on about and defines the acute disaffection that so many of us have with the embarassing Gillard Labor Government.
Thanks Michael for pointing out those salient comments in The Wall Street Journal. How true.
This campaign is like keeping an eternal flame going – out of respect for those who went before, and in memory of their legacy – and for present, past and future serving veterans
and service personnel.
History’s lesson is that successive governments have held Diggers to ransom with false promises for decades.
The fight for Justice continues regardless of the Government of the day. Even if, like this Government, it is impotent. It ought not to be forgotten that when in Government the Opposition treated you just as disgracefully.
You have documented a litany of failed schemes – and countless millions of dollars wasted.
The Justice sought by Veterans and families is paltry in monetary terms – but epic in its
restitution and reconciliation and your right to be treated with respect and humanity, and with thanks for your service to this country.
G’day Tess and fellow long sufferers.
Like a lot of others, I’m still waiting for a reply on all of my letters. A mate has received a reply from Senator Claire Moore (Labour QLD). He wishes his details remain private, so I will add the reply word for word, but omitting his details.
“Dear Mr _______
Thank you for your corresponence to Senator Claire Moore, Senator for Queensland, on the indexation of military superannuation pensions.
Senator Moore is on Parliamentary duties at present and she has asked me to respond to you on her behalf.
The private member’s bill on this issue was ‘negatived’ on 16 June 2011, that is, failed to gain enough support to be carried.
Military superannuation is an important component of Defence’s attractive and compelling employment offer. It forms part of a member’s retirement income after separation from the Australian Defence Force.
In an appendix to the report into his Review of Pension Indexation Arrangements in Australian Government Civilian and Military Superannuation Schemes, Mr Trevor Matthews costed alternative indexation methodologies. Based on acturial advice that was commisioned by the Department of Defence and the Department of Finance and Deregulation, Mr Matthews found that the most significant cost of changing the indexation methodology would be to the unfunded superannuation liabilities, which are accrued liabilities that the Government would have to meet as members retire.
Recent advice from the Australian Government Actuary indicates that changing indexation arrangements from 1 July 2011 for recipients of Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits (and Defence Force Retirement Benefits) pensions over 55 years of age would immediately increase the unfunded liability by $6.2 billion. The increase in unfunded liability would be even greater if the changed indexation arrangements were applied to all military superannuation pensions. These are significant costs and as responsible economic managers, the Government believes now is not the time to be considering changes to indexation methodology.
I enclose two fact sheets in relation to the indexation issue and the military superannuation schemes for your information.
Thank you for writing to Senator Moore on this issue, your concerns have been noted.
Doug Stewart
Office of Senator Clair Moore, Labour Senator for Queensland”
As you can see, more smoke and mirrors, and if they think we are gullible enough to swallow that, it just shows how contemptable they are towards us. I did not write to her, but after reading this drivel, will definitely target her in my follow-up letters. On the top of her page of her letter, the letterhead reads:-
“Senator Claire Moore
Labour Senator for Queensland
Working for Social Justice and Equality for all Queenslanders”
She should probably add “unless of course you are ex-military”!!
I would appeciate if as many as possible add her to the list for follow-up letters and shoot her lame arguments down in flames.
Cheers, Maurie
Dear 10SUMPY, OMG!!!!
This letter from SENATOR CLAIR MOORE’s apologist is a classic!
Cop the word “negatived.”
As in ‘take out’ as in ‘liquidate.’ Who is this dude DOUG STEWART ?
Mr Stewart, the Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits Amendment Bill was not ‘negatived.’on June 16, 2011. Diggers and their families were betrayed by the Gillard Labor Government, the Greens and SENATOR KATE LUNDY in particular, who’s treacherous conduct has been well documented in these comments.
In fact, Mr Stewart, read through these comments to familiarise yourself with that commodity so foreign to SENATORS MOORE and LUNDY – the ‘ truth.’
How dare you continue to treat Diggers as if they are uneducated drongos, fit only to be cannon fodder and not credited with having any intellect or rights.
And thanks for introducing us to your new buzz word “negatived.”
It will come in handy to describe what is about to happen to the pathetic and embarassing GILLARD LABOR GOVERNMENT and SENATORS MOORE and LUNDY et al.
Hi all
The Sydney Daily Telegraph, to-day 3 Sep 2011, had a futher report from Gemma Jones on Indexation and supported by Lt General (Rtd) Peter Le a former Chief of Army. I do not have the skills to reproduce this, but maybe someone can.
I like the word “negatived” from Mr Stewart, the SENATOR CLAIR MOORE’s apologist is a classic!
Which school of communication did he go to? Proberably the same onas all the other “apologists” in the Labor Party, Greens and Independants.
Dear Tess, Paul,Bill Arden,and all
thanks for your support for my effort so far. For the past week or so I have been engaged on another of my interests for a while which is amateur astronomy. Our small group offers their service to Bairnsdale & district schools & colleges thru a free Starnight at their location with our telescopes. We all enjoy doing this but it still takes some time and effort to organise these events on their behalf.
In my earlier comment of 11 August concerning Phil Clark’s essay and letter on our Lack of Equity under the Veterans Entitlement Act 1986, I mentioned PM Gillard had appointed Susan Ryan as the new Commissioner for Age Discrimination and thought it might be worth asking the Commissioner’s view on our lack of Equity under the VEA 1986.
I wrote to the Commissioner explaining that while researching my letters for the Fair Go campaign, I became aware of Phil’s 17 July letter (from Neil Weekes ‘Just a Fair Go’ webpage), and his explanation comment 11August from here, and asked if the Commissioner’s powers were such that she could resolve this issue for us. I include a copy of Phil’s documents for her consideration
A couple of days ago I received an email reply (below) from the Australian Human Rights Commission which essentially says the Commissioner doesn’t have the power to help us. In view of this, for a while I thought about replying with a suggestion that they should probably modify their motto to “Human Rights: almost everyone….” Oh well, another cause for more letters to the pollies!!
“Dear Mike,
I refer to your email dated 19 August 2011, regarding the Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefit Fund for veterans in Australia.
You raise concerns about the Veterans’ Entitlement Act 1986 (Cth). You say that veteran’s superannuation and pension benefits are not given fair indexation values.
Our laws:
The Australian Human Rights Commission has the power to investigate and conciliate complaints about:
• discrimination because of a person’s race, sex, pregnancy, marital status, age or disability as well as sexual harassment in specific areas of public life, such as, employment, education, providing you with goods and services and accommodation;
• racial hatred that takes place in public;
• discrimination in employment because of a person’s criminal record, sexual preference, trade union activity, religion, political opinion or social origin; or
• breaches of human rights by the Commonwealth of Australia only. This Commission’s human rights provisions do not cover human rights breaches related to state or local government bodies or private organisations.
I appreciate the seriousness of the concerns that you have raised. However, the Commission’s complaint handling powers do not extend to considering claims about legislation or acts done in direct compliance with laws. If you wish to seek an amendment to a Commonwealth superannuation law or regulation, you may wish to contact a local a Federal Member of Parliament. Alternatively, you may wish to contact the Minister for Veteran Affairs, the Hon Warren Snowdon MP. His contact details can be found via the following link: http://minister.dva.gov.au/contact.htm.
It is also open for you to seek free legal advice about your options. You may wish to contact the Legal Aid office in your relevant State or Territory. A national directory for community legal centres can be found at http://www.naclc.org.au.
If you have any questions about this letter or if you would like to provide more information for the Commission to consider, please contact me on 1300 656 419.”
Kind regards,
Eleni Bailey
Complaint Information Officer
Complaint Handling Section
Australian Human Rights Commission
Level 3, 175 Pitt St, Sydney NSW 2000
GPO Box 5218, Sydney NSW 2001
T 1300 656 419 F +61 2 9284 9611
E complaintsinfo@humanrights.gov.au W http://www.humanrights.gov.au
Human rights: everyone, everywhere, everyday
STOP PRESS! FAB GEMMA JONES ARTICLE. THE DAILY TELEGRAPH. ONYA GEMMA. ONYA the TELE!
ONYA LIEUTENANT-GENERAL PETER LEAHY for having the moral fortitude to stand up for our Diggers and their families.
( Thanks JOHN SAINSBURY for the heads up about Gemma’s story )
General battling Digger injustice
* Gemma Jones
* From: The Daily Telegraph
* September 03, 2011 12:00AM
FORMER chief of the army Lieutenant-General Peter Leahy has condemned the indexation of military pensions for retired service personnel as unfair.
More than 60,000 former defence force members are fighting to have their pensions indexed at the same rate as the aged pension.
Servicemen and women who joined the military before 1991 paid 5.5 per cent of their salary into their pensions, which are set against CPI and are now rising almost 1 per cent a year slower than the aged pension, which is pegged against wages.
Mr Leahy has attacked politicians who, prior to changes to the parliamentary pension scheme in 2004, were given dramatically higher pension increases than veterans.
Labor promised before the last election to help solve the unfair indexation but instead ordered a review and then abandoned their commitment, with Labor MPs even voting in the Senate against an Opposition private members bill for equal indexation in June.
Mr Leahy said it was a matter of fairness. He said politicians who benefited from a very generous system and large annual increases to their pensions should think about soldiers: “For soldiers who were junior in rank these are not large pensions. Why is it OK for politicians and not the military?”
He said he did not accept the argument from the Department of Finance that altering the system of indexation would be too expensive.
The Opposition has committed itself to pegging military pensions for those aged over 55 to wages – a turnaround from the coalition’s time in government when a change of indexation was twice rejected on cost grounds. A private members bill introduced in the Senate by Liberal Senator Michael Ronaldson was defeated by one vote in June.
The government argued it would cost $175 million and add billions to unfunded liabilities but Mr Ronaldson yesterday claimed the cost would be $100 million a year.
The coalition’s policy would benefit 55,000 but about 160,000 military pensioners on various schemes would be left out.
A spokesman for Opposition defence spokesman Stuart Robert said the coalition would limit the improved indexation to those over 55 because they were most in need.
When a person leaves the defence force they are immediately paid their pension, regardless of their age or whether they go on to get another job.
Dear MIKE FINN, how good are you!!! I remember your comment about SUSAN RYAN and have now read the response you got from the Human Rights Commissioner.
Actually, I stil think there are some aspects about the earlier history and implementation of pensions and superannuation that could still warrant consideration by both the Commissioner for Age Discrimination and the Human Rights Commission.
It would be wonderful to get a legal opinion on these aspects.
Hey Mike, these astronomy nights sound like a fabulous idea. So many of you are involved in a wide range of community activities and volunteer your time – despite the financial constraints inflicted upon you by successive Australian Governments.
Why don’t you post contact details for your astronomy groups. Go for it, Mike.
What did your member of parliament do today?
An expected day at the Office – for an Australian Defence Force member.
There has been mention of the unique nature of military service. I thought a segment of cameos would illustrate what that means – for those too young to understand, and especially for our parliamentarians. I am sure there are many old and new stories (from all services) out there, of 200 words or less. These are extracts from past citations for special service. There would be countless others un-recorded. These men faced these circumstances daily, and over several years for some.
Source: “RAAF Saga” 1944
Prepared by the R.A.A.F Directorate of Public Relations
Published by the Australian War Memorial, Canberra ACT 1944
Flight Lieutenant William E Newton VC
“Flight-Lieutenant William Newton … dived over half a mile through intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire in order to bomb his target at the lowest possible altitude. … His aircraft suffered from direct hits. … On the following day Flight-Lieutenant Newton without hesitation … repeated this magnificent act. … His aircraft burst into flames. … He gave his life in the service of his country.”
Flight Lieutenant Rawdon Hume Middleton VC
“A piece of splinter tore into the side of Flight-Lieutenant Rawdon Hume Middleton’s face, destroying the right eye and exposing the bone…. Middleton expressed intention of trying to make the English coast so that his crew could leave the aircraft by parachute….although he knew that by then he would have little or no chance to save himself…. Five of the crew left the aircraft safely….Their gallant Captain was apparently unable to leave the aircraft and his body was not recovered.”
Wing Commander Hugh Idwald Edwards VC, D.S.O., D.F.C.,
“Wing-Commander Hugh Idwald Edwards …. brought his formation 50 miles overland to the target, flying at a height little more than 50 feet, passing under high-tension cables, carrying away telegraph wires and finally passing through a formidable balloon barrage….all his aircraft being hit and four destroyed….Nevertheless he made a successful attack and withdrew the surviving aircraft without further loss.”
Squadron Leader Harold Brownlow Martin DSO, DFC and Bar.
“Squadron-Leader Harold Brownlow Martin was detailed to attack a target in southern France. His aircraft was repeatedly hit during the run-up….one of his crew was killed and another wounded…. Squadron-Leader Martin pressed home his attack and afterwards flew his damaged bomber to an airfield where he effected a masterly landing in difficult circumstances.”
Dear BILL ARDEN, point well and truly taken, Sir.
I received a response from Senator Lundy – well – two actually (see my letter below for explanation)which I will have to type for posterity’s sake. Those who have also received the same reply as my brother Peter and I, are welcome to cut and paste the text! I am sure it will be the same
Mr Peter (and Paul) Threlfall
Dear Mr Threlfall,
Thank you for your letter on the issue of the indexation of the military superannuation, I appreciate the time you have take (sic) to write to me. I apologise for the delay in answering your letter and thank you for your patience, as I have received a large amount of correspondence on this matter.
I certainly DO acknowledge the unique nature of military service and our debt to our servicemen and women.
The Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits Amendment (Fair Index)Bill 2010 was referred to the Senate Finance and Public Administration Legislation Committee in March this year. The Committee found problems with the Bill and in their final report advised against passing it. For more information on the Committee report please see the following link:
http://www.aph.gov.au/Senate/committee/fapa_ctte/defence_retirement_benefits.index.htm
Of particular note, this bill applied to only a section of the Defence superannuants, and unfairly overlooked 7,200 current Military Superannuation Benefits Scheme superannuants including those employed in the Department of Defence.
I remain committed to continuing the campaign to improve the indexation methods applying to military and civilian Commonwealth pensions and will continue to work closely with the representative organisations such as DFWA, SCOOA, and ACPSRO. I am, of course convinced that the CPI no longer provides the kind of indexation that responds to the cost-of-living needs of this group of superannuants and pensioners, and I have been seeking the development of the new analytical living cost index which would reflect more accurately the cost of living needs of military and civilian superannuants.
I will continue to post details of the campaign on my website at http://www.katelundy.com.au
Thank you again for your comments.
Yours sincerely
Kate Lundy
31 August 2011
MY REPLY
Dear Senator Lundy,
Thank you for your responses to my letter concerning the inequity of the indexation to the DFRB and DFRDB scheme recipients.
I said ‘responses’ because I have two letters from you dated 31 August. One to my brother Peter and one to me (Paul). My brother, a long time Labor supporter (damn his sox)is in a nursing home and never served one day of military service. Perhaps you might chastise your staff for wasting taxpayers money on two letters to me (and my brother)! Although, I must say, you or your staff did slightly better than Senator Bob Brown who also got my name wrong and addressed me as ‘Dear Peter’ but you had the good manners to address me as Mr Threlfall. Thank you.
However, you should be aware that thousands of DFRDB and DFRB recipients have read the letter you co-signed with three other Labor Senators supporting a fairer indexation method for DFRDB and DFRB pensioners. We (thousands of us) have also read the link to the Committee report of the Fair Indexation Bill – many times. We are not impressed with the argument.
You know very well the reasons behind our plea to the government to have our pensions aligned to a fairer system. And the longer you delay your actions, the more our less well off pensioners will suffer financially. But not to worry – your pension and indexation is safe!
You are probably aware of the ‘just a fair go’ web site and affiliated links. Just in case you aren’t and you need to have a better understanding of what servicemen and servicewomen have done for our great nation, then I would like to draw your attention to this website http://www.independentaustralia.net/2011/politics/exclusive-breaking-news-diggers-versus-the-gillard-government/
Instead of scrolling through the hundreds of letters, just have a look at the latest ones of 3 September. Have a read and then ask yourself – is it fair that these veterans are treated this way?
Please, get off your chair and do what we put you in office to do! Gillard and her government are gone – but you might just stand a chance of retaining your seat in the next election if you are vocal and LOUD in your support of a fairer indexation for DFRDB and DFRB pensioners. We really aren’t asking for much – just a fair go!
Yours sincerely
Paul Threlfall
Lieutenant Commander RAN (Retired)
DFRDB recipient
Confrontation and Vietnam Veteran
Dear Mike and readers,
In response to your letter to the Human Rights Commissioner, before she was appointed Commissioner by Labor Prime Minister Julia Gillard, Susan Ryan, in a former life was Labor Senator Susan Ryan.
I know nothing!!
Paul
Yes PAUL, you are quite right.
Are you suggesting that former SENATOR SUSAN RYAN’s appointment to Human Rights Commissioner by Labor Prime Minister JULIA GILLARD was a job for the girls and that she would back Julia to the hilt regardless, even if the cause of the Diggers was just? Are you for real Paul ? As if our wonderful Government(s) would ever do such a thing!
Don’t you realise that people are appointed on their merits and on their declared non-partisanship to the tasks at hand?
Thanks Tess. Some people might surmise that there might be a link. Not me though!
Paul
Hi all
I recieved exactly the same letter from Kate Lundy as Paul. I am also aware of at least 5 others who have recieved the same letter, word for word in the past 4 days. Kate and other Labor pollies must have writers cramp signing all the same letters from the same song sheet.
Keep up the fight, and I would urge everyone to donate to the fighting fund.
There are two additional factors affecting the Fair Indexation of DFRDB pay not yet mentioned.
On the 21July 2011 I posted a comment which included:
”…The same calculation method using 1.5% (the increase sought) gives $63,222,393.65 over four years, or $15,805,598.41 per year; say $16 million a year.”
It has since occurred to me that the government is getting off lighter than I thought.
This is why.
The current tax rate for income between $6001 and $37000 is 15 cents in the dollar.
The average DFRDB retired pay is $23549. Therefore, because every dollar of ‘fair’ increase in indexation we seek is, for the average DFRDB pay, above the threshold of $6000. The government only actually pays out $0.75 cents in the dollar for the increase!
The above totals of the Government’s real estimates would then be 15% less. So:-
My Four year estimate of $63,222,393 becomes $9,483,359 less, or $53,739,034.
My annual estimate of $16,000,000 becomes $2,400,000 less, or $13,600,000.
Similarly for all calculations published by others so far.
Even the government’s outrageous statement of a $1.75 billion cost would reduce by $0.2625 billion to $1.48 billion!
In addition, the government is seeking to encourage spending in the economy.
The DFRDB indexation increase sought would apply to those 55 years and older. This is the spending generation; no point in trying to save it now. Fair indexation for DFRDB is therefore an ideal formula for success; for the government’s fairness (big tick), the economy’s stimulus, and the satisfaction of all.
Well All. you would not beleive I got a reply from Senator Lundy today, I wrote to her on the 28th June 2011 realy gave her a serve. I got the exact same letter that you all have received and she also change my name to Richard from Robert but she might think I am a Dick Head and that might be her polite way of saying it. Or She didn’t even read my letter one or the other.
Cheers
Robert Ihlein
Bill,
You are right about the tax angle, and if you read some of the DFWA/ADSO writings on the indexation issue over the years, you will see that we refer to 30% clawback of the total outlay for fair indexation. This is the amount that would be returned to the Government through increased personal taxation, as you suggest, and also from reduced safety net payments through Centrelink. There would also be a further small return from increased GST take because of the increased spend that you refer to.
After badgering DOFD on this issue for some time, the Department has finally acknowledged a 30% clawback figure, but still refuse to adjust their cost estimates to factor in clawback. Go figure that! It is just another piece in the total misinformation campaign waged by the Government.
Ray Gibson
Hi Tess, as you generously offered, anyone who might be interested in stargazing our marvelous southern sky can find a list of astro societies at Quasar Publishing’s site here: http://www.quasarastronomy.com.au/society.htm
Cheers Mike
Letter received from Kate Lundy, and signed by her. Posted with the approval of Ken Hussell.
“Thank you for your letter on the issue of the Indexation of military superannuation. I appreciate the time you have taken to write to me. I apologise for the delay in answering your letter and thank you for your patience, as I have received a large amount of correspondence on this matter”.
“I certainly DO acknowledge the unique nature of military service and our debt to our servicemen and women”.
“The Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits Amendment (fair indexation) Bill 2010 was referred to the Senate Finance and Public Administration Legislation Committee in March this year. The Committee found problems with the Bill and in their final report advised against passing it. For more information on the Committee report please see the following link:
http://www.aph.gov.au/Senate/committee/fapa ctte/defence retirement benefits/index.htm
Of particular note, this Bill applied to only a section of the Defence superannuants, and unfairly overlooked 7,200 current Superannuation Benefits Scheme superannuants, as well as the future beneficiaries of the MSBS, and, of course all other Commonwealth superannuants including those employed in the Department of Defence”.
“I remain committed to continuing the campaign to improve the indexation methods applying to military and civilian Commonwealth pensions, and will continue to work closely with the representative organisations such as DFWA, SCOA and ACPSRO. I am, of course, convinced that the CPI no longer provides the kind of indexation that responds to the cost-of-living needs of this group of superannuants and pensioners, and I have been seeking the development of the new analytical living cost index which would reflect more accurately the cost of living needs of military and civilian superannuants”.
“I will continue to post details of the campaign on my website at http://www.katelundy.com.au
“Thank you again for your comments”.
“Yours sincerely”
The letter from Senator Kate Lundy to Ken Hussell, above, is a very interesting one. In her letter, Senator Lundy states, inter alia,
“I am, of course, convinced that the CPI no longer provides the kind of indexation that responds to the cost-of-living needs of this group of superannuants and pensioners, and I have been seeking the development of the new analytical living cost index which would reflect more accurately the cost of living needs of military and civilian superannuants”.
If this truly represents the Senator’s belief, then she should stick to her principles and be prepared to cross the floor if this is sent to the Senate again!!
It also highlights the obvious division within the ALP over this issue.
I understand that other ALP members continue to argue against a fair indexation as our DFRDB is a superannuation and not a pension (our politicians readily interchange these terms to suit their arguments), it costs too much, etc. Yet all we are asking for is to have the principle of the 1972 Jess Review, the principle of a fair go, of having our military superannuation “pension” indexed in exactly the same way as our Nation’s Old Aged Pensioners, to receive the same percentage increse awarded to them, so that our entitlement does not lose parity with the increases to the cost of living!! Is this too much to ask for, bearing in mind that many DFRDB recipients committed the bulk of their working lives to our Nation, often in harm’s way!!
Why are we being legislated against and discriminated against like some second rate citizens!!
Enough is enough!!
THE MARCH TO CANBERRA HAS BEGUN. WILL YOU JOIN US?
Hi All this is a reply to the letter I sent to Barnaby Joyce.
Least his staffer got my name right.
Hello Robert.
Our apologies, your letter was posted yesterday.
Copy below.
5 September 2011
Mr Robert Ihlein
51 Elsiemer Street
Long Jetty NSW 2261
Dear Mr Ihlein
Thank you for your correspondence in relation to the indexation of military superannuation pensions.
The Coalition is committed to delivering fair indexation of DFRDB and DFRB military superannuation pensions. That is why the Coalition made a commitment at the 2010 election to deliver this reform.
Despite losing the election, the Coalition introduced legislation into the Senate on 18 November 2010 to deliver this important reform.
This legislation fully reflects the Coalition’s stated policy position of indexing DFRDB and DFRB pensions of members aged 55 and over to the higher of the Consumer Price Index (CPI), Male Total Average Weekly Earnings (MTAWE) or the Pensioner and Beneficiary Living Cost Index (PBLCI).
Despite both the Gillard Labor Government and The Greens making election promises to fix military superannuation indexation, the Labor-Greens alliance combined to use their numbers in the Senate to defeat the Coalition’s legislation.
As a direct result of the Labor-Greens decision, DFRDB and DFRB members will be left to battle rising living costs with a military pension that fails to keep pace with the cost of living.
It is now clear that the only way for fair indexation to be delivered is for the Government to change.
Senator Joyce fully appreciates the unique nature of military service and remains absolutely committed to this reform. The Coalition will pursue it swiftly and with vigour at the next election, and beyond.
With your support, and that of the wider Australian community, the Coalition will deliver a fair, just and fiscally responsible military superannuation system for Australia’s 57,000 DFRDB and DFRB military superannuants, and their families.
Kind Regards
Alana Brosnan
Electorate Officer
For and on behalf of Senator Barnaby Joyce
Shadow Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Water
Leader of the Nationals in the Senate
LNP Senator for Queensland
Dear JOHN SAINSBURY, they are ALL singing from the same Nong sheet.
It’s a great compliment to you all that in the dying days of PRIME MINISTER JULIA GILLARD’s
LABOR GOVERNMENT, that a ‘cheat sheet’response has been prepared by her Spin Doctors and Media Advisors. Mind you, there are hot rumours in Canberra that these dudes are about to be turfed.
SENATOR KATE LUNDY was sent to the back of the room several months ago, because of her dopey
and inept handling of this matter – and because you have exposed her treachery and you won’t have a bar of her pathetic mewings and lies.
Dear BILL ARDEN, why aren’t you Treasurer!!!!!!!!
Hi Tess,
BILL ARDEN is not treasurer because he has principles!!! Besides who in their right mind would want even be associated with that pack of low lifes?
Still waiting for my replies from them.
Cheers Maurie
Dear BOB IHLEIN, you gave me such a happy and much needed giggle with this. I love that Dick Head comment of yours. You are so funny. And clever.
Isn’t SENATOR KATE LUNDY a Drongo. The GILLARD LABOR GOVERNMENT is in panic mode. It’s days
are misumbered. PRIMED MINISTER JULIA GILLARD reckons she’s got another two years to go as
Leader. As if.
Like many of you I am sick and tired of the rubbish we receive from our elected representatives. And I have told Senator Lundy this again in an email tonight.
I suggested that she should not treat us a idiots, that we have served enough time in the ADF to know when someone is trying to pull the wool over our eyes and can recognise the signs. I also suggested (again) that the Green-Labor government is finished but she can still save her seat if she stands up for us. As a resident of Canberra I think Canberra is full of DRFB and DFRDB recipients who could easily tip her out of office.
Paul
Dear 10SUMPLY, thanks MAURIE, for reminding me about the bleak realities of political life.
Of course. Now I get it.
Dear PAUL, yes you are right, I think PETER THORNTON and others have posted in these comments and on other sites, a list of all the electorates – and the number of DRFB and DFRDB recipients in those electorates – including PRIME MINISTER JULIA GILLARD’S electorate of LALOR.
Marginal seats have also been identified and targeted.
There is no question that you and your Brethren are now a cohesive and powerful electoral bloc and pose a great threat in terms of determining and influencing a political outcome in your favour.
Being pragmatic, votes that may otherwise have gone to the Greens ( who, along with SENATOR KATE LUNDY, also betrayed you in June, when they voted against the DFRDB Amendment Bill ) and indeed, Independents, could be re-routed by such an electoral bloc in the Federal Election and any By-Election.
Let us know if SENATOR KATE LUNDY responds to your email, Paul. It is an insult that they keep giving you all the same drivel – but it is important that we expose and publish this drivel and put it on the public record.
You are all doing such a magnificent job against these political bullies.
You have Rights and you are entitled to seek Justice and it is very inspiring to read and hear your voices, and very moving because so many of you are doing it tough – and yet, as former Labor NSW politician, and veteran IAN MCMANUS pointed out early in the piece, you care for one another and do so much fine community work.
And you are only asking for a fair go.
It remains a national disgrace that you have been treated by successive governments with such
contempt.
Dear NEIL WEEKES,thanks so much for posting KEN HUSSELL’s response from SENATOR KATE LUNDY who, is in danger of losing her seat at the impending election.
Spot on for your interpretation and comments.
I WILL BE MARCHING TO CANBERRA WITH THE DIGGERS!
Here is another response to Ken Hussell, this time from Tony Abbott’s office. Posted with Ken’s approval.
The letter from Tony Abbott states:
“Thank you for your letter dated 15 August 2011 to the Leader of the Opposition, the Hon Tony Abbott MHR regarding the indexation of military superannuation. Mr. Abbott has asked me to respond on his behalf”.
“The Coalition has policies which will support the servicemen and women who have given so much of their lives for Australia – unlike Labor, which has treated you and other ex-service personnel so shabbily”.
“The Coalition is committed to delivering fair indexation of the Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefit (DFRDB) and the Defence Force Retirement Benefit (DFRB) military superannuation pensions. This is why the Coalition introduced legislation to Parliament to deliver this important reform”.
“The Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits Amendment (Fair Indexation) Bill 2010 fully reflected the Coalition’s 2010 election policy commitment of indexing DFRDB and DFRB pensions of recipients aged 55 and over to the higher of the Consumer Price Index (CPI), Male Total Average Weekly Earnings (MTAWE), or the Pension and Beneficiary Living Cost Index (PBLCI)”.
“The Gillard Government and the Greens both made election commitments to fix military superannuation indexation. However, the Labor-Greens alliance combined to use their numbers in the Senate to defeat the Coalition’s bill”.
“The decision by the Labor-Greens alliance means that 57,000 DFRDB and DFRB recpients continue to battle rising living costs with a military pension that fails to keep pace with the cost of living”.
“The only way for fair indexation to be delivered is to change the Government”.
signed by Mark Higgie – Senior Policy Adviser
We need to retain a computer copy and a hard copy of letters such as the one to Ken Hussell from Tony Abbott’s office, just in case the current Opposition decides to renege on this commitment when they next get into power as our Government!!
THE MARCH TO CANBERRA HAS BEGUN. WILL YOU JOIN US?
Dear KEN HUSSELL, how good are you! Thanks NEIL WEEKES for posting TONY ABBOTT’s response to KEN. It’s important to place in the public domain, the responses from ALL the political players.
Frankly,I’d be keen to feel the love a little more emphatically from Tony.
After all, we don’t know what MARK HIGGLE, Senior Policy Adviser, looks like in Budgie
Smugglers!
Dear NEIL WEEKES, you champion – too right! We do. We will.
Good morning all.
I have just received Senator Lundy’s standard reply word for word as per others, and EXACTLY as per her website. She didn’t have the good grace to answer my concerns raised, so I’ll hammer her on that in my reply. I can only hope that I am a huge pain in her arse!
Also been speaking with a former Digger who served in Somalia with the heroic Doctor Mike Kelly. Amazing how his and Mike Kelly’s versions of Kelly’s brave deeds in Somalia differ. My experience with those who have performed so bravely in service of their country is that they rarely speak of such deeds, and certainly not in detail. Perhaps just a memory thing, similar to remembering 57000 former service men and women!!
Cheers, Maurie
Hi Everyone this is the reply ig from Rob Oakeshott
Email; robert.oakeshott.mp@aph.gov.au
Dear Mr Ihlein
Thank you for your recent letter, I am working on a strategy for military and
Commonwealth superannuants including working on “cbst to Governmlnt” arguments they
respond with. I introduced a motion on Military Superannuation in the last parliament.
The Bill referred to in your correspondence was introduced into the Senate and not the
House of Representatives.
Your concerns have been referred to the Minister for Financial Services and Superannuation,
the Hon Bill Shorten MP for his consideration and I would recommend that you also contact
your local Federal Member on this issue.
Thank you for your letter and your comments.
ROBERT OAKESHOTT MP
MEMBER FOR LYNE
http://www.roboakeshott.com
Not much use writing to my Federal Member he is trying to protect his own scalp at the moment we would be the last thing on hus mind.
Bob Ihlein
THE MARCH TO CANBERRA HAS BEGUN. WILL YOU JOIN US?
A response from my local MP – Coalition. I am told they are committed to other issues related to DFRDB beyond indexation. Time will tell if this is only till the next election.
PAUL FLETCHER MP
Federal Member for Bradfield
8 September 2011
Mr Ken Marsh
Dear Mr Marsh
Thank you for your letter in relation to the indexation of military superannuation
pensions and related issues.
I have passed along a copy of your letter to Mr Stuart Robert, Shadow Minister for
Defence Science, Technology and Personnel.
The Coalition remains committed to delivering fair indexation of DFRDB and DFRB
military superannuation pensions. That is why the Coalition made a commitment at
the 2010 election to deliver this reform.
Despite losing the election, the Coalition introduced legislation into the Senate on l8
November 2010 to deliver this important reform.
This legislation fully reflects the Coalition’s stated policy position of indexing
DFRDB and DFRB pensions of members aged 55 and over to the higher of the
Consumer Price Index (CPD, Male Total Average Weekly Earnings (MTAWE) or the
Pensioner and Beneficiary Living Cost Index (PBLCI).
Despite both the Gillard Labor Government and The Greens making election
promises to fix military superannuation indexation, the Labor-Greens alliance
combined to use their numbers in the Senate to defeat the Coalition’s legislation.
As a direct result of the Labor-Greens decision, DFRDB and DFRB members will be
left to battle rising living costs with a military pension that fails to keep pace with the
cost of living.
It is now clear that the only way for fair indexation to be delivered is for the
Government to change.
I can assure you the Coalition fully appreciates the unique nature of military service
and remains absolutely committed to this reform. The Coalition will pursue it swiftly
and with vigour at the next election, and beyond.
Importantly, this policy indicates the Coalition’s commitment to take the first crucial
step towards reforming military superannuation arrangements. The Coalition remains
committed to giving careful consideration to contiguous issues such as the indexation
rate of widows of military superannuants as well as the other issues raised in your
letter.
With specific regard to commutation, the Coalition will carefully examine the issues
surrounding military pension commutation arrangements and will continue to engage
with and listen to views put forward by those in the veteran and ex-service
community.
The Coalition remains committed to reviewing this matter along with other pertinent
issues ahead of the next federal election.
Thank you for your interest in this issue and bringing your concerns to my attention.
Yours sincerely
My response to the standard Lundy letter.
10 Sept 2011
Senator K. A. Lundy
The Senate
Parliament House
Canberra, ACT 2600
Dear Senator Lundy
‘Justice delayed is justice denied’
Thank you for your letter of 31st August which responded to my earlier correspondence of 12th August. Sadly, you did not address the specific points I raised.
The principle ‘justice delayed is justice denied’ is at the very core of our legal system, having its origins in the Magna Carter. Given that you and many others have recognised the inequities in the DFRB/DFRDB superannuation arrangements one can only conclude that military superannuants have been denied justice. The failure of the Senate to pass the Fair Indexation Bill continues to deny justice to our military veterans – and your vote could have made all the difference.
In your letter you state that you ‘have been seeking the development of the new analytical living cost index which will reflect more accurately the cost of living needs of military and civilian superannuants.’ Why? Are the cost of living needs of military and civilian superannuants so much different to those of pensioners that we need a different formula? All that we have asked is that we be treated the same as our fellow Australians in our retirement and that the government give us what we were promised – a superannuation pension that maintained our living standards.
You also state that the Fair Indexation Bill ‘unfairly overlooked’ the needs of current and future MSBS superannuants and ‘all other Commonwealth superannuants’. I acknowledged that in my previous correspondence.
Could you please explain to me what you see as ‘fair’?
Those of us who come under the DFRB/DFRBD scheme are those who have had the greatest erosion of the value of our pensions and served at a time when our salaries were significantly less than our civilian counterparts – and significantly less in real terms than those who have served later. This is acknowledged in a briefing paper prepared for the Senate to inform debate on the Fair Indexation Bill.
If I must wait another three, five or more years before a fairer indexation arrangement is put in place and the changed arrangements are only applied to my pension from that date, do you see that as fair? If so, how is that fair if other superannuants have their arrangements changed when their pensions have not been eroded nearly as far as mine, or if the new indexation arrangements apply to them from the date their pensions commence?
We do not live in an ideal world Senator Lundy. If you are looking for a totally equitable outcome in this case the only way you can do that is to restore current pensions to what they would be if the promises made to service men and women had been kept, and repay all lost monies including compensation for lost interest earnings. That is not what we have asked for.
If the government of the day moved to take over the funds of private sector superannuation providers and place that into general revenue there would be a public outcry. Dare I suggest the government would not survive. But that is exactly what the Whitlam Government did with military superannuation in 1973. The total funds of $126 million (after adjustments) comprised the contributions of members plus the earnings of the fund which was also paying out to retired members. The government then and now has a moral obligation for the welfare of those who have served the nation and any consideration of the cost of dealing with inequities in superannuation arrangements should take into consideration the continued growth that no doubt would have taken place if these funds had remained quarantined for the purpose to which they had been dedicated.
Admittedly there will be a cost to the Government’s budget to fix military superannuation. But this is not a question of fiscal responsibility – it is first and foremost a matter of justice.
Military members are in a unique position in the Australian community. Unlike other workers they cannot resign at will, resort to industrial action in order to negotiate for better conditions of service, speak out on government policy, or form industrial unions to advocate on their behalf. More than any other workers they must rely on the good faith of the government of the day to ensure that they are adequately compensated for their service and that their pay and conditions do not place them at disadvantage when compared to their civilian counterparts. I believe it is clear that successive governments have failed to keep faith with the nation’s military servants.
It is a fact that military superannuants under the DFRDB scheme paid 5.5% of their salary into their superannuation while members of the contemporary public service contributed only 5% to a scheme that treated their widows more generously than those of military superannuants – only one example of the inequities between the schemes. Did these inequities arise because of the unique position of service men and women put them in a position where they could not advocate for themselves?
Senator, I believe the issues are complex and that there are no easy solutions that will treat all military and civilian superannuants fairly. In fact, I do not believe that is possible.
The Fair Indexation Bill presented a good and workable first step to restoring some form of justice to the treatment of military superannuants. It would have prevented further erosion of benefits while you could have continued with your campaign to improving the indexation arrangements applying to those other superannuants to which you say you are committed. Your failure to support this bill questions, in my mind, this commitment.
And there is one other measure that could be enacted quickly – and one that would treat all superannuants equally. Remove the tax on superannuation payments for all superannuants aged 60 and above.
I look forward to your response Senator – a response in which you address the specific points I have raised.
Yours Sincerely
Ken Marsh
Dear KEN MARSH, your letter to SENATOR KATE LUNDY quite rightly evokes the Magna Carta, frankly, I doubt whether the Senator has the foggiest about such things. She certainly hasn’t the foggiest about the predicament of Diggers and families.
Your letter is such a reasoned and reasonable assessment. Again, its contents far eclipses the
facile bleatings and excuses of Senator Lundy and her kind.
The great thing about all of this Ken, is that we can measure the calibre and content of your argument against hers. It is here for all of us to see.
Thank you for your loyalty to the campaign and your loyalty to your Brethren.
The Gillard Labor Government and its foot soldiers underestimated you all to such an extent that you are now a bewildering force to them.
They expected you all to lose your energy and vigour after a couple of days into the fair go campaign.
They haven’t got a clue.
And it seems likely that they will soon be forcibly relieved of their commission.
Australia’s had a gutful.
Well said Ken Marsh!!
Do you think they’re waiting for us to die off??
History repeating itself!
What a bunch of w*nkers!!
Michael of Warnbro
DIGGERGATE STOP PRESS:PAY CUTS TO FRONTLINE DIGGERS!
Gillard Labor Government now adds insult to injury and
deaths: Check out this story in today’s Age:
http://www.theage.com.au/national/frontline-diggers-angry-over-effective-pay-cut-20110910-1k35q.html
Dear MICHAEL & KEN MARSH, spot on! They clearly are waiting for you to die out.
Do the words ‘Melbourne-Voyager-Agent Orange-Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome’, et
al, ring bells?
Hi all
The Sydney Sun-Herald had an article to-day (11 Sep 11) in relation to the war with the clubs and the Government regarding the proposed laws by Andrew Wilke re-poker machines.
Guess who is one of the Labor members being targeted by the Clubs NSW and Australian Hotels Association in relation to this matter? None other (amongst others) than “our friend” the Hon Dr Mike Kelly, the Federal member for Eden-Monaro who “supports” indexation, but, only, it would appear if it encompesses “all” Military and Commonwealth Public Sevants.
He has publicly expressed concerns about the potential impact of the poker machine scheme on clubs in his electorate. It is a pity that he and others in the Labor Party, Greens and independants does not support indexation with the same commitment.
Is this another cop out by Dr kelly who will again cave in to “caucus ” decisions if it comes to a vote to retain Government with the support of Andrew Wilke.
MEDIA:In today’s THE AUSTRALIAN, historian PAUL CLEARY writes of another dismal disgrace that
remains a bloodclot on our military history – the way we mistreat, use and abuse those who
work with us and abandon their widows and families. Sound familiar ?
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/nation/pension-denied-for-widow-of-heroic-timorese-digger/story-e6frg6nf-1226134301757
Hi Tess,
They’re at it again!
Dabbling in the “Future Fund”
http://blogs.news.com.au/heraldsun/andrewbolt/index.php/heraldsun/comments/piggybank_raided/
History repeats itself!
Michael of Warnbro
Dear MICHAEL,thanks for being so vigilant for us all. Re the ‘ Future Fund ‘ Ain’t that the truth! Might as well be the name for Super for Pollies.
But…..it is important that all such things be noted and placed in the public domain.
After all, we have nothing to hide – and nothing to lose. Onya Dear MICHAEL. Crikey, you’re a hard worker! And an inspiration!
Today (12 Sept) I got a response from Tony Abbot to my letter in which I posed a number of questions relating to inequities in the DFRB/DFRDB schemes.
His response – or more correctly that of his adviser – is that the coalition is committed to delivering fair indexation as spelt out in the Fair Indexation bill.
Last week I got a reply to the same letter from Paul Fletcher, my local Liberal member. He made the same commitment. However, he also added:
‘I can assure you the Coalition fully appreciates the unique nature of military service and remains absolutely committed to this [the Fair Indexation Bill] reform. The Coalition will pursue it swiftly and with vigour at the next election, and beyond.
‘Importantly, this policy indicated the Coalition’s commitment to take the first crucial step towards reforming military superannuation arrangements. The Coalition remains committed to giving careful consideration to contiguous issues such as the indexation rate of widows military superannuants as well as the other issues raised in your letter.
‘With specific regard to commutation, the Coalition will carefully examine the issues surrounding military pension commutation arrangements and will continue to engage with and listen to views put forward by those in the veteran and ex-service community.
‘The Coalition remains committed to reviewing this matter along with other pertinent issues ahead of the next election.’
I got two replies today one from Andrew Wilkie’s staffer and one fro Deb O’Neil’s staffer I will post them in that order.
Dear Mr Ihlein
Thank you for contacting Andrew Wilkie regarding increased DFRDB payments. Mr Wilkie supports this move and said as much in his response to the 2010/2011 budget. A copy of his speech can be found at http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/search/display/display.w3p;page=1;query=Dataset%3Ahansardr,hansards%20((SpeakerId%3AC2T));rec=2;resCount=Default
Kind regards
Django Merope-Synge
Office of Andrew Wilkie MP
Independent Member for Denison
HOBART (03) 6234 5255 188 Collins St Hobart 7000 | GPO Box 32 Hobart 7001
CANBERRA (02) 6277 4766
MOBILE 0406 010 030 Email: django.merope-synge@aph.gov.au
This is my reply to mr Wilkie’s staffer
If Mr Wilkie felt so strongly why doesn’t he give Julia the flick and support the coalition and bring in a bill to give us fair indexation? Or is he all spin and full of Bull like the rest of bob Browns slaves.
Regards
Robert Ihlein
Now Deb O’Neil
Dear Mr Ihlein,
Thank you for providing those letters.
Traditionally, Members respond only to correspondence from within their electorate, and that is why I have not responded previously.
I spend a great deal of time with my local veteran communities, including in my position as patron of the National Servicemen’s Association Gosford City Sub-branch.
However, while I appreciate that this is an important issue for the many individuals that have served our nation with distinction, it is not an issue that I have been approached about by my local constituents or the veterans groups in my electorate.
More generally, the Minister for Veterans Affairs called for a Review of Pension Indexation Arrangements in Australian Government Civilian and Military Superannuation Schemes to be conducted. The review recommended no change to indexation arrangements be made and noted that such a change would cost the Government more than $6.2billion.
These are significant costs and as responsible economic managers, we believe now is not the time to be considering changes to indexation methodology.
I trust this clarifies the situation.
Yours sincerely,
Deborah O’Neill MP
Federal Member for Robertson
My Reply
The Mr Mehrtens
Veteran Community have proven that the $62. Billion is not correct it would be close to $20. Million per year. The ALP needs to take into account that there are 57,000 of us over 55 years of age and in 30 years there will not be many still living.
The spin doctors that supply these figures are wrong.
Regards
Robert Ihlein
DIGGERGATE MEMO:Multi-million dollar junket for Public Servants and Pollies for
ANZAC DAY in Turkey…back home Diggers denied a few extra dollars in their pension.
What’s wrong with this picture ?
Check out this story in today’s Herald Sun:
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/more-news/public-servants-politicians-in-free-jaunt-to-anzac-day-service-in-gallipoli/story-fn7x8me2-1226137245408
MEDIA ALERT DIGGERGATE! Hear the fabulous and fearless Air Vice Marshal ( Retired ) Peter Criss being interviewed this morning by 2UE’s JASON MORRISON.
Onya Peter, Jason and 2UE.
http://www.2ue.com.au/blogs/2ue-blog/disgust-how-we-treat-exservicemen/20110915-1ka96.html
LABOR GOVERNMENT PLEDGES $90(MILL) TO ALLOW NEW FATHER TO BOND WITH NEWBORN BABIES, BUT CONTINUES TO DENY MILITARY SUPERANNUNANTS A FAIR GO
I was amazed to hear that the Labor Government had announced they will provide a one-off payment of $1200, to allow fathers of newborn babies to bond with their newborn babies for a period of two weeks. The Government has allowed $90(mill)annually for this initiative, which would represent 75,000 father per year.
On 16 Jun 2011 and 22 July 2011 we have heard the Greens and Labor Government ministers saying they cannot afford to index military superannuation the same as pensioners, as it will cost billions and billions. They also refuse to disclose to any outside person or organisation, how they arrived at this rediculous figure.
Using a simplistic approach. Let us assume that the Ronaldson Fair Go Bill had been paased by the Senate and the House of Reps, putting military superannuants on the same index formula as pensioners.
With an average milsuper pension of $22,500 per annum, that equates to $865 per fortnight, well short of the $1200 per fortnight representing the avaerage wage being applied to fathers with newborns. An increase of $1200 to the annual pension of $22,500 would represent a 5.3 per cent increase (the real increase would most likely be less than this. The annual additional cost of 57,000 DFRB abd DFRDB pensioners would be 57,000 x $1200 = $68.4(mill), considerably less than the fathers handout above. And that does not include clawback from tax and GST etc, applying to military superannuants. And as most military superannuants receive at least some part age(service) pension, for every dollar that their super payment goes up, their service pension is reduced by 50 cents.
How is it then, that putting military superannuants on the same indexation formula as aged pensions is not affordable by this Government? It follows, that this Government feels it is more important for fathers of newborn babies to bond with the latter for two weeks, then it is to see retired service personnel(who have given at least 20 years loyal service to their country in both peacetime and warlike conditions) see their pensions keep up with the cost of living, to prevent the constant erosion of their living standards.
The Australian Government needs to be asked the following question:
“How could the change of military pension formula from CPI to the same used for aged pensioners since 1997, cost the Australian Government Billions and Billions of dollars and be unaffordable, when the cost of $90(mill) per annum for 75,000 fathers to bond with their newborns is affordable? Please explain in detail how the costings for each item has been calculated, to clearly demonsatrate that your policy of a Fair Go for all Australians has been applied. There are tens of thousands of military superannuants and serving soldiers and, their families, who would like to see your detailed response.”
John Griffiths
A DFRDB pensioner and Vietnam Veteran
Dear JOHN GRIFFITHS,could it be that the reason why the LABOR GOVERNMENT and the GREENS have failed to disclose how they reached their ridiculous figure is because if they do,their dodgy
reckonings will be exposed.
There should be – and clearly is – enough money in the Kitty for Diggers to immediately get a generous and respectable pension increase, as WELL AS and not INSTEAD OF any other benefits paid to other sectors of our community.
The obvious political expediency in the allowance for Dads to bond with newborns is really a last ditch bribe by a last ditch government to bond with a disaffected electorate.
I wonder if the Labor Party has done a poll on how male voters regard JULIA GILLARD compared with female voters. If not, why not ? Afraid of the results ?
Thanks John, for being on the case – and for all your hard work – and for telling your story on the ABC’s 7.30 ( Victoria ) and by the way, have you checked out the interview former Air Vice Marshal Peter Criss did this morning with Jason Morrison, on 2UE ? There’s a link on
one of the comments.
I have never heard of so much crap as $1200 to have a bonding with your new born. I might get my Vasectomy reversed and see how many $1200.00′s I can pop out. Might be a bit old though. This is pure crap what planit are they on. As a Father I did’nt need to be paid to bond with my children and I bloody well couldn’t do it in two weeks. Gillard is a fool.
Bob Ihlein
Dear BOB IHLEIN, you should write for THE CHASER, this is a scream. But we get your point!
You are deelishus! This is priceless! I love your sense of humour. It is full of logic and satire and wicked wit! Go BOB!!!!!!!!
CHANGES TO THE CPI
NO PRIZES FOR GUESSING WHAT WILL HAPPEN
TO MILITARY PENSIONS !
According to Alan Kohler on ABCTV last night, changes to the September quarter 2011 issue of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) will have the effect of reducing last quarters CPI from 0.9% to 0.6%.
These changes reflect the ongoing and subtle changes in the methodology of calculating the CPI that has occurred in the last two decades.
Members of the Australian Defence Force were promised that their military superannuation pensions would maintain parity with purchasing power.
Yet today’s CPI does not measure purchasing power. That’s why CPI indexation was abandoned in 1998 for indexing Age and other welfare pensions, but not for those on military superannuation pensions.
This latest tinkering with the CPI now means that military superannuation pensions will have their purchasing power even further reduced. That’s why in the past ten years:
- military superannuation pensions increased by 29 %
- aged pensions increased by 51 %
Oh, and in the same time, Parliamentary pensions (for pre 2004 entry federal parliamentarians) increased by 57 % ! Nice !
“That’s a despicable way to treat past and current members of the Australian Defence Force” says National President David Jamison.
“The Government has a moral, if not a legal, responsibility to honor the contract it made with members of the ADF when it introduced the Defence Force Retirements and Death Benefits Scheme, to provide benefits that would maintain purchasing power” he said. “And that’s after the Government of the day absorbed the accumulated funds of the previous superannuation scheme into consolidated revenue, leaving the legacy of a so-called “untaxed” superannuation scheme which is now used as a justification to tax military (& public service) superannuation pensions, unlike other Australian superannuants ” he added.
“All that military superannuants can look forward to in their retirement is a steadily reducing standard of living whilst others in the lucky country move forward. The Government should be ashamed, but it seems they simply do not care. They stand condemned for their shallow words of support they spruke at parades and commemorative activities, then forget to look after them after their service to the nation is finished” he concluded.
_____________________
Les Bienkiewicz
Executive Director
Defence Force Welfare Association
PO Box 4166 KINGSTON ACT 2604
P: 02 62659530
M: 0411 444248
E:national@dfwa.org.au
W: http://www.dfwa.org.au
Onya JOHN PRITCHARD, you champion! Now read on.
Dear Ms ( Michelle) Rowland
I refer to my earlier email re the Future Fund and the questions I wish answered.
To enlighten you, The Future Fund was established as part of a broader policy initiative to start reducing costs and limiting sources of future spending.
Australia’s Future Fund is no different, in theory, to other nations Sovereign Wealth Funds. It is a vehicle designed to invest the fortunes of today against future fiscal shortcomings, in lay terms. But its very specific purpose narrows how its assets can be allocated, unlike many other countries Sovereign Wealth Funds.
Under Government policy, assets can only be withdrawn from the fund, to meet superannuation payments and the expenses of the Fund. Payments can only be made from 2020 on or once the Fund has accumulated sufficient assets to meet the unfunded liabilities. It certainly has not reached that point.
What I wish you to answer are the following questions:
a. In Table 3 of the Australian Government general Government Sector Cash Flow Statement 2010-2011 to 2014-2015 (copy attached) there is an item showing sales of non financial assets. I believe the figures show payments from the Future Fund. If so they fly in the face of the Act that set up the Fund and current Government Policy
b In Senate Financial and Public Administration Legislation Committee (Topic in reference to the 2011-12 Budget – Non Financial Assets) – a number of questions were placed on notice. one of which was answered by Mr Tune as:
1. The disposal of defence properties
2. The disposal of housing and land owned by Defence Housing Authority
3. The expected sale of assets from the Future Fund.
Now Senator Wong categorically denies that Future Fund Assets will be sold and proceeds paid to offset Budget Cash Flows.
The budget papers show specifically that this is the case. Is the Senator misrepresenting to the people and the Parliament or are the Governments own documents incorrect.
I as a voter and a Defence Superannuant would like these questions answered as they provide more insight into possible duplicity than is being stated, by the Finance Minister.
Please do not try to baffle me with the figures as I have had a Chartered Accountant look at them to determine the context in which they are portrayed.
I have Bcc copies to members of the Fair Go Campaign, who also have a direct interest in your reply
I would ask that your office acknowledge receipt of this email as well as an expected time frame for a reply.
JOHN PRITCHARD
Defence Superannuant/Pensioner/TPI, Non Believer in Coincidence and a
Greenway Voter
Hi all
I would bet that Les Bienkiewicz’s press release does not get a mention in the mainstream media or on TV news, or so called “Current Affairs” programs.
Every press release put out on any issue by the Government is pcked by all and sundry. Is it any wonder we cannot get any coverage of the issue’s surrounding indexation. Tess seems to be the only reporter who tells it like it is.
We seem to be preaching to the converted. But, just maybe the coverage given by 2UE in Sydney and by Mark Parton in Canberra will help. If other mainstream radio in the other capitals and regions can be persuaded to come on board, it would be much appreciated.
Surely the media must know what is going on, but just wont report it.
G’day JOHN SAINSBURY,your frustration with a seeming lack of media coverage is understandable and I very much appreciate your kind words and have openly declared I am prepared to be counted as an unashamed supporter for Justice for Diggers and Families and prepared to walk with you on this one.
Like many of you I’ve had a gutful of spin.
In fairness to colleagues with other media outlets, we should acknowledge that the campaign has now achieved some serious media traction in both electronic and print media – and in these comments you will find a number of links to articles and TV and radio interviews.
There is no question that the Government is monitoring this site – and other sites – and that you have now mobilised yourselves into a coherent and potent voting bloc and have done your homework in terms of marginal seats and locale of veteran pension recipients.
You haven’t had a phalanx of spin doctors. But you have a just cause. And enthusiasm. And the level of expertise and life experience amongst your numbers is breathtaking and far outclasses that of your detractors in Parliament and elsewhere.
By continuing to publish your letters and pro-forma responses from politicians, you expose their duplicitous conduct and contempt.
Politicians have forgotten that they are the servants of the people – not the other way around.
We have only to look at the dismal calibre of Governance in this country to see how badly we are served. It cannot be argued that we have the Government we deserve because We the People did not vote for this Government and it is highly unlikely we would in the near future, given what we now know.
Persistence and being in for the long haul in this campaign, will ensure its success.
Your loyalty to one another – and to your cause – is very moving, and inspiring to the wider
community.
As well John, I think you have reminded politicians and others that older people in our community should be treated with more respect – and as you have shown here in these comments, that you have a sharp wit and intelligence and kind hearts.
Regarding the fathers bonding allowance (Lojo, 15/9), is this something military fathers will be able to take advantage of, or will operational requirements mean that military committments will continue to take priority?
Dear KEN MARSH, good point Cobber!
Following is the copy of an email I sent to Andrew Leigh, member for Fraser, in response to an article I came across on his website.
http://andrewleigh.com/index.php/speaking2/economics/149-commonwealth-pensions
Dear Mr Leigh
I refer to the article on your website, ‘Indexation of Military Pensions, 23 May 2011’. As I do not reside in your electorate I know that you are under no obligation to respond to my correspondence. I have, however, taken the liberty of posting a copy of this email on the Independent Australia website.
http://www.independentaustralia.net/2011/politics/exclusive-breaking-news-diggers-versus-the-gillard-government/
If you care to respond I will likewise post your reply on the website so that it can be evaluated by interested members of the veteran community.
First, let me say I appreciated your comments in paragraph 3 regarding military service as ‘a special vocation with unique requirements.’ I take some exception to the following paragraph in which you discuss the specifics of the DFRDB scheme. If I knew nothing of the operation of the scheme I would be likely to read this as to say that DFRDB superannuants had a generous scheme with no legitimate complaints. When I first read this I felt quite angry at what I saw as a condescending piece of political spin. It does nothing to explain the historical context in which the DFRDB scheme was designed and because you have failed to do this you are being unfair to many of those who given long service to this nation.
You state: ‘Members who discharge after 20 years are able to take an immediate lifetime pension based on 35 per cent of the member’s salary at discharge. These pensions, which can be taken as early as 38 years of age, continue to be paid even if the former member returns to the workforce’.
First, I suggest you do some research. I retired from the RAAF in 1987 after 20 years service at the age of 36. Some of my cohort would have been 35. Between 1948 and 1965 those boys who were recruited under similar arrangements to me were enlisted for an initial term of 15 years – and a good number of these boys went on to give war service. The other services had similar schemes but I am not familiar with the details of these.
You also fail to mention that many of those DFRDB superannuants served at a time when military salaries were significantly less than that paid to civilian counterparts as acknowledged in a briefing paper prepared for the Senate to inform debate on the Fair Indexation Bill. This means that the starting pension for DFRDB members was calculated on a salary significantly lower than community standards.
You also state that DFRDB pensions ‘are not based on, nor do they aim to reflect, a members needs in retirement.’ Let’s put that in context.
First, for the time I served I faced mandatory retirement at the age of 55, which meant that if I could not get meaningful employment I would have to wait a further 10 years before I became eligible for the aged pension. In the eighties there was a widely held view that if one did not change careers before the age of 40 it would become increasingly difficult to find alternate employment after separating from the Service. The fact is that a man retired at 55 may well have had to rely on his DFRDB pension as his prime means of income.
Further, you do not state that government policy at the time was to maintain a young defence force and that superannuation arrangements were designed to help military members transition to civilian life. Frequent postings meant that they would not have had opportunity to establish a permanent home and their military skills may not have been readily transferable to civilian employment. Hence there may have been a necessity for further training to gain employment.
Any attempt to discuss DFRB/DFRDB superannuation arrangements in the same paragraph as MSBS and public service superannuation schemes without reference to the historical context is patently unfair to DFRB/DFRDB superannuants.
When I discharged from the Service at the age of 36 no one explained to me the implications of the indexing arrangements that applied to my pension. I believed that I would have a pension that would be indexed to maintain its purchasing power over time. Perhaps at the time of discharge the CPI indexation may have gone close to keeping this promise but this changed in 1989 when the Government of the day accepted a new standard for calculating CPI. This was acknowledged in 1997 when the Government adopted a new indexation arrangement for aged pensions. I now find that the real value of my superannuation pension has been eroded in the vicinity of $16,000 per year. Especially when one has not understood the workings of the indexation arrangements it has been difficult to budget for what in real terms has been a decreasing income over the last 20 plus years.
You also state ‘To change military superannuation indexation arrangements would effectively mean a change to a member’s preretirement conditions of service after the member has retired.’ You ignore the fact that the Labour government in 1988 reduced military pensions 2% below the CPI percentage that then applied for two years and that there have been ongoing changes to the way CPI has been calculated since – all to the detriment of military superannuants. No, Mr. Leigh, it is not military superannuants that that seek to change indexation arrangement retrospectively. Labour governments in particular have already done that. All we ask for is that we get what we were promised.
Finally you deride the oppositions Bill because it does nothing for members of the MSBS scheme and members of the public service. What it would have done is to stop further erosion of the incomes of those who have suffered the most under the unjust arrangements that currently exist while the government looked for ways to address the just claims of all government superannuants.
Mr. Leigh, I and other military superannuants are tired of the spin. We want action.
Yours Sincerely,
Ken Marsh
Dear KEN MARSH, this is a profoundly important letter – and I know I won’t be the only one keen to read ANDREW LEIGH’s response given that he’s a former Professor of Economics at ANU and was once Associate to one of my fave heroes,former High Court Justice Michael Kirby.
Michael Kirby has done much to humanise The Law in Australia and has fearlessly fought injustice on both personal and professional levels.
KEN, you have dissembled Leigh’s disinformation. And the shallow arguments and outright lies that continue to be promulgated within the political precincts of the Gillard Labor Government and its supporters, are now becoming offensive in the extreme.
In fairness we must acknowledge that successive Australian Governments have also treated you with contempt, as if you were all a pack of drongos. When the Libs were in power, they could have righted this historical wrong. But didn’t.
I just don’t get it KEN. I don’t understand why there is almost tangible animus towards Diggers and families – and your fight for a fair go.
In the scheme of things, rectifying matters involves so few dollars from the public purse, that seems daily pillaged for inane causes and political expediency by this beleaguered ill-cobbled government, now so totally alienated from We The People.
In DIGGERGATE, so much concentrated effort has gone into an indecent political obfuscation, that itself is founded on lies. I have no compunction in describing them as lies – since even a cursory look at your evidence – and the evidence of your Brethren in these comments most competently exposes those lies.
Thanks KEN, for your marvellous contribution. Every letter you send as an individual goes towards serving the cause of Diggers and the Defence Force Family,as a whole.
It is a disgrace, this abject mistreatment of you. At this time of your lives, I wish that you all had peace in your personal lives and economic peace from a grateful and fair-minded nation and Government(s). And that you had a few bob left over to have some adventures and enjoy life with family and cobbers without all this needless angst.
So many of you are also volunteers and continue to contribute to community life. If only some of our political representatives showed such leadership – and had the courage of your conviction,to break ranks and to fight for Justice alongside you.
Thanks KEN. And all of you who remain steadfast in this fight for a fair go.
Congratulations Ken Marsh for a great ‘autopsy’ on the misinformation contained in the Web page of the Federal Member for Fraser, the honorable Andrew Leigh MP.
The Web page article titled; Commonwealth Pensions, Indexation of Military Pensions, 23 May 2011 buries the facts amongst confusing rhetoric (to most). Andrew Leigh defines the claim for just indexation as a ‘benefit’. We are not seeking a ‘benefit’ we are seeking just maintenance of our retired pay for the true cost of living, which was the core intention of indexing retirement pay in the Act – it is not an additional benefit at all, and it is certainly not “a change to a member’s preretirement conditions of service after the member has retired”.
Andrew Leigh goes to great length to say what the Fair Indexation Bill does/did not provide for, in his opinion;
“Thirdly, and most importantly, the proposals in this bill would only benefit a minority of military superannuants. The bill does not provide any indexation change for the 3,978 benefit recipients from the Defence Forces Retirement Benefits scheme. The bill does not provide any change for any of the 7,684 pensioners under the Military Superannuation and Benefits Scheme. Nor does this bill provide for the 15,193 Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits scheme recipients under age 55. Nor does it provide for the needs of Commonwealth civilian superannuants.”
He failed to mention that HIS government does not provide for any of those things either! Not once does he offer any suggestion or action to correct those claimed injustices, which he has now acknowledged!
The ‘fiscally responsible’ argument has been lost and now they are turning to misinformation of another kind to distract from clarity of the facts. Contrary to his opening statement in the Web page he is NOT very familiar with the issue of military pensions and superannuation.
Below is the reply I got from Bob Katter Inderpendent FNQ
Robert lhlein
51 Elsimer Street
Long Jetty, NSW
2261
16 September 2011
Dear Robert,
Thanrq ),ou for yo’ur letter concerning the Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefilts
Amendment (Fair lndexation) Bill 2010.
Our sincere apologies for the delay in this corespondence.
As you would O” “*”r”, Bob is continuing to work with both sides of Parliament to provide
fair, just and equitable indexation of military superannuation pensions.
On 2 June 2011, Bob supported the Federal Member for Fadden, Stuart Robert’s motion
which supported the fairer indexation of military superannuation pensions.
Member for Fadden’s Motion;
(a) Mititary service is unique and comes with inherent risks not applicable to other public
service
Cf jobs;
(b) Australia’s service personnel, past and present, afrer giving so much to their nation,
deserue
to tive out their /ryes in the knowtedge that they have financial securi$; and
(c) Approximately 56,000 retired mititary personnel who are members of the Defence Force
Retirement and Deaths Benefits (DFRDB) scheme and the Defence Forces Retirement
Benefits (DFRB) scheme have their mititary pensions indexed only to movements in the
Consumer Price lndex (CPl); and
(2) Calls on all Members to support the:
(a) concept of the unique nature of military service; and
(b) Coatition’s policy to index the mititary pensions fo members of the DFRDB and DFRB
schemes who are aged 55 and over, to the higher movements in the CPl, Male Total
Average
Weekty Eamings or the Pensioner Beneficiary Living Cosf lndex.
FO Box
The Senate Standing Committee on Finance and Public Administration on the Defence
Force Retirement and Death Benefits Amendment (Fair lndexation) Bill 2010 and related
matters, concluded that the Bill and proposed changes to the indexation of military
superannuation not be passed.
The Committee noted that there are a number of mechanisms whereby military service is
reflected in critical differences between mililary and civilian superannuation schemes. These
included:
higher employer contribution rates and death and disability arangements;
provision of a guaranteed lifetime level of income and indexation to DFRDB
pensioners which are not generally available in the wider community. Additionally,
DFRDB pensions are not affected by downtums in the economy, such as occurred
during the global financial crisis; and
after 20 years service (at any age) a member of the DFRDB is entitled to a
guaranteed lifetime indexed pension set at 35 per cent of superannuation salary.
After 30 years service the member is entitled to a guaranteed lifetime indexed
pension of 51.25 per cent of superannuation salary even if the former member
returns to the workforce.
We also understand that an indexed lifetime pension as part of any remuneration package is
available to only a limited number of Australian employees, mainly members of Australian
Government and State Government defined benefit superannuation schemes that are now
closed. The Matthews review found that in the few circumstances where employees receive
indexed pensions; these are indexed by CPI increases in nearly all cases. lt is our
understanding that very few, schemes index pensions to wage increases.
The Committee also commented that a pers;on’s terms and conditions of ADF service result
in a rate of employer superannuation contribution in respect of the DFRDB that is generous
in comparison to the MSBS, the civilian superannuation schemes and the minimum rate of 9
per cent required under the Superannuation Guarantee arrangements. The employer
contribution rate for the DFRDB is 33.4 per cent of superannuation salary; this is more that
the Commonwealth Superannuation Scheme (21.4 per cent) and significantly more than the
Public Sector Superannuation Accumulation Plan (15.4 per cent). lf the bill is passed, the
employer contribution for the DFRDB would increase to 40.6 per cent of superannuation
Below is the link to the Senate Standing Committee’s report on the Defence Force
Retirement and Death Benefits Amendment (Fair lndexation) Bill 2010.
http://www.aph.oov.au/senate/committee/fapa ctte/defence retirement benefits/reporUrepor
t. pdf
Despite the Fair tndexation Bittfailing to pass in the Senate on 16h June 2011, Bobwill
continue to fight for a Tair go’ for equitable indexation of military superannuation pensions.
I do apologise for Bob not being able to answer your queries directly, or provide you with a
more detailed response.
Once again we thank you for bringing this matter to our attention.
Yippeee Dear BILL ARDEN, back in after getting some basic provisions and back in sickbay, but by Crikey reading your comment is a great morale booster! And I know that KEN MARSH will be thrilled with this back up from you BILL.
ANDREW LEIGH’s minders will already have sent him your comment. Or should have. Thanks for pointing out the ‘misinformation ‘ in ANDREW LEIGH’s response.
BILL, I am still at a loss to understand why the likes of LEIGH and others, including the floundering GILLARD LABOR GOVERNMENT continues to peddle in lies. And surely by now, her own
politicians realise they have been fed a Furphy about DIGGERGATE.
And what has happened to the notion of individual thought and conscience ?
Maybe it’s just me, but I don’t want to believe that our politicians continue to contrive to rip you off. But I see little or no evidence to the contrary.
Please don’t stop Dear BILL or KEN. Our country needs the likes of you!
The member for Fraser, the honorable Andrew Leigh, claims to be ‘very familiar’ with military superannuation arrangements. He also states in relation to the DFRB/DFRDB schemes that ‘They are not based on, nor to they aim to reflect, a members needs in retirement. To change military superannuation arrangements would effectively mean a change to a member’s preretirement conditions of service after the member has retired.’
I refer to ‘A ‘Reasonable and Secure’ Retirement? The benefit design of Commonwealth public sector and defence force unfunded superannuation funds and schemes; Senate Select Committee on Superannuation and Financial Services; April 2001.
http://www.aph.gov.au/senate/committee/superfinan_ctte/completed_inquiries/1999-02/govsuper/report/report.pdf
At the time there was a recommendation from the Joint Select Committee that indexation should be ‘related to average weekly earnings’ as there was concern that the ‘the man in retirement will be able to maintain his position in relation to rising community standards and that he will be able to obtain those increases when they are needed’.
To be fair to the honorable member, this does not address the fact that many of those members on retirement from the service would have obtained other employment. But the fact remains that a man retiring at 55 at the time the DFRDB scheme was introduced may not have been able to obtain alternate employment and therefore would have relied in his DFRDB income as his prime source of income. And the fact that the Select Committee did not mention further employment after discharge makes it clear that that the pension of the retired member in alternate employment was also meant to maintain relativity with ‘rising community standards’ (2.37)
I now quote from 2.40 regarding the Whitlam government’s decision to adopt the CPI indexation method. ‘Announcing the method of adjustment, the Government explained that it was an interim measure to pass on an increase to DFRB pensions, which had not been adjusted since 1971.’ It was also considered appropriate that measures should be consistent with those in the proposed public service scheme.
In its conclusion of the review of military superannuation arrangements, at 2.59, the Select Committee state: ‘The Committee considers that analysis of the legislation arising from these reviews does not discount the view that the government did intend to initiate scheme redesigns that would make the schemes more equitable and would improve the benefits to scheme members, in keeping with community standards. However, given the above, it appears that the government, in making its decision to adopt the CPI as the chosen indexation method (compared to a wage-based index, such as AWE or a rank equivalent) may have expected some long-term containment of the cost of benefits’.
Consistent with the above, I do not see how the member for Fraser can argue that a change in indexation arrangements can be considered to be a ‘change to a member’s preretirement conditions of service after the member has retired.’ As the CPI was seen as an interim measure and that the 2001 Select Committe Review have allowed that they could ‘not discount Whitlam Government did intent to initiate scheme redesigns’, albeit long-term, introducing measures that make the scheme more equitable would bring the scheme more in line with that envisaged by its designers and be more consistent with the conditions of service promised members at the time of their service.
Dear Tess Lawrence, it is I that owe you thanks for your support of the ex-service community in our fight for a fair go. Your comments are appreciated, as are your’s Bill Arden
More on my above comments re the 2001 Select Committee.
It may perhaps be worth noting that time of the review that led to the introduction of the DFRDB Act average wage increases were increasing at twice the rate of CPI (2.37). Back then the CPI was recognised as inadequate. While I cannot remember what pay increases we had back then this fact I have no doubt saw military pay fall further behind community standards and makes it particularly galling that when CPI exceeded average wage increases in 88/89 the Government cut our pensions 2% below the CPI increase.
Excellent research Ken, and your conclusions are irrefutable.
We need to do more to publically expose the lie still being perpetuated by Government that we are somehow asking for a new retirement benefit. We actually had an index that pretty much maintained purchasing power (the CPI before it was tampered with) – and now we don’t! WE WANT WHAT WAS WRONGFULLY TAKEN AWAY FROM US RESTORED. IT’S THAT SIMPLE!
Can you imagine any union in Australia putting up such a travesty of fairness and justice?
Just for interest, here is a part of what Tony Abbott had to say today at the RSL National Congress in Melbourne.
“It has long been to me and my colleagues in the Coalition, verging on the scandalous that defence retirees do not enjoy the same indexation arrangements as other people who have retired. The current Government committed to a fair deal for ex-servicemen and women going into the 2007 election and I have to say that there is much that is good that the current government has done for serving and ex-service personnel. The Minister has given us many examples today of good programmes which the Opposition supports, which this Government has put in place. But it is disappointing that indexation arrangements have not been addressed. The Coalition committed to addressing the indexation arrangements going into the 2010 election. Sadly, we were not able to form a government after that election but we didn’t let that stop us. We brought private members legislation into the parliament for decent indexation for defence force retirees and I regret to say that that legislation was not supported.”
Ray Gibson
Dear KEN MARSH, the more I read about this entire debacle, mired in strange malice and incompetence, the more I feel that the whole CPI index thing should be turfed and a completely new Covenant struck with the Defence Forces.
Perhaps your retirement and death benefits could be inextricably linked to the increases,benefits and superannuation schemes of Federal politicians. Why not ?
Dear RAY GIBSON, well said re Union representation. That’s the thing isn’t it. The Government(s) have Diggers by the proverbials on this one as well! They know you can’t strike! Not that you would. Although, it be great if some of the other unions took up your cause!
Thanks for posting what TONY ABBOTT said – but Crikey, why didn’t the Libs rectify what you
rightly describe as a ‘ travesty of fairness and justice ‘ during their many years in
Government – given that it was the HOWARD Government that initially despatched us to War in Iraq et al.
But you’ve placed his comments on the public record RAY, and as I’ve said, these comments
are now important historically, because of what you and your Brethren have written.
You all show extraordinary courage – and eloquence – in pointing out the futility and barren argument of the GILLARD LABOR GOVERNMENT and its supporters in their mysterious pro-active
campaign against Justice and equity for Diggers, their families and heirs.
Why would they even want to do that RAY ?
Tess, I think you have erred in the description of the current governmentin your last email. You have called it the ‘Gillard Labor’ government. Whenever I write/email the current crowd who purport to be our government, I refer to the goverment as the ‘Green-Labor’ government. Sometimes I slip in the ‘Brown-Gillard’ goverment.
Too cheeky?
Paul
Hi all
This is appropriate in the context at the moment.
One of Maxine’s best!!!!!!!!!
Minorities
We need to show more sympathy for these people.
* They travel miles in the heat.
* They risk their lives crossing the ocean.
* They don’t get paid enough wages.
* They do jobs that others won’t do or are afraid to do.
* They live in crowded conditions among a people who speak a different language.
* They rarely see their families, and they face adversity all day ~ every day.
I’m not talking about illegal boat people ~
I’m talking about our troops! Doesn’t it seem strange that many
Labor and Liberals and Independents are willing to lavish all kinds of social
benefits on illegals, but don’t support our troops, and are even threatening
to defund them?
Please pass this on; this is worth the short time it takes to read it.
Here is my letter to the PM (sent as a contribution to the letter raid. It is posted here somewhat belatedly. Out of courtesy to the Office of PM, I felt it appropriate to delay publishing the letter before I received a reply. Given the time lapse, I doubt that one will be forthcoming.
I feel another letter coming on!
———————————-
The Hon Julia Gillard MP
Prime Minister of Australia
House of Representatives
Parliament House
CANBERRA ACT 2600
Dear Prime Minister,
I am a retired Air Force veteran with over 35 years of service to our Nation. It takes a lot to make me angry these days.
Prime Minister, I want you to know, I am very angry.
I am very angry because I am witnessing the most uncaring and callous misinformation campaign by your Government against my family and the many thousands of other families of retired Defence Force members. This deceptive campaign is being waged for no other purpose than to deny retired Diggers and their families a fair and just return to the indexation of their superannuation pensions that they once had.
More specifically, I refer to Labor’s disgraceful action in rejecting the Fair Indexation Bill in the Senate on 16 June 2011.
As the de-facto Commander-in-Chief of the ADF and holder of highest political office in this Land, I cannot believe that you would knowingly acquiesce to a deliberate misinformation campaign, and I can only surmise that you have been ill-informed by Ministers and their advisers in a most reprehensible way.
The Government misinformation campaign is founded on three lies:
• Firstly, that fair indexation would immediately increase the unfunded liability by $6.2 Billion, and another favourite line by Ministers “The Fair Indexation Bill would have seen the taxpayers of Australia fork out billions and billions of dollars.” Such statements are a blatant misrepresentation of the truth, and pure scaremongering designed to dupe the Parliament and the Australian people into believing that fair indexation is unaffordable. This is the stuff of Mr Tanner’s Black Arts, and nothing more than that.
The reality is that this unfunded liability figure, which is projected 40 years into the future, is based on untested and dubious assumptions. Despite frequent requests from the Ex-Service community, the Government has been unable or unwilling to release the detailed assumptions to public scrutiny. The obvious question is: what is the Government trying to hide?
More importantly, the $6.2 Billion is a lie because we know that from 2020, there will be no cost to the Commonwealth budget for military superannuation, whether fair indexation is introduced or not. That is when the Future Fund is legislated to assume responsibility for all Commonwealth superannuation. It is therefore disingenuous in the extreme to pretend that there will be an ongoing liability out to 2050 and beyond. Using the Government’s own exaggerated short term cash costs projected to 2020, the total unfunded liability is well under $1 Billion. So much for the $6.2 Billion!
• Secondly, Minister Wong and others have stated that the Government would need to find $175 million from the budget over the forward estimates to fund the Fair Indexation Bill – another gross distortion. DoFD has acknowledged that there would be a 30% clawback of the cost, and this would be reflected in annual budgets over the forward estimates with offsetting provisions for increased taxation receipts and reduced social security expenditure.
Using the Government’s own 4 year estimate (also based on untested assumptions) the cost becomes approximately $120 million after clawback, not $175 million. The additional year to year cost averages around $20m per year ($14 million per year after clawback) over the next four years from an annual budget of $300+ Billion per year, which also increases with GDP growth.
As you can see Prime Minister, the truth is a long way removed from the scary billions and billions of dollars mischievously promoted in the misinformation campaign.
• Thirdly, Ministers and other Labor MPs have misled Parliament and the public by declaring that fair indexation would amount to a retrospective upgrade to employment conditions. Prime Minister, the truth is that the Fair Indexation Bill would have begun a long overdue process of restoring conditions of service that existed before the late 1980s. At that time, we had as a condition of employment, a superannuation system with a cost of living index that did maintain real purchasing power. This condition of employment was then deceptively removed through deliberate manipulation of the CPI methodology from a true cost of living index to a measure of inflation. The Australian Bureau of Statistics has categorically stated that the CPI is no longer a measure of the real cost of living.
These are facts, Prime Minister. Your Government may try to ignore these facts, but they remain facts nevertheless.
These facts are also common knowledge within the wider Defence community. Is it any wonder that there is a strong sense of betrayal and outrage at the Government’s actions and continued denial of a just and equitable resolution for fair indexation of our superannuation pensions?
Prime Minister, I call on you to personally intervene in this matter. I have shown that the advice you have received on this issue from Ministers and Government officials is so skewed, it cannot be relied upon. I have also shown that cost is not the problem.
The real issue is a lack of political will to honour the Government’s obligation to those who committed their working lives to the defence of our Nation. If met, it is an obligation that would allow our Diggers and their families to live their retirement with a little respect and dignity. Isn’t that what a fair go is all about?
There is high level of support for fair indexation of military retirement pensions throughout the Defence community. This community comprises not just the members affected, but the hundreds of thousands of others who have served or still serving and their families and friends. There is also a growing awareness and support of the issue among the general public.
The political consequences of this intolerable Labor policy are likely to be severe unless the Government immediately abandons its ill-conceived misinformation campaign, and introduces legislation to provide fair indexation for all military superannuation pensions at the same percentage rate as the Age pension.
Prime Minister, whether or not your Government chooses to take a courageous and ethical stand to restore fair indexation for our retired Diggers is clearly a matter for you and your colleagues. Equally, it is the prerogative of the Defence community to hold your Government accountable for its decision.
It is my strong hope that you will exercise the necessary leadership and resolve to right this wrong.
Yours sincerely,
Ray Gibson, AM
Air Commodore (Retd)
Dear PAUL, so spot on! No Cobber, not cheeky at all!
Ain’t it the truth.
Dear RAY GIBSON, thanks for your service to this country, that is clearly continuing with great and relentless vigour as is evident in your contribution to the Letter Raid campaign.
If only PRIME MINISTER GILLARD was as polite to you in return.
You are also the recipient of an AM as well, and it is pathetic that you have not even got a reply Ray. Not just because of that, because I know you lot are very coy about your Medals and Honours. But you shouldn’t be.
I know I’ve encouraged you all to list these – not because of any poncy notion, or because you are anything other than the First Among Equals. But to show the Government that those of you in Senior Ranks have the courage to still defend your mates.
It’s a sad thing to look around at the more senior and experienced members of Parliament and to see how gutless they are in not stepping forward and defending you.
Keep doing what you do RAY. When I read what you all write, I must say, it makes me try and lift my game.
I’ve said this before, but it keeps getting said, so I’ll keep passing it on. People
tell me they enjoy reading comments ‘ from the Diggers ‘ because it reminds them ( me too )
of an Australian spirit that seems to have been misplaced.
NB: Just because you haven’t got a response from the PM doesn’t mean she hasn’t read your letter Ray.
Wonderful GEORGE MANSFORD, our POET LAUREATE breaks our hearts with this poignant poetic reminder of Some Consequences of War: -
Some Consequences Of War
Asian nations under siege; the news was appalling
Chants of “Reds under the bed” and dominoes falling
Canberra suits rattling swords and bugles calling
Birthday numbers tumbling on a government mat
Youth swapping civvys for greens and slouch hats
Marching off for war games the army does play
Then gang planks are raised as soldiers bid hooray
Streamers linking lovers snap as the ship moves away
Headlines of battles complete with blood and gore
Casualty lists grow; flag draped coffins reach our shore
Protests and burning flags by those who don’t agree
A welcome mat of red paint in our land of the free
Weary veterans fly in at midnight dressed in jungle green
“On your way, keep out of trouble and try not to be seen”
A quick leave, civvy street and back behind a familiar desk
Erasing traumas from yesterday is too big a test
The futility of war can be measured by men no longer there
Mourned by their love ones but few others care
Familiar and scarred sport gear gathers dust in the shed
A uniformed Adonis in wooden frame next to an empty bed
Dreams from yesterday which died in a foreign land
The authors buried with three volleys and a military band
Sweet love tasted but not completely consumed
Disabled veterans never more a normal life to resume
Tomorrow has arrived and new life is born
Innocent young lambs are being prepared to be shorn
Canberra Suits from deep sleep yawn then thump their chests
Many promises to a new flock which must follow the rest
Black print, flashing screens and air waves hint of more war
No different from yesterday’s misery, blood and gore
Who among our youth will serve and draw the short straws
Disabled for life or added to an honour roll for evermore
George Mansford©August 2011
Ray,
What an inspiring (to us) and provoking letter. And that you had the good grace to allow time for a response from the Prime Minister deserves a pat on the back, well done, or in naval parlance ‘Bravo Zulu’.
That you posted the letter on Tess’ website, I assumed that it was ‘fair game’.
In making that assumption, and I hope you don’t mind, I have copied and forwarded your mail to ABC 666 Breakfast program presenter Ross Solly along with other letters/timelines/evidence so that he is briefed for the Friday weekly 1/2 hourly stoush starting at 0830 between our ‘mate’ Senator Kate Lundy and Senator Gary Humphries. I have sent separate emails to Senator Humphries asking him to come onboard with the veterans and I guess Senator Lundy’s minders will be already reading this website anyway.
I hope Ross takes up the challenge. In any event, I hope all our Canberra superannuation veterans (numbering in the tens of thousands I am sure)will make sure they tune in to AM 666 on Friday morning at 0830 to see if the media (“Hunt down a Journo” from our website) will take up our cause.
Best regards
Paul Threlfall
Dear PAUL THRELFALL, Onya for supporting RAY’s fab effort – and how pro-active are you too!!!!!!!
Crikey, you are on the ball and in relation to ABC 666 – I reckon everyone can listen online tomorrow – and do you know if there is talkback ? Either way, it’s a great opportunity to leave/make comments and participate in the public conversation.
You are welcome to post a link to your website PAUL – and post any other links that are helpful to the cause.
Love that term,’Bravo Zulu’ and determined to use it at least three times in conversation today
PAUL.
I wonder if your ‘ mate ‘ SENATOR KATE LUNDY will pick up on it!
Thanks Tess. The talkback telephone number for ABC Canberra Breakfast show is 1300 681 666 and discussion on matters of interest between the Senators starts at about 0830 (after the news). I don’t feel as if I am up to speed on the whole DFRDB argument and would hate to be caught out by Senator Lundy. The number to send a text query is 0467 922 666. I am not guaranteeing that our issue will be discussed tomorrow morning but if enough sms messages are received it may provoke some discussion between Ross Solly and Senators Humphries and Lundy.
Cheers
Paul
Dear Tess
There is no doubt that military superannuants are seen as a minority by this Labor Govewrnment when it comes to winning votes. In this land of multi-culturism that is failing across Europe, people of Anglo Saxon origin will be a minority group by the year 2030. I wonder who will put up their hand to defend Australia then.
If they don’t fix our super soon, the next load of boat people will be military superannuants leaving Australia. That is providing some of the arriving rich boat people give us the money to pay for our passage. They don’t seem to have any problems paying $15-20K per person to arrive in Australia as “refugees”.
John Griffiths
Dear JOHN GRIFFITHS,firstly, thank you so much for your service to this country – and also for your fabulous contribution to the ABC’s 7.30 Victoria report. You did so much for your Brethren and the fair go campaign.
As you will know from what I have written in the past JOHN, that my own personal and professional philosophy is that I believe in a common humanity and a shared human family.
That means all of us. No matter what colour, what creed.
I could not possibly subscribe to the notion that people of ‘ Anglo Saxon ‘ origin somehow have a greater claim, for that reason alone. The colonising of Australia should be a touchstone.
Do you remember when we had the ‘ White Australia ‘ policy ? This, from a foreign country that stole Australia from its black inhabitants and declared it ‘ Terra Nullius.’
I remember interviewing an Aboriginal Elder who told me her father tried several times to enlist in the Australian Army. He was refused. Then finally, he went back to the Army and implored them to take him. The recruitment officer took pity on him and said okay, but he would have to enlist on the basis of being ‘ American Negro ‘ descent. American negroes were apparently acceptable. Aboriginals were not.
And John, have you forgotten those Australians of Italian and ‘ foreign’ descent who were imprisoned and treated like traitors during the War ?
I have close contact with refugees, and asylum seekers of all kind and work with members of the community, regardless of their religion – and regardless if they are atheists, agnostics, whatever.
I can assure you, not all boat people are ‘ rich. ‘
Philosophically, I tend to think we are all refugees of some kind in this world, John.
Some of us run TO. Some of us run FROM.
The great thing about the fair go campaign, is its philosophy ( as I interpret it ) that
Justice should be granted to all, and not at the expense of denying it to others.
As well as. Not instead of.
Love to know what you think about this John.
Dear Tess
It was just meant to be a joke. We wouldn’t have had the Snowy Mountain Scheme without migrants. My son’s fabulous wifes parents are from Macedonian and they are proud Australians. In Vietnam one of our soldiers was of Italian descent and memebers of our unit were having a game of volleyball against some Yanks. He made the statement that he was proud to be playing for Australia. In my time in the service, there were plenty of colleagues who bore European names.
One thing we should always remember however, is that it was Anglo Saxons who laid the cornerstones and did the hard yards up to the start of WW11. THey endured the hardships commencing with the arrival of the first and second fleets. They were the ones who cleared the land. They were the ones who went to two world wars to protect this nation. They esaablished a christian nation, with a sound constitution. Just think. In the USA, you have to be born in that country to become president. If that had applied here, we would never had been stuck with Julia. And we may not have had a Government that would rather make itself look good spending taxpayers dollars on overseas aid, whilst people living in Australia suffer from lack of support.
Tess, soldiers are true patriots, regardless of their ancestry. I’m getting too old to worry about political correctness, when I see the structure that our forefathers created being pulled down brick by brick. I want my grandchildren to have Xmas carols at school. I want my grandchildren to have some religous instruction as part of their school curriculum. I want my local council pool to be open every day to everyone at all times. Any migrant is welcome in this country as long as he/she contributes to its wealth, its ideals and its culture. If they can’t adapt and work to maintain our ideals, than they have chosen the wrong place to live.
I’m a proud Australian who loves my country. I want my descendants to be able to say the same.
John Griffiths
Well done Tess I hope Allostatic Overload gets the same sort of coverage when DVA releases it.
It is not enough that medical veteran research is ONLY JUST now starting to include it in their research studies but the greater community must get over their love affair with PTSD so as to understand the REAL implications chronic stress has for not only veterans but the community at large health both physical and psychiatric, so that REAL and EFFECTIVE treatments can be developed as opposed to the on going circus of the last forty odd years.
Mac
Dear Wonderful JOHN GRIFFITHS, I so get what you are saying. Ain’t it the truth! You Diggers are straight talkers and we don’t get much of that in public life. Hardly ever in politics!
I’m always up for a bit of political incorrectness too, as you well know.
The fab thing is that we do not shirk from having this very public conversation. I actually agree with much of what you say.
I’m usually always up for a party and love many of our multi cultural festivals.
Thank you for bringing up the Snowy Mountain Scheme. I wonder how many younger Australians have even heard about it. What an extraordinary episode that was/is in Australia’s ancient history.
John,I hope you are penning some of your amazing experiences. We need to hear of them. You are part of what Australia is today.
It is so good to hear your views. And very humbling indeed.
Your grandchildren are very lucky possums indeed, to have you as a Grandad. And Australia is very lucky to have you as a Digger and a citizen.
I salute you.
Dear MACSAM,, please, please, please, explain here about ALLOSTATIC OVERLOAD! Don’t wait for the DVA. At least, give us a breakdown of what it is! Let’s talk about it. Get it out there.
Go Mac!
Apologies to all – I gave out incorrect information in my last post. On-air discussion between Senators Humphries and Lundy happens every second Friday. Next discussion will be on Canberra ABC 666 (AM) from 0830-0900 on 30 September. The talkback telephone number for ABC Canberra Breakfast show is 1300 681 666. The number to send a text query is 0467 922 666.
Regards
Paul
Good morning all,
I received the letter below from Australian Greens Senator for South Australia, Senator Penny Wright yesterday and though I would share it with you. (re-typed so others who receive an identical response may ‘cut and paste’ and re-post). Read and enjoy!!!
Quote
Paul Threlfall
(address)
16 September 2011
Dear Mr Threlfall
Thank you for your Letter regarding the indexation of Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefit schemes.
I understand that this is an issue which is particularly important to the Veterans’ community and, as Greens spokesperson for Veterans Affairs, I take your concerns seriously.
You have asked me, specifically, about the role of the Greens in not supporting the Coalition’s bill earlier this year. Please understand if my answer is lengthy but it is a challenging issue and I would like to pay you the courtesy of a detailed response.
The difficulty the Greens had with the Coalition’s bill was that there was a significant cost attached to the proposal but they did not identify a realistic way of paying for it, now and into the future.
As you may be aware, there were a number of inquiries which looked at this issue and recommended a change during the time of the Howard government and the Coalition had various opportunities during the 11 years in government to reform the system. Unfortunately, they waited until they were in opposition to initiate this change. In doing so, they did not propose a responsible means of paying for the change, preferring to make it the government’s problem.
After consideration, the Greens took the view that, without an identified and budgeted means of paying for the change, it was not fiscally responsible to support the legislation, however meritorious its aim. The money has to come from somewhere.
The Greends did point out at the time, and since, that there are many pressing calls on public money. It is of continuing concern to the Greens that one way of helping to pay for these would be a fair (italics) resources super profits tax, as advocated by Treasury, which would see a fitting return for all Australians from our shared mineral resources. There are extremely high profits currently being reaped by some mining companies and these often flow overseas. The tax was proposed for the highest profits from Australian-owned resources and it coule have raised $10 billion per year (italics) to help pay for education, health, infrastructure, fair income support and initiatives such as a change to the indexation of Veterans’ and Commonwealth pensions. Sadly, this income is currently being forgone.
The Greens maintain the position the the current indexation of all Commonwealth superannuation pensions, including Veterans’ pensions, is (italics) unfair as the CPI does not accurately reflect cost of living increases.
And so, where to from here? I have written to the Minister for Veterans Affairs requesting advice as to what can be done in next year’s budget to fund a fairer indexation of defence superannuation pensions. I have also requested detailed costings from Treasury on the proposal to change the indexation arrangements in order to help assess the accuaracy of the projected costs. Upon receipt of this informaton I will determine what further options are available to achieve a fair outcome.
I hope that this helps you to understand the way in which the Greens have approached this difficult issue and our intentions for the future. I will keep up my efforts and I am committed to working with the government to find a way in which this situation can be rectified a a financially responsible manner.
Thanks you again for your correspondence.
Yours sincererly
Senator Penny Wright
Unquote
Dear PAUL,SENATOR PENNY WRIGHT IS SO SENATOR PENNY WONG!
One moment, Senator Penny Wong! You say,
“The difficulty the Greens had with the Coalition’s bill was that there was a significant cost attached to the proposal but they did not identify a realistic way of paying for it, now and into the future.”
Where do you think the money for current indexation for CPI increases comes from?
Do you challenge the annual budget to explain where the money comes from each time the CPI changes?
Since CPI was legislated as the automatic indexation for DFRDB payments in 1976 the CPI has ranged up and down between 0% and 13.6% over 44 adjustments to 2011. Senator, ask yourself, where did the money come from then? Do you mean to say the Greens want to challenge each increase and have it justified?
The objective is supposed to be to protect DFRDB payments from erosion due to cost-of-living increases, as was originally intended in 1976. Any increases in the present claim are merely to seek an adjustment for shortfalls in what should have been the CPI as if it justly represented the cost-of-living.
If the next CPI increase happens to be 1.5% greater where will you get the money? From the coffer, that’s where – it’s in the legislation. Redesign the CPI to represent the true cost-of-living and all our problems will go away!
Increases in the cost-of-living are not the fault of the people; they are the result of bad management by governments. That is REAL fiscally irresponsible behavior!
Well said Bill.
And I would also add that the “significant cost attached to the proposal” is only significant or “unaffordable” if the Senators actually believe the costing rubbish being peddled by DoFD. In this regard, there are two, and only two, possibilities:
either the senators are guilty of neglect in not doing their own due diligence to determine the veracity of the DoFD cost estimates, (particularly when they were provided with alternative costing data), or
if they know the DoFD costings are flawed, they are guilty of misleading Parliament and being complicit in a deliberate agenda to deny Diggers fair indexation in their retirement.
So which is it Senators? Are you guilty of ignorance or deception?
It has to be one or the other!
Ray Gibson
…and a point well made by you too Ray.
Also, please note in my comment, if something appears to be Wong it is probably Wright!
Dear Senator,
Thank you for your letter of 16 September 2011 and for taking the time to respond to my letter concerning fair indexation for Defence Force Retirement and Dearth Benefit schemes.
Just a couple of points though if I may – I’ll keep them short.
a. we aren’t asking for the earth – just that our pensions be indexed fairly like other government pensioners (aged pensions and retired politicians)
b. It’s no good going over old ground about the current opposition’s inaction – we all know that governments of both persuasions in the last 20 years or so have sat on their collective hands and done nothing for retired military personnel and veterans. We want you to get them to take action now before it is of no importance because we will all be 6 foot under and the problem will be dead and buried.
c. We acknowledge that the money has to come from somewhere Senator, but the government can seem to find money from out of thin air to support other failing programs while leaving those who have given military service in the defence of Australia are dying in a ditch for the want of a few extra dollars to maintain a reasonable standard of living. I fail to see how spending millions on leave for fathers to bond with their newborns is more important than fair indexation for ex-service personnel. What rot. I have 7 children and bonded quite well which each of them without any special paid leave from my employer – despite being at sea or on overseas postings with the Royal Australian Navy.
d. with respect, Senator, it’s quite ludicrous that Fair Indexation for DFRDB/DFRB pensioners and others should have to rely on a super profits tax. Why ? The Future’s Fund was established for such eventualities. And it’s only Fair!
e. and lastly Senator, if I were you, I would treat with some scepticism the information and/or advice you get from Treasury and Ministers Snowden and Smith. These were the people that propagated the downright lie that it would cost ‘billions and billions’ to fix our pension indexation issue.
Thank you for your time Senator – if you have time may I ask that one of your research officers visit these websites for further information on our Just A Fair Go Campaign to gauge the passion of veterans and retired military personnel with respect to this issue.
http://www.justafairgo.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=7&Itemid=200.
http://www.independentaustralia.net/2011/politics/exclusive-breaking-news-diggers-versus-the-gillard-government/
Yours sincerely
Paul Threlfall
Dear RAY and BILL. Very deftly done.
My response to the Senator Wright spin sheet.
Ken Marsh
(Address)
25 Sept 2011
Senator P. Wright
The Senate
Parliament House
Canberra, ACT 2600
Dear Senator Wright
Thank you for your letter of 16 Sept 2011 in response to my earlier letters sent to members of your party in relation to the treatment of military superannuants and particularly the Fair Indexation Bill. In your letter you failed to answer my key question: ‘if the ‘Fair Indexation Bill’ is not a workable, if imperfect, solution to an unjust situation, can you tell me what workable solution you propose to fix the mess quickly?’
The following is a cut and paste from my letter to Dr. Brown:
‘Yes, Dr. Brown, the Bill did nothing for those under 55 or members of the current scheme. What it would have done however is arrest the further decline for those older DFRB and DFRDB superannuants who have suffered the greatest erosion of their pensions.
‘You may believe that the best way to address this inequity is to change the indexation arrangement at a time when the nation can afford to apply that universally to all superannuants. If that is the case can you please explain how that is fair to those in my position unless, of course, we are compensated for the losses we have already incurred? To wait any longer is to continue the injustice to those who have suffered the greatest loss under the current scheme.’
You point to the ‘significant cost attached to the proposal’ and the failure to ‘identify a realistic way of paying for it, now or into the future.’ Can you please tell me what the costs of implementing the ‘Fair Indexation Bill’ specifically would have been? I have seen figures brandied about by the government that do not appear in any way to stand up to the scrutiny of the ex-services community. Perhaps when, or if, you get the ‘detailed costings from Treasury’ that you have requested you could make them available to the ex-services community who have tried in vain to have these released. Surely, in the interests of transparency making Treasury’s assumptions available for scrutiny would be the fair and decent thing to do.
I note with some cynicism the recent announcement of the Government regarding the paid maternity leave for fathers, estimated to cost in the vicinity of $200 billion over the next five years – as opposed to the estimated cost of $20 million per annum for the Fair Indexation Bill. As a father I know one thing – you do not bond with your child over a two week period – you bond with your child by giving them your time throughout their childhood and beyond. There are many military Dads – and Mums – who have successfully bonded with their children despite prolonged periods of absence on service to their country. What empirical evidence is there that this proposal will do anything for fathers or children, or is it simply a matter of ‘We’re in a bit of bother with the electorate and we better through a lot more money at them in the hope we can buy their votes?’
Senator, I suggest this latest bit of spin by the Government demonstrates the shallowness of their argument against granting fair indexation to military superannuants, something that could be afforded without increased resource taxes simply by a rearrangement of government priorities.
I look forward Senator to you responding to the specific questions I have raised in this letter.
Your Sincerely
Ken Marsh
G’day all.
Paul Threlfall’s reply from Greens Senator Penny Wright makes for interesting reading and also leaves the greens wide open to deserved criticism, for their lack of research before voting on the Fair Indexation bill.
“I have also requested detailed costings from treasury on the proposal to change indexation arrangements in order to help assess the accuracy of the projected costs” writes Senator (not quite) Wright.
Talk about shutting the gate after the horse has bolted!!
Why in hell didn’t she and the rest of the Greens have the smarts to ask this question BEFORE they voted on this legislation?!! I asked the same question of GreenBob Brown, and the silence from GreenBob has been deafening.
How dumb, ignorant, or just plain uncaring are they, that they could not fully explore the costs before voting on legislation that affects so many who have given so much for so long and received so little in both recognition a and recompence for serving their nation so faithfully? For Christ’s sake wake up you dozy bastards!! Am I angry? You bet! I have run out of patience in telling pollies nicely how upset I am. I think it’s time to stop mincing words. OK, I’ll cool down now.
Cheers, Maurie
You’re excused for getting cranky Maurie. I said a similar thing to the wife at lunch today – ‘I’m going to stop writing to these turkeys (pollies) – they’re just so bloody stupid and lazy. Can’t string a few words together to make a sentence let alone make any good policies’
And then I thought – no bugger ‘em – I’ll keep on their case!
‘Hands to action stations’
Cheers
Paul
Onya KEN MARSH!!!!!
Dear 10SUMPY,MAURIE, checking in latish this evening and think what you’ve written is classic.
So good to have a giggle – as well as be mindful of the sting of truth. Thanks for putting in so much.
Hi All,
Couldn’t resist a comment on Andrew Bolt’s blog this morning with the error in workers required for the NBN introduction from 37,000 reduced to 16,000.
They never seem to get it right!!
“It wouldn’t be the first time this government got their figures wrong!
The proposed cost of implementing fair indexation for the nation’s 60 odd thousand DFRB/DFRDB superannuants is in the billions, with government bean counters refusing to reveal their methodology at how they arrived at the overblown figure!
Independent analysts / numbers people have indicated otherwise with the proposed real figure a fraction of the cost!
Meanwhile defence superannuants remain behind the “8” ball and exist without equity and justice.
Give us another government!!”
Michael
Michael of Warnbro WA (Reply)
Mon 26 Sep 11 (08:08am)
Dear MICHAEL. Well bowled!
Good morning all,
I have just been advised by a well placed source that the Fair Indexation issue may well be raised on Friday 30 Sep between 0830 and 0900 when Senators Gary Humphries and Kate Lundy clash on the Canberra ABC 666 breakfast show.
I would suggest our Canberra folk tune in to AM 666 and the rest listen on the internet. Hope it gets raised. Those who have a proven track record on radio interview about this issue might like to consider phoning the talkback line 1300 681 666.
Cheers
Paul
Dear PAUL, this is good news indeed. You are doing a wonderful job and seeing how you all care and support one another is very moving and very inspiring.
Here’s a lateral thought to pass on to the Legislators:
The CPI has been hard-wired into the DFRDB Act 1973 as a measure of the cost-of-living index (not inflation index) to be used for indexation increases of payments. This is probably the case for a lot of other legislation as well. Here is the thought:-
Why not develop a NEW index for inflation and leave (re-define) the CPI as a true cost-of-living measure rather than invent all these other excuse Indexes such as PBLCI?
This way all the old legislation still stands as intended and there would be no need for heaps of parliamentary amendment legislation or new indexes other than one for measuring Inflation (cost saving = fiscal responsibility!).
What’s more, ALL commonwealth superannuates could then have their pensions/superannuation indexed for the same (real) cost-of-living.
PS Tess, it’s good to see you didn’t have a wasted youth in a Pool hall – an ‘8 ball’ is the black one on the snooker table, not the bowling green
Okay cheeky BILL ARDEN, LBW. I think I may have been thinking cricket!
Well caught!
As requested Tess, below is the text of an email we circulated with the latest ADSO Flyer that graphically demonstrates how far behind military super pensions have fallen relative to others in the community. Hopefully, most readers would have seen the WHY flyer by now, but if not, they can find it http://www.standto.org.
Ray Gibson
——————————————-
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR ALL AUSTRALIANS
WHY DOES THE GOVERNMENT LEAVE SOME EX-MILITARY FAMILIES OUT IN THE COLD?
Minister Snowdon, in announcing increases to some veterans’ pensions, said:
320,000 veterans, partners and war widows and widowers will now receive increased pensions and income support payments from 20 September 2011.
“The indexation reforms introduced by this Government have delivered a fairer pension system for our veteran community and will help them to meet the increasing costs of living,” he said.
What a strange world Minister Snowdon lives in!
The announced increases are welcomed, but they will do nothing to help more than 57,000 military superannuation pensioners, most of whom are on pensions lower than those who will receive the announced increases; and all of whom compulsorily paid for their pensions through their military superannuation scheme.
Where is the fairness in that, Minister?
I AM SENDING THIS EMAIL AND FLYER TO YOU BECAUSE WE NEED YOUR HELP!
PLEASE SEE THE ATTACHED FLYER AND SEND IT, ALONG WITH THIS EMAIL TO EVERY AUSTRALIAN IN YOUR ADDRESS BOOK:
* PAST AND PRESENT AUSTRALIAN MILITARY PERSONNEL NEED A FAIR GO.
* THEIR MILITARY SUPERANNUATION PENSION IS NOT FAIRLY INDEXED TO RETAIN PURCHASING POWER; THE ADJUSTMENTS THEY RECEIVE DO NOT REFLECT THE REAL COST OF LIVING;
* LOOK AT THE ATTACHED FLYER TO SEE WHAT EFFECT THIS HAS HAD IN THE LAST 10 YEARS ON THREE TYPICAL MILITARY FAMILIES;
* NOW LOOK AT THE INCREASE TO POLITICIANS’ SUPER PENSIONS OVER THE SAME PERIOD. IT IS GREAT TO SEE AGE PENSIONERS ARE NOW TREATED FAIRLY – SO WHY DOES THE GOVERNMENT IGNORE OUR SERVICEMEN AND WOMEN?
IT IS A NATIONAL DISGRACE!
THE LABOR PARTY CAME TO POWER IN 2007 WITH A PROMISE TO FIX THIS INJUSTICE. THEY HAVEN’T!
BUT WORSE THAN THAT, ON THE 16 JUNE 2011, THE GOVERNMENT VOTED AGAINST A COALITION BILL THAT WOULD HAVE PROVIDED FAIR INDEXATION FOR MOST RETIRED MILITARY FAMILIES.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
1. CONTACT YOUR LOCAL FEDERAL MP AND TELL HIM THAT YOU WANT A FAIR GO FOR ALL MILITARY SUPERANNUATION PENSIONERS.
2. GO TO http://WWW.STANDTO.ORG AND REGISTER YOUR DETAILS TO STAY INFORMED, VOLUNTEER, OR MAKE A DONATION – IT ALL HELPS.
3. AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, PLEASE KEEP THIS FLYER CIRCULATING – BY EMAIL, BY ADDING TO YOUR FACEBOOK PAGE, AND BY PHYSICALLY PRINTING COPIES AND HANDING THEM TO OTHERS WITHOUT EMAIL.
WE NEED THIS FLYER TO REACH EVERY CORNER OF THE COUNTRY.
THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT.
From the “Fair Go!” Team
Campaign Directors: Ted Chitham tchitham@bigpond.com
Ray Gibson storyweaver@internode.on.net
Campaign National Spokesperson: David Jamison Jamison@bigpond.com
http://www.standto.org
Onya RAY GIBSON and the Fair Go Team, including the hard working TED CHITHAM and DAVID JAMISON – and everyone else who is supporting this campaign in various ways – and morale support is one
of the more important ones!
It’s so heartening to read this. I get such an inspiring personal and professional kick from the way you Diggers call it as you see it – and yet, all the fine detail and irrefutable statistics are here for all the world to see. You have exposed the constant lies of successive Governments.
As a citizen, I am ashamed at what has been done to you in our name.
This comments section – and the continual discourse it contains, is one of the facets Freedom of Speech is really about. I remain indebted to our Managing Editor David Donovan for backing me and you – and the campaign – 200 per cent.
You all know the earlier relunctance of media to even give you a hearing.
But within that same media, good people have also given you a voice and access.
Every contribution helps.
The beaut thing about keeping the campaign open and in the public eye is that, as with this
email you’ve posted here Ray, it is now on the public record.
Minister Snowdon can’t pretend otherwise.
The links are a great help.
You remain a constant inspiration to so many of us.
I salute you and thank you.
Late information just received. Senator Gary Humphries will not be on Canberra ABC 666 tomorrow – he is OS. When I have definite information I will advise. Apologies.
Paul
Dear PAUL, thanks for the heads up – listeners might still be able to bring up the subject in talkback.
Friday, September 30, 2011
Tess, I think you may have exposed a cute cricket simile for the CPI.
There once was an ‘8 ball’ over in cricket, but now there is a 6 ball over.
There once was a CPI that was worth ‘8’ now there is a CPI that is only worth ‘6’!
The different cricket rules prevent fair comparison of bowlers of old with those of today; similarly, one cannot compare the performance of the CPI of old with that of today, under different rules!
Regards – Bill
Dear BILL ARDEN, I love youse all. And now I am thoroughly confused;arguably my
normal state of mind at the moment!
Hi all
I see the pollies are in for a massive pay rise and subsequent huge increase in super pensions. I note that someone has commented on this on Big Pond. Maybe the general public will at last pick up on this and the fight involved in indexation of military super. I also note that the law was changed by the pollies early this year or late last year that the decision of the remuneration tribunal is BINDING, and cannot be changed by the pollies. So much for the excuse from labor that the country cant afford an increase to DFRB/DFRDB SUPER.
What a useless mob of two faced hypocrytes labor and the rest othe pollies are.
Comment was made early in the piece in this forum and debate, that plollies would not back increases. This has proved to be correct.
Dear JOHN SAINSBURY, thanks for pointing this out. These increases expose their hypocrisy and surely strenghtens the resolve of Diggers,families and supporters to fight for justice.
Dear DIGGERS, read what the fab LAURIE OAKES has to say about these increases in today’s Herald Sun – and also JOHN SAINSBURY,did you know that the Defence Force Chief is in for some more moolah too!
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/opinion/pollies-reward-a-gilt-complex/story-fn56baaq-1226154538637
BLACKHAWK DEATHS UPDATE: PRIME MINISTER JULIA GILLARD & DEFENCE MINISTER STEPHEN SMITH – ignored emails from father of dead Commando.
Here’s a link to an article in The Age by David Wroe: –
http://www.theage.com.au/national/gillard-pushes-defence-to-release-blackhawk-report-20111003-1l5e4.html
This the reply I got today from the letter I wrote to Warren Truss back in August took a while.
Dear Mr lhlein,
Thank you for your letter in relation to the indexation of military superannuation pensions.
Many veterans and ex-service personnel have written to me concerned about the current
indexation arrangements of their superannuation pensions to ensure that their retirement
benefits keep pace with higher living costs.
I believe that the unique nature of military service requires afair, equitable and sustainable
military superannuation system. The Liberal and National Parties are committed to real
action to support our veterans and will ensure that those who have served their nation are
properly cared for in their retirement. Australia’s service personnel, after giving so much to
their nation, deserve to live out their lives in the knowledge that they have financial security.
As you are no doubt aware, all retirement schemes are different and there are many areas
where retirement incomes and pension schemes are not equal other than the way in which
benefits are indexed. Many people receive retirement incomes from a number of sources
and therefore share in the benefits and disadvantages of each scheme. For instance, many
former service personnel receive a part age pension in addition to their DFRDB or Military
Superannuation and Benefits Scheme (MBBS) payments. The schemes also have different
contribution rates. Active members of the services contribute about 5.5o/o of their after tax
salary to their superannuation scheme. Some other schemes require much higher
contributions from their members. The standard employer contribution to superannuation
today is 9%, although the Commonwealth contributes about 15.5o/o to the public sector
superannuation scheme. The employer contribution to the DFRDB is about 33o/o and to
MSBS is about 25o/o, The defence force schemes also offer earlier access and some
supplementary benefits not available to other retirees.
The age pension is different in concept from superannuation. There are asset and income
tests restricting access to lower income earners. The present eligibility age is 65 years
(slightly less for women). There are no specific contributions made during the working
career and no flow on benefits to next of kin.
Pension indexation rates also vary and many superannuation schemes rely on fund income
or otherfactors and are not indexed at all. lndeed, during the recent economic downturn,
many retirees experienced declines in their superannuation benefits. Superannuation
arrangements for currently serving military personnel are also likely to have been adversely
affected by these factors.Nonetheless, the Coalition believes that we should seek to improve superannuation benefits
wherever we can. On 27th June 2010 during the election campaign, the Coalition committed
to more beneficial indexation arrangements for DFRDB scheme members aged 55 years
and older. Unfortunately we were unable to form a government after the election, but we
continue to pursue our policy of introducing more generous indexation arrangements for
retired ex-service men and women. The Liberal and National Parties introduced into the
Senate on 18th November 2010 the Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits
Amendment (Fair lndexation) Bill 2010. The Billwas referred to the Senate Finance and
Public Administration Legislation Committee for scrutiny and the Committee’s report
recommended that the Bill should not be passed. However, the Coalition Senators on the
Committee delivered a Dissenting Report. Unfortunately, the Billwas defeated in the Senate
when the Labor Government, the Greens and Senator Xenophon voted against the Bill. This
leaves veterans to face rising living costs without adequate increases to their DFRDB and
DFRB pensions.
You are assured that the Coalition will continue to pursue fairer indexation to military
superannuation pensions.
Thank you again for taking the time to bring your concerns to my attention.
Suite RG
Dear BOB IHLEIN,thanks for posting this response from WARREN TRUSS and note that he acknowledges that he has received ‘ many ‘ such letters from Diggers.
Never doubt that your letters to pollies have a profound influence. Or that placing them – and your views on the public record here – and on other websites – are ignored.
Given the reality that you have been betrayed and demeaned by successive Governments for decades, you are only too familiar with false promises and assurances made solely in attempts to woo your votes.
Justice for you is well overdue and it is clear to all that you are determined to continue this fight with vigour and energy. Truly, this has confounded many who thought the campaign for a fair go would dissipate within a few weeks.
How wrong they are.
Onya BOB, you and your Brethren are a great inspiration.
IMPORTANT VIETNAM/ALL DIGGERS UPDATE: Just to let all know that author Frank Walker has just been interveiwed by the fab James Carleton on Radio National Breakfast, about his book ‘ The Ghost Platoon. ‘
Remember, both the Defence Department and successive Governments, individual Politicians and civil servants, warped historians – and others – all participated in a cover up to deny the existence of the Platoon.
Sound familiar ?
DIGGERS MEDIA ALERT.’THE LOST PLATOON’
FRANK WALKER’s interview with RA’s JAMES CARLETON.Here’s a link to this extraordinary story that has been covered up for decades. It is compelling listening.
http://mpegmedia.abc.net.au/rn/podcast/2011/10/bst_20111006_0818.mp3
Engineer Burials a common practise? Never in my two years of front line in Nam, first time I ever heard of it was from Don Tate.
Mac
Dear MACSAM, was ‘ The Ghost Platoon ‘ something that was well known amongst Vets?
Mmmmm A very interesting interview. Many men that have been vilified by others are vindicated.
Oh the stories the walls can tell.
Dear TRIBOB, that’s why it is always important to keep trying to get the truth out there.
I should imagine it has been a lonely and hard journey through the years for those men
involved.
If I remember right, I think that when JAMES asks him a question about what lesson is learned from this, FRANK says ” TRUST YOUR MEN! ”
I found it very moving and distressing,also to once again be confronted with the reality that
our Government(s) so readily lie to us. And that the Defence and other departments will readily
collude with them.
This page of our history can never be torn out, now.
Yes it happened leave it at that.
Bob
Dear BOB IHLEIN, you are a much respected presence and voice within the Defence Force Family – and I am in awe of what you and your Cobbers do and I share their opinion of you.
I admit I do not know the full story of ‘The Ghost Platoon’ but if there has indeed been a cover up,as author FRANK WALKER mentioned in the ABC interview, I would love to know why you wrote ‘ Yes it happened leave it at that ‘especially, as I understand it, some of those
involved are keen for the secrecy and denials to stop.
Love to know your thoughts.
There are some posts on 24-25 Sep that cover a letter from Senator Penny Wright and responses from Paul, Bill, Ken and others. Just to complete the record, below is the text of a response to Senator Wright from David Jamison, President of DFWA, and Natioal ADSO spokesman:
Dear Senator Wright,
I read your reply to “Gary” with a great deal of interest. As you are aware we asked for the support of the Greens for fair indexation of all military superannuation pensions prior to the last election. In your replies and policy statements we were gratified to be informed that the Greens supported fair indexation for all Military and Commonwealth superannuation schemes providing pension payments. A simple enough proposition but one you now refer to as challenging.
You state the difficulty the Greens had with the Fair Indexation Bill was that there was a significant cost attached to the proposal but the Coalition did not identify a realistic way of paying for it, now and into the future. From my perspective that is not entirely correct in that the cost by any measure is modest and is in line with the costings we have calculated and which have not been seriously challenged by Department of Finance & Deregulation(DOFD) even though that department insists on distributing inflated but fictitious figures based on accrual accounting conventions that are irrelevant to the Commonwealth budget and financial accounting system (and incidentally not used in promoting any other government program).
Your linking of the funding source to a fair resources super profits tax then using this as a reason to oppose the bill while not attempting to negotiate other possible funding sources smacks of a political stunt which we in the ex-service community find offensive. We resent our legitimate measures being dragged into partisan party politics as it demeans the work of our ADF men and women.
If you had a serious concern to further your policy in this area but were concerned about the cost, then the Senate Finance and Public Administration Committee inquiry into the Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits Amendment (Fair Indexation) Bill 2010 was the ideal opportunity for this aspect to be analysed in detail. It was not and you acquiesced to a superficial exercise that was all window dressing and no substance.
You ask, where to from here?
Firstly on costings; you have again gone to DOFD who I predict will regurgitate their inflated figures that you and your fellow Senators and Parliamentarians continually fail to scrutinise even superficially let alone the assumptions and actuarial calculations behind them. Just a crude check based on departmental program statements and using the percentage differential between the CPI and the figure used to index age and service pensions will reveal the yawning gulf between the fiction of “billions & billions” and the actual cost to implement. And then there can be an analysis of the capacity of the future Fund to meet the additional liability.
Secondly let me suggest you have the opportunity during the coming budget process to exercise your political skills with your colleagues in the House of Representatives to negotiate a positive outcome on fair indexation that you promise but have so far failed to fulfil.
The issue is both one of fairness and equity as well as the meeting of a commitment made to every service man and woman when they sign up; that in receiving a military superannuation pension, its relative value would be preserved not eroded over time forcing them into the social welfare safety net.
In this present parliament you have the power and ability to right this wrong. What will you do?
David
David K Jamison. AM
National President
Defence Force Welfare Association
—————————————–
And here is the comment I posted on her letter:
Hmmm…! Now let me see if I understand this correctly.
In Senator Wright’s own words, she and her fellow Greens couldn’t support the FIB because “there was a significant cost attached to the proposal” and it was on this basis, that they voted against the Bill.
And after voting against the Bill because of its significant cost, Senator Wright THEN decides to request “detailed costings from Treasury on the proposals to change the indexation arrangements in order to help assess the accuracy of the projected costs.”
Excuse Me!! Can anyone else see something wrong with this picture?
Surely if the Senator had concerns about the cost estimates provided, those issues should have been addressed before the Vote , not after. I suggest this amounts to an admission of dereliction in her duties as a representative of the Parliament.
I never cease being amazed at the lack of ethical behaviour in that place!
Ray Gibson
For information, we have just released retired AVM Peter Criss’s second video “Fair Go!” in a series of video clips for the Fair Go Campaign. A new one will be released each week. Follow the series and please add your comments. You can view it here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t4aWJ_ghsF4&feature=channel_video_title
Most importantly, to help support the campaign, please pass the link on to your own social networks, including friends and family and all of your other contacts, both military and civilian, and add the link to your facebook page if you have one. In this way, you will be helping to “protect the protectors”
From the “Fair Go!” Team
Campaign Directors: Ted Chitham & Ray Gibson
Dear RAY GIBSON, thanks for posting DAVID JAMISON’s fine letter to SENATOR PENNY WRIGHT.
All of us can see that yet again, DAVID JAMISON AM, NATIONAL PRESIDENT OF THE DEFENCE FORCE WELFARE ASSOCIATION, has jumped to your defence and exposed the fallacies and continual lies
that are shamelessly pedalled by these political cabals.
They continue to beat the same broken drum.
Do they they think you are idiots or what ?
Or do they think that if they keep repeating lies that they will transmogrify into the Truth ?
Thanks DAVID JAMISON for not letting them get away with it – and for standing up for your
Brethren. You are an inspiration.
Dear RAY GIBSON and TED CHITHAM,FAIR GO CAMPAIGN DIRECTORS.
You are so right. It is important to ‘Protect the Protectors.’
Thanks for posting the link to the video by Retired Air Vice Marshal PETER CRISS.
Sharing all of this amongst our own networks is critical to exposing the injustice – and so
that fellow Australians become more aware of the disgraceful things that have been – and continue to be done – to Diggers and their families in our name by successive governments.
We must never tire of speaking up and telling the truth. And we must support one another when and how we can.
Ref “Dear MACSAM, was ‘ The Ghost Platoon ‘ something that was well known amongst Vets?” Not really but it was only small potatoes when compared to the 1st MAT, 2nd D&E went for a few weeks the MAT was several years and encompassed every discrepancy of the D&E and a great deal more, which showed how endemic these corrupt practises of command were, where almost entire tours were spent in career limbo, while command routinely denied any form of recognition despite the fact they were left out in the boonies as long term targets while those who denied them laid back in the comfort and protection of Nui Dat.
Mac
Tess
The Engineer Burials was what I was talking about not the Ghost Platoon.
Bob
Dear MACSAM, thanks for the explanation and I get the general drift, but for we
‘civvies’ can you explain some of the terms you use. It’s second nature to you all, I know.
So glad this is getting an airing here. Onya MACSAM.
Dear BOB IHLEIN,thanks for your patience in explaining.
The more I contemplate the horrors endured by all in wars, the more I am disgusted with the way our governments continue to treat you in Australia’s name.
What does it really Mean
Put in simple terms what is erroneously called PTSD is in fact two distinctly different conditions treated as being the same. Sadly neither has ever been really medically researched despite it being called for after Holocaust and North Sea Convoy Crews were investigated in the wash up of the Second World War.
The essential difference between the two is one is event type trauma which the body by and large is programmed to deal with via the fight flight process, where as the other is long term chronic stress which the body is not programmed to deal with due to the fact many of the chemicals produced by the body can have damaging affects if applied over a long period. The first can have psychological implications, where as the second has biological implications. How they can be classed as the same is beyond rational belief, but they are. As they are not the same I call Event Trauma PTSD and Chronic Stress as Allostatic Load a model developed by Professor Bruce S McEwen of Rockefeller University.
PTSD as stated deals with an event (violence, catastrophe etc) the body in its flight or fight process is designed to deal with such events in a short term way and upon normalisation will return to normal with the memory imbedded in case of a recurrence. Some however can’t return to normal and resort to all sorts of strategies to find mental relief and need psychiatric care. It can be manifested in many ways personal, associative (family group profession lifestyle ect), but they all have one thing in common they are psychological conditions whether they be endured, taken on board, cultural (police emergency services military) or outright pretence to name a few. It is important to note at this stage most can be successfully treated. If however they are left untreated and the stressor carries on unabated there is a possibility that they will develop Allostatic Load and all the treatment in the world will only change the condition NOT cure that aspect of the condition.
One of the interesting things about “some” event stressors is the fact they are not stressors at all per sae, they are an actual relief from stress and are only made stressors by currant treatment processes having the individual go over the ACTUAL EVENT over and over again. This happens on a regular basis around the world and is used as a basis for settling claims for PTSD of military people in particular. The event itself was not the stressor; it was the days, weeks, months of fear and tension prior to the event which is the stressor NOT the event itself. This happens mainly with combat veterans on the other side of the coin I have seen nurses in a field hospital wince at the sound of gunfire and explosions. So for them the resulting event can be very traumatic having to try and piece together the mangled flesh and bone that may well be the result of those sounds. So it is horses for courses and each must be treated on there merits so people may well have issues with events also in those circumstances.
Allostatic Load is a result of the over extension of the biological auto defence mechanism, which damages? / changes the biological system and because of that THERE ARE BIOLOGICAL MARKERS. It is a result of the HPA Axis being taken beyond its design capacities in simplistic terms and the resulting cascade of bodily created chemicals which are only meant for short term use affecting genes/cells/proteins/telomeres ect, how and to what degree science does not know, because as they all say it needs to be researched but the funds are never forth coming to do so despite the obvious importance, it seems like nobody wants to go there because they are frightened of what the results will be.
The reason I mentioned telomeres is the fact it is one of the researched conditions that is proof of the previous statement i.e. Elizabeth Blackburn of Nobel Prize for Medicine fame has proved just that and it should be stated that was based on low level stress not the extreme stressors referred to here.
We don’t know what Allostatis is actually doing it may well be creating illnesses, what we do know that those who have this condition will age faster; their illnesses are very aggressive some will display the accepted PTSD but not all and are in many cases not receptive to normal treatments. So it is probably the most important research needed to be done in the world because it affects everybody. It is so all encompassing of the biological system, there needs to be a bipartisan relationship across ALL the specialities to have even a glimpse of what Allostatis does.
The Allostatic Load Model is a process that needs to be researched and addressed Allostatic Overload is a result of that process that needs correct treatments when it is understood what Allostatis does to the human bio system and how best to treat it without having adverse affects on the rest of the system.
For all those Waries out there NO you do not have to be a combat veteran and yes there are very clear reasons why the condition increased after the American led Vietnam experience as well as for the Russians in Afghanistan. And the current state of affairs in recent wars are a natural extension of that, so I would suggest if you don’t know the facts find out before making ill-informed comments.
And that is what the Australian Federal Government funded Paper Research is about, it is gathering the evidence that proves that Medical Research needs to be done on what chronic stress does to the bio system via the HPA Axis, being conducted by the Centre of Military Veterans Health at the Medical School University of Queensland.
So next time you make assumptions about PTSD or any of the other stress related conditions , think again because science is only just on the edge of it, so making comments about something you have NO idea about is unhelpful. If you really want to help push for the not done medical research, you won’t lose your pension and you will do what you always say you want to do; help those who come after.
PTSD is just a “side issue” of a much larger problem that is killing and destroying lives at a far greater rate then suicide, so forget the opinions that focus on PTSD? to the exclusion of all else because they are based on talk and opinions focus on scientific facts for a change.
If there are any questions I can answer I will if not I will run them by the professionals in the group who were instrumental in getting the research paper up., I can be contacted through my Website http://www.allostaticoverload.com/
Syd McLeod
Dear MACSAM,thanks so much for bringing up this important discussion that the authorities
want supressed. This is astonishing. I for one want to know more and encourage you to place
all you can on the public record here.
I know you have spent years of endeavour on this. We ought not to be frightened of debate and
discussion, even vigorous argument,even vigorous disagreement.
You have the right for your voice to be heard.
In regard to the above, no I am not frightened of debate, but you will find generally your readers don’t want to know about this. They don’t want to accept that their lover PTSD is a fraud that overshadows other very real life destroying problems.
It is the psyche industry that has been holding this back, it would seem vested interest is far more important then peoples health.
I have been portrayed as an idiot, threatened with lawsuits, ignored and put down because I don’t have a degree that says I have been educated into ignorance by some deluded institution, all of that means nothing now that I have been proved right.
The process is now underway in research establihments and the DVA Paper will give it even further exposure, so now is the time to sit back and see how it all plays out.
It should be realised I will probably be dead by the time the realise the full implications as I know them, but I am now happy they are now FINALLY on a path of discovery that will change the world in its view of biology and psyche practises, that will ultimately address veteran problems insted of just feeding off them.
Syd McLeod
Dear MACSAM, I can’t presume to know precisely what Independent Australia’s readers want to know about this, but one thing that I do know is that our readers appear to be energetically curious about Life and, in fact, enjoy hearing differing opinions and like to get stuck into public debates and vigorous argument. Look at the evidence for this contained in the hundreds of contributions in the comments section of this story ‘ Diggers Versus The Gillard Government.’
Many of the comments, like yours here, are courageous and personalised, in the sense that the writers have been unafraid to reveal part of their own Life Stories, so we can all share that
knowledge and better understand the Fair Go fight for Justice, Equity and Parity.
SYD, you have the opportunity here,to place in the public domain, more of your work and reports. I urge you to do that without denigrating those of your Brethren who have been diagnosed with PTSD. Like those of your Brethren diagnosed with the after effects of Agent Orange, so many Diggers and family members have a hard time trying to establish and justify
their deteriorating mental and physical health with the Government and other organisations.
I urge you to consider an ‘ as well as ‘ approach, rather than an ‘ instead of ‘ approach.
You can help us better understand your research, by writing about it.
I sense your understandable hurt and frustration at being marginalised.
Like you and STEVE JOBS and millions of people, I do not have a Degree,although I have taught and worked for Universities and Institutions. Medicine and Science both have thousands of inventions and breakthroughs made by ‘ degreeless ‘ people! Surely, all should go into the greater good mix.
It is great news to read your comment that research is underway, by institutions as well.
Is there any reason why you cannot post here your own research and findings SYD? Even if it
contains preliminary findings – a discussion paper ?
I know you have devoted much of your life and energy into your research, and who knows SYD,
you might find yourself the recipient of the Nobel Prize one day!
NB: Dear SYD, I urge you all to read the famous STEVE JOBS STANFORD ADDRESS and
watch the Video that Independent Australia has just posted online, courtesy of STANFORD UNIVERSITY. It is soooooooooo inspirational!
You make well reasoned points but I have endured a long long history of veteran lack of interest and outright rejection of what I have been doing all these years, so please don’t take me to task for stating a known fact.
Once the paper comes out I am committed to writing a report on it after that I will only work on what is generated and requested of me.
Syd McLeod
As for inspiration I have been going on my own against the odds peers science and governments for over thirty odd years, I don’t think I need anymore then that at my time in life. Imagine what I could have done with only a hunderdth of the encouragement Jobs had! I had to battle on with zero.
Dear MACSAM,no way was I taking you to task Sir in our discourse, far from it, I am in awe of your effort and passion and understand from what you’ve said that you’ve had to slog on through the years with little or no support in your pioneering work.
I for one, look forward to reading your report and I certainly hope that your work will be formally accredited.
Onya SYD MCLEOD!
Minefields and Miniskirts
Syd’s passionate and persistent efforts on our behalf are indeed commendable. I would not attempt to offer opinion on his work as the subject is way out of my league. However, I looked at his website and noted mention of one Del Heuke. I ‘Googled’ the name and found a mention for ‘Del Heuke, a former RAAF nurse in Vietnam’ in an article titled ‘Minefields and Miniskirts: the perils and pleasures of adapting oral history for the stage’.
I downloaded the PDF article. It gives graphic true exposure to the ‘demons’ the wives, families and women associated with VVets and Vietnam, and any War Service for that matter, had to cope with. This emphasises that it is not only the ex-service members but a much wider community that needs a ‘Fair Go’.
I don’t know how to post a PDF to this page but a download link to the PDF article is here. It is well worth a read:
http://ro.uow.edu.au/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1029&context=creartspapers
PS: Group Captain Graeme T Killer, AO (RAAF Retd.) Dr Killer was at 3 RAAF Hospital RAAF Laverton in my days. I think he is well qualified to comment, hopefully to Syd’s satisfaction.
Dr Graeme Killer AO
M.Sc., M.B.B.S., Dip Av Med., D.I.H., F.A.F.O.E.M., F.A.F.P.H.M., A.R.A.C.M.A
Principal Medical Adviser
Dr Graeme Killer is the Principal Medical Adviser to the Repatriation Commission. He trained as an Occupational Physician and served for 23 years in the Royal Australia Airforce (RAAF) including overseas postings to Malaysia and the United Kingdom. He served in Malaysia during the Vietnam War and was involved in aeromedical evacuation. On his retirement from full-time Defence service in 1990, he was Director of Environment Health for the Australian Defence Force (ADF). He has been Principal Medical Adviser to the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) since 1991 and has taken a leading role in departmental initiatives in the quality use of medicines. He is a Member of the Repatriation Pharmaceutical Reference Committee (RPRC), Chairman of the Editorial Committee and Consumer Reference Group for the Veterans Medicines Advice and Therapeutic Education Services (MATES) Program. He pioneered the introduction of care planning and preventive annual health assessments for older Australians and initiated the Health Links Program between the Departments of Defence and Veterans’ Affairs. He has extensive health care interests including occupational and public health and aged care. He maintains part-time clinical practice and has been personal physician to Prime Ministers Keating, Howard and Rudd and has a similar role with Government House, Canberra. He was made an Officer of the Order of Australia in 1999 for his service to the veteran community.
Dear BILL ARDEN, you are a Darling, thanks so much for posting this. It helps such a lot. I believe SYD’s heart and brain are in the right place. Like you, this stuff is out of my league, although I have a personal and professional interest: like many of you Diggers and your families.
I know that so often ‘ the system ‘ ends up appropriating the works of hard working citizens.
I don’t want to see this happen in Syd’s case – or anyone else’s case for that matter.
BILL, you are so respected by the Digger community. So I hope SYD reads this and takes heart.
Apart from that, crikey, this is fascinating, what you’ve written!
I don’t know Bill but I thank him for his comments, seeing as how two of the people involved have been mentioned I feel a the open letter I sent to the RSL presidents might be in order. Only the National and Tasmanian Presidents responded.
Please take note of what is said about DelHeuke.
Dear Sirs my name is Syd McLeod you probably have not heard of me but if you had been doing your job you would have.
For years I with an elite group have been advocating that the real cause of veteran health problems Allostatic Overload be researched and addressed so suffers get real relief for their multiple problems.
This breakthrough also has huge implications for the community at large just not veterans.
That such an elite group advocating that Allostatic Load/ Overload be finally looked into was an issue that could no longer be ignored, so with authority from Alan Griffin the then Minister for DVA, Dr Graeme Killer guided a research funding package through the Department which resulted in the Centre of Military Veterans Health at the University of Queensland doing a Paper Search to bring all the threads together in a form that would show the past neglect of the subject amounted to gross negligence of the most serious cause of human ill health both physical and psychiatric.
As it stands the Paper is soon to be released by DVA but other measures to assess this problem have been put in place at the University of Adelaide under Professor Sandy McFarlane (one of our original group) and at the University of Queensland under Professor Annette Dobson with participation from CMVH’s Assoc Professor Peter Nasveld (another of the original group) Director Professor Peter Warfe CSC and Associate Professor Susan Treloar Head of the University of Queensland node of the Centre for Military and Veterans’ Health.
It should also be noted that the Americans have just released hundreds of millions of dollars directed to this area of veterans health but foolishly are using a couple of results of Allostatic Overload i.e. PTSD and TBI as a starting point due to the strangle hold of psyches on the subject in that country. But as Bruce McEwen says they must eventually come back to the real cause as manifested from chronic stress through the HPA Axis process and they are now at least starting to recognize the real problem.
So all in all Australia is the leader of this research as Sandy McFarlane is currently using the Allostatic Load Model as part of current military research, despite a more pro active blood sample testing needing to be done.
I can quite safely say and I should know as I put this team together and did ALL the serious negotiating that we would not have achieved what we have without the participation, sponsorship and support of the world renowned Bruce S McEwen Ph.D., Alfred E. Mirsky Professor Harold and Margaret Milliken Hatch Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology The Rockefeller University.
Another who requires serious mention is Del Heuke an ex RAAF nurse who endured those tortuous CAS evac flights from Vietnam who ensured our wounded were brought safely home. This lady was another key element in bringing this all together who not only being a Veteran Advocate has such a clear understanding of the subject is currently giving talks to Veteran groups awaking audiences to the seriousness and dramatic implications of Allostatic Overload and you could all well do by making use of this Lady’s talents to inform the many misinformed you represent in your assigned dominions. And don’t forget to pay her she is worth it.
Dr Rod Bain Vice President NSW RSL a group member who is another key element who finally got Alan Griffin to listen to me seriously.
Another tireless worker in the group is Ken O’Brien – Chief Executive Officer, Principal Family Practitioner Senior Research Officer (and Founder of the Children & Grandchildren of Vietnam Veterans Network).
So here is the point this has all been happening at grass roots level and where are the RSL or any of the other ESO’s for that matter and or their executives, except for Rod Bain nowhere to be seen in supporting informing or anything else.
So gentlemen wake up forget your dynasty aspirations and start doing the job you self elected yourselves for or get the hell out of the way of real progress.
Sydney A McLeod
Dear MACSAM,it was beaut of BILL ARDEN to write what he did – and it’s beaut of you to post this letter that your wrote to the RSL Presidents.
This sort of transparency and open debate is our right – but so often we are cowered and bullied by others in authority and in more powerful positions than ourselves.
The safest place for your work SYD, is in the public domain. Take heart from what BILL did
after he read your earlier comment. He not only commended your work, but wanted to find out more!
As well, he gave us all more information.
I find this community sharing of information quite breathtaking. In reality you are all
‘citizen journalists.’
This email received yesterday and I have the author’s approval to reproduce it here.
Quote
The below is an open letter to Tony and Julia from a concerned citizen.
To Julia Gillard & Tony Abbott …
You BOTH Worry me ! ( In fact both of your Political parties worry the hell out of me !!!)
Over the last three years, I find myself becoming more and more fearful of the pair of you, and between you, you are turning this country into a place that I no longer feel at home in, or feel a part of! I watch you in parliament, and no, not just the two of you, but every politician that I see, stand up in parliament sneering at each other, and acting like children !!! (..and if you were my children, I would be ashamed of you all … what an example to set!)
Although you would like us all to believe that you are putting the needs of this country at the forefront, NEITHER of you are doing that, you seem more interested in “one-up-manship “, in scoring off each other, & denigrating each other, to the detriment of this country & its people !!!
It seems to be all about YOU as individuals, and not about what you can DO for this country !
It is fast becoming a place that I do not recognize, as the place I always thought, was the best place in the world to be !!!
But no longer !!!
You are not listening to the people of this country !!!
And here in South Australia, your counterparts are afflicted with the same disease – is it endemic in all politicians ?
I am watching the deterioration of living standards in this country, (and according to you, on a world stage we are doing better than most countries … REALLY ???) … and yet the gap is widening between the “haves” and the “have-nots” . I see our homeless on the streets, our hospitals under-funded, and understaffed, our health system is an absolute mess and a disgrace … and yet I see multi-millions of dollars being sent off shore, in aid to other countries, before attending to this country’s needs !
I see the “selling off of the farm”, in large amounts, to foreign interests, (In Every State ) including water rights to foreign interests too …. and WHY…?
Especially when you go to great lengths to tell us that water is a finite resource, & supposedly, we must ALL be careful with how we use it, so that we ensure we have it for the future ?
Foreign interests “Fracking” for coal seam gas, and riding rough shod over farmers’ rights to their own land, AND USING QUESTIONABLE CHEMICALS. (You don’t even KNOW what chemicals they use), and possibly causing damage to the water table in the process !!!
And those foreign interests I believe, do NOT have to pay anything in royalties back to this country, for the first five years of their tenure … IS THIS CORRECT ???
A Carbon Tax,( which you KNOW is just another tax with a “Starting Point dollar value”) which will make NO appreciable difference, to carbon emissions, AT ALL!
A tax, which in spite of all your arguments FOR it, you are doing alone, when other major countries will NOT & DO NOT embrace it, or believe in it !
All that it will do for this country is put working families and small businesses behind the eight ball, …..what planet are you on, if you think that your few hundred dollars a year, will make even a scrap of difference to the effect of the carbon tax on people ?Blind Freddy can see the holes in that argument !!! Do you really think we are that dumb ???
The CONVOY OF NO CONFIDENCE was real !!! …and I haven’t spoken to even ONE person, who would not have liked to be there if they could, but the tyranny of distance and /or work was the only thing that kept them away, ( myself included ), … and you KNOW that only a part of the convoy was actually allowed to be in front of Parliament house and ON VIEW … the rest were streets away, unreported by the media !
For Mr Albanese to stand up in parliament, and call it “THE CONVOY OF NO CONSEQUENCE “, in his sneering tone, shows just how out of touch with the people of Australia , you really are !!!! WE WOULD HAVE ALL LIKED TO BE THERE !!!
DEFENCE ……. Because Americans are our Allies, and we support them in Wars, ………Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan, …. and you have sent our soldiers to those places, and our soldiers fought for you, and for Australia ……. some coming home with terrible physical injuries, and some with devastating Mental Injuries as well ….. BUT WHERE ARE YOU, WHEN THEY NEED YOU ?????
Veteran’s Indexation to CPI only is a disgrace … and is something YOUR Labor party Julia, used as an election sweetener, to get the Veteran’s Vote … BUT YOU LIED (Again) ! You never had any intention of honouring your election promise to them … and it WILL come back to bite you at the next election !!!! (And Tony, Liberals were NO BETTER, Howard had more than 10 years to “fix it ” and didn’t !)
Veterans are not alone, they have families, friends and supporters, who are heartily sick of the deception your party perpetrated on them ….AND THEY ALL VOTE !!!!
THEY are your obligation, first and foremost ….. and it is not your first obligation to give aid to every man and his dog overseas first !!! Look after your own FIRST !!!! Is this what you call SALUTING THEIR SERVICE ???
Have you any idea , how sickening it is for our Vets to see you both, ( Labor or Liberal ) turn up to the funerals of our current young vets for a photo opportunity, to be seen to be “caring ” in the public eye, but only to turn your backs on them all, when they need you ??? (Just ask Breanna Till an Afghanistan Soldier’s wife, how CARING this government is !!!)
And in light of what you DON’T do for our Vets ……Let’s talk about Multiculturalism ……People have come here from other countries, for a better life, for more years than I have been alive ( I am 65 years old !) … my own family migrated here in 1883, from Germany, and did find a better life …
Pre & Post war immigrants have came for a better life, and settled in and became wonderful contributors to this country, as did those who came here after the Vietnam War, … all have contributed to the rich diversity of this country, and some descendants have even fought FOR this country, and they have become Australians and were glad to be …and they had NO handouts from our Government either, ..they worked hard for everything !
I have never before had a problem with all, or any, race of immigrants coming here …
…….However , I DO NOW !!!
Please tell me why we have areas like Lakemba, where police do NOT, & will NOT go, for fear of their life ?
Please tell me why we can no longer have religion in schools, for fear of “OFFENDING” someone ? (The latest little gem is that they are not having, or being funded, for “chaplains ” any more , but “Counsellors “?)
Please tell me why religious Christmas observances are no longer allowed in some schools for fear of OFFENDING someone ?
Please tell me HOW Christmas decorations in some stores might OFFEND someone ?
Please tell me why we have to have segregated days in some swimming centres, for fear of “OFFENDING” someone ?
Please tell me why we have some RADICAL clerics demanding Sharia Law in this country … when if we were in THEIR country, this would NEVER be allowed ?
Please tell me why our laws need to be changed, so as not to OFFEND someone ?
Please tell me why we are fast becoming a MINORITY voice, in our own country, because of POLITICAL CORRECTNESS ?
Please tell me WHY Australians cannot legally wear a face covering bike helmet into a bank ..and yet it is ok to wear a Burqa which covers the whole face ?
And please tell me WHY, when those people who want asylum here, can wreck our detention centres, as in Villawood , and STILL be accepted here ?
SO , in light of the above, WILL BOTH OF YOU …..Please tell me WHY, when some of our Vietnam Veterans FINALLY received (in the last 6 months) the recognition that they should have had after the Vietnam War, (and which they received from the USA & South Vietnam, during and immediately after the Vietnam War), that the families of those Veterans, were refused assistance by this Government, to attend that award ceremony, and yet this Government ….flew , accommodated , and even took on bus tours , to the the families of asylum seekers, after the funerals of those who were killed in the boat which sunk off Christmas Island ?
What does that say, about just who are this government’s priorities ?
The Australian people that I speak to have genuine concerns about becoming a second class minority in our own country, and the reasons for it, are some of the above, ….. Are you so blind that you cannot see this ?
And no , I am NOT racist !!!…(if I did not like Catholics or Protestants would I be considered racist ?) Of course not !
Why is it, that if we object to what is happening in our country … we are immediately labelled RACIST, in an attempt to shut us up ?
We are fighting Radical Muslims, in Afghanistan & Iraq, are we not ?I hear you say, yes but the Muslims we have here are “Not like that ” … well how would we know ? …do we hear ANY of them coming out & speaking AGAINST radicals ?? I haven’t …have you ???
Islam is not compatible with ANY of the values that we hold here in Australia ! ….Are not the experiences of Britain, France, and the Netherlands an example of that? Why do you think it would be any different here ? We even have an Australian born “radical “, whose message is that Australia WILL become a Muslim country, under Sharia Law, & that we had “better get used to it “.
Will both of you grow some “Balls “, and start sticking up for this country and its people ???
We are the people who put you where you are, and PAY you to look after our interests ! … And you are NOT doing that, by any stretch of the imagination !!!
I would appreciate an answer, from both of you, if only to convince me that once again, I am not talking to a brick wall !!!!!
In case it has escaped both of you …I would like to remind you that, in Australia the Government … is FOR THE PEOPLE, OF THE PEOPLE, & BY THE PEOPLE …
never forget that……because you sure have up till now !!!
Mrs Jenny Bell
[contact details removed]
I don’t know if Jenny Bell of SA got in first or if Arthur Ventham of WA wrote his (circulated) letter to the PM and Opposition Leader on 26 September 2011 before she did!
There is an amazing similarity in the content of Jenny’s and Arthur’s compositions. I don’t now Arthur but have checked up on him; he is an ex-military officer and business consultant, Secretary of Quinns Rocks RSL sub-branch WA, a Vietnam Vet, and a former inspector for COTECNA INSPECTIONS S.A. in the OIL FOR FOOD PROGRAM in Iraq, Jordan and Turkey 2002-2003. He writes convincing arguments (as one would expect, with an MBA). Unfortunately much of the content does not relate to the DFRDB Indexation issue, though it is mentioned. Although it is good that many get involved I doubt that ‘poly-bashing’ does much for the Indexation cause.
I have also received a copy of a (circulated) letter from the PM (signed by her hand) to Mr Ron Coxon OAM National President Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia Inc. (Tasmania) replying to his submission to her regarding the indexation of military superannuation pensions.
The PM’s letter was addressed to a public officer and has been circulated in the public domain so should be safe to publish. Her letter will provide more food for criticism. On the ABC 774 program this morning the PM was repeatedly not prepared to give John Fayne a cost for the money to be spent on promoting government policies but she is prepared to quote the unqualified costs of indexation of DFRDB at the drop of a hat! Here is my transcript of the PM’s letter. I hope the formatting sticks together:
=============================================================
PRIME MINISTER
CANBERRA
Mr Ron Coxon OAM Reference: C11/69013
National President
Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia Inc
PO Box 89
HUONVILLE TAS 7109 5 OCT 2011
Dear Mr Coxon
Thank you for your letter of 1 July 2011 regarding the indexation of military superannuation pensions. I apologise for the delay in replying
Past and current remuneration and support arrangements for Australian Defence Force personnel recognise the special and valuable nature of military service. In August 2009, the Government accepted the recommendations of the Review of Pension Indexation Arrangements in Australian Government Civilian and Military Superannuation Schemes (‘the Review’). The Review concluded that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) should be retained as the basis for indexation of Australian government superannuation pensions, as it is the most suitable index to protect pensions against inflationary price increases.
The Government’s position to retain CPI indexation was supported by the Senate Standing Committees on Finance and Public Administration’s final report, released on 10 May 2011, on the recent DFRDB indexation private member’s bill. The Committee’s report highlighted the significant immediate and future costs to taxpayers which would have resulted from the proposed change to DFRDB pension indexation.
The Government has strongly supported the Veteran community throughout its time in office and has provided a number of enhancements to Veteran entitlements, including:
• an increase in the Extreme Disablement Adjustment pension;
• increased non-economic loss compensation payments;
• improved indexation of and an increase in the War Widow’s Domestic Allowance;
• national transport concessions;
• increased utilities allowance as part of the pension supplement;
• enhancements to all veterans’ compensation pensions;
• improved service and war widow pension indexation as part of the Government’s pension reforms;
• an extension the income support supplement to widows without dependents; and
• the establishment of the Prisoner of War Recognition Supplement.
The Government has also improved and implemented numerous support programs for Veterans, and has increased funding for and consultation with the ex-service community.
I understand the indexation of DFRDB pensions is of significant concern to the Veteran community and would be happy for you to meet with my advisers to discuss this issue further. Please contact my office on (02) 6277 7700 if you wish to schedule a meeting.
Yours sincerely
(Signed by her hand)
Julia Gillard
Hi all
Gillard is singing from the same song sheet and does not adress the issue of indexation. Why would anyone meet with her advisers? They would give the same story.
Dear BILL ARDEN, you are a hot dude. You are so astute. So sharp.
And so spot on. Love your work.
Dear BILL ARDEN, thanks for posting the PM’s letter to Mr RON COXON, National President of the Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia Inc. Do you have the date on the letter ? Was it posted or emailed ?
What a load of Bollocks. But now we can all see the mother template,mimicked in such facile fashion by other politicians.
It is utterly galling. How such a letter can be so shamelessly written by Prime Minister Gillard, bears testimony that she and the others who voted against you in treacherous fashion last June, are treating Diggers with utter contempt, as if you were a bunch of Drongos.
She is clearly nervous, now that you have galvanised yourselves into a powerful electoral bloc.
Dear JOHN SAINSBURY, ain’t it the truth!!!!!!
Hi Tess,
Your question:”Do you have the date on the letter ? Was it posted or emailed ?”
The PM’s letter was sent out as a PDF image (or that’s how I received it via e-mail). I imported it into Adobe CS2 and exported it as a .jpg then did an OCR to convert to text (I could have just re-typed it but that would be too easy!). The date was 5 October 2011.
On re-reading it I notice Julia says
“The Review concluded that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) should be retained as the basis for indexation of Australian government superannuation pensions, as it is the most suitable index to protect pensions against inflationary price increases.”.
This isn’t strictly correct as Judges and Parliamentarians are government superannuates and theirs is not indexed by CPI!
Dear BILL ARDEN, thanks Hot Dude. It is VERY interesting, given the date of this letter, that Prime Minister Julia Gillard sent this letter. In fairness, and given the torrid week in Parliament,there are a few clues here that should be noted.
Take it as read that your campaign IS having an impact.
Keep on keeping on, to quote that memorable ad.
Don’t demob.
What does the PM’s letter really say to you?
For me it says:
• After three months delay in replying, the issue is now significant and hasn’t gone away!
• Putting political agendas aside, the government accepted untested advice without question, despite anomalies being brought to its attention!
• The government has strongly supported veterans and enhanced entitlements, okay, but the list of actions was warranted because the conditions were inadequate to begin with, and none are relevant to DFRB/DFRDB Indexation issues!
• The entitlements did not include “If you are killed overseas on our behalf we will do you the favour of bringing your body back to Australia and give your widow a poorly indexed pension.”
• The most positive note is the invitation to meet with and discuss with the PM’s advisers (the OED defines advisers as those ‘habitually consulted’).
On the last point, this could be taken up by the excellent advocates within the DFWA and the ADSO to form a ‘consultative’ team to meet with the PM’s advisers. I envisage Peter Thornton would be the first contacted, if he is able. Even though this is an invitation to Ron Coxon, he may be willing to co-operate in this regard. There is also the chance that others may have received the same reply! You never know, the PM’s VIP jet may be made available to get you there
.
A reply from Senator Lundy’s office dated 14 October 2011. Anyone else get a similar reply?
Quote
Dear Paul,
Thank you for your email to Senator Lundy regarding the issue of the indexation of military superannuation. Due to the high volume of emails received from across Australia, Senator Lundy is unable to respond to all of them personally, so I am responding on her behalf. I apologise for the delay in answering your email and I thank you for your patience.
The Senator is a strong supporter of our armed services and acknowledges the unique nature of military service and our debt to our servicemen and women. She appreciates you taking the time and effort to inform her of your perspective on this issue.
Senator Lundy will continue to seek the development of a new analytical living cost index which would reflect more accurately the cost of living needs of military and civilian superannuants. Details of the campaign will continue to be made available on her website at http://www.katelundy.com.au.
Thank you again for your comments.
Kind regards,
Lisa Judge
On behalf of the Office of Kate Lundy, Senator for the ACT
Electorate Officer
Office of the Hon Senator Kate Lundy
Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister & Parliamentary Secretary for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs
Unquote
G’day All,
If I may quote from one of my favourite groups, Led Zeppelin, ‘The song remains the same!’ The Prime Minister’s response to Mr Ron Coxon OAM appears to be more of the same rhetoric we’ve all heard in the past. To quote another of Led Zep’s songs ‘Your time is gonna come’. The openning line to that song goes ‘Lyin’, cheatin’, hurtin’, that’s all you seem to do’. Why the Govt. is hell bent on creating problems for itself is anybody’s guess, but, God willing I’m going to try and find out next week. I know by what I am about to tell you may not make many of you very happy, but here goes. I am a member of the Australian Labor Party of 24 years standing. Recently, I put a motion to my local branch over the DFRDB & DFRB issue. It was carried unanimously in the affirmative. It was subsequently carried at the local Federal Electoral Committee meeting and I hope to receive some response by next week. I will let one of your more regular contributors know what happened and he/she may want to pass that on to you. Given what our Prime Minister has said to Mr Coxon, I doubt that the response will deviate much from that. I wish I could do more to help, but, barring entering Federal Parliament myself (not likely to happen anytime soon) I’m not sure what more I can do. But I will be here if I’m needed.
Perhaps Mike Kelly might take up the cause. He seems to have time on his hands. I don’t recall seeing Dr Kelly rise to his feet at all in the last parliamentary session. Maybe if he put his ‘rifle butting’ experience to good use, you might see results.
Fight the good fight everyone, either party will have to give in soon, but for some, it can’t come soon enough. Please forgive me if it seems that I am trivialising the issue, for this is not intended.
Yours in solidarity,
Brad (Candy) Cairnduff ex-RAA and RAAOC
Dear Ms Tess Lawrence,
Truly, if I may be so bold, may I refer to your entry of 14 October, 2011 at 7:00 pm. You made reference to ‘Diggers’. This is not a reference to all of the services, even though, I understand, it is implied. Most assuredly, it is an endearing term. To the Army. And soldiers.
I know it may seem like splitting hairs, but, the Navy and Air Force would probably like the same recognition, whatever that may be (that is, I’m not sure). Whilst I appreciate being called a ‘Digger’ or ‘Dig’, I’m not sure that applies to the other services that contribute to this site. Or are, in fact, affected by this issue.
Please, I understand, you’ll probably think I’m a pratt. You may be right, but, be that as it may, this should be (which it is of course) a co-ordinated effort between all the corps/services, fighting for a fair indexed pension.
If anything, this is a united battle, it requires a united front. No single service needs recognition.
In no way am I trying to incite division, I am only asking you to consider a united cause. Your military references could be deemed offensive to some. I know this is not your intention. Service or Ex-Service Personnel may be more appropriate. It covers all of the disaffected.
Yep, I’m a pratt.
The issue, most importantly, is the pension. References to the services is just as important.
Cheers
Brad (Candy) Cairnduff
bs229cairnduff@hotmail.com
Dear PAUL, the letter from SENATOR KATE LUNDY’s office is full of the usual and now discredited excuses. They will never eradicate her treachery of Diggers in June – and there is little doubt she will feel your sting at the impending Federal Election.
Clearly, the Letter Campaign continues to represent an amazing effort by you all.
It is a nonsense that SENATOR LUNDY won’t respond to you personally.
We know that the Prime Minister has hauled her off your case because of the way she has mismanaged the issue – and because of the dire electoral power Diggers now have.
Has SENATOR LUNDY reopened the comments section on her website yet ? Or has she still closed down debate on this subject.
That’s why it is so important to post letters here – so that they become part of the public
record. As they should be.
A few of points in relation to recent posts.
John is spot on regarding the PM’s offer for her advisers to meet with our representatives on the indexation issue. It is nothing more than a political ploy with the aim of taking some heat out of the campaign.
The DFWA Executive Director met with a senior PM advisor in late September after the PM again refused to meet with the DFWA National President. Although he was reportedly given a good hearing, it has clearly had no impact on the PM’s hard nosed attitude as reflected in her letter above which was dated after that meeting.
Regarding Lundy’s persistence with pursuing a new cost of living index for us, the obvious question to her is: WHY? A fair methodology already exists – it is what the Age pension adjustments are based on. If it is good enough for Age pensioners, it is damn well good enough for us.
There is only one reason Lundy is hell-bent on pursuing this course (apart from an obvious delaying tactic and to appear to be doing something), and that is come up with a cheaper solution that will be more palatable to the Government. And if it is a cheaper solution, it means it will deliver less than what the age pensioners receive. NOT GOOD ENOUGH KATE!
And finally, Bill is also right with his comment that other Government super pensions (Judges and Pollies) are indexed far more favourably than ours. And Given the PM’s confirmation in her letter that CPI is the appropriate method of indexation for Government pensions, then the question that should be put to her is when is she going to introduce legislation into the Parliament to amend those Super schemes to be indexed by the CPI alone?
Ray Gibson
Dear BRAD CAIRNDUFF, thank you so much for your service to this nation. First of all, I do not think you are a ‘pratt.’ I have to say, I did agonise over the term ‘ Diggers ‘ and you are right, in saying it implies ALL our Forces, and I think Australians generally view the term as such.
Without doubt, more emphasis has always been made of the land forces, than those of air and sea. And in fact, that still remains the situation – and not just in Oz.
So, I had a word with a couple of senior retired cobbers in the Navy and Air Force – and they actually told me they are used to being referred to as Diggers.
But I jolly well get your point. Let’s come up with a hot name for the combined Forces.
Give me a few suggestions and I promise I will consider using them.
*PS: I love that your nickname is ‘ Candy. ‘
Dear BRAD CAIRNDUFF, I have just read your other comment. You are a champ!!!!! I think what you have achieved is brilliant!
Onya Candy.
Dear BILL ARDEN, I think it’s time that PRIME MINISTER GILLARD met with a deputation of Diggers.
I know that Neil Weekes, Ian McManus and others have asked to meet with DEFENCE MINISTER STEPHEN SMITH.
Dear RAY GIBSON, spot on. It is time that PRIME MINISTER JULIA GILLARD met with you.
Dear BILL ARDEN, following up your remarks about PETER THORNTON, if you scroll up to the original story above these comments, you will see the amazing contribution he continues to
make for this overall campaign for justice.
And of course, not just this part of the campaign either – PETER, like so many others,has
worked for years on behalf of the Defence Force Family.
Ray raises another good point. The PM’s letter is signed by her. She was/is a lawyer and was a union negotiator! Therefore she should be aware of the preciseness of meanings in her statements.
Let us look at those (signed) statements:
“Past and current remuneration and support arrangements for Australian Defence Force personnel recognise the special and valuable nature of military service.” – Really!
Q1 – What about the ex-service superannuates with a depreciating cost-of-living indexation level lower than any other Commonwealth superannuate or pensioner?
“The Review concluded that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) should be retained as the basis for indexation of Australian government superannuation pensions, as it is the most suitable index to protect pensions against inflationary price increases.” – Really!
Q2 – Then why aren’t ALL government ‘pensions’ indexed by the ‘most suitable index’?
Q3 – Could it be that now the CPI is defined by the Actuary as a measure of inflation rather than a measure of a cost-of-living that you have introduced a new term of ‘inflationary price increases’?
“The Government’s position to retain CPI indexation was supported by the Senate Standing Committees on Finance and Public Administration’s final report…” – Really!
Q4 – A 50/50 decision, along party lines, is a deadlock. How do you regard it as ‘support’?
“The Committee’s report highlighted the significant immediate and future costs to taxpayers which would have resulted from the proposed change to DFRDB pension indexation.” – Really!
Q5 – What does ‘significant cost’ mean?
Q6 – Is there a comparative cost to taxpayers we can measure ‘significant cost’ against?
Q7 – If the current CPI index (as used) rose by 1.5% would that be ‘significant’?
Q8 – How would you pay for a 1.5% CPI increase now?
Q9 – The DFRDB Act has an indexation agreement (with intention and inference) to maintain the purchasing power of a ‘service pension’, so what is the effect of ‘significant cost’ to that?
“I understand the indexation of DFRDB pensions is of significant concern to the Veteran community…” – Really, do you Prime Minister?
Dear BILL ARDEN, just to let you know that PRIME MINISTER JULIA GILLARD will undoubtedly read your comments, as well as RAY GIBSON’s.
What you are both doing is providing critical reinforcement to the lucid and comprehensive Fair Go campaign – and all supporters who are doing other things under various banners.
Whether you are working as individuals or in groups, you are not only making a difference but there is no doubt in one way or another, you will alter and increase the present bleak and paltry benefits and super that remain a disgusting insult to former and current serving Defence
Force personnel and their families.
You are all on the case 24/7 and it is a joy and inspiration to behold.
I salute you all.
The following reply was received from Senator Lundy’s office on October 13. Four months after my email to her. Looks exactly the same as the reply to Paul. She failed to answer personally or, address any of my questions, or even hint at an honest explanation on “fair go” DFRDB indexation
Dear Peter,
Thank you for your email to Senator Lundy regarding the issue of the indexation of military superannuation. Due to the high volume of emails received from across Australia, Senator Lundy is unable to respond to all of them personally, so I am responding on her behalf. I apologise for the delay in answering your email and I thank you for your patience.
The Senator is a strong supporter of our armed services and acknowledges the unique nature of military service and our debt to our servicemen and women. She appreciates you taking the time and effort to inform her of your perspective on this issue.
Senator Lundy will continue to seek the development of a new analytical living cost index which would reflect more accurately the cost of living needs of military and civilian superannuants. Details of the campaign will continue to be made available on her website at http://www.katelundy.com.au.
Thank you again for your comments.
Kind regards,
Lisa Judge
On behalf of the Office of Kate Lundy, Senator for the ACT
Electorate Officer
Office of the Hon Senator Kate Lundy
Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister & Parliamentary Secretary for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs
Dear GRUMPS, thanks for posting this – even if each response you get from the treacherous SENATOR KATE LUNDY, and other politicians, is the same pro forma twaddle, it is important to name and shame it here, because it is evidence to the wider Australian public, of the contempt, disregard and political discourtesy with which retired and serving personnel of the Australian Defence Forces are treated by the beleaguered GILLARD government.
SENATOR KATE LUNDY, it should be noted, is now under control of PRIME MINISTER GILLARD’s department, in relation to her ‘ responses ‘ to you in this matter.
I hope that if any of you have the opportunity to meet with Elizabeth,Queen of Australia, that you see fit to raise the matter of your plight with Her Majesty.
After all, QUEEN ELIZABETH is the COMMANDER IN CHIEF of the ROYAL AUSTRALIAN INFANTRY CORPS, the ROYAL AUSTRALIAN NAVY and the ROYAL AUSTRALIAN AIR FORCE, is she not ?
Dear Tess,
So the politicians in Canberra can’t afford to fix the military superannuants indexation formula to make it the same as that applying to age pensioners. We all know that the Matthews Report was a joke and gave the Government the answer it wanted. We also know that the costings submitted by the DOD and DOFA to the Parliamentary Senate Enquiry this year were extremely overstated. And once again, it gave the Government and the Greens the ability to say it was going to cost billions and billions and therefore would be unaffordable. The PM has refused in writing to meet representatives from ADSO/DFWA. Operation Letter Raid resulted in a few stereotyped responses and in many cases no response. Only the coalition to date, has made any commitment to fix indexation for DFRB and DFRDB military superannuants. That stil leaves MSBS superannuants out in the cold. Issues relating to commutation, life expectancy, taxation etc., still have not been addressed by anyone in Government.
It is perhaps timely to compare our lot with politicians who seemingly are about to see their base salaries almost double, with backbenchers set to get an annual salary rise to $250,000. Similar large additional increases will go to ministers, parliamentary secretaries, whips, party leaders and other politicians with added responsibility. The pre 2004 politicians already get the best super conditions in Australia, allowing them to live a life full of champagne and caviar (after two full terms in parliament). The increases mean they may be able to afford a servant to provide it for them. Plus many of them wil get free air travel first class, offices with staff, chauffeur driven government cars etc to make their retirement just that little bit better. Even if they don’t make it to two full terms, they get a resttlement allowance to assist them back into the workforce which is very very generous.
I invite you to access the following web sites. The first is Open Australia.org. This site provides details of every member of parliaments details including, their first speech, recent Hansard speeches and very importantly;their register of interests. The site also allows you to provide comment against their Hansard speeches. The second site is The House of Representatives Practice 5th Edition. This site gives a breakdown of rules and guidelines for politicians.
As a result of viewing these two sites you will see that:
All politicians receive free flight upgrades from Qantas when flying on Government business and sometimes when flying privately with their family. A number of ministers receive two bottles of 1996 Penfolds Grange Hermitage at a time worth $750. Some donate the wine to chaities for raffle. Some donate it to the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet.(I wonder who gets to drink it in the latter case). In the case of the current Qantas industrial dispute where the Government may have to intervene, who does it support? The unions who have sway over the Government. But now they seem to have an obligation to Qantas. Clearly their receiving the gifts creates a possible conflict of interest or at the very least, a perceived conflict of interest.
Check to see the free perks that your local member has declared. You should also look at the register of interests for Penny Wong, Julia Gillard, Stephen Smith, Bob Brown and Warren Snowdon and, anyone else involved in matters pertaining to military superannuation
And remember, the massive proposed pay increases for our politicians will flow on as an equivalent increase to their existing pre 2004 and post 2004 pension schemes. And the indexation of pre 2004 parliamentary pensions will remain linked to the current rates of pay and allowances of parliamentary salaries forever.
And they said that they couldn’t afford to put DFRB and DFRDB pensioners on the same indexation as aged pensioners. Do politicians hold retired servicemen and women who have loyally served their nation for a minimum of 20 years with extreme contempt? You bet they do!!!!!!
Keep this fight going right up to the next election and let the politicians know we’ve had enough of being treated like second class citizens. Only by constant pressure, will the pollies know that we are serious and are not going to go away. Haven’t submitted anything before. Now is the time to start. Are you a member of DFWA. If not, join now. They need your membership to keep taking the fight up to Canberra on behalf of all serving and retired servicemen and women. Give yiur support to ADSO and the Fair Go Campaign. If you do nothing, that is what this government wants you to do.
The Government trained all of us to fight. Now is the time to put that training to a use that will finally benefit you and your family.
John Griffiths
Dear JOHN GRIFFITHS, you are such a strong,passionate,erudite voice and advocate for the Defence Force Family; no wonder you are as much loved as you are respected for your leadership.
And those of us who saw you on ABC’s TV 7.30, several months ago, presented by JOSIE TAYLOR, are aware that you and your family opened up your heart and home to be interviewed on camera and spoke frankly of the difficulties of being grandparents and living on your paltry and demeaning pensions.
The truisms that you document here, exposes yet again the tawdry injustice inflicted upon you, and perpetrated in our name by successive governments.
It is important not to remain silent about such things – and to expose them – and to shine a light upon them.
Note only do you inspire Defence Force Brethren to contribute their support and to make a difference but you also inspire and encourage many of us to try to do the same in our own lives and journey.
Onya JOHN. This is a timely rally call.
Justice, Victory and Courage.
One-thousand three-hundred and ninety-six Australian airmen died for Britain in WW2 and have no known grave!
They had the COURAGE to achieve VICTORY then but where is the JUSTICE now?
17 October 1953 – Runnymede Memorial opened by Queen
On this day, Queen Elizabeth II opened the Air Forces Memorial on Coopers’ Hill, Surrey, which commemorates the 20,401 airmen –– 1,396 of them Australian –– who died for Britain during World War II, but have no known grave. The site is on the western outskirts of London, beneath the southern flightpath in and out of Heathrow Airport, and close by the Thames-side meadow at Runnymede, where the signing of the Magna Carta took place in 1215. The memorial takes the form of a shrine contained within a symbolic conning tower, above the portico of which are carved the figures of Justice, Victory and Courage. A courtyard on the southern side, embraced by cloisters in which are recorded the names of the missing, grouped according to the year of death, is entered through a triple-arched portico designed by Sir Edward Maufe, principal architect of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission in the UK.
Foe those of you wishing to meet with the Prime Minister. I would suggest that you view her register of interests and see the many football matches she attends as a guest ( with her partner of course) . Wait until the Bulldogs are playing their next match in Melbourne at a time when parliament is not sitting or, she has enagements in Melboune. Then make sure you find a way to get into the VIP suite or private/coorporate box) she is in. If you can’t enter, wait until she comes out and let her know you support our cause and want a fair go. Be polite and non agressive. If you sre not a bulldogs fan, wait for a grand final. You’ll find most of the Government Ministry there. No doubt you should be able to talk to one of them. And they say they want reduced hours because they work so hard.
John Griffiths
Dear BILL ARDEN, this is very sobering information indeed. I did not know this. You have made that near past live again on this day BILL.
Dear JOHN GRIFFITHS, reading your comment just after BILL ARDEN’s really highlights the blistering injustice and general mistreatment of you all.
I think it’s a brilliant idea to make a direct comment to PRIME MINISTER GILLARD – and indeed, any politician attending sports and civic functions.
It is critical to be polite and non-aggressive – and make sure it is all captured on a digital camera or mobile phone – and posted on YouTube and as many websites as possible.
Spot on!
SITUATION REPORT – SITREP NO. 8
General
I’m back!
Thank you for all those who sent emails and phoned to check up on me over the last few weeks as I have not been active with the Fair Go Campaign during this time. However, after six weeks of working continuously for 7 a.m. – 0.130 a.m. (18 hours a day) I just had to have a rest.
In addition, there have been numerous personal activities which required my attention, including my involvement in the 60th Anniversary of National Service Reunion, a visit to Melbourne, a visit to Cairns and numerous social engagements, including some at which I had the opportunity as guest speaker, to talk on the Fair Go Campaign.
Let me reassure you all that the fight for a Fair Go is not over, nor will it be over until we have succeeded in having the Government change the indexation of military superannuants’ pensions so that they receive the same percentage increase as the Australian old age pensioners.
Obviously our concerns are falling on deaf ears and we continue to be treated with contempt by the current government, which includes the Greens and the Independents. Unfortunately our chances of receiving any sympathetic hearing are remote because of the carbon tax, the immigration shambles, the mining tax debacle and the leadership nonsence.
I can assure that OPERATION LETTER RAID was successful in that it brought our concerns to the attention of the politicians. While many of your letters were answered, albeit by staff with form letters, it was very disappointing to note that very few responses, if any, were received from the Prime Minister or her office.
Having just reviewed the Hansard record for the Senate meeting on 16th June, 2011, I continue to be amazed that Senator Xenophon, Senator Brown, Senator Lundy and Senator Wong fail to support the Fair Indexation Bill on the basis of costings, yet the Government readily finds millions of tax payer’s dollars for other matters, including:
• $25,000,000 for the carbon tax advertisements
• $1.4 million ($4,000 daily to pay for cigarettes and tobacco for the illegal boat people in detention. (what hypocrisy!!) On the one the Government is introducing legislation to have
branding removed from cigarettes packages in an endeavour to try to reduce the number of
people addicted to smoking, yet on the other hand, they are using our money to encourage
illegal boat people continue with the addiction.
• The Government may still be committed to paying Malaysia $300,000,000 which was part of
the Malaysian deal to accept 4,000 refugees from Malaysia in return for 800 illegal boat people
being sent to Malaysia. While this commitment may not have to be met, the real issue that
the Government WAS PREPARED TO spend this money at the drop of a hat. This equates to
15 years of having our military superannuation indexation indexed at the same percentage increases awarded to our old age pensioners – estimated by DFWA to be $20,000,000 per year.
• It is estimated that $50,000,000 will be spent this year on credit card expenses, travel and work
expenses for the Department of Immigration staff, due to the increased arrival of illegal boat
people.
• and there are many other examples too numerous to mention……
In a letter dated 31st August, 2011, Senator Kate Lundy says this: “……..I am, of course, convinced that the CPI no longer provides the kind of indexation that responds to the cost – of – living needs of this group of superannuants and pensioners….” in relation to DFRDB superannuant pensioners.
So what should we do?
• Continue to send letters to your local politician.
• Continue to contact the radio stations, particularly “talk back” radio stations to protest strongly
about the terrible injustice being suffered by those who served our nation for 20 years or more,
highlighting some of the points above.
• Stay the fight even if you do not write letters, or contact the radio stations, maintain your interest and continue to inform your friends and other members of the community of this
national disgrace.
• Raise this matter with your local RSL and submit a motion which draws this to the State and
National Executives.
While we direct our anger and our frustrations at the Labor Party, let it be clear that our main focus should be directed at the Independents and the Greens. Remember Senator Bob Brown, during the Senate debate on the 16th June, 2011 basically said that since the Opposition did not support his amendments to the mining tax, the Greens would not support the Fair Indexation Bill, completing his speech with the words “….So we now have a stoush between the Government and the Opposition which we did not need to have. If they had supported the Greens option, then we would have this Bill moving towards the funding that is required and the recipients getting a fair go. “ How pathetic, you didn’t vote for mine, so I won’t vote for yours.
Remember also, at that same Senate hearing, Senator Xenonphon refused to support the Bill but he did recommend that the Department of Defence conduct an internal review, (yes , another one) particularly of the Defence Material Organisation , to indentify savings which could then be used to offset the cost of indexing the military superannuants pension in line with the old age pension. Senator Xenophon went on to say: “……..I believe these savings need to be found quickly – say, in the next 12 months.”
So we should be asking Senator Xenophon, what has happened to this review, has it started, if not, why not?
The Alliance of Defence Service Organisations continues to present our arguments to all Politicians. I urge all members to log onto http://www.standto.org to volunteer or to provide any other assistance you can. I would also encourage all our members to join the local actions groups and the State actions groups and you can register via the Standto website. It is critical that you keep informed of the most recent developments.
In just over four months, we have achieved a great deal, but it will all be for nought if we do not continue to be involved in whatever way we can.
We are still awaiting the completion of a documentary on our fight for “A FAIR GO”. From all reports it looks good but some fine tuning is still needed. More to follow. I again remind the Senate that the fiscal cost of the bill is $1.7 billion over four years and the unfunded liability increase is $6.2 billion.
THE MARCH TO CANBERRA HAS BEGUN, WILL YOU JOIN US?
Here is another great poem by Brigadier Geroge (Warry) Mansford, AM (Retired). Good on you George.
WOMEN ON THE WIRE
Pages of history gathering dust in dark shadows lie
How quickly true tales of war fade and die
Were such records in the Temple ever read?
Of defending social values at the cost of glorious dead
Now our women too must face Mar’s ultimate test
Be quiet! Don’t argue! Our arrogant Canberra Suits know best
They’re tempting Eros to fight in the forward trenches
Mid misery, blood, gore and death with all its stenches
Clearly Canberra Gods of War are seeking political fame
Indifferent to consequences of what they see as a game
How confused our nation has become
in our short history in the sun
Torn from balanced views and reason
Tossed into the madness of killing seasons
Life’s values slowly lost to social engineers and the rest
See not the beauty of maidens at nature’s best
Converted now to screaming amazons trained to kill
Complete with modern automatic weapon to fire at will
Gone the scent, lipstick and charm
Now the rouge is camouflage cream and eager to harm
No more the allure and suggestive dress
But rifle and bayonet transforming life into a bloody mess
Sterilised is the maternal instincts for caring
Replaced by a culture in missions of death and daring
Grunting, cursing, slashing, killing but no time for crying
In a bloody close quarter arena littered with dead and dying
Blind Canberra Suits in haste to keep power do not care
For Gladiators or history lessons scattered here and there
George Mansford © October 2011
Dea NEIL WEEKES, yipppppeeeeeeeee! And your SITREP is chokkers with info and encouragement.
What a Champion you are!
You’ve got enough on your plate, but a number of people have mentioned that they wished you would consider standing for public office – and not as a single issue candidate – but because of your humanity and compassion that is well matched with logic and a strong intellect – and, perhaps most important of all, Life experience.
It is obvious that your leadership skills not only reflect your military background, but that you have taken your concerns for the continuing mistreatment of retired and serving military
personnel, with passion and eloquence, to the civilian and political streets.
Dear GEORGE MANSFORD, what a powerful thought-provoking and evocative poem from our extraordinary Poet Laureate.
* Thanks for posting GEORGE’s poem, NEIL.
I have had permission from Senator Gary Humphries to post his response to one of my emails concerning the letter to to Mr Ron Coxon OAM National President Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia Inc. (Tasmania) from the Prime Minister (which is not reproduced here to save space).
—– Original Message —–
From: Humphries, Gary (Senator)
To: Threlfall
Cc: Davies, Patricia (Sen G. Humphries)
Sent: Monday, October 17, 2011 5:28 PM
Subject: RE: PM letter to a DFRDB Superanuant
Thanks Paul.
Indeed, there is a gross inconsistency in the Govt’s position – not to mention their inconsistency in saying before the 2007 election that they would reassess the indexation formula, only to do a whitewash of an inquiry in the end!
Kate Lundy now in a hopeless position – having painted herself as the champion of fairer indexation in Opposition, she now has no explanation of why she squibbed on this in Government!
Regards,
Gary Humphries
SENATOR FOR THE ACT
Shadow Parliamentary Secretary to the Shadow Attorney-General
Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Materiel
From: Threlfall [mailto:threlfall@grapevine.com.au]
Sent: Sunday, 16 October 2011 11:56 AM
To: Humphries, Gary (Senator)
Subject: PM letter to a DFRDB Superanuant
Dear Senator Humphries,
There is an interesting letter received on 5 October 2011 on the website http://www.independentaustralia.net/2011/politics/exclusive-breaking-news-diggers-versus-the-gillard-government/ in which the PM says that “the CPI should be retained as the basis for indexation for Australian government superannuation pensions”. This isn’t strictly correct as Judges and Parliamentarians are government superannuates and theirs is not indexed by CPI! The letter is reported to be signed in her own fair hand. Some of the readers of this website ask the rhetorical question “that(if the)CPI is the appropriate method of indexation for Government pensions, then the question that should be put to her is when is she going to introduce legislation into the Parliament to amend those Super schemes to be indexed by the CPI alone?
Another email for follow with a response from Senator Lundy’s office to my letter.
Mr Abbott may be interested. For your consideration please.
Best regards
Paul Threlfall
Well done PAUL TRELFALL, and I see that SENATOR GARY HUMPHRIES is moved to plainspeak in his description of the hapless and hopeless SENATOR KATE LUNDY. Her shameless treachery of Diggers will forever mar what is left of her dismal political career.
Despite the brave words of SENATOR GARY HUMPHRIES in Opposition mode, sinking the Blunnies into SENATOR KATE LUNDY as he has, we should remember that the Libs did zilch for you in the long years they were in office.
Onya PAUL,for putting this on the very public record. It’s great because people can judge for
themselves.
I note John’s closing statement “The Government trained all of us to fight. Now is the time to put that training to a use that will finally benefit you and your family.”
Not quite sure if .303 or SLRs are still legal on the streets but I am quite willing to stand outside a parliamentarian’s office with a placard. Perhaps we should all do that?
As usual, Paul Threlfall makes a lot of sense, as opposed to the “Ranga” blaming “Mr Rabbit” for all the shortcomings of that rabble she would have us believe is our federal government. Have seen online the ASDO “WHY?” poster. Perhaps now we need to target all pollies by brandishing these as placards in the background at every electoral or media event of every federal politician. Eventually some of the not so dozy politcal press hacks might actually start to ask the question, and further expose our political masters for the shameful sham that they continue to perpetrate whilst throwing money at many far, far less deserving causes. Just a thought, but to embarrass these ratbags even further would at least give an imense sense of satisfaction, and anything that will further our cause by bringing them either to their senses or an early political demise can only help. Keep up the fight!
Maurie
Dear 10SUMPY,the idea of holding up placards/posters at each and every gathering sounds effective and workable – and ‘ Fair Go for Diggers ‘ is but one suggestion.
Dear PAUL, I rather think that peaceful fighting for Justice is what JOHN meant.
Moreover,and there will be enough people to correct me here if I’m wrong, but as I understand it, our Defence Forces training also hones up team-building and analytical skills as well as
leadership………and survival skills. All very handy in civilian life as well – and especially when dealing with politicians in the fight for a Fair Go for past and serving Defence Forces personnel.
Thanks Tess. Just a bit of cheekiness about .303s on my part. I’m all for other forms of peaceful protest when letters and emails are ignored.
Paul
Thanks PAUL – actually, your letters and emails are not being ignored – everything is being monitored – and not just by the pollies – but none of us should be cowered into submission on this.
We are entitled to peaceful protest AND to write letters and emails.
These things should be ‘ as well as ‘ and not ‘ instead of ‘ don’t you think ?
A letter I sent to the Senator in regards to carbon tax
Dear Senator Ron Boswell
I am writing to in regard to the Carbon Tax. you ask for my say on this Tax that will burden more Australians than the Government thinks ,or they know and do not want to admit it .well here we go, I am a ex serving member of the Defence Force. I have a couple of things that I think should be addressed by the government .the first is in line with the Carbon Tax, I get a forthrightly pension (DFRDB) of $750.00 ,I have been informed by Comsuper (who administer this fund for the Government) that the pension will not receive any compensation in regard to the such tax. the other point is that the pension is less than the old age pension .we were ready to lay our lives on the line for the country ,its a shame that the country will not look after us on completion of our service.
It sickens me to see members of parliament at the funerals of fallen soldiers and on ANZAC day looking so sombre ( for votes) when they had the chance to look after us by changing the way that DFRBD Pensions are indexed .
Although Vet Affairs look after Vets I am mainly writing for peacetime members .Why should we be penalised for serving in peacetime when our commitment was the some and served with out question. the Government keep saying that they have looked after ex serving members they are referring to Vets
It was compulsory to join the DFRDB Pension Scheme , a self funded fund that was doing very nicely on its own, than along came the labour party saw just how much monies was in the fund and decided that they could pay us our of revenue and absorbed the fund ,hence we are dependant on them for our pay .
I am sorry that I completed 22 years service ,if I had of served under 20 years I could have got the doll and all the benefits that go with it.
a few Cost that we have no control on but rise far more than the CPI :
electricity,
gas,
insurance,
meat (can not remember the last time I had steak or a lamb chop)
petrol , and
rates
I do not expect to receive a reply from you as I have not from every one else that I have contacted ( both parties) including Radio stations.
One disillusioned digger
Graeme
copy of a email in regards to my appointment with my local member
G’day Graeme,
You got as good as we both anticipated you would get. The country will not go broke. It will cost about $20 Million a year. The Government was prepared to commit $300 MILLION to the Malaysian deal (where was that money coming from?). This equates to 15 years to fund us old farts, then many of us will have passed away. What utter hypocrisy from your local member!!!
Well done, mate. Keep at her and by all means send her a copy of this email.
Cheers,
Neil
From: graeme [mailto:corkky@bigpond.com]
Sent: Thursday, 20 October 2011 3:24 PM
To: neil
Subject: meeting with k Livermore
Hi Neil
Well I had the meeting with my local member ,I ask her what Labour was doing in regards to the DFRDB Pension .after a few attempts to give me the spin I again asked her ,her reply was that a committee had recommended that no change in regards to indexation be implemented.and as you know that is what they did. I explained that I was worried and that all information that I had received was that there was no compensation for DFRDB Pension when the carbon tax when implemented. she said that as far as she knows that if you earn under $30,000.00 per year that if person applied through centre Link that you are entitled to around $300 although it was not related to the pension ,at least it is something .I was told that a member of centre link will get in contact with me and explain the system to me.(Let’s wait and see if they do. I bet they don’t. If they do not do within the week, I suggest you send her an email)
I also asked if there was anything that Labour has in the works her reply was to refer to the committee report ,at this stage I suggested that they (Labour that is ) should talk to a few ex service members and see just how hard they are doing .
One of her comments was that if they changed the indexation system that the country would go broke.I replied that I was talking of a small section of the system not politician’s and public servants and in fifteen to twenty years all that are on the DFRDB Pension would be dead . Miss Livermore could see that she was not winning on her points and ended the appointment
In regards to my emails not being answered her reply was that they could have been diverted into the spam file, to which my reply was that is a good way for her to keep in touch with her constituent’s .I told her that I would send all correspondents from me to her would be by registered mail ,she then told her assistant to send me her email address and for me to sent it direct to her.
I asked if she could have her response emailed to me to see if I have missed out on anything .
well mate may not have achieved much but at least somebody else is a bit more informed of our situation
Stay in good health mate
Graeme
Posted on behalf of Walter Buchanan.
Greetings,
I am sure there are times when your minders, will pass an email on to you which may cause you to consider the people whom you are serving, the people of Australia.
My particular concern is ex-service community.
This may not be within your bailiwick, however knowledge is no burden.
May I encourage that you do note the below and realise that those of us whom served our nation, and those still serving did so and are doing so with pride.
We who have retired, really can see daily day , just what past and present representatives of those who vote think of us.
Please show pride and support us now by giving us a FAIR GO. Display the integrity and Leadership expected from each and every Politian.
With sincere expectations that your integrity and leadership will not and cannot be questioned.
I look to you to take steps, use your contacts, display leadership and correct the current anomaly in the retired pay system for DFRD/DFRDB recipients, during this current session.
Integrity, because by being a member of Parliament is about anything, it is about attaining and holding high ethical stan¬dards in business and private life. Because just as a reputation takes a lifetime to build and a moment to destroy, so can the good name of a Parliamentarian can be sullied by just a few.
And leadership, because as Winston Churchill said: ” the price of greatness is responsibility”.
I have an expectation that you will display the leadership sought and thus rectify this current unacceptable situation.
I look forward to your reply indicating your willingness to support this matter.
Sincerely,
Walter Buchanan
3 Ridge Court
Warner 4500
Queensland
Dear NEIL WEEKES, I’m afraid I teared up a bit when reading what you posted on behalf of WALTER BUCHANAN. Can you tell us a bit more ? To whom did WALTER address his letter ? To ALL pollies?
Let us know Dear NEIL, without encroaching on WALTER’s privacy.
G’day Tess,
Walter sent his message out on a wide distribution list, with a request that we all distribute it to our friends, both military, ex-service and civilans. Walter wants to bring the National disgrace to everyone’s attention and I strongly suggest we all take Walter’s lead.
THE MARCH TO CANBERRA HAS BEGUN. WILL YOU JOIN US?
Dear NEIL WEEKES,thanks for this.
I salute WALTER and you.
Well Julia Gillard. You have done it again. You’ve embarrassed the Australian people with your discourteous greeting of the Queen ( our monarch and head of state). And surely you could have done better than the frumpy outfit and worn a hat. What is it with you? You don’t believe in God. You don’t believe in marriage. You didn’t support gay marriage, but now it appears that you sre sbout to do a backflip on that and allow a vote later this year. ( I presume you will tell Bob Brown and Penny Wong that they should abstain from that vote, due to a conflict of interest). You have lied to the Australian Electorate about the Carbon Tax. You refuse to meet with the DFWA/ADSO representatives to discuss military super indexation, yet you have no trouble finding time in accepting freebie invitations to football matches and gala events. You have seen fit to have your fellow Labor Politicians, including your ministers, provide answers to military superannuants letters and Emails, with lies about the cost and other reitious comments that they have been told to say. Yet you have no trouble spending billions andf billions of dollars overseas, whilst Australians in need go without. I challenge you to use the same accrual accounting forecasting methods for the imminent pollies payrise and parliamentary pension costs, (both for current and retired politicians), as DOFA and DOD used in estimating the cost of changing military superannuants pension indexation, to the same as that applying to Old Age Pensions.
PM you seem to have lost contact with reality. People want to know what you and your Government really stand for. What we have seen to date, doesn’t instil confidence in any of us.One thing is for certain. The Greens and independents are holding your Government to ransom, and they keep getting what they want, at the expense of what most Australians want and need.
John Griffiths
INFO UPDATE: DIGGERGATE.
Just to say will shortly be posting a link to the 2010 ADF MENTAL HEALTH PREVALENCE AND WELLBEING STUDY released today.
Dear DEFENCE FORCES FAMILY, here is a link to the Mental Health Report presented at the Australian Military Medical Association three-day Conference that started in Melbourne today.
http://www.defence.gov.au/health/DMH/i-MHRP.htm
Mental Health.
Until this particular issue is properly addressed nothing else they do will solve this problem.
a communications strategy to address stigma and barriers to care;
Dear TPIBOB,re Mental Health Report. So important to hear what you all think about
this, so thanks for posting your valuable comment.
Dear Prime Minister
I am writing to ask when will you meet with the DFWA/ADSO representatives to discuss military super indexation as you have been requested.
Time is slipping by Prime Minister and each Saturday I read the death notices, I notice another of my old comrades has passed away and the thought crosses my mind that his poor wife will now only receive 5/8th of his DFRB/DFRDB pension while politician’s spouses receive a much more generous pension. And with an increase in politicians wages soon to come into effect, we can assume that politicians’ pensions will rise as will the out of control politician pension indexation.
Prime Minister, spare a thougt for our retired and serving warriors and their spouses and meet with our representatives to discuss how you will address FAIRER indexation for military superanuants.
Yours sincerely
Paul Threlfall
Lieutenant Commander RAN (Retired)
DFRDB Pensioner
Vietnam and Malaysia Campaign Veteran
Dear PAUL THRELFALL, thank you for your service to this country.
I too have noticed so many death notices of your Brethren – and we all know that Governments and multi-nationals are not beyond spinning out disputes over benefits and compensation, for decades, in the hope that claimants will die out before the disputes are resolved.
There seems little doubt that the Gillard-Green Coalition is doing just that.
There is NO sense of urgency whatsoever in their dealings with Diggers.
I put it to you that this Government will die out before you all do.
George Mansford, AM has asked me to post the following, is latest poem, to Tess’s webpage.
Winners or Losers
In far distant foreign fields, our fallen do sleep
Coral crusted steel chariots rest in oceans deep
Strategic hills now forgotten and with no name
Overgrown jungle tracks of past misery and fame
Gone the dreams of men and women from yesterday
Scattered, broken or lost in many ways
Those before us gave all for a bright tomorrow
A terrible price with personal grief and national sorrow
So many empty beds and others half filled
How many loved one maimed or killed?
What price did past generations of our nation pay?
In sacrificing their tomorrow for our today
A precious legacy they handed to me and you
Freedom, a way of life and a happy future to pursue
Yet today, political correctness dominates with strong reign
Opposing views countered with screams of bigot, racist and shame
Who now walks the streets at night without fear?
What of respect and social standards once held so dear?
Gone the days when citizens would speak up and not falter
Waving a beloved flag that strangers seek to alter
Battlers eat crumbs and taste Canberra’s sour wine
As blind leaders with fat wallets do greedily dine
Such shabby suits prostitute our Nation when seeking votes
Aided by Spin Doctors with sly slogans already wrote
A nation without purpose and divided by political fools
Broken promises, waste and murky deals to maintain rule
Empty farm houses amid busy drill rigs raping deep
Foreign companies buying rich dark loam forever to keep
Soon hungry generations seek alms and food as they beg
In what was a true blue land; now dying if not already dead
As you seek our wonderful glorious past
There are many questions to be asked
Perhaps the most important I now choose
Did we win those wars from yesterday or did we lose?
Or is it you and me with our apathy and greed so rife
Ignoring the tumbling building blocks of a wonderful way of life?
George Mansford©October 2011
G’day NEIL WEEKES, thanks so much for posting GEORGE MANSFORD’s October poem.
As you know, he has become an important and evocative campaign voice – and our
Poet Laureate!
I find the third stanza in ‘ Winners and Losers ‘ particularly moving and would so like to see this poem turned into a song and put to music – believe someone is already having a go at this.
Thanks GEORGE, your contribution to morale and history is paramount!
This unjust situation will, of course, finally be rectified. The government of the day will, with much pubilic fanfare, admit to the injustice perpetrated on its former military servants by successive governments. It will announce with great pride that this is the government that has finally rectified this situation and offer profuse apologies for the delay of previous governments to do so. And the prime minister’s photo will be on the front page of every national newspaper – if they still exist then – with the three surviving DFRDB superannuants.
Hi Tess,
I wrote, as did many other, 47 letters on the defeat of the Fair Indexation Bill in August to all Labor and Green Senators, Gillard, Abbot and my local (LP) member and only received 9 replies. I have just sent reminders to all those that didn’t respond asking for an answer. I find it difficult to believe in the arrogance in today’s politician. Following my 27 years in the ADF I worked for 13 years in the APS in a number of Departments addressing controversial issues such as the introduction of the GST and in the lead up to the Year 2000 IT debate. Many letters were received on those issues and it was without question that the politician of the day would respond to all letters. Whatever happened to the politician of old I do not know but I do know that it is not good and expect to more and more protestors in Canberra. Maybe a few hundred old warhorses might front up one day?
Regards
Doug Conn
Doug Conn expresses as the majority of us, who have worked in Defence and other government departments and agencies, feel. I can hardly wait for the call to arms when ‘a few hundred old warhorses’ (but hope the numbers might be in the thousands) front up to vent their anger and frustration at this and past government’s failings. I don’t think it will be a ‘convoy of no consequence’ as Anthony Albanese once stated but rather an Army of Angry Veterans.
Regards
Paul Threlfall
Dear DOUG CONN, this type of contemporary political discourtesy is almost endemic now – and you are right to point out those days when politicians themselves considered it imperative to respond to every letter.
They made constituents feel that their vote did indeed matter – and not just for one day of the year.
This burgeoning arrogance fuels national dissafection with politicians and the fact that we are locked out of public discourse and debate – and our views are not only being ignored but held in contempt – has without doubt contributed to local snd international disquiet and public protest.
There is little doubt that a ‘few hundred old warhorses’ would be accompanied by thousands of supporters on any march to Canberra.
Dear PAUL, spot on.
I really believe there is much public goodwill for your cause; that people young and old would be proud to march with ‘ An Army of Angry Veterans ‘ and also to march on behalf of those who are too sick or frail.
Hi All I know this might not be the right forum to put this out but a lot of you might not have seen anything on this.
Re: Memorandum of Understanding (towards “reconciliation”) between Returned Services League (RSL) Australia and (Communist) Vietnam Veterans Association
Here is your chance to offer your opinion and vote YES or NO to the RSL’s plan.
http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/the-question/should-veterans-reconcile-with-former-enemies-20111021-1mc4s.html
When you’ve voted forward this email to your mates.
Click on the link and cat you vote and see how the other veterans have voted.
Regards
Bob Ihlein
Dear BOB IHLEIN, re your comment above, given that the mental/emotional health of Vietnam Vets (and ALL Vets ) and serving personnel is a key point of your fight for a Fair Go – as well as your physical and financial health, can you tell us if RSL ( Australia ) has an MOA with Australian Defence Forces Veterans and current serving Members ( and families )to unanimously support you in your fight for an increase in pensions, disability and super payments ?
I may have missed it in earlier posts, but I don’t think the links to the latest video releases by AVM Peter Criss have been posted. I’m sure many readers will have already seen these two clips, but just in case some haven’t, you can view them here:
This link explains how he became involved in the Fair Go Campaign: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K7VJVXaaa4M
and this link reveals some hard hitting truths about the imfamous Matthews Report: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Df44FjRSokA
I think the Matthews Report clip is the best release in the series so far.
Please watch these clips and pass the links on to ALL of your contacts. We need to get the word out to the wider community and this is one good way of doing so.
More video clips to come in the weeks ahead.
Regards,
Ray Gibson
Dear RAY GIBSON, thank you for posting these important links – it’s really helpful to repost them every now and again anyway, in case readers haven’t read through all the comments.
Dear Tess,
I noted your request to Bob Ihlien regarding the RSL and a MOU between the RSL with the ADF and retirees from the services. First off. There is no formal MOU.
The RSL is the largest ex service body in Ausstralia. It has over two thousand members.
The origins of the RSL dates back to the years following WW1. Initially memebership was restricted to veterans who had served in a war zone overseas. After WW11, this has gradually relaxed to allow full service membership to all those who have served in peace and war, and includes members of the Army reserve. A new affiliate membership criteria has been introduced in several states, which allows affiliate memership to relatives of those who have served in the Defence Force and also serving and retired members of the Police, Ambulance, SES and Fire Services.
Full service members have full voting rights and may hold any elected position in the RSL. Affiliate Memebers have voting rights but mat not hold the position of president or vice president in a local sub branch.
There are also social and associate memberships, which have no voting rights, but are able to enjoy the facilities offered by sub branches of the RSL
The relaxation of membership criteria has been brought about by the falling number of ex regular serving members and retired ex serving members, particularly with the attrition rates resulting from the deaths of veterans from WW1 and WW11. This change is helping to protect the viability of sub branches and the work of the RSL.
The Mission Statement of the National HQ of the RSL is:
“To ensure that programs are in place for the well being care, compensation and commemorationof serving and ex-service Ddefence Force members and their dependants;and promote Government and community awareness of the need for a secure, stable and progressive Australia.”
The Role and Objectives of the RSL are:
“To serve the interests of its members, veterans, the ex-service community of the Australian Defence Force, the RSL executes its role by effectively following the objectives which are in accord with the League’s Mission Statement
Welfare.
Advocacy and Representation,
Assistance to all veterans and ex- service men and women regardless of membership of the League,
Participation in employment programs for Veterans, ex service mebers and dependants,
Commitment to democratric principles and practices,
Provision of a means for members to enjoy camaradarie and mateship,
Provision of effective and efficient management of RSL assets and resources to the benefit of its members and serving members of the ADF,
Act as an effective lobby group to Government and its Departments,
Provision of a respected and meaningful voice within the community and societ,
Promotion of loyalty and pride which the League has for the Nation, Crown and the Flag.”
To manage this large organisation, the descending levels of authority are:
National,
State,
District,
Sub Branch
Neither ADSO or its member organistions have any direct link to the RSL nor do they work cooperatively with each other on matters affecting the serving and ex service community. The RSL prefers to wotk alone in this respect. Both the RSL and ADSO and its member organisations are apolitical, as it is necessary to work with all political parties, whether they are in Government or not. The RSL has over the years done much for its members and the community and continues to do so. However, there has been a growing feeling amongst some in the serving and ex-service community, that they should be doing more for those who have served.Two current examples are military super indexation and pay rises for the ADF.
Thus the creation of organisations such as DFWA and ADSO incorporating the FAIR GO compaign, which runs beside but not with the RSL has according to its membership, been necessary. This is a sad fact of life. The RSL has the funds and infrastructure to do much more to help those who serve and have served. The integration of non service personnel is creating an RSL which does not always appear to consider the welfare and interests of serving and ex serving members as a first priority. The RSL needs to run a successful and efficient business to be sure. But if that is at the expense of the people it was created for, then changes are neccessary to regain the status quo. In the short term, the RSL should join forces with ADSO as a contributing partner to see the Fair Go Campaign through as well as other campaigns in the future.
The RSL should be aware that all those who belong to ADSO and its member organisations are in most cases members of the RSL as well. And many of has have served or are serving the RSL as volunteers in a number of areas.
I stand correcting if I have messed up a short history of the RSL in any way. But hopefully Tess, this article will help explain where the RSL fits in the Fair Go Campaign.
John Griffiths
An RSL Life subscriber and past RSL volunteer for a number of years as a pensions officer and committee member.
Dear JOHN GRIFFITHS, too right it does – and clarifies a number of aspects about this matter too.
The benefits and transparency of your comments and general discourse is proving invaluable – especially in terms of an overview – on how things have come to be, on this day.
Tess in answer to your Question No there is no MOA for us as you asked. I am a pensions officer and Jnr Vice President of my local RSL and I support the RSL in every way but I don’t support the MOA with our former enemy who still regard the ARVN Soldiers (who were our Allie) as the enemy.
I went to Vietnam last year and had a very good experience and got rid of a lot of anger and met our former enemy and they respect us very much and I respect them and have no problem with them at all it is just that the Soldiers from the south are not treated as I think they should be. That is my opinion.
Regards
Bob Ihlein
Dear BOB IHLEIN, thanks for this input. And make no mistake BOB, given your personal experiences, your opinion is vital for our understanding of this complex and emotive matter.
Tell you what BOB, as you know, I am blatantly committed to Justice for former and serving Defence Forces personnel – and have no intention of stepping back. But……standing back and
reading the inter and intra dialogue and comments, results in the rest of us learning so much more than the pathetic pro forma Government Press Releases that we’ve swallowed for decades.
Hi all.
I have sent this to the Canberra Times. Given the Canberra Times polices in relation to any criticism of Labor,especially in the ACT,I do not expect that it will be published,or any comment made. We can but only try.
The willingness of future generations to serve in our military will be directly dependent upon how we have treated those who have served in the past.” George Washington
You may not have noticed yet, but you will – the troops (current and retired) are angry; they are very angry, and they are demanding a ‘Fair Go’ (www.standto.org). To help focus their anger the various single service welfare associations have recently coalesced into a single entity, the Alliance of Defence Service Organisations (ADSO) to address significant injustices knowingly being perpetrated by this and previous governments on those who serve our Nation.
The crux of their complaint is that those who have retired and living on their military retirement pension (that they compulsorily contributed 5.5% of their gross pay to consolidated revenue, taken from their net pay after tax, making it 8%) cannot now sustain their living standard.
The nub of the issue is that those who volunteered to serve in the ADF were promised a “fully indexed retirement pension” as part of their employment “package”. This ‘guarantee’ occurred in 1977 following the introduction of the Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits Act (1973). Before 1977, the DFRDB and DFRB Schemes obtained increases retrospectively through ad hoc legislation introduced at the whim of the government. The automatic ‘safeguarding’ of their ‘retirement pension’ through the Consumer Price Index (CPI) initiative, which in the seventies and early eighties correctly captured cost of living increases, meant military pensions automatically retained value. This indexation followed a similar arrangement granted to Commonwealth Public Servants in a year earlier. Not surprisingly, the politicians adopted a similar arrangement for their superannuation scheme.
The wage accords of the late eighties and early nineties saw significant changes in the basket of goods priced to capture the CPI. The old CPI morphed into a measurement of inflation rather than an index that measured real cost of living. Age pensioners (and retired politicians) saw their purchasing power diminish, and in 1997, new indexation arrangements were progressively adopted for politicians and Age Pensioners to more equitably retain purchasing power. The troops were abandoned – deliberately ignored by Government without recourse.
The consequence of this employer neglect on veterans is palpable. Over the last decade, Age Pensions have gone up 95%, politicians ‘retirement allowance’ up 91%, whilst retired service personnel payments have only increased 33%.
All sides of politics know this exploitation is unjust. Earlier this year the Opposition, to their credit, introduced a Private Member’s Bill into the Senate to address some of the inadequacies in military DFRDB indexation. Labor, The Greens and Senator Xenophon voted the bill down by one vote. Yet, on 14 September 2009, four Labor politicians, in government, wrote to the then Hon Lindsay Tanner, Minister for Finance and Deregulation, and inter alia pleaded:
“There would therefore appear to be no reason why the Government could not announce that the development of the PBLCI (Pensioner and Beneficiaries Living Cost Index) since the Matthews Review has opened the way for Australian Government civilian and defence force pensions now to be indexed – as for age and other pensions,” signed Mike Kelly, Member for Eden Monaro; Bob McMullan, Member for Fraser, Kate Lundy, Senator for the ACT and Annette Ellis, Member for Canberra.
Service personnel joining the ADF after 1991 are no better off. Their new Military Superannuation Benefit Scheme (MSBS) is equally flawed by the iniquitous CPI. Employer contributions are retained by the Commonwealth until their Preservation Age. Farcically, the “MilitarySuper Book” (current edition) states: “Pensions are subject to full CPI updating every six months (ensuring that $1 in 2011 will be equivalent to $1 in 2028).” The Government knows that is deliberately misleading, the veteran community certainly know it (from experience) and there is growing awareness of the lie among those still serving.
An even starker injustice is the government’s discriminatory treatment of a spouse following the death of a military member (retired or serving). The military spouse receives 62.5% (5/8th), the public servant’s spouse 67% and the politician’s spouse 83.3% (5/6th) of their respective partner’s entitlements. Why the disparity?
Little wonder there is growing disillusionment in the ranks.
Peter Criss AM AFC
Air Vice-Marshal Ret’d
Dear JOHN SAINSBURY, a timely reminder and backgrounding of the campaign for Justice and a Fair Go.
Is this a letter that you sent to The Canberra Times on bahalf of Retired AIR VICE-MARSHAL PETER CRISS AM AFC ?
I have had a crack at putting Geoge Mansford’s poem ‘Winners or Losers’ to music and rendering it as a song. I would post the mp3 sound track up here if I knew how to get that done so in the mean time – Anyone that might wish to hear it can email me at franced@bigpond.net.au and I’ll reply with an mp3 attachment directly to you.
Cheers
Francis Edwards
Hi Tess
The letter, entitled “Unrest in the Ranks” by Peter Criss,was posted on the Fair Go website by Peter on 11 October 2011. I downloaded it and sent to the canberra times. I weould suspect that it was already se3nt to the Canberra Times, but, as per usual, no report or comment.
Dear JOHN SAINSBURY, thanks for this – even though so far it has not generated any response, we
can all see here what,in fact was sent – and make our own judgement – it is obviously worthy of publication.
Dear Tess
Our two anti poker machine advocates Senator Xenephon (whose sole crucial vote defeated the Fair Go Bill in the Senate several months ago in the Senate), and Andrew Wilke ( an ex Army officer) certainly aren’t doing much to help military superannuants.
As much as they make a noise about the evils of poker mmachines, I don’t hear a peep out of them when it comes to saturation TV ads for Sportsbet, on line betting Tatslotto, Racing, Football and every other kind of betting. They are all guaranteed to relieve us of our hard earned money.
However, when it comes to poker machines, they have not acknowledged that Clubs ( as distinct from hotels and casinos) pour their profits back into improved facilities, subsideised meals and drinks and assistance to the community. Hotels, casinos, TAB’s money goes back to the operators and owners of those businesses.
Even if poker machines were eliminated, problem gamblers will continue to remain problem gamblers in another form.
Restriction of poker machine profits will impact on the benefits and entertainment, everyday working Australians can receive when they utilise club facilities. In the Case of RSL’s the emphasis is on welfare and representative support for serving and retired militery servicemen and women, support for legacy and other worthwhile charities. They also provide housing for frail and elderly veterans and their partners and organise commemoration activities. I am surprised that the RSL has not made much noise about this, on a national level.
Another fact is that much of the poker machine profits go to state governments in the form of GST and poker machine taxes. That has to be made up by the States, if new legislation is passed.
The State of NSW has a large number of excellent clubs of all types providing first class amenities and facilities. These clubs were built up over 20 years, whilst hotels had no access to poker machine privileges.
Perhaps any changes to poker machine laws should be to ban poker machines in hotels or, at the very least, restict hotels to no more than 20 poker machines licences each.
All Wilke and Xenephon are doing will serve to reduce the amenities and facilties available to people in communities, who have limited funds to eat out or who seek some form of entertainment, at a reasonable cost. Most people gamble responsibly. Those addicted to poker machines will just as easilt fall prey to other forms of gambling. Restricting the amount bet on a poker machine to $1 per push, will not stop adicted gamblers losing their shirts and more.
Xenephon promised to chase up a viable funding source for military super indexation within 12 months, after the defeat of the Coalitions Fair Go Bill several months ago. What has he done to follow that commitment up to date? I would guess that he has done nothing.
Wilke has a weekly meeting with the PM at an agreed time. As a retired Army Officer, why hasn’t he done anything to raise the inequity of military super indexation with her? It is strange how quickly people can forget who their friends were and where they come from, when they enter politics.
The only light at the end of the tunnel is that the Coalition has said they will abolish the proposed poker machine legislation proposed by the Federal Government.
It’s sad that the only legislation going through such as the Carbon Tax and Poker Machine changes are coming from other than Labor initiatives. Just who is in charge of the Australian Government.And how do they manage to fund all the wasteful and failed initiatives we see happening time after time.
One thing is for sure. All politicians in the current federal government will have no trouble agreeing to pass the doubling of their pay, allowances and super benefits, when they receive the relevant report for consideration. I bet they won’t use the same accounting accrual methods to look at future costs, the way they did with militery super indexation.
And all we want is a “Fair Go”. Its a pity that our cries are not being heard by our politicians.
John Griffiths
Dear JOHN GRIFFITHS, if the Bill was lost by one vote – then it was SENATOR KATE LUNDY’s surely – it was she who professed her undying support and led you to believe she would vote in favour and then betrayed you.
You are more than entitled to your view about pokies, but we part company on this one.
But we’re back on the same path when it comes to your views about politicians agreeing to
pass the doubling of their pay, allowances and super benefits.
It sounds as if they are robbing Diggers to use those funds that should go to you, to instead stuff into their already fat wallets. Or am I being too simplistic John ?
Hi Tess, i have just been diagnosed with prostate cancer and will not stop trying to get a fair go for all diggers, serving members and of course our widows. i will be going around my suburb in WA putting the latest flyer in their letterboxes. 1000 will be a starting point for me. i will be damned if the heartless pollies will stop this old digger from at least trying to bring to the notice of civvies the unjust treatment that we have been subjected to over the years. i will pitch my tent with all my fellow military families when the time comes. keep up the good work Tess as your input is very moving. stay safe. cheers John lawrence ex 3 rar vietnam 1967-68.
Dear JOHN LAWRENCE, firstly, thank you for your service to this country. Our Government may not be grateful, but I feel that many of ‘we the people’, are.
Secondly John, I love it that you are man enough to say you have been diagnosed with prostate cancer. Do you realise that you will probably save a life or more tonight because not only will you prompt your male mates to contemplate this – but also encourage family members to broach the subject – and this we can do by mentioning your comment. It gives us an opportunity to open up the conversation John.
I’ve got a couple of cobbers who are like you John, and prepared to talk about it. And I’ve got a couple who don’t want to discuss it all.
What an inspiration you are John. What spirit. Indomitable. Surely, when Prime Minister
Julia Gillard reads this, there will be a sense of shame for how you have all been treated during the decades.
Tell you what John, I for one, will be very proud to pitch my tent alongside yours when
we do the Canberra March!
* Thank you for your kind words John. Truth is, you and others like you are driving this.
No question.
Please keep us posted you Champion Heart!
Dear Tess,
Kate Lundy and her Canberra based Labor mates were never going to vote outside party lines. My belief is they keep saying they will support indexation changes for military and Commonwealth superannuants, because without the latters’ votes, they would lose their seats. After the Matthews Report was released they submitted a proposal to the PM to include PBLCI, (but not MTAWE as applying to old age pensions), which would not have given us what we wanted. Therefore in my opinion, we had no chance of Lundy supporting us on the vote for the Coalition Bill. She was quite happy to spell out the rhetoric about Matthews and the cost of billions and billions of dollars, being expoused by her Labor colleagues. So, in spite of what they keep promising Lungy, Kelly and friends are looking after themselves and not military superannuants.
Our only real chance in the Senate vote was not Lundy, but Xenephon, who also let us down.
And dear Tess. I have no problems with our disagreement on poker machines. It would be a sad world if we all agreed on everything. That’s the great thing about democracy. It’s a pity that politicians forget that it has been the military that has fought and died, so that we can enjoy that freedom. So “viva la difference” Tess.
You certainly are not being too simplistic.
Kind regards
John Griffiths
Dear John Lawrence
Like you I was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer. My biopsies showed agressive cancer. I had my prostate removed surgically three years ago. Post op blood tests revealed the cancer hjad spread outside the protate and was still there. I then had 35 radiation treatments over seven weeks, which did the trick. Three years later, I am down to yearly monitoring.
I was lucky to get a good urologist who have me the options of surgery, radiation with XRAY, or radiation with radioactive seeds. He recommended surgery as it gave me the best chance for long term survival. The latter two are estimated to last for 10 years. After that there is an option of female hormones which gives you another 5 years (plus man boobs).
If prostate cancer spreads it goes to the lymph nodes and then finally to the bones. Apparently the last two months are not great.
The most important thing you need to understand is that prostate cancer is not an automatic death sentence. Don’t get scared off by talk of impotence and loss of manhood. As I said to my urologist, its not much to give up for half and hour of fun rach week. My wife corrected ne by saying it is only 5 minutes.
I note your service 67/68 with 3RAR. I worked as a pensions officer for a number of years in RSLs. So here is the good news.
Although not in black and white, DVA accept Protate Cancer as a war caused impairment due to Agent Orange. The United States have offically acceted this as a cause.
If you are not on a DVA disability pension, you should see your local RSL and commence a claim for your prostate cancer. Many people erroneously think that once they have a gold card and/or a 100 per cent disability pension at the general rate, their wife will automatically receive a war widows pension if they die. Not true. The only automatic war widow pensions granted is where the person is on a TPI ot EDA pension. In all other cases, the person must have died as a result of a DVA approved service caused disability and that nust be consistent with the cause/s of death, listed on the death certificate.
Go down to your RSL and get a claim started John.
And for all you other manly diggers, matelots and fly boys out there, make sure you get a yearly check up for prostate cancer. And you must have both the PSA blood test plus the Bend over WOOHOO test. The PSA is not always conclusive. In most cases, the protate naturally swells and slows the stream down. A rebore fixes that. Some prostate cancers are not agressive and a wait and see diagnosis may be provided.
Good luck with your treatment John.
Warm regards
John Griffiths
A Vietnam Veteran and Prostate Cancer survivor.
PS Dear PM,
Please get moving on the super indexation issue, so that our wives may also receive a fair go, when we depart this world!
Dear JOHN GRIFFITHS, re your comments about SENATOR KATE LUNDY stringing you along just to get you to vote for her, I think she’s pushing her luck to think you would ever fall for that again.
Given the fab political analysis that campaign members have done on the various electorates – and given your power as an electoral bloc, your numbers are such that you will have a formidable impact on the Federal election, that I predict will be forced sooner rather than later.
You are right to point out that SENATOR NICK XENOPHONEY ( oops, the Devil made me say that )
also betrayed you; as did the GREENS, brown-nosing to JULIA GILLARD.
* And re your comments about the pokies, I agree with you re differing opinions – on some things. But in complete agreement with you on others. Why can’t our politicians do the same ?
Thanks for your wisdom and perceptive comments John.
Dear JOHN GRIFFITHS, most of us here already think you have that rare gift of a combination of strong leadership and compassion. I reckon your comment to JOHN LAWRENCE should be made available in all medical surgeries and websites. It is such a fine thing to reach out to a Brother like this. I reckon he will be very moved. I’ve learned so much from both of you.
You are just so open about your own experience with Prostate Cancer. And this detail is sooooooo helpful John. So is your sense of humour. And your sense of pragmatism. You’ve said things here that some people are desperate to know about – but are too shy, too scared, too embarassed, whatever – to talk about it. Even with partners. And not everyone has a partner.
And even if you do, you can still feel lonely in a partnership, if you cannot share or discuss your predicament – or even want to discuss it.
Thank you for bringing up the subject of Agent Orange as well – and its impact on physiology, and all the complexities of what that means.
Again, your comment – and what you said about the predicament of widows – puts us on alert. I’m sure many past and serving veterans and their families were totally unaware of this.
Frankly, on ‘civvie’ street, we just presume our Governments will look after our military personnel and widows and heirs.
What invaluable advice about getting a Claim started John.
And thanks for your rally call to other manly Diggers, Matelots and Fly Boys to get things checked out.
And as for your ‘ five minutes ‘ capacity John, I’ve just done a quick poll with some of my girlfriends, and they are very envious of your Beloved indeed.
They say the capacity of their partners would be more in the realm of seconds rather than minutes! So,you are now a dead set stud legend John!
And……just to be fair, I asked a few male cobbers. And they want to know what you’re taking. They want some too!
The word is getting out. I said something to my doctor’s receptionist this morning. She was already aware of the situation and thought it was disgraceful – as was someone I met on holidays recently who lives in the Windsor area but is not ex-service. He also agreed we weren’t getting a fair go.
Dear John Griffiths, thanks for your advice concerning the treatment that i am about to receive. i have blood tests every 3 months. back in 2002 i had bowel cancer which nearly took my life. i was in I.C.U. for two weeks but i really dont know much about it. i have been on a T.P.I.now since 1988. this fight with the gillard govt is just what i need. i will make ppl aware of the plight of our widows,serving and ex serving members. one thing that gillard should know is that it is very hard to stop this old digger from stirring the pot.i have been in contact with a few of my army mates here in WA and they’re ready and primed for action. all i can say is watch out pollies we are forming a very strong following here. once again Tess and John Griffiths thank you for your support, stay safe cheers John lawrence.
Dear KEN MARSH, you are right, the word is getting out there – but only because you all refuse to give up and have made it obvious to Canberra that you will not tolerate this injustice any longer.
From the onset, it was imperative that the GILLARD/GREEN coalition understand that you were in for the long haul. They now understand that you are.
This campaign will probably outlive this Government – unless something dramatic happens, it is unlikely to survive to a full term.
Time and again, we have seen how Governments have simply lied about the stats/figures.
In these comments is ample forensic proof of that.
For years they have been misleading the Australian people. It takes a great effort to undo all those lies, but you are doing it and serving your country – and your fellow Australians – not once, but twice. Not just in War, if called upon, but in Peace, when you are not called upon.
And when few are prepared to fight for you in return.
It is wonderful that you experienced this feedback yourself. So you know that the campaign is working. All those continuing letters – exposing the pro-forma responses and lies. Sharing information. Having an open conversation. It IS working KEN.
And that is because, this campaign is being driven by people like YOU! Unstoppable.
Dear 2 Johns and others,
I was moved to send the following to Senator Kate Lundy
“Dear Senator Lundy,
two of my Vietnam diggers mates have recently been diagnosed with prostate cancer. Some survive – some don’t. I hope these two fellows can fight off this terrible disease.
DVA has accepted that this disease is war related through exposure to Agent Orange in the Vietnam conflict. I would urge you to speak to the Prime Minister and get cracking on a fair indexation for our surviving veterans on DFRB/DFRDB superannuation pension. This would be the decent and fair thing to do so that –
a. our pension can keep up with the REAL cost of living – not some weak and discredited CPI figure
b. that widows can also receive a fair indexation for the 5/8th of the deceased partners pension.
I would appreciate your thoughts on this issue and what action you might take on our behalf. After all, you promised the world before the last election.
Yours sincerely
Paul Threlfall
DFRDB Superannuation Pensioner
Dear PAUL THRELFALL, aren’t the ‘ 2 Johns ‘ such an inspiration!!!!
You are a Darling to act on their inspiration like this. I reckon they will be really chuffed.
Onya Paul!
I wonder how SENATOR KATE LUNDY will respond to you. Do let us know.
Tony Abbott to Jon Faine, 774 Melbourne, about 9am, Friday, October 7: “Commitment without a timeline or funding is just an aspiration.”
In other words, any promises Abbott is making now are nothing more than hot air.
The Labor Party stated, I am told, at the RSL annual conference that addressing the DFRB/DFRDB inequity was not an issue for this parliament.
So, no help is evident from either major party and certainly not from the Greens camp.
It seems evident, then, that the only way to achieve success is to beat the pollies at their own game. Single issue independent candidates need to be found to stand against such sitting members as Kate Lundy and Mike Kelly at the next Federal poll, if for no other reason than to make the pension fiasco an election issue.
Tess,
Yes the 2 Johns are certainly to admired and thanked for their forthright discussion on this terrible disease. And – IF I get an answer from Senator Lundy I will certainly let you know. Nobody out there hold your breath though!!
Dear KAY TYSON, a salient point. Successive Australian Governments continue to betray past and serving Australian Defence Forces personnel and their families.
As for the Greens, within these comments is a very telling video clip featuring leader BOB BROWN responding to a question by PETER THORNTON at a POLITICS IN THE PUB session. Check it out
if you fancy a glimpse of unashamed organic political expediency.
Fielding political candidates is a definite option, especially given the calibre and character of a number of respected leaders of this campaign.
The soiled seats of SENATOR KATE LUNDY and MIKE KELLY in particular, are particularly vulnerable to political attack by DIGGER CANDIDATES.
And enmeshed within the struggle for Justice and Equity for Veterans and Serving Personnel and families are so many facets of Australian life that have been corroded through political mismanagement and indifference, including physical and mental health, housing, education, public transport, aged care, bridging the Great Divide between Regional and Urban Australia, etc, etc, etc, etc. So by definition, fielding candidates from within the ranks involves all of the above – universal rather than single issue political with a decidedly local application.
Crikey, it would be good to see! Onya Kay!
G’day Steve,
Yep, it’s called “Spin” or in the vernacular “BULLSHIT”. What really gets up my nose, is the facts that they do NOT include. The fact is that our fight for “A FAIR GO” is concentrating on those DFRB/DFRDB recipients over 55. Why? Because these people have been disadvantaged the longest. Because they are entering their twilight years and they need the additional financial support. Because those DFRDB recipients who retired post 2004 are in a far stronger financial position then their “older” mates as all their allowances are bundled into “salary” which increases their superannuation entitlements. This does not mean that we will not continue our fight to apply the same indexation to those “younger” members. Nor does it mean that we will not continue to fight to right the injustice being suffered by our disabled members. But we cannot win the war or even a major battle all in one go. We need to get a toe into the door and, eventually, we will push that bloody door open all the way!
Yet the Government (especially Senator Lundy and Dr Kelly) and the Greens and Senator Xenophon obfuscate the argument by including all the DFRB, DFRDB, MSBS recipients and the Commonwealth Public Service Pensioners into the same bucket!!!! This increases the costs exponentially. Then Senator Penny Wong fails to state that these costs are extrapolated out to 45 years. This generates a huge cost ($6.2 Billion) which frightens the life out of the man on the street. The Public Service should NOT be considered with us. They have different conditions of service and they should fight their own fight. I’m not denying that they, too, might have a very good case, but the Government is using them to muddy the waters. Any Government funding, for example for the Old Aged Pensioners, will blow a huge hole in the National budget if extrapolated out to 45 years. This is ingenious to convince people that the Nation cannot afford our request. But they can afford to commit $300 Million for the illegal boat people to be transferred to Malaysia.
The Government should hang their heads in shame. This is a National disgrace and a terrible injustice to those who have served their Nation for 20 years or more, being prepared to give their lives if that need arose. They have betrayed us and they snigger at us because we represent such a small percentage of our population. And the main offenders are the Greens, the Independents because if they had the guts they could force this necessary legislation through Parliament.
Thanks for your support and please stay the fight with us right up to the next election, whenever that might be.
Cheers,
Neil Weekes
From: Steve Chamarette [mailto:sunridge@it.net.au]
Sent: Friday, 28 October 2011 2:43 PM
To: Steve Chamarette
Subject: FW: Governments Facts Sheet short on Real Facts
Hi All,
I didn’t think the Government could fall any lower in their lack of fairness, transparency and integrity. To forward this anonymous “fact sheet” to Government MP says it all.
However, I recalled the Prime Ministers nick-name and her insincerity in not opposing the “Fair Indexation Bill” in the House of Reps so why am I surprised?
I am forwarding Les’s Email to my local MP asking whether it is acceptable Government Policy to forward undated and unreferenced “Fact Sheets” and no contact details of the originator. Hopefully you will also do the same.
Steve
Dear NEIL WEEKES, my thanks to you and STEVE CHAMARETTE for exposing these Government lies – and to think that they have no compunction in distributing these lies to their acolytes who are only too eager to repeat them.
It is disgusting – and an insult by the beleaguered GILLARD GOVERNMENT to all those who have died and all those who have been wounded – and the walking wounded in physical and mental impairment and their families, who continue to be treated so shabbily by successive Australian Governments.
Hi all, i have just sent emails to Senators xenophoney and the leader of the federal govt Bob brownose. i will let you know if i get a reply from them. cheers John lawrence.
Dear JOHN LAWRENCE,can’t wait for the response. One suspects henceforth they will be known as SENATOR NICK XENOPHONEY and SENATOR BOB BROWNOSE.
MEDIA ALERT: DIGGERS KILLED IN AFGHANISTAN:
http://www.theage.com.au/national/three-diggers-shot-dead-20111030-1mpy6.html
MEDIA ALERT: US TROOPS KILLED IN AFGHANISTAN. BBC Report includes reference to Australians KIA and wounded:http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-south-asia-15504922
Another tragedy in Afghanistan with three fine young Australians killed by an Afghan wearing the uniform of the Afghan Army. Seven more were wounded, some seriously. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of all of these Aussies, as well as to their mates. This highlights the difficulty of identifying the enemy and it’s not the first time that an Australian soldier has been killed by someone who is supposed to be on our side and by someone whose country we are trying to make a safer place. LEST WE FORGET.
Dear NEIL WEEKES, given that you too are such a respected military elder and tireless campaigner for a Fair Go, these words of yours will richochet around the Defence Forces Family.
As well as those three Diggers Killed in Action and as well as the seven Diggers Wounded in Action, there is also the Afghani national – the Interpreter – who was working with the Aussies
and killed by his fellow Afghani
Neil, you are the recipient of the Military Cross – and all that implies.
You have pointed out one of the more ominous aspects of what, in my opinion, in an unwinnable war – whatever ‘winning’ means; that term too, has become a matter of political and military elasticism.
Hi all, i have a very heavy heart this morning after hearing of the deaths of three more aussie diggers. Thinking of the families. may you rest in peace brave lads.
Dear JOHN LAWRENCE, you are not alone and it’s good that we can share our feelings here, so we know our feelings are not solitary. The Defence Force Family has more members down today – and I am unsure of the medical condition of those Wounded in Action.
And I am thinking too, of the friends of those KIA and WIA, as well as their immediate families – and indeed the families and friends of all Defence Forces personnel serving overseas – who live in constant dread of THE phone call.
Dear John Lawrence
I believe all of the defence family – current and former service men and women – feel it everytime we hear news such as this.
‘Lest we forget’
The Alliance of Defence Services Organisations (ADSO) has released its Rebuttal of the Government’s Fact Sheet – Indexation of Military Superannuation Pensions.
The Alliance includes: the Defence Force Welfare Association (DFWA), the Naval Association of Australia (NAA), the Royal Australian Regiment Associations/ Corporation (RARC), the Australian Special Air Services Associations (ASASA) and the Royal Australian Air Force Association (RAAFA). It represents a significant number (estimated at over one million) of current and past serving men and women and their families.
The following is the covering email text to our members and supporters of the attached rebuttal document.
“You are aware that many people have written to Government and Opposition parliamentarians regarding the unfair indexation of military superannuation pensions.
Recently, Government MPs and Senators who responded to those letters have done so with a standard form letter with an attachment headed “(Australian Government) Fact Sheet – Indexation of Military Superannuation Pensions”.
We have been advised that the “Fact Sheet” was prepared by the Department of Defence at the request of the Minister for Defence Personnel to summarise the Government’s position on the indexation of military superannuation pension, and was approved by him for use in responding to correspondence from those seeking to change the indexation arrangements for military superannuation.
In our opinion, the “Fact Sheet” is inaccurate, avoids the key indexation issues, is economical with the real facts, and is an exercise in spin.
The Alliance’s rebuttal of the Government’s “Fact Sheet” is attached and is posted on the ADSO’s StandTo website at http://www.standto.org.
A copy has been sent to all Parliamentarians.
Please distribute it to your members and supporters through all your network channels, and encourage those who have received a copy of the “Fact Sheet” to go back to their MP and ask for their comment: and share those comments on our website.
From the “Fair Go!” Team
Campaign Directors: Ted Chitham tchitham@bigpond.com
Ray Gibson storyweaver@internode.on.net
Campaign National Spokesperson: David Jamison Jamison@bigpond.com
See the Rebuttal at http://www.standto.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=featured&Itemid=101
Dear KEN MARSH, thank you all for reaching out to one another here, it is so important to say how we feel, to one another like this.
Also, I am acutely aware of the fact that this will stir many mixed emotions for many of you – and that for years, many of you have continued to live with these nightmares.
Today I emailed the following to our Prime Minister.
Dear Prime Minister
Today I heard the tragic news of the death of three of Australia’s sons in Afghanistan – and the wounding of another seven, plus an Afghanistani interpreter. While I am always saddened by the news of tragic events around the world nothing touches me as much as that of the death of another member of the Australian Defence Force, whether that be on active or other service.
I have no doubt that you and other politicians will attend the funerals of these fine young men and be seen to express the appropriate words on the media before you all return to the important matters of state. But can you feel the pain, or do you really care?
There exists between all of those who have served a special bond, shaped no doubt by the unique nature of military service. While we have not all seen active service I am sure that many of us understand that for those of us who have not history could have worked out differently and each of us could have been in the position of those who have given their lives in the service of this nation. Could I have foreseen when I joined the RAAF in 1967 – at the height of the Vietnam war – that I would complete 20 years service without facing an enemy? And I should not have to remind you that men and women have died or suffered major disabilities from peace time activities as even in peace time military service can be extremely hazardous.
Prime Minister, the loss of any member of the ADF is the loss of a brother or sister for those who have served.
And, Prime Minister, it angers me to know that both Coalition and Labour governments for years have ignored the plight of our retired military servants in terms of the indexation of military superannuation and disability pensions. Yes Prime Minister, those of us who have taken the time to look at the statements brandied around to justify your decision to reject the ‘Fair Indexation Bill’ can see through the political spin, half truths and lies that you have used. And so do those in the wider Australian community who have taken the time to look into the matter. I know Austtalians that have never served or had a family member do so that are disgusted at the treatment of military veterans.
Our service helped protect our Australian way of life and enabled our fellow Australians to acquire personal wealth. Now we are told that the nation cannot afford to keep the commitment that it made to us that we would have a superannuation income that would help to maintain our living standards in retirement and it is quite acceptable to you and your government that we should be faced with a continuing decrease in our living standards.
Fair Go, Prime Minister.
Dear KEN MARSH, thank you for having the courage to write this and to voice what many are thinking and experiencing.
This is the reality that Veterans and serving Defence Force Personnel live with – and die with – as do their families and friends.
Fair Go, Prime Minister.
MEDIA UPDATE RE DIGGERS KILLED AND WOUNDED IN AFGHANISTAN:
Should brothers/siblings serve in the same unit ? Is it fair on their families ? Or them?
Here’s a link to a story in today’s Herald Sun: –
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/more-news/brother-to-bring-fallen-soldier-home-from-afghanistan/story-fn7x8me2-1226180903703
MEDIA UPDATE: NAMES OF MURDERED DIGGERS RELEASED. Here’s a link to a story in The Advertiser:-
http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/aussie-troops-shot-dead-in-afghanistan/story-e6frea6u-1226180532248
Here is another poem from Brigadier George Mansford, AM (Retired)
JUDGEMENT DAY IS COMING
Note. The term digger Diggers embraces Army, Navy and RAAF as does the intent of this verse.
We were carefree youth who chose to serve in the Army
Some would say we must have been barmy
How many miles did we march on by
Sometimes without water and mouths so dry
There is a list of places we could name
Where hardships and danger were part of the game
How often to loved ones did we bid hooray
There were less of us on return to say gidday
I’d love a quid for each minute we were scared
Or soaking wet, hungry and a muddy hole for a bed
Yet we soldiered on in thick and thin
Sometimes we lost and sometimes would win
How many promises to us were made?
Gawd, quicker than bloody Houdini, they did fade
“In Korea, it was home by Christmas” they said
Three years later there were more wounded and dead
Don’t forget the fifties and sixties with “Reds under every bed”
“There’s light at the end of the tunnel” so they said
What about Rudd vowing to honour those who wore the thread?
Or Julia promising never to forget; well at least when you’re dead
Now a new nursery tale spun by Canberra Suits is rife
“DFRB was never intended to replace wages in working life”
We knew that but the system didn’t plan for subsequent financial strife
Caused by eroded purchasing power due to unfair indexation
Many would say we’re victims of sheer bloody discrimination
All we wanted was a fair go and to meet our modest needs
Without cap in hand to Centre Link to ensure a bed and a feed
In all those years of soldiering we believed in duty, loyalty and trust
Even when tasked with the impossible, the mission at hand was a must
Our end reward for soldiering was total betrayal which we still face
Thanks to Judas wearing Canberra Suits in that once honourable place
Pollys, shame on you for double standards and ignoring our plight
Come Election Day, OZ will surely remember and vote to get it right
George Mansford, October 2011
Mr. Andrew Wilkie
188 Collins Street
Hobart, 7000.
Dear Mr. Wilkie,
Like you I have a Military back ground.
I was very sad yesterday to learn that another three soldiers had fallen. I was especially sad to hear the same old hollow words from the Prime Minister, “this is a dreadful incident”……..”our dead will come home with honour”……..(what does that mean really?)……….”our thoughts are with the relatives who have lost loved ones”………..and so it goes on. These words will be repeated at their funerals after which the politicians will go home without a further thought for those that have paid the supreme sacrifice or the families they have left behind.
And what of the wounded?. They will not be wounded for today, to-morrow or next year. They are wounded, physically, mentally and emotionally for the rest of their lives. Do Politicians really care about their situation? Do you care?.
Your current platform against poker machines and the damage they do to families is a commendable one. If you could find the same drive and enthusiasm to support past and present servicemen and women, by getting behind the Fair Indexation Bill, then the world and especially their world would be a better place.
Remember your days in uniform when you expected loyalty for the rank you displayed on your shoulders?. If you do, you will also remember that loyalty is a two way traffic. Because today you have a different uniform and follow a different path does not mean you should turn your back on your past principles. I am not asking you to join us Mr. Wilke, what I am asking is that you stand up and lead from the front – as you have done in the past. Give your support to the Fair Indexation Bill and send your loyalty down to all those who have given their best and continue to do their best thousands of miles from home. You owe it to them and for those who will follow in their footsteps. It is up to you Mr. Wilke, show us all what you are made of.
Received a letter from Senator Penny Wright, Australian Greens Senator for South Australia, which states:
“Thank you for your letter regarding the indexation of Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefit schemes”.
“I understand that this is an issue which is particularly important to the Veteran’s community and, as Greens spokeperson for Veteran’s Affairs, I take your concerns seriously”.
“You have asked me, specifically, about the role of the Greens in not supporting the Coalition’s bill earlier this year. Please understand if my answer is lengthy but it is a challenging issue and I would like to pay you the courtesy of a detailed response”.
“The difficulty the Greens had with the Coalition’s bill was that there was a significant cost attached to the proposal but they did not identify a realistic way of paying for it, now and into the future”.
“As you may be aware, there were a number of enquiries which looked at this issue and recommended a change during the time of the Howard government and the Coalition had various opportunities during their 11 years in government to reform the system. Unfortunately, they waited until they were in opposition to initiate this change. In doing so, they did not propose a responsible means of paying for the change, preferring to make it the government’s problem”.
“After consideration, the Greens took the view that, without an identified and budgeted means of paying for the change, it was not fiscally responsible to support the legislation, however meritorious its aim. The money has to come from somewhere”.
“The Greens did point out at the time, and since, that there are many pressing calls on public money. It is of continuing concern to the Greens that one way of helping to pay for these would be a fair resources super profits tax, as advocated by Treasury, which would see a fitting return for all Australians from our shared mineral resources. There are extremely high profits currently being reaped by some mining companies and these often flow overseas. The tax was proposed for the highest profits from Australian-owned resources and it could have raised $10 billion per year to help pay for education, health, infrastructure, fair income support and initiatives such as a change to the indexation of Veterans’ and Commonwealth pensions. Sadly, this income is currently being foregone”.
“The Greens maintain the position that the current indexation of all Commonwealth superannuation pensions, including Veterans’ pensions, is unfair, as the CPI does not accurately reflect cost of living increases”.
“And so, where to from here?. I have written to the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs requesting advice as to what can be done in next year’s budget to fund a fairer indexation of defence superannuation pensions. I have also requested detailed costings from Treasury on the proposals to change the indexation arrangements in order to help assess the accuracy of the projected costs. Upon receipt of this information I will determine what further options are available to achieve a fair outcome”.
“I hope this helps you to understand the way in which the Greens have approached this difficult issue and our intentions for the future. I will keep up my efforts and I am committed to working with the government to find a way in which this situation can be rectified in a financially responsible manner”.
“Thank you again for your correspondence”.
Dear NEIL WEEKES, you are a champion to post BRIGADIER GEORGE MANSFORD’s poignant poem – made more so, by the latest tragic murders and wounding of Aussies in Afghanistan.
I marvel at GEORGE’s narrative; as will PRIME MINISTER JULIA GILLARD. She will undoubtedly
see a copy of thid poetic document that points out our Government’s hypocrisy with such eloquence.
I salute our adopted and Honourable POET LAUREATE,BRIGADIER GEORGE MANSFORD AM for caring – and for sharing his fine words and imagery.
Dear KBHUSSELL, I hope others follow your lead and write to ANDREW WILKIE. You will have every right to be more than disappointed if he does not reply to your letter. Please let us know if/when he responds to you.
I think your WAKE UP CALL TO WILKIE is an important one.
Why is he remaining mute on this issue ?
Dear KBHUSSELL, thanks for posting the response from SENATOR PENNY WRIGHT.
It bears a remarkable similarity to her other responses – and it is clear that she has not viewed the video posted in these comments that exposes the digraceful attitude of GREENS LEADER BOB BROWN – and shows how political expediency has become the currency of governance and government.
Of course, that video negates all her obfuscation to you. She should take a squizzy. She might learn something about her leader’s capacity to wheel and deal with the welfare and wellbeing of human beings.
I found it so disappointing. I would have hoped for better from him. As did so many of you.
Sent to a few of the people in government. I even got TWO (2) ‘read/receipt’ ack msgs from Senator Lundy’s office – one from her own email a/c and one from her helper’s. Check out the Stand to website at http://www.standto.com/
“Dear Senators and Mr Abbott,
please find attached a rebuttal by the Alliance of Defence Service Organisations (ADSO) to the Green/Labor government’s so called Fact Sheet concerning Fair Indexation for military superannuation pensions. This fact sheet with misleading and untrue statements is being peddled by Labor MPs and Senators to those of us who complain about the lack of fair indexation for our military super pension.
Judge for yourself how this temporary Brown/Gillard government Fact Sheet stacks up against ADSO’s rebuttal.
Best regards
Paul Threlfall”
Oops – sorry – wrong Stand To website – correct site is http://www.standto.org/
The resources tax legislation is to be introduced to Parliament tomorrow – and will probably get up in an amended form.
Lets see the Greens squeal then – they will have no more excuses, will they Senator Penny Wright.
Dear PAUL, that’s good to hear – thanks for putting this into the pool of shared info – everything is important.
I am still stunned that the GILLARD/GREEN COALITION has even tried this on – and fancing thinnking that you wouldn’t find out about this peddling of lies. It’s pathetic.
If they are doing this in relation to Diggers – what else are they doing that we DON’T know about ?
It’s such proactive malevolence on behalf of the Government. Why are they doing this ?
Dear KEN MARSH, thanks for the heads up on this – and if you get a chance to hear the debate, would appreciate your feedback. Mind your blood pressure though!
ANDREW WILKIE UPDATE:
Yesterday,KBHUSSELL posted the text of a letter he sent to ANDREW WILKIE – the same day ANDREW WILKIE said this in the House of Representatives and I am reproducing here Hansard text kindly sent to me by the DFWA. It is an important breakthrough – and comes about no doubt because of the relentless energy you all continue to put into this campaign: –
Below is an extract from speech made by Andrew Wilkie MP in the house yesterday:
.. rise tonight to address a number of defence personnel issues which have come to my attention and which warrant genuine consideration by the government. But, before I do, I wish to acknowledge the death of three more Australian soldiers in Afghanistan. The political debate about the war—as much as there is one—and my personal opposition to the conflict are one thing, but the fine performance of our soldiers in Afghanistan and the tragedy when one or more of them is killed or hurt is another thing entirely. My heart goes out to the families and friends of our most recent fatalities. May our nation’s sons rest in peace. And may we in this place be careful to ensure the work of all our service men and women is appropriately recognised and rewarded.
To that end, I urge the government to look afresh at the continuing unfairness in the superannuation arrangements for some serving and retired defence personnel, in particular members of the Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits Scheme and the Defence Forces Retirement Benefit Scheme. In essence, the problem is that currently the benefits paid by DFRDB and DFRB are indexed to the consumer price index instead of to male total average weekly earnings or the pensioner and beneficiary living cost index as is the case with other government benefits and pensions. As a consequence, the real value of the pension for some defence superannuants is falling further and further behind, to the point where evermore ex-service men and women are struggling to meet even the most basic costs of living—and that is wrong.
Neither the government nor the opposition is in the clear on this matter because the problem has existed for many years and neither has done anything about it. The ALP should be condemned for not doing something about it since its election in 2007. The coalition should be condemned for not doing something about it during the Howard years and, more recently, for tabling a patently unconstitutional private members’ money bill in a theatrical display designed to win over serving and ex-service men and women.
Another perennial issue of concern is defence compensation arrangements—for instance, the way some service personnel have to choose whether to receive compensation by pension or a lump sum if they fit within the Veterans’ Entitlements Act or the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act. The way I understand it, in some cases, if they opt for a lump sum payment, their pension is reduced to offset the cost. On the face of it, this seems perfectly fair, except that once the cost of the lump sum payment has been offset, the pension does not increase to the full level. So those veterans who need a helping hand early on are forced to take less money overall than those who opt for the pension alone. The review of military compensation arrangements released in March this year has found that there are several alternatives which may address the perceived inequities in the compensation system, but they have been deemed too complicated to implement. Again, that is wrong.
Such matters do need to be looked at afresh and every effort should be made to ensure our ex-service men and women are treated fairly. While we are at it, we need to be mindful that the defence community is much bigger than the men and women in uniform and it is not just service personnel who need the government’s support. Defence families, in particular, experience unique pressures—for example, regular relocations and lengthy time apart due to postings, operations and training. Helping out is the Defence Community Organisation, which provides counselling, relocation support, crisis care for dependants and bereavement support. But cuts are proposed which would drastically reduce the level of support the DCOprovides, including cutting skilled social workers, reducing allowed client visits and a reduction in regional centres.
I understand that the natural instinct of governments is to cut costs by centralising service delivery. However, I firmly believe that our defence families deserve the very best and most personal services we can give them, including being able to directly access services locally without having to go through a national call centre. The Hobart DCO will be one such centre affected if the proposed reforms are realised and it would be increasingly difficult for families, particularly in Tasmania, to access the care they need. Again, that would be wrong.
Another important consideration for our soldiers, past and present, is recognition. I am concerned to have learned there is some division within the Vietnam veterans community about the anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan on 18 August being used as Vietnam Veterans Day. The issue is not the importance of the Battle of Long Tan, which is clearly one of the most significant battles in Australian military history and one that warrants special recognition. No, the issue is that some veterans of other battles in South Vietnam are frustrated because they feel Vietnam Veterans Day ceremonies focus too much on Long Tan to the exclusion of the other significant battles. Some veterans even avoid the ceremonies on that day as they do not feel included or appropriately recognised.
Frankly, it upsets me to know that some, perhaps many, of those who made great sacrifices for us in times of war are left feeling excluded on the very day meant for them. Make no mistake: I am ex-6 RAR myself and I agree that the Battle of Long Tan is enormously significant and should be remembered as such. Perhaps it should be granted its own commemorative day, but I do see how it could be inappropriate to recognise the entire sacrifice made by Australian diggers in Vietnam on the day of just one of the many battles that make up that sacrifice. Perhaps it would be more appropriate and respectful to recognise Vietnam Veterans Day on the date the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam first touched down in Saigon or the date our combat troops completed their withdrawal.
Talking of anniversaries, and on a more positive note, I am delighted to recognise that Anglesea Barracks in Hobart is the oldest continually occupied barracks in Australia and on 2 December this year will celebrate its bicentennial—the first bicentenary, in fact, celebrated by the Australian Defence Force. It goes without saying—but I will say anyway—that I was delighted with the Prime Minister’s commitment to me earlier this year to keep Anglesea Barracks regardless of any Defence recommendation to do otherwise.
Finally, I would like to wrap up this omnibus of defence issues with the plight of one particular ex-serviceman, a constituent about whom I do not claim to know all the facts other than that there is a strong prima facie case that he has been treated unfairly and I think it is time for the minister to intervene. My concern is to do with Wing Commander Robert Grey, retired. For over a decade now Mr Grey has been seeking an inquiry into the dismissal of several senior RAAF officers, including himself, under defence inquiry regulations. He has been told continually that the problem is an administrative one, thus denying him access to the military justice system. The Department of Defence has repeatedly directed him to the Scheme for Compensation for Detriment caused by Defective Administration and refused to instigate an inquiry. This is despite the fact that the Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, the Inspector-General of the Australian Defence Force and the Chief of the Defence Force have all recognised that significant errors occurred in the handling of Mr Grey’s dismissal. Mr Grey is currently left without answers, only being given the option to engage in the CDDA review process. But, given that this scheme has been largely discredited by the Commonwealth Ombudsman and in the Street and Fisher report, it is a sad indictment that the department will not allow Mr Grey and his colleagues to access a more appropriate avenue to address their grievances in the form of a merits review. I think it is time for the minister to intervene.
In closing, Australia owes a great deal to our armed forces past and present. We need to recruit them carefully, train and equip them well, put them in harm’s way only when genuinely warranted, and care for their loved ones along the way. Our consideration must extend to when they are hurt or retired. Finally, I should declare again that I have a personal interest in some of these matters on account of being a beneficiary of both DFRDB and DVA pensions myself.
RIP PRIVATE MICK BERRIGAN.
TERRY BROWN’s beautifully written and heartbreaking homage to this cruelly wounded Vietnam Veteran is a must read. Did you hear this Prime Minister Julia Gillard ? Defence Minister Stephen Smith ?
How can you continue to trash human beings like this ?
Thanks Terry for writing the article. Deepest sympathy and empathy with his Brother Chris and family and friends. It is a true wake up call. But is our Government awake ?
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/ipad/the-last-vietnam-victim/story-fn6bfmgc-1226180817481
Thank you Tess for the above two – the Wilkie speach and the one about Private Berrigan
Dear KEN MARSH, you are all welcome,the story of PRIVATE BERRIGAN told
so poignantly by the Herald Sun’s TERRY BROWN undoubtedly has struck a chord with
other Diggers,many still brutally wounded in body and mind, who have become the forgotten
casualties of indifferent and hypocritical successive Australian governments.
Hi all
I sent the DFWA press release to Senator Gary Humphries and got the reply below.
Hello John,
Thanks for your email with the link to the DWFA release. The government’s fact sheet highlights the Gillard Government’s continuing disregard for those seeking fairness on this issue.
Having spent so much time on this issue and recognising the need for equity for those who served us so selflessly, I can assure you that I have not given up the fight for indexation equity; I keep raising the issue with my colleagues and will continue the fight with them for as long as it takes.
Thanks again for forwarding on the press release.
Yours sincerely,
Gary
Gary Humphries
SENATOR FOR THE ACT
Shadow Parliamentary Secretary to the Shadow Attorney-General
Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Materiel
—–Original Message—–
From: John and Pauline [mailto:psainsbu@bigpond.net.au]
Sent: Saturday, October 29, 2011 1:36 PM
To: Humphries, Gary (Senator)
Subject: Fair Indexation of Miliitary Supperannuation.
Gary
Are you aware of this. It is another blot on this so called government who
are so concerned with “assisting” serving and ex-servicemen and women.
John Sainsbury
34 Dalley Crescent
Latham act 2617
Ph: 62546205
http://www.dfwa.org.au/images/2011/Rebuttal%20of%20Govt%20Fact%20sheet.pdf
Dear JOHN SAINSBURY, thanks for posting your letter to SENATOR GARY HUMPHRIES and his response to you, that is now on the public record, along with some of his responses to othert Fair Go campaigners.
Of course, whilst he’s busy point scoring against the beleaguered GILLARD government, he says he will keep raising the issue with his Opposition colleagues. Says it all. They couldn’t care
less obviously.
What have they DONE ?
What did they DO in all their years in office about this injustice ?
Nothing.
Following email sent to Senator Penelope “Penny” Ying-yen Wong. I don’t expect that she will have the courtesy to respond. Further information about this person can be found at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Penny_Wong
Most of my text stolen/copied from the Stand To website.
Quote
Dear Senator,
I would really like a straight answer to the following question – no flim flam. And please be aware that thousands of us are aware of your and your department’s spin on this matter. So treat us with some respect and tell the truth.
How can the change of the military pension formula for DFRB and DFRDB pensioners over 55 years of age, from CPI only to the same as aged pensions cost the Australian Taxpayer Billions and Billions of Dolars and be unaffordable, when the annual cost of $90(mill) for fathers to spend two weeks bonding with their newborn babies is affordable? Please explain in detail how the costings for each initiative have been calculated, to clearly demonstrate that your policy of a “Fair Go” for all Australians has been applied. There are many thousands of military superannuants and serving military personnel who would like to see your detailed response. As miltary superannuants who have served this country loyally for more than 20 years, we consider that the Government has an obligation to ensure that it is seen to be both transparent and accountable to the Australian people as a whole and, those principles have not been evident to this point in time.
Yours sincerely etc etc
Dear PAUL, as Fair go for ALL Australians is the ideal for which we should all aspire, surely.
Each one of us First Among Equals.
Certainly in this case, past and serving Defence Force Personnel are being treated as Last Among Equals.
Not good enough.
Perspectives of War and Peace.
Thank you Tess for drawing attention to the article by Terry Brown in the Herald Sun about the passing of Mick Berrigan. I agree with you that everyone should read this beautifully written, factual, and moving article. Many of us will feel the emotion and nod our head with understanding as we read this.
That it was published at the height of the QANTAS dispute and the tragic loss of life of our servicemen in Afghanistan only strengthens the poignancy of the article’s content.
All of our newspapers featured front page pictures of those distressed at missed flights during the QANTAS grounding. The veteran who died missed more than a QANTAS flight in his young life. Mick Berrigan and his family and friends all suffered for 44 years as a result of his war injuries in Vietnam. Our politicians did not feature at his funeral.
Quote [
On Sunday, his battle ended. The war was over for Mick and his family.
"The ultimate sacrifice? This is even more, isn't it, really? What a waste," Chris says.
"He died in his sleep. That's something, isn't it?"
And a comrade, John Johnston, one of the 30-odd Vietnam veterans in a guard of honour for the flag-draped coffin, spoke for all of them.
"There just couldn't be a greater sacrifice," he said. "There couldn't be."
] End quote
Dear BILL ARDEN, you and other colleagues also drew my attention to the article. And in these matters, it is important to acknowledge the fine work and fine words of other journalist colleagues who are prepared to write about the horrible, debilitating and soul destroying anguish and legacy of the War in Vietnam.
TERRY BROWN portrayed PRIVATE MICK BERRIGAN as he was – a human being. Not a statistic.
We in the media have to be prepared to write about such families while people are alive – and those of us who can, should contribute to fight for Justice on their behalf – with the same level of determination and energy displayed by your good self, BILL – and your Dear Brethren.
Rest In Peace Private Mick Berrigan, anouther soul ignored by heartless governments. I never knew Mick Berrigan, nor of his plight until I read about it here, but along with others, it cuts deep.
I was browsing (snooping?) the Australian Labor Party website, and a couple of things appear there that the current lot totally ignore.
Under the heading “Our Foundations” – “Labor’s commitment to a fair go for everyone is at the foudation of our approach to government”,
and under “Fairness” – “For Labor, goverment has a critical role in ensuring: Sufficient basic income and assets to provide financial security and quality of life for all Australians” Perhaps these two paragraphs should be addended “unless of course you are ex military and have served your country faithfully, in which case we don’t give a rat’s arse about you!”
If only I could hack their bullshit website!!
Nice to see Mr Wilkie has come out to support us. One can only hope that political expediency doesn’t push our agenda off his radar. My thoughts re our next election (not soon enough for any of us) that if we had a suitable candidate to oust that turncoat Lundy from the Senate, we could really hold some sway with a Liberal/National government which will hold a massive majority in the House of representatives. We could certainly make life interesting then!
Cheers, Maurie
Dear 10SUMPY/MAURIE, MICK BERRIGAN’s story does indeed cut deep. Well put.
It’s clear from your quoting of the Labor Party’s website ( and even well before this ) that the Labor Party is utterly disinterested in any notion of ‘ Fairness ‘ in most things.
There seems to be growing interest in you fielding candidates in the Federal Election – and do you have people within your ranks with the calibre to defeat the incumbents ?
Without question!
Like many of us, I did not know Mick Berrigan but the article by Terry Brown touched my heart. I sent an email to the local Senators and Gai Brodtmann drawing their attention to the article about Mick and the link to the story. I hope they read and reflect on the passing of a fine Australian soldier.
I’m with you Maurie on the election. If only we could get someone to step forward to challenge Senator Lundy. What a great day and I am sure the support he/she would get from our community would be overwhelming.
Paul
Dear PAUL, isn’t it extraordinary what impact MICK BERRIGAN is having, thanks to TERRY BROWN.
And onya for sending the article and link to pollies; it might make them look beyond their own
spin and outright lies.
SENATOR KATE LUNDY’s seat is ripe for picking; MAURIE’s suggestion of fielding candidates makes sense, in more ways than one.
MEDIA ALERT:DAVID JAMISON, National President, DFWA was on TREVOR CHAPPELL’s overnight show on ABC Radio on Melbourne Cup Day. Here’s a link to the audio: –
http://www.abc.net.au/overnights/stories/s3353565.htm
Received this reply from NSW Senator Doug Cameron today:
“Thank you for your letter regarding the indexation arrangements for Australian Government superannuation pensions”.
“The Government engaged Mr. Trevor Mathews, a prominent actuary, to conduct an independent review of the indexation method used to adjust Commonwealth civilian and military superannuation pensions (the Mathews review). The Government accepted Mr. Mathews’ recommendation that Commonwealth civilian and military superannuation pensions should continue to be indexed by the CPI”.
“Civilian and military superannuation pensions provide a retirement income related to a person’s employment with the Commonwealth or service with the Australian Defence Force. Civilian and military superannuation pensions are different in purpose to other government payments available to the broader community. The Age Pension, for example, is a safety net benefit provided to those in the general community based on need”.
“The Civilian and military superannuation pensions provide a guaranteed lifetime level of income and indexation regardless of a person’s other income and assets and are not affected by investment returns. Such a pension is generally not available to the wider community”.
“It is important to note that the level of pension is commensurate with the period of employment or service. For scheme members whose careers were not entirely in either the military or the public service, it is expected that other employment would provide the opportunity for additional superannuation or savings for retirement”.
“For this reason, comparing the average Commonwealth superannuation pension under a particular scheme to other Government payments such as the Age pension or Service pension can be misleading as the superannuation pension may not account for the totality of a retiree’s retirement income”.
“I understand that some organisations have referred to past comments made by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) in relation to the CPI not being a measure of purchasing power or changes in cost of living. In their paper on the CPI for the Mathews Review the ABS clarified that the CPI is a robust measure of general price inflation for the household sector and the best available broad measure of changes in the cost of living faced by Australian households. The ABS paper is available on the Department of Finance and Deregulation’s (Finance) website http://www.finance.gov.au/superannuation/docs/the-CPI.rtf.”.
“Aligning the indexation arrangements with those applying to the Age pension would come at a significant cost. Information in relation to the costs of such an indexation arrangement is available on the Finance website at http://www.finance.gov.au/superannuation/UpdatedSuperannuationPensionIndexationEstimates.html. The estimated cash cost would be $322 million over four years and there would also be an immediate increase in unfunded superannuation liabilities of $32.9 billion. These costs would need to be met by reprioritising spending on other initiatives or programs”.
“The increase in the unfunded liability reflects the net present value of future payments resulting from a change to the indexation methodology. The size of the increase in the liability is a reflection of the cost of meeting higher payments to pensioners as well as a signifcant group that is yet to retire (over 160,000 employees and serving members)”.
“As you may be aware, the information on the Finance website has been subject to commentary from various sources. In response to this commentary a meeting was held between the Defence Force Welfare Association (DFWA) and the superannuated Commonwealth Officers’ Association (SCOA) with the Australian Government Actuary and Mercer (Australia) PTY Ltd who were responsible for the estimate of the costs on increased indexation. This allowed the actuaries to explain to representatives from the DFWA and the SCOA the basis of their advice”.
“In addition, the actuaries have advised that there is nothing in the commentary that would have any impact on their actuarial advice nor cause them to reconsider the assumptions included in their advice or the data underlying that advice. More recently Finance has also updated the material available on their website to provide further information”.
“I am aware that there have been suggestions that the Future Fund has excess earnings that could be used to fund increased indexation. The Future Fund’s assets at 30 June 2011 were $75.2 billion. Consistent with previous expectations, this is insufficient to offset the Australian Government’s current unfunded superannuation liabilities. Any increase in the indexation of Government superannuation schemes will increase the liabilities and further add to the financing task”.
“Thank you for taking the time to write on this matter”.
Dear KBHUSSELL, thanks so much for posting this pro forma response from SENATOR DOUG CAMERON: I would have expected more from him than these party bleatings. Same old same old.
These pathetic pro forma excuses are becoming irritating – and insulting to your intelligence and makes a mockery of your service to this country.
The reality is that the amounts concerned are piddling when compared with almostly weekly greater sums of money plucked out of the public purse to appease or fund projects initiated for no other reason than political expediency – and in a vain endeavour to keep this dying GILLARD/GREEN Coalition on life support.
Today’s politicians compare military superannuation arrangements with those of public servants and the broader community and allege that our scheme is more generous than that applies to others. Jess at paragraph 51 states that this comparison should not be made because of the unique nature of military service, including compulsory early retirement, the likelihood that the retired ‘man’ may need to relocate to find employment, may have difficulty finding retirement, may retire at a time when family financial commitments were high owing to kids education, inability to buy a house during service etc.
Arguments such as those put forward by Senator Doug Cameron that fail to recognise the climate in with the DFRDB scheme were designed deserve to be exposed for the fraud they are. In his view it is totally acceptable for a retired serviceman or woman who, by nature of their service to this country, were financially disadvantaged relative to their civilian counterparts to face an ever decreasing standard of living until they get to the point where they are dependent upon social security safety nets. And someone who was unable to buy a house owing to frequent posting, had to make a career transition at a time of high demand on the family budget, who’s spouses’ opportunity to establish a career may have been sacrificed for the career of the military partner, and who had trouble finding reasonable alternative employment, was definitely financially disadvantaged.
Dear KEN MARSH, for sure SENATOR DOUG CAMERON will read your comment and your dismissal of his – and similar arguments – as deserving to be ” exposed for the fraud they are.”
You and your Brethren are fearless in exposing the lies and obfuscation that continue to be promulgated by a heartless GILLARD GOVERNMENT and its flunkies.
In July, I wrote to Bob Brown, Bob Baldwin (who used to be Opposition Defence Personnel spokesperson, and my local member about the Fair Indexation Bill. I got a very warm response from Bob Baldwin. KB Hussell’s letter from Senator Penny Wright is word for word the same as the one I received a few weeks ago. She got 5 pages in reply. I also sent letters by registered post to the Minister for Defence and the Prime Minister, after I got fed up with being ignored by my local Federal Member, Greg Combet. I must say his office has been in telephone contact with me since then, after an old acquaintance stirred the possum, but I still haven’t had a written reply. I’ve had an acknowledgement, return of the registered post form, from one Minister’s office but nothing from the other. As far as I know, it’s a legal requirement to acknowledge a Registered Post letter – or does the law not apply to politicians? There’s another registered letter in preparation, asking why I haven’t had a reasoned reply yet. By the way, did any of you catch the letter from “Sue” (a RAAF widow) in this week’s Ipswich Advertiser; and the fatuous drivel about Remembrance Day from local member Shayne Neumann on the same page? I can’t believe the head in the clouds attitude of these people. I’m sure they don’t live in the same world as the rest of us.
I responded to Senator Doug Cameron’s above letter by email. Using texts of other colleagues on this website and Stand To, I pointed out the millions paid to bonding fathers, all the reports recommending our pensions be indexed by a fairer method than the CPI and asking him to bring the email to the PM’s attention for a FAIR GO for DFRDB and DFRB superannuation pensioners. Email is too lengthy to reproduce here. I got an automatic read receipt response from his computer so at least I know my email is in his office somewhere!
Dear BARNEY WARD, important intel here. It is so important to share the responses – so we can spot pro forma flunkies from those who think for themselves and actually care about their constituents – and treat them as human beings and not fodder for the party machine.
NB: ‘Drivel’ is a good way of describing that hypocritical tripe,laced with spin and political
expediency.
Onya Barney!
Dear PAUL, keep us posted if you get a response from a party machine creature that actually has a heartbeat!
Reply from Senator Lundy’s office your information. My intention is reply stating that our colleagues are quite sensible and wise and know where to get the attention they need and deserve:
Dear Mr Threlfall
Senator Lundy thanks you for your e-mail and has asked me to respond. She sympathises with your concern for your friends. We are indebted to our Vietnam veterans and are committed to providing the best possible treatment and care. If you would like this office to research what appropriate treatment and facilities are available in the ACT, if that is where your mates are, please let us know.
On the indexation issue, Senator Lundy has been working over many years with the representative organisations DFWA, SCOA and ACPSRO to try to achieve the outcome they seek. The recent Coalition Bill would not have achieved this outcome as it applied to only a small number of those affected and excluded all other Commonwealth superannuants including those on MSBS. Before the election last year, the Government had endorsed the Matthews Report, and so Senator Lundy and other Government Members and Senators faced election meetings stating that they could not vote for that Coalition Bill (which had been introduced before the 2010 election). This is well documented in reports of the pre-election indexation meetings organised by SCOA and DFWA. Since then, Senator Lundy, Mike Kelly MP and others in Government have worked to achieve scrutiny of the estimates provided by the Department of Finance on the costs of fair indexation, and are working with DFWA, SCOA and ACPSRO on methods to achieve the outcome of an indexation system not solely based on the CPI and which would really measure and provide for changes in the standard of living.
With thanks.
Yours sincerely
Consie Larmour, Office of Senator Lundy
From: Threlfall [mailto:threlfall@grapevine.com.au]
Sent: Friday, 28 October 2011 10:24 AM
To: Lundy, Kate (Senator)
Subject: Spam: Prostate cancer is striking our Vietnam Veterans
Dear Senator Lundy,
two of my Vietnam diggers mates have recently been diagnosed with prostate cancer. Some survive – some don’t. I hope these two fellows can fight off this terrible disease.
DVA has accepted that this disease is war related through exposure to Agent Orange in the Vietnam conflict. I would urge you to speak to the Prime Minister and get cracking on a fair indexation for our surviving veterans on a DFRB/DFRDB superannuation pension. This would be the decent and fair thing to do so that –
a. our pension can keep up with the REAL cost of living – not some weak and discredited CPI figure
b. that widows can also receive a fair indexation for the 5/8th of the deceased partners pension.
I would appreciate your thoughts on this issue and what action you might take on our behalf. After all, you promised the world before the last election.
Yours sincerely
Paul Threlfall
DFRDB Superannuation Pensioner
Dear PAUL, SENATOR KATE LUNDY, like the GILLARD/GREEN COALITION is cruelly ignoring the fact that MANY Vietnam Vets are enduring the agonising and lasting effects of this most powerful toxin, AGENT ORANGE.
This poison kills and wounds human beings. This poison kills and wounds the earth.
It is insulting that SENATOR KATE LUNDY continues to respond to you in this pro forma and
utterly discredited way.
Each such response, filled with this drivel represents another vote taken from her in the impending Federal Election.
Thanks Paul for posting her response. It is important that such information is shared and
publicly evaluated and assessed.
Hi Tess, i have seen the head of radio at Sir Charles Gardiner Hospital in WA on the 1st november and the news is good. he said that because i have blood tests done every three months that the prostate cancer is not aggresive and we have caught in it in time. i have started taking hormone tablets and have an injection of a drug called Lucrin which lasts for three months, i have two of them then they will start nuking me about march next year. that is bad news for the heartless pollies as i will be still around to haunt them all leading up to the next election. i hope that all the vets and civvies out there start to have these blood tests every three months as this will save them alot of pain. cheers for now John lawrence.
All for One and One for All – or Brothers in Arms.
Whichever, this excerpt from our history illustrates what it means to co-operate and support each other in our Fair Go fight for just entitlements.
Courtesy of the Office of Air Force History
5 Nov 1950 – 77SQN first supported Australian troops in Korea
3 RAR and US tanks fire on retreating enemy south of Pakchon, November 1950
On this day, No 77 Squadron flew in support of Australian ground troops for the first time during the Korean War. The squadron happened to be ‘on call’ when the 3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (3 RAR), launched an attack aimed at driving Chinese from hilltops overlooking the Pakchon-Sinanju road in the Taeryong River valley. The RAAF Mustangs began by softening up the Chinese positions with rockets, napalm and machine-gun fire, and then strafed enemy troops who fled from their shelters and pits. The second-in-command of 3 RAR, Major Ian Ferguson (soon to become Commanding Officer of the Battalion), subsequently described the squadron’s close support as ‘the closest I have ever seen’, and commented, ‘It was an all Australian show … the boost to morale was amazing when we recognised the planes of 77 Squadron overhead.’
Dear JOHN LAWRENCE, I’ve already had a number of ‘ off air ‘ contacts from Vets and family members thanking you and JOHN GRIFFITHS for your generous outreach to other men and for talking so openly about your treatment and experience with prostate cancer.
It invariably takes men who are mostly self-assured about their masculinity and ‘ manliness ‘ in all its dialects and whatever that now means to individuals – who are able to speak so frankly.
Of course, this is a generalisation, but I remember when that other superb speciman of manhood,( besides you two ) Tommy Hafey, spoke openly in an interview with me, to encourage men to have regular checkups – that our switchboard lit up with grateful partners calling up about the radio interview to say that because it was Tommy Hafey saying this, at long last their male partner took notice – and booked in for a checkup!
Also John, not everyone has someone they can confide in. Or even to say they are worried about something.
Someone might be reading your comment in another State or even in another country, and you could be inspiring them to act in terms of their personal health.
Onya John.
Also, pollies are definitely monitoring your comments. What you write about in your life is at the other point of their cruel indifference.
Dear BILL ARDEN, am I right in thinking that little is written about the War in Korea, from an Australian perspective – outside of formal historical texts ?
Dear bill Arden, being a member of old faithful i was full of pride every Kapyong day as we celebrated the efforts of the vets who served with 3rar in Korea. we were taught alot about the korean war by our instructors. i am still to this day very proud of the men of the unit who served in both korea and vietnam.
A very good question about the current awareness of the ‘Korean War’ Tess; a War that was not a War – actually a UN ‘Police Action’ involving 22 allied nations, and often termed ‘The Forgotten War’ although those that were involved will remember it, for sure.
Australia suffered 1500 casualties (339 deaths) over three years. The ANZUS Treaty was probably the only good thing to come out of it – though NZ pooped in its own nest years later and lost the advantage. Some background:
http://www.anzacday.org.au/history/korea/austinvolv.html
Australian Forces
Royal Australian Navy (RAN)
• Aircraft Carrier: Sydney
• Battle Class destroyers: ANZAC and Tobruk
• Tribal Class destroyers: Warramunga and Bataan
• River Class frigates: Condamine, Culgoa, Murchison and Shoalhaven
Royal Australian Regiment (RAR)
• 1st Battalion, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Battalion
The 3rd Battalion was first into action, being diverted from BCOF duties in Japan.
Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF)
• No 77 Squadron diverted from BCOF in Japan
Volunteers in Australia were also raised – many who were WW2 veterans or those who were too young to serve in WW2.
Here is Minister Snowdon’s response to my original letter to the Prime Minister, and other Politicians, on 22 June 2011. Things move slowly in Parliament House!!! It is a very long letter. I intend responding to the Minister within the week and I will post my shorter reply to this webpage. Minister Snowdon has asked me to redistribute his response. My only comments at this stage are that if the Minister still believes that the CPI is the only suitable indexation method, then why did the Government introduce the PBCLI? Why did four ALP Politicians (McMullan, Kelly, Lundy and Ellis) release a letter on 14 September 2009 stating that the CPI was no longer the best or most suitable indexation? Why did Senator Lundy recently (31 August 2011) release another letter stating that the CPI no longer responds to the cost of living increases? Why did Senator Xenophon agree that the CPI was not the best indexation but the Nation could not afford another system? And the list goes on.
Read and make your own mind up about the Government’s spin. Why not give the surviving spouse of a DFRB/DFRDB recipient a bulk payout of the member’s super entitlement? At least she/he could then roll it over into a fund of her/his choice? Enough!! Enough!! I’ll get angry again about our service personnel being betrayed by this Government.
The Hon Warren Snowdon MP
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs
Minister for Defence Science and Personnel
18th October, 2011
Brigadier Neil Weekes, AM, MC (Ret’d)
30 Hinchinbrook Drive
KIRWAN QLD 4817
Dear Brigadier Weekes
Thank you for your letter of 22nd June 2011 to multiple addressees, including the Prime Minster, the Minister for Finance and Deregulation, Senator the Hon Penny Wong and Senator the Hon Kate Lundy concerning the Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits (DFRDB) Amendment (Fair Indexation) Bill 2010 (the Fair Indexation Bill). As this matter falls within my portfolio responsibilities, your letters have been passed to me for response.
I will endeavour to provide a comprehensive response to the issues you have raised.
Superannuation is a means by which Australians can manage their living standards in retirement and military personnel and the Government’s civilian employees had the benefits of compulsory superannuation prior to many others in the Australian community.
Superannuation is not designed to provide a replacement for income earned over a working life. It is designed to assist and encourage people to achieve a higher standard of living in retirement than would be possible from the age pension alone.
To this end, Australia’s retirement income system is based on what is described as the three pillars:
• compulsory superannuation savings for all employees under the superannuation guarantee regime (and the Government as an employer is obliged to comply with the superannuation guarantee
laws);
• voluntary superannuation contributions and other private savings; and
• a publicly funded, means tested age or service pension and associated social security arrangements (which the Government, as the boy which sets policies, provides services and creates laws and regulations, provides to all Australians who satisfy the requirements to be able to access these entitlements).
The three pillars function to ensure all Australians have security and dignity in retirement by providing them with, at least, a minimum retirement income with the age or service pension as a safety net. Military superannuation pensions are a retirement income related to prior employment and are providedby the Government as an employer to honour its obligations under the superannuation laws that apply to all employers; they are not based on need, just as the salaries on which they are based are not linked to need.
Retired Australian Defence Force (ADF) members may qualify for the age or service pension, subject to age, income and assets tests, if the superannuation pension provided by the Government as an employer is below minimum income levels. As the age or service pension is a safety net benefit, the Government has decided that it is appropriate to index these pensions in a different way to the superannuation pensions it might provide as an employer.
It has been suggested that some servicemen and women may be reluctant to apply for the age pension from Centrelink. However, in financial terms, the age pension is no different to the service pension which is paid earlier. Therefore, people should access financial assistance rightly available to them.
By way of example, a couple receiving around $23,500 in superannuation, and who are entitled to the age pension 9or service pension if applicable) would be able to receive, depending on other income/assets, a combined age or service pension of up to $21,000 on top of their superannuation payments.
The explanatory memorandum for the Fair Indexation Bill indicated the coalition was committed to introducing a fair, equitable and fiscally responsible military superannuation system. The Bill and proposed amendments did no to provide that fairness and equity because it did not apply to:
• Defence Forces Retirement Benefit (DFRB) scheme and DFRDB scheme pension recipients less than 55 years of age;
• Military Superannuation and Benefits (MSB) scheme benefit recipients of any age who are in receipt of a MSB pension; and
• MSB scheme current contributors and preserved benefit members.
In other words, it is estimated that of the more than 204,000 superannuants or contributing and preserved benefit members at 30th June, 2011, some 158,000 or 77 per cent of these would not have been covered by the proposed legislation. Notably, some 14,000 DFRDB recipients under age 55 would also have been excluded.
The Government views military superannuation as a key element of the competitive remuneration and conditions of service package for ADF members. Each of the military superannuation schemes set up by the government for its employees reflect the unique nature of military service and provide members with life time indexed pensions and also death, invalidity and reversionary benefits.
Your suggestion that the failure of the Fair Indexation Bill to pass the Senate “has ensured that DFRB and FFRDB superannuants will see their measly pension (average annual pension is approximately $23,600) continue to lose its purchasing power”, does not reflect the true position. Military superannuation benefits the Government provides as an employer are based on salary and the length of the member’s period of service; they are not based on, nor reflect, a member’s needs in retirement.
There are some military benefit recipients who receive only small pensions from their scheme, but this is not due to the deficiencies in the manner in which the Government, as an employer, has decided those pensions are to be indexed.
In the case of DFRB and DFRDB recipients, it generally reflects salary level at the time of discharge and the period of service. For example, the DFRDB benefit is a pension based on 35 per cent of final salary on completion of 20 years of service.
It would be reasonable to expect that a DFRDB recipient who served only 20 years and discharged, at say age 40, would participate in other superannuation arrangements from subsequent employment. A DFRDB member whose full working career is in the ADF, that is, a member with 40 or more years of service, would receive a pension based on 76.5 per cent of their final salary. Over a similar period, this compares to around 50 per cent of final salary for Commonwealth civilian employees.
For those who are still of working age, there is the capacity to build on existing superannuation income. Of note, 76 per cent of DFRDB pensions began before the member turned 45 years of age. Many people are working longer to support their retirement years. As mentioned earlier, once people reach 65 years of age (or for certain military personnel, it is 60 years of age) the age and service pension provides a safety net for those who require additional income assistance.
Small MSB pensions could be a reflection of the length of a member’s service. The rate of accumulation of the employer component of a MSB benefit is 18 per cent of final average salary for the first seven years of service, 23 per cent of final average salary for the next 13 years and 28 per cent of final average salary for each year in excess of 20 years of service. A smaller pension would also be payable to a MSB member who decided to take more of a lump sum in lieu of converting the whole of the lump sum to pension.
The Senate decided to refer the Fair Indexation Bill to the Senate’s Finance and Public Administration Legislation Committee. The decision to refer the Bill to the Committee, whose enquiries focus on the accountability of Commonwealth bodies, on matters referred by Estimates Committees and on aspects of legislation, is not an unusual practice.
The majority of the Committee recommended that the Bill not be passed. Opposition Senators on the Committee submitted a dissenting report.
The reasons for not supporting the Bill put forward by the Committee were that:
• the unique nature of military service is adequately reflected through mechanisms both during and post service;
• during their period of service, members of the ADF have access to service allowances, other salary related and disability allowances, ADF specific leave, housing, health, family support and compensation arrangements;
• the employer superannuation contribution rate during the service period is higher than for other government employees;
• DFRDB pensions provide a guaranteed lifetime level of income and indexation which is generally not available in the wider community; and
• the DFRDB indexed pension is available, at any age, after 20 years of service (the majority of the rest of the community is precluded from accessing superannuation benefits until preservation age is reached, which ranges from age 55 to age 60 depending on the year of birth).
The Committee also recognized that the impact on the Government’s fiscal position would be significant if the Bill were to pass. It said suggestions the changes proposed by the Bill be funded from the Future Fund did not recognize that the gap between the target level of assets required in the Future Fund and the assets of the Fund would be exacerbated.
I note that the costing figures being relied on by those supporting a change to the indexation arrangements have not been prepared in line with professional actuarial or accounting standards and have not been peer reviewed. They do not stand up to the principles of sound fiscal management nor do they stand up to the public scrutiny any Government’s fiscal strategy is required to undergo as part of the Charter of Budget Honesty.
The Government’s costings are publicly available (and have been since February 2011) on the Department of Finance and Deregulation website at:
http://www.finance.gov.au/superannuation/UpdatedEstimates.html
Both the recommendations of the majority and the dissenting report were available to Senators when it came time to consider the Bill.
I would offer the following responses to the questions you have asked.
• It seems inequitable and immoral to me that the surviving spouse of a political pensioner has his/her pension indexed against the increases to the salary of a back bencher. Does this mean that a politician’s spouse makes such a huge contribution to the defence and well-being of our nation when compared to the spouse of a lowly soldier, airman or navy personnel? Where is the justice in this?
No inferences can be drawn from the fact that the reversionary pension paid to the surviving spouse of a military superannuation benefit recipient is indexed in a different way to the reversionary benefit paid to the surviving spouse of a deceased politician.
There are many superannuation schemes that provide different benefits in different forms and values which generally reflect the underlying scheme membership. In the main, it is only public sector schemes that provide indexed superannuation pension benefits with a reversion of part of the pension to a surviving spouse and most of these are now closed. Schemes in the private sector and schemes for new public servants and Members of Parliament are accumulation schemes that provide lump sum benefits only.
• Could you please explain to me why the Government has accepted the recommendation by the Matthews Review that the CPI remains the most appropriate method of indexation for military superannuants?
The simple answer to this question is that there is no better method of indexation available. A paper prepared by Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) on the Australian Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the Matthews Review made it clear that the CPI is a robust measure of general price inflation for the household sector and the best available broad measure of changes in the cost of living faced by Australian households. This paper is available on the Department of Finance and Deregulation website at:
http://www.finance.gov.au/superannuation/submissions-transcripts.html
The paper indicated that the ABS made two significant changes to the CPI in the September quarter of 1998 as part of the longstanding process of periodic updating of the CPI, one of which was to expand the population coverage to all private households in the eight capital cities. This resulted in the population coverage increasing from 29 per cent to 64 per cent of Australian private households.
The paper indicated that the inclusion of social welfare beneficiary and superannuant households in the reference population better aligned the CPI for use in indexation of social security benefits and indexation of superannuation pensions respectively.
• If this is a legitimate argument, then please explain to the Veteran Community why your
pensions are not indexed against the CPI when you retire?
This is the nature of the arrangements provided under the now closed Parliamentary Contributory Superannuation Scheme (PCSS).
It would not be appropriate to be retrospectively removing benefits that politicians had already accrued under that scheme, just as it would not be appropriate to be retrospectively removing benefits accrued by members of the military superannuation schemes during their service. In any event, changes of this nature are not permitted under superannuation laws.
• The Matthews Review does suggest the use of an Analytical Living Cost Index and the government introduced the Pensioners and Beneficiaries Cost of Living Index (PBCLI) the day after the Matthews Review was released. Why was the PBCLI not accepted as a fair indexation for military superannuants?
Mr Matthews did not find any conclusive evidence that the CPI understates inflation as it affects Australian households in general. This finding was supported by the views expressed in the paper prepared for the Review by the ABS. In light of this, the Government had no reason to doubt Mr Matthews’ findings or to change the indexation arrangements for military superannuation pensions.
The ABS recently completed an extensive review of CPI and has announced changes including the continued quarterly publication of the outlays based PBLCI. The weighting pattern used in the PBLCI will be updated from the September quarter 2011. The PBLCI series started in the June 2007 quarter.
The Government will continue to monitor progress of the PBLCI development and seek the view of the ABS.
• You should be aware that this decision has angered the Veteran Community and we will
continue to fight for a “fair go,” especially as the Labor Party has abandoned the spirit of its election commitment to conduct a review that would address the inadequacy and inequity of the Indexation method (CPI) which has not kept up with the cost of living.
How do you explain this to a Veteran who has fought for his country, who has been sent into action by his Government, who has seen his mates fall in action, who has readily surrendered his own freedoms so that our nation can meets its International commitments and to ensure our Nation remains free?
The Matthews’ Review honoured a Rudd Government election commitment to conduct a review of pension indexation arrangements for seven Australian Government civilian and military superannuation schemes. The Government understands that its decision to accept Mr. Matthew’s recommendations disappointed many military superannuants and their representatives.
However, based on Mr. Matthews’ findings and in the absence of an alternative measure, it accepts that the CPI is a robust measure of general price inflation for the household sector and the best available broad measure of changes in the cost of living faced by Australian households.
You also raised the issue of the indexation of superannuation pensions for politicians.
The PCSS was closed to new and returning members from the 9 October 2004 general election; one of the reasons being that it was considered to be too generous to a small group of retiring parliamentarians and did not reflect community standards
The Parliamentary Superannuation Act 2004 established the new superannuation arrangements for new Senators and Members joining Parliament after the 2004 general election. Under the Act, the 15.4 per cent Government superannuation contribution for a member of the Parliament is paid into a fund of the member’s choice, but cannot be paid to a self-managed superannuation fund.
If a member does not nominate a fund, the Government contribution is paid to the Australian Government Employees Superannuation Trust, an industry superannuation fund providing accumulation benefits, with membership predominantly from employees of the Commonwealth, Northern Territory and Australian Capital Territory Governments.
Let me reassure you that the Government, as an employer, is committed to providing a competitive remuneration package to ADF members, including military superannuation designed to specifically reflect the unique nature of military service. It also is committed to fiscal responsibility.
We recognize there are ongoing demands for significant enhancements in military superannuation and are committed to continuing consideration of reforms in this area. But, this Government is committed to real reform.
We delivered on that reform through our recent superannuation governance legislation, which will benefit over 90 per cent of current serving members of the ADF. These changes will enable the MSB scheme to produce better financial returns through consolidation of investments with the much larger civilian superannuation schemes.
The DFRB and DFRDB superannuation schemes are generous compared to most other government and private sector schemes. They were specifically tailored for military service and amongst other things, provided benefits payable after 20 years service. As mentioned previously, over three quarters of members chose to leave military service before 45 when they were still of working age. On leaving the military, they also had the option to commute a part of their superannuation benefit into a lump sum. This option was exercised by an overwhelming majority of members.
The Government will provide for all its employees equitably in regard to indexation of Commonwealth public sector superannuation. It would not be appropriate to only consider discrete groups within the public sector changing the indexation arrangements in the commonwealth sector would come at a significant cost.
Commonwealth superannuation pensions provide a guaranteed lifetime level of income and indexation regardless of a person’s other income or assets and are not affected by investment returns. Such a pension is generally not available to the wider community.
I understand that you have disseminated your letter widely and have exhorted other to further distribute the letter. I would appreciate it if you could also disseminate a copy of this response, which I intend to provide to further representations on this issue.
I trust that this information explains the Government’s position.
Yours sincerely
WARREN SNOWDON
Dear JOHN LAWRENCE, thank you for your service to this country and love it that you let BILL ARDEN, and others amongst your Brethren know this.
I for one learn so much from all of your comments – and I am not alone in this.
And I can see that there is a great love and affection amongst you, for one another, even though you may not actually have met – because you have an understanding of what the other has endured, and how you have been tested in a way, that we who have not been so tested, cannot fully understand, even though we can try hard to empathise. Your families too, have been tested.
And I know that you and your families are still being tested. For some of you the war has not ended as it should, because you have not been allowed to enjoy the Peace, in the way you should.
The blame lies unequivocably with successive Australian Governments. I just don’t understand
how you can be used and abused by our Governments in this heartless way.
How dare they argue that Veteran Diggers are not worth a paltry increase in pensions and death benefits. How dare they align you to the price of tube of toothpaste or a roll of toilet paper.
Dear BILL ARDEN, blimey, you made me sit up straight. I know more about the satirical ‘ Mash ‘ show than I know about Australia’s role in Korea. That is my fault.
I had no idea so many Australians were killed and injured – and cannot help comparing the KIA and WIA count ( human beings, not mere statistics ) with Afghanistan.
Thank you for the information and the link you have provided – and for reawakening interest in
‘ The Forgotten War. ‘
Dear NEIL WEEKES,you champion, thank you for posting this crucial and fanciful response by MINISTER SNOWDON who is well out of his depth – and completely alienated from his constituents; and little wonder.
One begins to think the lunatics are running the asylum – and that is an insult to all lunatics and I count myself among their number.
Why someone who has such a facile and pedestrian knowledge of his portfolio is allowed to continue in the role is yet another insult to add to the injury that Diggers and Families already endure.
Mr Snowdon, the Spinister for Veteran Affairs ought to resign or be stood down by the Prime Minister. He is not worthy of the portfolio. He is no more representative of you than Osama Bin Laden would have been.
Dear Bill Arden, when serving with 9 plt Charlie company we were made aware of the service of Captain Reg Saunders. He was the first indigenous soldier to be commissioned as a army officer. he was a member of the Gundtjama people in victoria. Capt saunders was in charge of Charlie company at the Battles of Kapyong and Maryang San.his Father and uncle served in the first World War. we were very proud to be able to wear the U.S. Citation which were awarded for the battalions efforts at Kapyong. someone nicknamed them as swimming pools as they were blue in coluor. made me very proud to be part of Charlie company. still proud to be a finacial member of 3RAR Corparation today. I was sitting and having a beer with some civvie friends a few years back and they were watching Mash. they didn’t know much about the forgotten War but i filled them in the best i could, they certainly know alot more now than they did.
Dear JOHN LAWRENCE, this is so interesting and thank you for mentioning CAPTAIN REG SAUNDERS and in recounting your experiences here you show just how important oral history is to our
historical narrative – and not only in a military sense either.
Onya John.
MEDIA ALERT: ‘TROOPS MARCH TO CIVILIAN BEAT OVER PAY DEAL’ – here’s a link to the story on THE SYDMEY MORNING HERALD website: -
http://www.smh.com.au/national/troops-march-to-civilian-beat-over-pay-deal-20111105-1n131.html#ixzz1ctGzLK00
Tess, I cannot help feel there is some sort of irony in you above post. From what I have read of the history of military superannuation,the public service vehemently opposed any benfit proposed for the military that they did not get and then, when they designed their own super scheme, made sure it was more generous. It seems the military has always been the poor cousin of the public service.
Now, when the military gets an inadequate pay increase it has to hope that the public servants get a better one so that our soldiers, sailors and air persons (us old blokes can be politically correct) have a chance for pay justice.
And the knowleged of that history makes me rather cynical when I see the briefing paper prepared for the senate on the ‘Fair Indexation’ that were no doubt prepared by the public service.
Dear KEN MARSH, I cannot but help feel you are spot on!
How did it all get to this ludicrous stage.
Just do it JULIA! Give the Diggers a Fair Go!
Don’t think it hasn’t escaped notice Prime Minister, that you visited Afghanistan
at the very time that the bodies of three Diggers were being repatriated.
Clever, but merciless strategy.
Why didn’t you accompany the coffins back home Julia? That would have been a more meaningful
gesture.
G’day Tess and All,
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-11-06/wong-defends-imf-funding-pledge/3637978
After seeing the various news reports and press releases such as the link above, it is truly amazing that the Australian Government can all of a sudden and miraculously find money to prop up the IMF because of problems in the Eruozone …. but it is apparently incapable of finding the money necessary to arrest the significant erosion that continues with respect to military and commonwealth superannuation purchasing power: a matter which the Government / Parliament is both morally and legally obligated to fund and sustain.
What is equally mystifying is the lame justification that somehow Australia’s additional contribution to the IMF would produce jobs in Australia (???). At the outset, this assertion is wildly speculative, unsubstantiated and I would suggest is unfounded in every respect. Please show us the bogus treasury modelling that supposedly underpins this knee jerk decision. Also, will this proposed initiative go before the Parliament for debate and deliberation?
If the Government truly wanted to secure and sustain long term job creation in Australia then it only has to fix the indexation of Military and Commonwealth superannuation because the fix itself would be akin to providing a 40 year stimulus to the Australian economy.
The Government and the Parliament more generally needs to get real and look after their own before bailing out others who have shown blatant disregard for their own financial circumstances and who have ultimately been corrupt and reckless with their children’s national inheritances.
Dear PETER THORNTON, thanks for putting what many of us were thinking into words here.
Thumbs up to everything you say.
How dare they try and forcefeed us such political swill.
The reply to Neil Weekes from the Hon. Warren Snowdon warrants further comment.
This is a prime example of obfuscation:
Obfuscate –
1. To make dark; overshadow
2. To deliberately make more confusing in order to conceal the truth.
This reply, along with that of the Prime Minister, now means the bureaucratic advice we have been categorising as ‘waffle’ is now officially waffle.
One could even quote Shakespear’s Hamlet:
“The lady doth protest too much, methinks.”
The phrase which has come to mean that one can “insist so passionately about something not being true that people suspect the opposite of what one is saying.”
Nothing contained in the reply is relevant to the specific issues surrounding the Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits (DFRDB) Amendment (Fair Indexation) Bill 2010 (the Fair Indexation Bill).
With respect to the counter-arguments of costing, the Minister, incredibly, states “They do not stand up to the principles of sound fiscal management nor do they stand up to the public scrutiny any Government’s fiscal strategy is required to undergo as part of the Charter of Budget Honesty.” Okay, let’s get honest then. The reference to the Government’s costing is deliberately misleading because DoFD’s costing (see the quoted link) is based on a TOTAL cost of increases to ALL Commonwealth superannuates, with the exception of politicians and the judiciary. This does not relate to the Bill as it was presented or to the arguments at large.
There was no need for the Minister to lecture us on the processes of the DFRDB Act, or whether we deserve what we get, or do we need to justify what we get – it’s in the Act. We know all about it. There is nothing in the Act that says comparisons have to be made against every other superannuation scheme or what benefits are provided by other schemes. MINISTER SNOWDON HAS TOTALLY MISSED THE POINT.
The DFRDB Act 1973 (as amended) is current Legislation. It provides for an entitlement to Retired Pay (pension or superannuation in the modern vernacular) and also provides for indexation of that pay to maintain its value – end of story.
Our argument is that the CPI is not maintaining the value, as designed in the Act. Examples of other superannuation payments, for which indexation by the CPI has been superseded, proves this.
Minister Snowdon says “The simple answer to this question [as put] is that there is no better method of indexation available [than the CPI]”. Then WHY, minister, is the CPI not used universally?
The Minister uses the word ‘simple’ a lot (in a derogatory way).
Our case is simple; we have an entitlement under the Act that is not being honoured by the Commonwealth.
Dear BILL ARDEN, yipppeeeee! If only the calibre of parliamentary debate was as eloquent as your comment.
Your last sentence drills down to the inconvenient truth.
In response to Bill Arden, Jess at 50 stated: ‘The provision of retirment benefits for members of the Defence Force cannot be equated with the provision of similar kinds of benefits in civilian schemes.’ Then, at 51, ‘In our view, confusion can only result and has resulted in the attempt to maintain a link between the D.F.R.B. scheme and the Commonwealth Public Service Superannuation Scheme’.
The tactics of the Government and, one suspects, their public service allies, does the very thing that Jess said should not be done.It is to confuse and, in your words. ‘obfuscate’.
Dear KEN MARSH, please be patient with me – can you elaborate on your comment? I must admit, my brain’s like spag. bol. at the moment, as befits a Class A Drongo.
Tess, the Jess committee was established by the Govt to review and recommend on military superannuation provisions circa 1972. Its report was submitted in May 72. The Jess committe was adamant that military superannuation should not be compared to civilian schemes owing to the unique nature of military service.
In a report prepared for the Senate in 2010 for the Senate by the Finance and Public Administration Committee the committee made comparisons to the current military superannuation scheme and civilian and public service schemes. I have provided a link to this document.
http://www.aph.gov.au/senate/committee/fapa_ctte/defence_retirement_benefits/report/report.pdf
The document did nothing in my opinion to identify what in Jess’s view was unique about military service, to try and give readers any historical context and by failing to do that led to certain conclusions (no doubt desired)to support the Govts position that the Bill should be defeated.
An understanding of the rationale behind the original DFRDB legislation as given in Jess would give a different picture. I am working on something but it may take me a little time to put it together.
Dear KEN MARSH, thanks for the heads up and explanation about the Jess Committee.
Frankly, the ‘unique nature of military service ‘ demands unique pensions, compensation and death benefits, surely.
Letter from Senator Doug Cameron, Senator for New South Wales, received today states:
“I apologise for sending information regarding the indexation arrangements for Australian Government superannuation pensions”.
“In response to your correspondence regarding the Defence Force Retirement Benefit and Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits schemes, these pensions generally reflect salary levels at the time of discharge and the period of service. For example, the DFRDB benefit is a pension based on 35 per cent of final salary on completion of 20 years of service”.
“It would be reasonable to expect that a DFRDB recipient who served only 20 years and discharged, at say 40, would participate in other superannuation arrangements from subsequent employment. A DFRDB member whose full working career is in the ADF, that is, a member with 40 or more years service would receive a pension based on 76.5 per cent of their final salary. Over a similar period, this compares to around 50 per cent of final salary for Commonwealth civilian employees”.
“For those who are still of working age, there is the capacity to build on existing superannuation income. Of note, 76 per cent of DFRDB pensions began before the member turned 45 years of age. Many people are working longer to support their retirement years. As mentioned earlier, once people reach 65 years of age (or for certain military personnel it is over 60 years of age) the age and service pension provides a safety net for people who require additional income assistance”.
“It is important to note that superannuation and age pensions are two separate and distinct components of the Australian retirement income system. Superannuation is one element of the total remuneration package available to Australian Defence Force members. Taken as a whole, the Australia Defence Force remuneration package reflects the special and unique nature of military service”.
“Age Pensions (and Service Pensions which is payable 5 years earlier) are the key element of the nation’s safety net arrangements for people who do not have superannuation”.
“Superannuation is a means by which Australians can manage their living standards in retirement. It is not designed to provide a replacement for income earned over a working life, but more so to assist and encourage people to achieve a higher standard of living in retirement than would be possible from the age pension alone”.
“To this end, Australia’s retirement income system is based on what is described as the three pillars:
# compulsory superannuation savings for all employees under the superannuation guarantee regime (and the Government as an employer is obliged to comply with the superannuation guarantee laws),
# voluntary superannuation contributions and other private savings; and
# a publicly funded, means tested age or service pension and associated social security arrangements (which the Government, as the body which sets policies, provides services and creates laws and regulations, provides to all Australians who satisfy the requirements to be able to access these entitlements)”.
“The three pillars function to ensure all Australians have security and dignity in retirement by providing them with, at least, a minimum retirement income with the age or service pension as a safety net. Military superannuation pensions are a retirement income related to prior employment and are provided by the Government as an employer to honour its obligations under the superannuation laws that apply to all employers; they are not based on need, just as the salaries on which they are based are not linked to need”.
“Retired ADF members may qualify for the age or service pension, subject to age, income and assets tests, if the superannuation pension provided by the Government as an employer is below minimum income levels. As the age or service pension is a safety net benefit, the Government has decided that it is appropriate to index these pensions in a different way to the superannuation pensions it might provide as an employer”.
“It has been suggested that some servicemen and women may be reluctant to apply for the age pension from Centrelink. However, in financial terms, the age pension is no different to the service pension which is paid earlier. Therefore, people should access financial assistance rightly available to them”.
“By way of example, a couple receiving around $23,500 in superannuation, and who are entitled to the age pension (or service pension if applicable), would be able to receive, depending on other income/assets, a combined age or service pension of up to $21,000 on top of their supeannuation payments”.
“The explanatory memorandum for the Fair Indexation Bill indicated the Coalition was committed to introducing a fair, equitable and fiscally responsible military superannuation system. The Bill and proposed amendments did not provide that fairness and equity because it did not aply to:
#Defence Force Retirement Benefit (DFRDB) scheme and DFRDB scheme pension recipients less than 55 years of age;
# Military Superannuation and Benefits (MSB) scheme benefit recipients of any age who are in receipt of a MSB pension; and
# MSB scheme current contributors and preserved benefit members”.
“In other words, it is estimated that of the more than 204,000 superannuants or contributing and preserved benefit members as at 30 June 2011, some 158,000 or 77 per cent of these would not have been covered by the proposed legislation. Notably, some 14,000 DFRDB recipients under age 55 would also have been excluded”.
“The Government views military superannuation as a key element of the competitive remuneration and conditions of service package for ADF members. Each of the military superannuation schemes set up by the Government for its employees reflect the unique nature of military service and provides members with life time indexed pensions and also death, invalidity and reversionary benefits”.
“The Government will provide for all its employees equitably in regard to indexation of Commonwealth public sector superannuation. It would not be appropriate to only consider discrete groups within the public sector. Changing the indexation arrangements in the Commonwealth sector would come at a significant cost”.
“Commonwealth superannuation pensions provide a guaranteed lifetime level of income and indexation regardles of a person’s income or assets, and are not affected by investment returns. Such a pension is generally not available to the wider community”.
“Yours faithfully”
This letter bears a striking resemblance to the letter sent to Neil earlier by Senator Warren Snowdon!?!
Dear KBHUSSELL, thanks for posting this response to your letter from SENATOR DOUG CAMERON.
And very sharp of you to point out that it bears a striking resemblance to the letter sent to
NEIL WEEKES by the Minister for Veteran Affairs.
It is important to expose this type of pro forma fast food spin.
You have exposed it for what it is – a lazy but important admission that your campaign is cutting deep – so deep that it has to be stage managed and adult politicians are neither capable nor allowed to speak for themselves.
Pathetic!
Absolutely correct KBH. The ‘copy and paste’ method is the way they all avoid having personal opinions! We should be challenging every statement – for that is what these are, statements; not explanations. For example:
“The Government will provide for all its employees equitably in regard to indexation of Commonwealth public sector superannuation….”
There are obvious examples where this is incorrect – start with you’re arrangements Senator, are you not a Government employee?
“…It would not be appropriate to only consider discrete groups within the public sector. …”
Again Senator, what about you and yours?
“…Changing the indexation arrangements in the Commonwealth sector would come at a significant cost”.
We’ve heard this one before Senator – no explanation, just a throw-away line.
“Commonwealth superannuation pensions provide a guaranteed lifetime level of income and indexation regardless of a person’s income or assets, and are not affected by investment returns. Such a pension is generally not available to the wider community”.
True – it is good that you acknowledge your own advantages in this privileged group but those that serve in the Services have to earn the privilege. They (we) had to qualify by serving at least 20 years in the Defence Force, facing the adverse conditions of Service, and enduring the difficulties of ‘starting anew’ in civvie-street. If the ‘wider community’ were to do the same they could also enjoy the same pittances of peace
Dear BILL ARDEN, you have caught them out with their preposterous and arrogant obfuscation.
Thanks goodness there are human beings like you and KBH in this fight for a fair go.
Losing is not an option.
I hope that someone will do a PHD on your comments. Time and again the reponses you get from
politicians is no more than facile mimicry.
They have become used to behaving like our Masters. They are in fact, our Servants. And it is an honour and a privilege to be a Servant of the People.
For too long we have subjugated ourselves before them.
When we ‘ civilians’ read your comments it becomes only too bleeding obvious that you outrank
these flaccid politicians in terms of intellect, philosphy, reason and good humour.
Time and again people remark to me that they wish people like you were running the country.
As it is, Australia seems to be running on empty.
BREAKING NEWS: MORE AUSSIE TROOPS WOUNDED BY ROGUE AFGHANI NATIONAL SOLDIER.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-11-09/soldiers-shot/3653744
Senator Cameron, in his letter to KBHussell posted above on 3 November says:
“The Civilian and military superannuation pensions provide a guaranteed lifetime level of income and indexation regardless of a person’s other income and assets and are not affected by investment returns. Such a pension is generally not available to the wider community”.
“It is important to note that the level of pension is commensurate with the period of employment or service. For scheme members whose careers were not entirely in either the military or the public service, it is expected that other employment would provide the opportunity for additional superannuation or savings for retirement”.
Some comments:
1. The Jess committee knew well that the member in retirement may seek alternate employment. It sought to address the challenges faced by early mandatory retirement may impose on the defence force member and provided a graduated level of ‘retirment pay’ (their prefered terminology) based on years of service beyond the 20 year mark, to support the ‘man’ in these circumstances. They made allowance for the fact that the ‘man’ may have difficulty finding suitable employment, may be unable to find secure employment, or may be forced to take employment that was ‘low paid, unattractive work, or not able to find employment at all’.
2. Jess also proposed that retired pay be indexed to maintain ‘relativity with average weekly earnings’ to ‘ensure that the man in his retirement will be able to maintain his position in relation to rising community standards …’
One can only ask why Senator Cameron and other government apologists do not present these facts in their discussion of the matter.
The reality is that the position taken by Cameron and his ilk can only consign men and women who have served this nation well for a significant part of their life to ever decreasing living standards.
A report into the ‘Fair Indexation’ legislation prepared for the Senate, dated May 2011, included the following statement:
‘The Australian Veterans and Defence Services Council also notes its research indicated that NCOs, many of whom recieve less than $25,000 per annum in superannuation, have dificulty finding steady employment after discharge to supplement their military pension’.
Is therefore seems that Jess was more than reasonable in attempting to make provision for the needs of those who have given 20 or more years of service to the nation.
What sharp contrast to the words expressed by Senator Cameron.
Does anyone know how I can obtain a copy of Hansard, especially the record of the ‘First Reading’ (I believe it is called) or the speach that introduced the DFRDB legislation to parliament?
Dear KEN MARSH, thanks so much for pointing out to us the revisionist and selective interpretations put by SENATOR DOUG CAMERON on behalf of the GILLARD/GREEN LABOR GOVERNMENT.
Hi all
In reply to Ken Marsh
The reading/introduction of the DFRDB Bill and associated reading’s in relation to the Jess report is listed on the Parlimentary Libary website and should be available there, the National Libary or Australian Archives.
Here is another poem from our Poet Laureate,
Brigadier (Retired) George Mansford, AM
THE WAITING GAME
It seems our Nation is often involved in someone else’s war
As always, there are casualties and that’s for sure
Thus a terrible game is to be played now and then
Waiting for news, good or bad, from the lion’s den
The ritual begins at the starter’s gate
The rules are simple; all you do is listen, pray and wait.
The signal to start is heard by more than a few
It’s what the media calls “Breaking news”
The dice are rolled at any time be it day or night
There is no warning and for players it surely is a fright
With the news that some of our military are wounded or dead
Just numbers given but not the names to be heard or read
The word quickly travels that the game has begun
Media and word of mouth helps the game to run
It quickly gathers pace and even those who are beginners
Already know full well that in this game there are no winners
It’s mostly the soldiers’ wives, sweethearts and parents who play the game
Be they at home or work, all dreading to hear a loved one’s name
In time the casualties are called from the dice which have been thrown
Then the couriers go forth prepared for the screams, sobs and groans
There’s fear and panic when strangers in uniform knock at the door
Watching them shuffle with grim long faces staring at the floor
Hearing their news; knowing that all has been lost in terrible strife
No more loving hugs, happiness and security from yesterday’s life
The garlands are laid amid much reverence for those who died
Honour rolls amended with new names scribed
Lovers in mourning now alone drift with neither purpose nor song
New widows, confused families and crippled veterans urged to move on
Time passes, names slowly forgotten and most do not care
Next of Kin continue to grieve for loved ones who once did dare
For those who must play it, the waiting game has ended once more
Until the next breaking news and unwelcome messengers arrive at the door
George Mansford ©November 2011
Dear NEIL WEEKES,thanks so much for posting this latest jewel from our esteemed POET LAUREATE BRIGADIER (Ret’d) GEORGE MANSFORD AM.
It is surely bitter-sweet in its powerful imagery. And how apt re the ‘ breaking news ‘ theme, given that I used that phrase myself in posting a link to a story about Aussie soldiers in
Afghanistan WIA by a turncoat Afghan Army soldier – who as far as I know,at this moment is still on the run.
Dear GEORGE you are a wonderful gift to us as a nation- and you have a wonderful gift that you so generously share with us.
The Waiting Game says it all.
John Sainsbury – thanks for the leg up. Much appreciated.
Hi Everyone,
In case you haven’t seen it through other channels,we have a new video just released today which reveals the harrowing story of one military widow. It is compelling viewing and you can see it here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2u1KJV3OJSs
When you have finished drying your eyes, please pass the link on to all of your contacts. We want this one to go wildy viral.
Thanks to all for your support.
Ray Gibson
Fair Go Campaign Director
Moving video, Ray. I’ve made this the featured video on the IA front page.
Best,
David Donovan
Managing editor
Independent Australia
Thanks David. We greatly appreciate your support.
Ray
Dear JOHN SAINSBURY & KEN MARSH, so love the way you dudes interact and support one another.
Just want to say that.
Dear RAY GIBSON, what have you started here!!!!!!! I have tried to many times
to view the video you posted – it’s jammed because so many peopole are accessing it.
I will keep trying of course, but all reports are that you are to be saluted – including Sue, let’s not forget – for putting this moving statement together.
Thank you to all of those who step forth from the shadows to help one another. You are such an inspiration to the rest of us.
Dear DAVID DONOVAN,MANAGING EDITOR OF INDEPENDENT AUSTRALIA, you are a champ. Thanks for
posting the video as IA’s feature video.
Dear RAY ( not sure if you are Ray Gibson ) I just want to endorse your words about David.
Do you all realise this campaign is now in its seventh month ?
From day one, when I was in sickbay and contacted David about some documents that were leaked to me, he supported me – and we dropped everything ( including my temperature ) to get the story posted as fast as we could.
Investigative journalists are orphans of the craft. Unless Editors are prepared to publish our stories………….well,it’s hellishly difficult in the cold journalistic climate that is
Australia.
I promised to walk with you and I have tried to, even though I’ve limped through at times.
I’m in awe at what you’ve all achieved so far. What an adventure. What a journey. What a
homage to all who have gone before.
The truth is, your courage and energy far outflanks many who are half your age. You have quite
a few groupies you know. You are our Fathers, our Uncles, our Brothers, our Nephews and Nieces.
You remind us of that other Australia, that is still with us, but we’ve somehow popped into the ‘retro’ pages of our memory.
You’ve brought it into the here and now. And it’s lovely. Fair dinkum.
Thanks Tess, it is gratifying to be called a champ, by a campaigner for truth and a true champion — of the people.
Dave
Ray
I have sent the video clip to every email address I have. Aren’t we lucky we surrived our service and didn’t leave Widow’s and children who would have been kicked out of the Married Quarter and left to survive on less than half of our military wage. It is all governments both side and under side of the fence if I were a Man to swear I could say some nasty things about all of them so I will only think it.
Regards
Bob Ihlein
Watching Sue on the video, I could only think about how this lady has so much class and poise, after being so unfairly treated.
I guess that Kate Lundy and other members of the senate, will not view it, but if they do I hope that in their hearts they may begin to appreciate the sacrifices made by military personnel and their families, and perhaps just begin to wonder if the circumstances were reversed and they were the recipients of such treatment, how would it affect them. Gillard can spend money in Africa, give money to the IMF, and I note in todays paper she proposes to give 2 billion dollars to lower paid workers, in one example raising a community workers salary from $49,500 to $66,000 p.a. My $23000 p.a. appears a little short of Gillards desired outcomes.
Dear BOB IHLEIN, even given what I already know about how heartless successive Australian Governments have been to you all and to widows and children, I was so shocked that Sue and her children were given only two weeks after her husband was killed, to get out of the Defence Home!
And no counselling !
And not being informed by Defence that her husband was dead! She found out from a journalist
knocking on her door to get some family photos for a story! Defence had told journalists but
didn’t bother telling ‘the wife.’
I don’t want to hear the ‘ we did things differently then ‘ nonsense.
Sue, a big thank you for doing the interview and for telling it like it was – and is!
Dear COLROE,spot on about Sue and please rest assured that SENATOR KATE LUNDY will
at least be briefed about the video,but if she and VETERAN AFFAIRS MINISTER WARREN SNOWDON, PRIME MINISTER JULIA GILLARD and DEFENCE MINISTER STEPHEN SMITH were real politicians, they
would demand to see ALL the videos that have been prepared by the campaign – and act on
them.
That’s if they were REAL politicians.
But right now they’ll be squabbling about who gets to have their photo taken with President
Obama next week. Mark Arbib, the CIA’s man in Canberra is apparently going to do a full curtsy not merely a bob. How bogan.
I hope someone leaves the microphones on.
Whilst reviewing relevant comments in the House of Representatives Hansard of 26 October 1972 (the beginning of it all) I came across these discussions related to what was to become the DFRDB. The quotes are not contiguous but extracted to highlight the thinking of both ALP and LIB/CP MPs of the day – very good reading. You may notice a lot of similarities to today’s scenario – especially the attitudes and involvement (or obstruction) by other Departments.
Note the reference from both sides about the parochial (unsophisticated focus on local concerns to the exclusion of wider contexts) involvement by the Departments of Treasury, the Actuary, the Commonwealth Bank board (!) and the civil service. The square brackets are my insertions. Mr Whitlam also made some good comparisons about the relativity of the DFRB (discussion leading to the DFRDB) for the Services compared to others.
Mr BARNARD [ALP]… The Committee was established in September 1970. As the Prime Minster admitted this morning, it deliberated for about 18 months. It received representations and submissions from a great many servicemen throughout this country. It encountered problems in the way of expressed opposition. That opposition from the Commonwealth Actuary and the Department of the Treasury came from people who may have believed that they were acting in the best interests of their departments and of this country. In the face of all this opposition the Committee was determined that its final recommendations were in the best interests of our servicemen.
Mr JESS [LIB]… Let me say that I concur with the Deputy Leader of the Opposition in what he said about every member who served on that Committee from whatever Party or from whatever House he came. The Committee sat with one intention in mind—to obtain for the servicemen and ex-servicemen of this country benefits that we thought were their right, whatever else was propounded to us in respect of the situation of other people. I think all of us felt that the servicemen of this country and their dependants had rights that perhaps were not the same as the rights enjoyed by staff members of the Commonwealth Bank, members of the civil service and so on.
…
Mr JESS [LIB]… I am concerned with the question that has now come up—the suggestion to move as a right the pension of the existing pensioner, or the existing retiree as we prefer to call him, in accordance with the annual weekly wage movements each year. It is said, and the Prime Minister has agreed, that this proposal is being assessed at the moment, and the independent investigator also will look at it and the effects that it would have on the superannuation fund and other pension funds. In my opinion this is an essential factor and it must be done. It is all very well for the Treasury to say that such a proposal will affect the superannuation schemes of bank boards and everyone else. But the Committee was asked to investigate the position regarding the Services, and this was our recommendation. Indeed, if this recommendation flows on to other people in the community I do not think that will do any harm whatsoever.
Mr WHITLAM [ALP] (Werriwa-Leader of the Opposition)
…The other inhibiting factor is that the Public Service, particularly the Treasury, persists in equating the peacetime Army to the Commonwealth Public Service. The great difference is that public servants serve until they are 65 or, if they wish, they can get out without loss of benefits at 60. There are very few people indeed in the armed forces who can serve until they are 60. It is only 3 star men who can serve until then. Most men get out when they are in the 30s at the latest. Some stay on to the 40s, a very few senior men in the 50s. Therefore people in the armed forces serve for a very much shorter period than the period people will serve in the Public Service, If we are to get people to serve in an essential occupation like the armed Services during peacetime we must ensure that at the time they go back to civilian life and set up a new career they will not be disadvantaged compared with their contemporaries in age. One of the means by which we can ensure that they are not disadvantaged is by the DFRB scheme. If we equate the DFRB scheme to the Commonwealth Superannuation Fund or Provident Fund we are disadvantaging the armed forces as a whole; we are losing the investment that the country puts into the armed forces. I am putting it purely in material terms. We must consider also that we are unfair to the men and their families who choose to serve voluntarily during some of their prime years of life in this essential occupation. There are very great disadvantages for people in the armed forces, particularly for their families, and we should not be grudging in seeing that our Commonwealth institutions, schemes and funds are promptly adapted to encourage people to enlist and to re-engage and to serve in the armed forces. The DFRB scheme has been the subject of investigation by one of the most high powered joint committees that this Parliament has ever set up, and now on the last day of the Parliament we find that its unanimous report, which has never been criticised in the Parliament, is to be shelved once again.
Dear BILL ARDEN, what a sleuth. What a historical find! All this material is fascinating.
And what about what Whitlam said about equating the Army wih the Commonwealth Public Service!!!!!
Well done!
Tess, Bob and Everyone,
Many thanks for taking the time to watch Sue’s story, and for sharing the link with your friends and contacts.
The response so far has been overwhelming, with more than 300 hits on the video in less than 24 hours after going live. The feedback we have received has also been very supportive and favourable.
Sue is indeed a courageous lady and a survivor, inspite of the System that failed her.
Rest assured, I will pass on to her your kind and supportive comments.
Ray Gibson
I am currently reading a book called, “Heroic Australian Women at War”, by Susanna De Vries.
Nancy Wake remarked, “The exploits of Australia’s women at war have been sadly neglected for years”. Yet women have suffered, strengthened and defied fear in extraordinary acts of bravery. When I read of the exploits of these women, many who paid their own way to England to drive amulances and nurse wounded soldiers, Olive King, who saved countless lives in the war ravaged Balkans, Sister Joyce Tweddell, Sister May Hayman, Sister Vivian Bullwinkel who survived the Bangka Island Massacre and the list goes on, makes me appreciate what a wonderful country we live in – thanks to the magnificent women who have paved the way for us. The departure of these incredible women from our shores caused many heartaches for the loved ones they left behind. It brought home to me the truth in the old saying, “those who wait also serve”.
And then I saw Sue’s video. I shed a tear with her as I watched her put her heart on the table. I was humbled to see her strength, grace, courage, her ability to rise above the torment and press on as she has been doing for the last thirty four years……without recognition, support, a caring word or thought from the people who are supposed to be guiding this country. If these people in positions of power had one third the strength, grace and courage displayed by Sue, the world would be a better place. Sadly they have never had, nor will they ever have such qualities. They are in their job for what they can get out of it and because of their collective lack of action to help those in need, to help those who have paid a heavy price and are continuing to pay a heavy price for service to their country, they should hang their collective heads in shame.
God bless you Sue, I agree, it is a National disgrace.
Dear RAY GIBSON, it’s great that you’re getting this feedback – to have so many hits in such a short time shows just how important it is to listen to one another’s stories – Sue’s story is
real – not spin.
She’s a brave Darling – and she’s got heaps of fans and it’s good that you’ll let her know this.
Congrats again to ALL involved.
Dear KBHUSSELL, thanks for sharing your comment and I’m sure RAY GIBSON will see it as well and
pass on what you say to SUE.
You are right to point out that there are heroic Australian women that we know about,
but with women like Sue, well, they are heroic too, but not so well known.
Onya KB! Love it that you call it as it is.
In the context of Bill Arden’s post above, the following quotes from Jess are informative.
‘The provision of retirment benefits for members of the Defence Force cannot be equated with the provision of similar kinds of benefits in civilian schemes’ (50).
‘In our view confusion can only result and has resulted in the attempt to maintain a link between the D.F.R.B. scheme and the Commonwealth Public Service Superannuation Scheme’ (51).
And, in the same paragraph, commenting on the cost of the scheme and facing – or anticipating – criticism of the cost of the scheme:
‘As tax gatherer it [the govt] may see itself as having a duty not to subsidse too heavily its own employees out of general revenue. But the committee does not consider that in the provision it makes for the Defence Force it should allow itself to be affected by the provision it makes for public servants or the conditions that apply elsewhere in the community’.
The rationale had to do with the conditions of service that applied at the time. Note how today’s politicians are quick to ‘maintain a link’, ignore totally the conditions of service the scheme was designed to address, and draw cost comparisons to point out how generously we are being treated.
Dear Tess & Bob,
Many thanks to both of you and to everyone who has taken the time to watch Sue’s Story and share the link with friends and contacts.
We have had an overwhelming response to the video with over 300 hits on the clip in the first 24 hours since going live. We have also received very favourable and supportive feedback.
Sue is indeed a courageous lady, and more importantly, she is a survivor, despite being badly let down by the System.
The other shameful side to this story is that having survived that era when Service conditions and support were woefully inadequate, Sue and many other widows like her, continue to face unfairness and discrimination today because of the erosion in value of their widows pensions through inadequate indexation.
And the Government calls this FAIR!
Rest assured, I will pass on your kind and supportive comments to Sue.
Ray Gibson
Some may have seen the interview on the 7.30 report tonight with the widow of an Afghanistan soldier. A war widow at 22. The comment was made that the Dept of Vet Affairs is geared up to care for the needs of 70 yo war widows – not 23 year olds. Hopefully there is better support these days than for Sue – but there was still the issue of needing to get our of defence housing, the media, and other things.
It should be avaialbe on I View for about the next 7 days (after it is loaded)
http://www.abc.net.au/iview/?WT.svl=services#/news
Dear KEN MARSH, thanks for drawing our attention to the interview.
And for the link.
Dear RAY GIBSON, I think it is worth sending a copy of Sue’s video to the 7.30 Report, also for the ABC’s library files, as well as sending it to every representative of Federal Parliament. Tomorrow’s Remembrance Day would be a good time to email them out.
And if we put out a call to arms for everyone to send the video to their local members, that should just about cover it – and also distribute it amongst our own contacts. What do you think? You may already have done this, of course.
Congratulations, you’re getting great feedback and that is a tribute to all of you who are working relentless behind the scenes.
Thanks for your comments Tess.
I understand the logic of your suggestion about using the occasion tomorrow to make a statement. However, organisationally, we have a policy of not using any National Day of Remembrance to promote campaign activities.
We understand that some may not share our view, but we don’t wish to detract attention away from the prime purpose of these solemn occasions.
However, we will be looking into the ABC and other media angles over coming days.
Ray Gibson
Dear RAY GIBSON, a big hug.
I totally understand and respect your organisation’s point of view. What Darlings you are.
I commented on 5 November about another “Sue”, who wrote to the Ipswich Advertiser recently about her experiences as a RAAF widow, after her husband was killed in a crash in 1977. I can’t get Ken Marsh’s video reference to come up (what am I doing wrong?), but from comments on this page,it seems nothing much has changed over the years. Sue’s reversionary pension is still very small, she was left with two young children, required to leave her married quarter 14 days after the funeral, with zero support from the system.
On the same letters page there was an exhortation from the local Labor member, Shayne Neumann, about Remembrance Day. All very correct, and no doubt sincerely meant, but it’s (I’ll repeat myself now) fatuous drivel in comparison to the urgent need to properly care for people like both Sues. This same local member is peddling the government line about DFRDB indexation.
It’s typical of politicians – they are always ready for the photo opportunity with some handsome military type or lovely new bit of kit, or to be seen at some poor Digger’s funeral, but they resist to the end any attempt to make life better for the survivors. GRRR!
Dear Barney,
Perhaps all of the comments here have led to some confusion.
The link in Ken’s post is for an ABC 7.30 report on an interview with a young military widow as a result of the war in Afghanistan.
The Sue you refer to from the article and the Sue who appears in the Fair Go Campaign video interview on youtube are the same Sue. If you haven’t seen Sue’s video interview, you can watch it here
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2u1KJV3OJSs
As for your other comments about politicians, I agree 100%.
Ray Gibson
Fellow Fair Go followers,
I have just sent the below email, will post reply, if any!!, when received.
Keep up the push, we WILL achieve our goal.
Senator Warren Snowden
Senator Doug Cameron
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600
Gentlemen,
I refer to your standard “cut & paste” Labor Party letter of reply to several DFRDB recipients in relation to the current Federal Government’s inaction and procrastination to rectify the anomaly denying older DFRDB recipients the same equality granted to Old Age Pensioners, ie: indexation of pensions to maintain purchasing power.
Your letters have been widely promulgated to ex serving members of the Australian Defence Force and I, for one, have noticed anomalies and misinformation that the general public may accept as factual, where in fact, the information is misleading.
Are you aware of THESE facts?
1948. The DFRB Act – 15,300 contributors and 107 pensioners; pension geared to the conditions of service, surrender values equal to contributions without reduction, available for officers at retiring age or 20 years, OR on completion of engagement after 20years, 3 classes of invalidity benefits and commutation options for a lump sum in certain circumstance.
1959. Contributors total 39,330 with 3110 pensioners. Reduction in compulsory retiring age from 60 to 47 (officers) 55 (OR) creates tension. No compensation paid – virtual breach of contract. Death benefits questioned; widows left with pension. Pensioners not represented on DFRB Board. The fund made bigger profit than expected; surplus returned (eventually) to members.
Sep 70 – May 72 Jess Committee sat and reported. DFRB Act incomprehensible. Recommended compulsory contributions, 5.5% rate, retired pay or invalidity pay not pension, retired and invalidity pay to be expressed as a percentage of final pay, adjusted annually to ensure relativity with average weekly earnings, scheme not funded, payable to Commonwealth and Government guarantees the benefits, after 20 years service, commutation up to 4 years of retired pay.
Circa 1973. $126 million in accumulated DFRDB /DFRB superannuation funds reallocated into consolidated revenue. Funds declared untaxed. (The DFRB fund had approximately $160M as at 30 June 1972 but adjustments were required) The final balance of $126M was actually transferred into Consolidated Revenue in 1975 by the Whitlam Labour Government.
23 October 1986. Indexation unilaterally and arbitrarily cut by 2.0% from military pensions below the CPI percentage that then applied. Treasurer Paul Keating.
4 November 1989. CPI indexation restored but no compensation paid for the three year loss of retirement income from the cut in indexation.
Three years of reduced pension is now exponentially a substantially reduced pension in todays money!!!!!!
Our submissions have always pertained to the inadequacies of maintaining purchasing power, it has never been linked to the Public Service superannuation schemes, only military superannuation, to bring us back to parity.
Your government lumped in the figures pertaining to Public Service superannuates, because our DFRDB is administered by public servants, and it inflated the cost you quote to the general public. If pubic servants want Public Service Superannuation Scheme criteria changed, let them make their own submission on their own merits. I am yet to meet a public servant whose pension is designed, as stated in your letter, to specifically reflect the unique nature of military service.
Senator Cameron, surely, as a previous Union Delegate and Leader, you can see that we did not create this situation; it was thrust upon us by success governments, while most of us were still serving members, with no right of redress at the time. Would you have stood by and watched any government erode entitlements of your members in this way? I think not.
Reference is made in your letter statements:
The Parliamentary Superannuation Act 2004 established the new superannuation arrangements for new Senators and Members joining Parliament after the 2004 general election. Under the Act, the 15.4 per cent Government superannuation contribution for a member of the Parliament is paid into a fund of the member’s choice, but cannot be paid to a self-managed superannuation fund. When employer contributions are increased to 12%, as part of your Resource Rent Tax, will the Government increase the Act for Parliamentarians’ to 18.4%?
If a member does not nominate a fund, the Government contribution is paid to the Australian Government Employees Superannuation Trust, an industry superannuation fund providing accumulation benefits, with membership predominantly from employees of the Commonwealth, Northern Territory and Australian Capital Territory Governments. Why does it not go into Commonwealth Consolidated Revenue, same as the DFRDB Scheme?
Are Defence Force Members not Australian Government Employees?, if so why are DFRDB contributions not paid into Australian Government Employees Superannuation Trust? Another can of worms to open?
Democracy, as I understand it, is for the population to vote for persons who will represent them in government. If we, the general public, are not pleased with the representation we will not vote that person back in at the next election. You, gentlemen, are our elected representatives, to represent the voters.
Finally, Gentlemen, WE know as fact, that if all of your Labor Senators who had confirmed their support for our cause prior to the tabling of the Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits Amendment Bill (Fair Indexation) 2010 had been allowed to vote with their conscience the Amendment would have passed into law. Notification from them after the fact stated they were required to vote against it, as directed by Caucus.
I look forward to your replies to each of my questions, may be you can revisit the true facts as to why we are disadvantaged, and just after a Fair Go cobber.
Yours truly,
Colin G Coyne
RAAF 1968-1990
DFRDB recipient
Dear BARNEY WARD, why do they keep spewing up this lying drivel.
You’ve probably seen RAY GIBSON’s link to Sue’s video – last time I looked there had been close to 450 viewings – amazing in such a short time.
We did have it yesterday as our feature video too.
And a supportive GRRRRRRR! too!
Thanks Ray, and Tess.
I had only seen Sue’s letter to the Ipswich Advertiser. A friend sent it down to me and asked me to write something to the Advertiser. I wasn’t aware she had made a video interview as well. Thank you for pointing that out.
I just watched Sue’s video. Please pass on my best to her.
She is a very brave lady.
Ken Marsh’s referenced 7.30 report hasn’t loaded to i-view yet; but I bet it tells a similar story of neglect mixed with callousness.
Dear COLIN COYNE, thanks so much for exposing the continuing untruths promulgated by MINISTER WARREN SNOWDON and SENATOR DOUG CAMERON.
Why WARREN SNOWDON was appointed MINISTER FOR VETERAN AFFAIRS is beyond me. It is certainly beyond him!
Dear BARNEY WARD, spot on re Sue’s braveness – and yes, when you see the fine 7.30 Report interview, you will find it very moving as well.
When I looked again at the video earlier today, it had more than 450 viewings – and in such a short time, too.
DIGGERS:THIS IS YOUR MINISTER SPEAKING! On October 25, WARREN SNOWDON, the MINISTER WHO HASN’T THE FOGGIEST ABOUT VETERAN AFFAIRS issued Media Editors with a press release about REMEMBRANCE DAY, just in case we had never heard of it. Here it is: –
Sent: Tuesday, October 25, 2011 7:31 AM
Subject: SNOWDON LTE – WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HONOUR OUR SERVICEMEN AND WOMEN THIS REMEMBRANCE DAY? [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED]
Tuesday, 25 October 2011
VA094
LETTER TO THE EDITOR – WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HONOUR OUR SERVICEMEN AND WOMEN THIS REMEMBRANCE DAY?
Dear Editor
On the eleventh day of the eleventh month, in this the year 2011, Australians around the country and the world will pause for a moment of silence to remember all those who have given so much in service to our nation.
This moment of silence honours those who have been affected by war, especially the more than 102,000 Australians who have made the ultimate sacrifice – including the families of 29 young diggers who have lost their lives in Afghanistan.
I encourage all Australians – no matter where you are, or what you are doing – to wear a red poppy and pause for a moment of reflection this Remembrance Day.
The Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) has a range of tools freely available for those holding a Remembrance Day ceremony, including a step-by-step guide and audio files of the National Anthem and the Last Post.
This year also marks the centenary of the formation of the Royal Australian Navy, to honour this significant milestone a commemorative poster has been produced and distributed to schools and ex-service organisations.
All of these resources are available on the DVA website at http://www.dva.gov.au/remembranceday.htm
I urge all Australians to take the time to remember our courageous servicemen and women, past and present, this 11 November.
Lest we forget.
The Hon Warren Snowdon MP
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs
Minister for Defence Science and Personnel
Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on the Centenary of Anzac
Media inquiries: Minister Snowdon: Marcus Butler 0417 917 796 or 02 6277 7820
Department of Veterans’ Affairs Media: 02 6289 6203
DIGGER JOCK O’NEILL RESPONDS TO MINISTER SNOWDON: –
On 09/11/2011
Dear Minister Snowdon
Regarding your Letter to the Editor titled “WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HONOUR OUR SERVICEMEN AND WOMEN THIS REMEMBRANCE DAY?”
Australians are indebted to our servicemen and women for their sacrifice. The 102,000 lives lost in defense of our country and in bringing peace and stability to other nations is fully recognised as is their legacy.
We have looked at the record of your Government and what you have done for our ex-servicemen and women and found the following:
Failure to maintaining the parity of Diggers Disability Pensions with other pensions as promised by your predecessor Mr. Griffin, and your ALP in September 2007.
Denial of an increase to Diggers Disability Pensions in September 2009 notwithstanding your government granting a one-off increase to all other pensions by 2.7% of the average wage.
Allowing the Diggers Disability Pension (for those former soldiers rely on it for their full and only income) to reduce from 75% of the average wage at the end of our engagement in the Vietnam War to 44% of the present day average wage.
Legislating the theft of $6,500 (each) over the last two years from the pension entitlements from 29,000 of our most Disabled and Blinded.
Introducing a special tax of 50 cents in the dollar on Diggers Disability Pensions when there is other income earned by the family.
Reducing the income of our most Disabled and Blinded Diggers’ by up to $19,500 pa if their spouse engages in waged employment to assist in the family’s well-being.
Removing the Commonwealth Concession Card from the Disabled Digger when a spouse remains or re-enters the workforce.
Contravening the 1984 Commonwealth Sex Discrimination Act by hindering workplace participation of the female spouse by removing the income and concessions to her Disabled husband.
We conclude from the foregoing that we are unable to comply with your request to ask the Australian public to emulate what you have done for our servicemen and women.
To do otherwise would make us party to a confidence trick on the Australian public. A public that lives under the falsehood that you their elected are treating our Disabled protectors and their family with respect, dignity and provide them with an income (to replace the forgone ability to waged employment) at least equal to that of their fellow citizens who were not subjected to wounding or trauma in service to our country.
Minster, you are complicit along with your government of conveying a misleading impression and distorting the truth to dissemble the deceitful and outrageous manner in which you treat our Disabled Diggers and their families.
Unlike our journalist colleagues at Izvestia and Pravda we have been given the freedom to publicly acknowledge the sacrifices made by the men and women of our community and the privilege to exercise that freedom by saying NO.
With that privilege we the living and unwounded have the duty, the responsibility to care for those who cared for us.
Lest we forget all who serve in our name.
For The Editor:
Jock O’Neill
* Jock gave IA his written permission to post his response.
________
To Jock O’Neil,
Mate, brilliant response to one of the more incompetent of Julia’s flock. This joker Snowdon is so for out of his depth (would be out of his depth in a car park puddle) that his continued position as a minister is a complete insult to the defence and veteran community. I’d be surprised if he could tie his own shoelaces. Every thing most of us have ever learnt is about communication, yet he will not speak to us or respond to most of us. I cannot address this joker as honourable, whilst he continues to act and treat us in the most dishonourable way. Is this Gillard/Brown Coalition so distracted that they cannot see this anchor around their collective necks?
Maurie
Dear 10SUMPY/MAURIE, so thrilled to read your support of JOCK O’NEILL’s brilliant demolishing of WARREN SNOWDON’s facile press release offering little more than a kindergarten activities
kit for politicians suffering from intelligence deficit syndrome. I do not mean to insult kindergartens either. Their activities kits are generally far superior.
Maurie, I love the car park puddle thing – love the sayings you dudes come up with. You should put them all in a book.
So spot on about communication. They are frightened of you Maurie. That is the reality. They are astonished at how you have all galvinised yourself into a civilian fighting force of
retiree activists.
I reckon Veterans and supporters should do an Occupy Canberra.
Does anyone know who can supply a list of pollies and where they will be on Anzac Day 2012? I plan on going somewhere where a serviceman takes the salute for the march past. Afraid I would vomit if I had to ‘eyes right’ Julia or one of her mates in front of our Australian War Memorial. Just too much.
MEMO MINISTER SNOWDON, a tip re REMEMBRANCE DAY, 2012.
PRINCE CHARLES,PATRON OF THE WAR WIDOWS ASSOCIATION of GREAT BRITAIN attended a service for 150 widows at the Cenotaph in London,including widows from the IRAQ and AFGHANISTAN WARS.
Dear PAUL, do you really think this mob will still be running the show by then ?
A matter of sin first and then ask for forgiveness. I have just copied and pasted Jock’s comments to my face book.
And, 10Sumpy, if your log on name means what I think it means, I could log on as 21Sumpy.
Ooooooooo KEN MARSH and 10SUMPY, what does it mean? I’m a Class A Drongo and a civilian to boot.
What am I missing out on here ?
* Onya for posting JOCK’s comments to your Facebook page – have you done it to ours by the
way ?
JOCK’s a legend!!!!!!!
Mr Snowden,
Just in case you want to acknowledge this email, my details
Paul xxxxxxxx
If your staff have the intestinal fortitude, they should pass you this message.
Did you know that you are a laughing stock and, along with your Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, a source of derision amongst the veteran community. Here is a comment about you on the Just A Fair Go website Shame File http://www.justafairgo.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=41&Itemid=210
Quote
Well, here is one politician that I would not have expected to be here. It seems that this job is a really easy one. Any veteran that writes a letter to this politician can expect he will just ignore it. He has had many letters written to him, and there have been no responses whatsoever.
Unquote
How’s that for a challenge Minister?
We are aware of your ‘Remembrance Day’ press release. Which genius wrote that for you?
Please don’t treat the Australian public as idiots, children or persons who have no idea of history. Of course EVERYONE is aware of the sacrifice servicemen and women made and continue to make for us. So don’t try and teach granny to suck eggs. We are heartily sick of it. Treat us with respect. We deserve it. Write and speak to us as savvy Australian men and women. Do something constructive for the veteran community
You would do well, Minister,to examine your conscience and see what you could really achieve for servicemen and women instead of issuing that very mealy mouthed press release.
Unless you are blind and deaf you would have seen the thousands of letters, emails to you and the Prime Minister and press release about the current government’s abandonment of servicemen (past and currently serving).
Borrowing a comment from the Independent Australia website http://www.independentaustralia.net/2011/politics/exclusive-breaking-news-diggers-versus-the-gillard-government/ of which I am sure you are aware, but, here again just in case you were overseas with your entourage of Public Servants in Turkey on Gallipoli 2012 business (which none of us can afford to attend) and didn’t have time to log on to your website, I reproduce here a letter sent to you from Jock O’Neill, who says it much better than I could ever hope to emulate. Please read, note and take corrective action as your government should.
Quote
Australians are indebted to our servicemen and women for their sacrifice. The 102,000 lives lost in defence of our country and in bringing peace and stability to other nations is fully recognised as is their legacy.
We have looked at the record of your Government and what you have done for our ex-servicemen and women and found the following:
Failure to maintaining the parity of Diggers Disability Pensions with other pensions as promised by your predecessor Mr. Griffin, and your ALP in September 2007.
Denial of an increase to Diggers Disability Pensions in September 2009 notwithstanding your government granting a one-off increase to all other pensions by 2.7% of the average wage.
Allowing the Diggers Disability Pension (for those former soldiers rely on it for their full and only income) to reduce from 75% of the average wage at the end of our engagement in the Vietnam War to 44% of the present day average wage.
Legislating the theft of $6,500 (each) over the last two years from the pension entitlements from 29,000 of our most Disabled and Blinded.
Introducing a special tax of 50 cents in the dollar on Diggers Disability Pensions when there is other income earned by the family.
Reducing the income of our most Disabled and Blinded Diggers’ by up to $19,500 pa if their spouse engages in waged employment to assist in the family’s well-being.
Removing the Commonwealth Concession Card from the Disabled Digger when a spouse remains or re-enters the workforce.
Contravening the 1984 Commonwealth Sex Discrimination Act by hindering workplace participation of the female spouse by removing the income and concessions to her Disabled husband.
We conclude from the foregoing that we are unable to comply with your request to ask the Australian public to emulate what you have done for our servicemen and women.
To do otherwise would make us party to a confidence trick on the Australian public. A public that lives under the falsehood that you their elected are treating our Disabled protectors and their family with respect, dignity and provide them with an income (to replace the forgone ability to waged employment) at least equal to that of their fellow citizens who were not subjected to wounding or trauma in service to our country.
Minster, you are complicit along with your government of conveying a misleading impression and distorting the truth to dissemble the deceitful and outrageous manner in which you treat our Disabled Diggers and their families.
Unlike our journalist colleagues at Izvestia and Pravda we have been given the freedom to publicly acknowledge the sacrifices made by the men and women of our community and the privilege to exercise that freedom by saying NO.
With that privilege we the living and unwounded have the duty, the responsibility to care for those who cared for us.
Lest we forget all who serve in our name.
For The Editor:
Jock O’Neill
Unquote
Well, Minister, I look forward to hearing from you so that I may share your comments about this email with my thousands of veteran and serving colleagues.
Paul xxxxxxx
Tess, is there a prize, medal, bottle of wine, stubby for the person who hits number 1,000 in Responses to “EXCLUSIVE BREAKING NEWS: Diggers versus the Gillard Government” ?? I am sure your regular correspondents will be vying for the prize!
Well done Tess on keeping this website going – I hope it is hitting home.
Have a look at the Minister for Vet Affairs bio here http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/search/display/display.w3p;query=Id%3A%22handbook%2Fallmps%2FIJ4%2
Apart from his BA (ANU), DipEd (Murdoch), this joker is no more qualified than you, I or enyone else in our veteran community. If you want to bring up his portfolio of Vet Affairs, then anyone of us could have his job and do a lot better!!
I was in the RAN and RN for 25 years, travelled the world, seen a lot of countries but this joker has more more trips and junkets under his belt than the average travelling matelot.
If I was a young lady I think I would say I’ve got a bee in my bonnet about this whole Fair Go issue and our government. But as I am a bloke I think the bee is somewhere else!
Cheers
Dear PAuL, I must say that MINISTER SNOWDON’s inane Press Release to Editors, about REMEMBRANCE DAY has provoked much ridicule amongst Diggers – and the wider community, including, I might add, supporters who are deaf and/or blind and who do not miss a beat – unlike the MINISTER WHO HASN’T THE FOGGIEST ABOUT VETERANS OR REMEMBRANCE DAY.
By the way, I musk ask our esteemed MANAGING EDITOR DAVID DONOVAN whether he received MINISTER SNOWDON’s Press Release.
Somehow I doubt it, but I will double check and report back.
Dear PAUL, ouch!!!!! Does it hurt ?
Dear PAUL, and KEN, and JOCK and SUMPY and All, just to say that DAVID DONOVAN has indeed confirmed that MINISTER SNOWDON did NOT send him the REMEMBRANCE DAY Press Release.
Funny that!
Dear PAUL, re a prize for the 1000th comment, DAVID DONOVAN thinks that is a good idea!
Let’s see what he comes up with!
Dear Tess and Everyone,
Speaking of 1000, I am very pleased to say that tonight the youtube video of Sue’s Story clicked over 1000 views. That is a great achievement in less than 5 days!
And it has been achieved only because our supporters are going to the trouble of passing the video link on to their contacts. So for all of you who have helped to make this happen, our sincere thanks from the Fair Go Team.
And if you haven’t yet watched the video or have someone in mind that you haven’t passed the video link to, here it is once again:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2u1KJV3OJSs
Please help us to keep the viral thing happening.
It is only though actions such as this that we will eventually help the broader public to see that all is not a bed of roses for our military widows and retirees and that we need their support to help change uncaring Government policy.
Let’s see how long it takes to reach 2000 views of Sue’s Story!
Ray Gibson
Dear RAY GIBSON, this is blooming marvellous news! Can I encourage you all to send the link to SUE’s video with all correspondence to politicians, media and contacts.
You are all to be congratulated on your campaign for a Fair Go for Diggers and widows.
SUE’s courage in coming forward has clearly provided a human face on the growing statistics of
war widows.
I salute you all.
1000 views in five days!
Crikey!
Hi all, i received a reply from Nick xenophoney and the reply is much the same as the other pollies. not a word from Bob brownose as yet but will wait and see if he responds.
Dear JOHN LAWRENCE,thanks for the heads up re SENATORS NICK XENOPHONEY & BOB BROWNOSE, but if
you can, it would be good to see XENOPHONEY’s response, for transparency and public accountability – as well as to share with one another here.
Onya John!
14 November 2011
Senator S.C.Hanson-Young
Parliament House Canberra ACT 2600
Dear Senator,
RE- DVA AND THE DENIAL OF EQUITY TO VETERANS
Some months ago I wrote to you and I sent the letter by registered mail. As at today, I have not received the courtesy of a reply.
My original letter stated in part, “So, why did you vote against the Bill?. Was it a personal decision or did you just follow the party line?. These questions are still to be answered and I hope that on this occasion you can summon the strength to answer them.
I do not want you to feel guilty for not responding to my original letter because over thirty of your colleagues did not have the manners to respond either. Is this a prerequisite to becoming a Politician where you ignore the common courtesies by not responding to correspondence generated by the lowly population which you purport to represent?. Is it perhaps closer to the truth that you spend so much time trying to climb the greasy pole and feather your own nest that you do not have the time or the genuine interest to even communicate with the likes of me?
I note, with a smile, that your birth date is 23 December 1981. I would like to remind you that my Army service, which exceeded 21 years and included two tours in South Vietnam came to end in 1979. Despite this, you sit in judgement on me and every other man and woman who has ever served this country. In 1988, when you were the ripe old age of seven years, my wife and I commenced our second “career” as foster parents, a career which we are still working at today. In the years since 1988, we have raised five babies through to adult hood. Four of those five babies are disabled. What more do I/we have to give to this country before our elected Politicians give us the basic courtesy of responding to our correspondence which is so important to us?.
Finally, I have always been interested in “body language” because it tells you so much more about people than their words can convey. When you are in front of the cameras, you put the worried look on your face, eyes glaring and you talk down to the audience. When your great white, sorry, Brown leader, replaces you in front of the cameras, you all but sit on his left shoulder with your head going up and down like the drinking bird on the fence. Why do feel you have to do that?
All we are asking Senator is that we hear YOUR words on a matter of utmost importance to us and not the party line or a cut and paste response which are being widely disseminated at present.
I will conclude this letter as I did my first, “As a Vietnam Veteran, all I would ever ask for, all any Veteran would ever ask for is a “fair go”. You have the power to give all Veterans a fair go and I respectfully request you do just that”.
K.B.Hussell
Dear KBHUSSELL, I have no doubt that SENATOR HANSON-YOUNG will read this profoundly moving letter of yours – and the very astute observations you make. I find it disgraceful that you
have yet to receive a response from her.
As I read how you and your wife, as foster parents, have raised five babies to adulthood – and that all but one were disabled, I am struck by your family’s continuing service, not only to this country, but to humanity in general.
Please let us know if SENATOR HANSON-YOUNG continues to show you such disrespect by denying you the courtesy of a reply.
Dear KB,
You and your wife, mate, are champs. The people who are elected to represent us, like the politicians we write to and receive no response or cut and paste their answers, are just so much rubbish underfoot. If these people served in the navy/army/air force I doubt whether they would get through the first stage of training. If they did they would soon be discharged SNLR once they showed their true colours. Worthless rubbish. Make me sick to think that we pay them and that they share our oxygen supply.
Good on you KB – you and your wife are an inspiration for the foster work that you do and to be admired. Keep up the good work.
Paul
Dear PAUL, your salute to KB and his Wife is wonderful. They are indeed an inspiration to us all. Good and very moving to see your support for one another.
I am posting my latest letter to our favourite minister in two parts – I hope you don’t find it too long.
14 November 2011
The Minister for Veterans Affairs
Parliament House
Canberra, ACT 2600
Dear Minister
I write in support of the efforts by retired Australian Defence Force members to obtain a fair indexation arrangement for their retirement pay under the DFRDB Act – of whom I am one. Despite the arguments put forward by the Government to the contrary, the treatment of these men and women is patently unfair for reasons I will outline below. Further, their treatment is not in harmony with the spirit of the Jess Committee (Jess) upon who’s recommendations the scheme is largely based.
The scheme was designed to address the unique nature of military service and to address the needs of the ‘man’ in retirement (Jess, 124). Because this Act was introduced in the first half of the 1970s and that the nature of the service then meant that it would be predominantly men that served long enough to qualify for retired pay (the term preferred by Jess (49(a)) I will generally use the masculine term to illustrate the position those of us who served in the 1970s and 1980s were in and the impact of that on our lives today.
First, we faced mandatory retirement at the age of 55 – with some exceptions for senior officers. The scheme granted retired pay connected to length of service upon – in most circumstances – completion of service after 20 years. Retired pay ranged from 35% of final pay after 20 years to 76.5% on completion of 40 years service. In reality, most men would not achieve 40 years as, other than for a small number who enlisted through the military apprenticeship schemes, the minimum age of enlistment was 17, giving a maximum of 38 years service for a retirement pay starting at 70.5% of final salary if they enlisted on their 17th birthday. The man enlisting just prior to his 20th birthday could obtain a maximum rate of 62.75%.
The oft quoted figure of 76.5% in one-liners in form letters and other propaganda coming out of the offices of government members fail to state that very few retired service members would get benefits at the top end of the scale.
Consider the situation faced by the married man with children under the conditions that applied for most, if not all, of our service prior to the introduction of the current military superannuation scheme. It has been conceded in the report ‘Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits Amendment (Fair Indexation) Bill 2010 and other related matters’ prepared by the ‘Finance and Public Administration Legislation Committee’ for the Senate, dated May 2011 (para 1.30) (Fair Indexation Report) that our salaries were significantly less than applied in the community generally. This meant that if we served to age 55 we would be forced to retire on retired pay that could have been in the vicinity of 60% or considerably less of a final salary significantly below community standards. Remember, there was no guarantee that the retired man could find employment and the prevailing view at the time was that if one did not leave before the age of 40 one would find it extremely difficult to find work. And you will no doubt remember the efforts of governments past to assist older Australians who were having difficulty finding employment.
Other considerations also came into the decision to leave the service, especially the impact of service life on one’s family. Regular postings – every two or three years being common – had an adverse effect on the education of our children and the ability of our spouses to establish a career that enabled them to accumulate superannuation benefits (Fair Indexation Report, 1.28) – not to mention the emotional impact of what may have been considerable periods of separation.
Jess (51) addressed the specific needs of the serviceman on retirement, identifying factors such as the:
inability to establish a home owing to frequent postings;
need to relocate to find employment after separation;
need for what may have been a considerable period of ‘further occupational training’ in order to find civilian employment;
inability to find permanent employment or being forced to take low-paid, unattractive work; and
fact that separation may take place at a time when family responsibilities were high owing to children’s education needs, such as schooling or university.
On the point of subsequent employment, the Fair Indexation Report at 1.29 cites a submission from ‘The Australian Veterans and Defence Services Council’ stating that many NCOs find it difficult to obtain permanent employment following discharge and that many of these receive superannuation income of less than $25,000. And, might I add, for many it will be significantly less.
Jess recommended retired pay should be increased annually in line with increases in average weekly earnings to ‘ensure the man in his retirement [at any time after 20 years] will be able to maintain his position in relation to rising community standards and that he will be able to obtain those increases when they are needed (emphasis supplied) (124). In its consideration of the indexing options arrangement available the Jess committee recognised that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) would not maintain this relativity.
Unfortunately the government of the day did not accept this recommendation, settling instead for the CPI. It is clear from the Hansard reports of the debate that there was a desire to maintain consistency on this point with other government superannuation arrangements, such as those applying to the public service. This one decision placed the serviceman at considerable disadvantage to the public servant. Consider:
The public servant could normally expect to remain in government employment till the age of 65, giving him 10
additional years to accumulate for retirement. If both men had similar family commitments this meant a further 10 years to accumulate after those commitments were lessened as the children began to establish their lives independent of their parents. Remember, the serviceman may in all probability have been unable to find worthwhile work on retirement.
The public servant, owing to the stability of employment, may well have established a home at a younger age, giving him an additional financial advantage. As well, the public service spouse may well have had better opportunity to establish her own career and accumulate additional superannuation benefits.
While the serviceman may have had access to his superannuation benefits at a much earlier age he may well have had to dig into these to enable transition to civilian life, in that way eroding the purpose for which superannuation was established.
While the public servant may have at any time sought alternative employment (this was not an option for the serviceman at least in the first 20 years of engagement) he would normally have had readily transferable skills, would not have had to undergo the additional training that may have been necessary for the serviceman, and may not have faced the need to relocate. If public servants chose to leave government employment at any time before retirement age they had the freedom to leave at a time of their own choosing.
As servicemen we were forced to make decisions about retirement at an early age. Civilians, whether in public or private employment, did not have to make these same decisions, neither did they face anywhere near the same challenges as the serviceman may be forced to if they chose to make career changes at the same stage in life.
Again, the glib one-liners regarding the unique nature of military service do nothing to help readers understand what that meant. I can only assume that those that pedal these lines either:
have been misinformed by their advisors;
have been too lazy or indifferent to enquire into the rationale underpinning the DFRDB Act; or
are deliberately indifferent to the circumstances of the many men and women who have given long and faithful service to this country and are happy to pedal half truths in order to justify their directing the nations resources to other matters considered more likely to placate voters.
Which of the above is it Minister?
Part 2 to the Minister for Veterans Affairs:
Jess was concerned that the needs of a military superannuation scheme should be considered solely with reference to the needs of the military. ‘In our view, confusion can only result and has resulted in the attempt to maintain a link between the D.F.R.B. scheme and the Public Service Superannuation Scheme’ (51). This view was also the view of the Parliament, as seen in the comments of Gough Whitlam, the then leader of the opposition: ‘The other inhibiting factor is that the Public Service, particularly the Treasury, persists in equating the peace time Army to the Commonwealth Public Service.’ Following further comment on the length of service of the military as opposed to the public servant he went on to say:
‘If we are to get people to serve in an essential occupation like the armed Services during peacetime we must ensure at the time they go back to civilian life and set up a new career they will not be disadvantaged compared with their contemporaries in age. One of the means by which we can ensure that they are not disadvantaged is by the DFRB scheme. If we equate the DFRB scheme to the Commonwealth Public Service Superannuation Fund or Provident Fund we are disadvantaging the armed forces as a whole … I am putting it purely in material terms. We must also consider that we are unfair to the men and their families who choose to serve voluntarily during some of the prime years of their life in this essential occupation. There are very great disadvantages for people in the armed forces, particularly for their families, and we should not be grudging to see that our Commonwealth institutions, schemes and funds are promptly adapted to encourage people to enlist and re-engage and to serve in the armed forces. The DFRB scheme has been the subject of investigation by one of the most high powered joint committees that this Parliament has ever set up, and … has never been criticised in the Parliament …’ (Hansard, 26 Oct 1972).
This principle, which underpinned the development of the DFRBB scheme, is ignored in the current discussion of the scheme. The Senate Paper discusses three schemes – DFRDB, Public Service and the current Military Superannuation Benefits Scheme (MSBS) – concurrently and uses the costs of amending all three as an excuse for doing nothing. Just as Jess argued that ‘ confusion can only result and has resulted’ from ‘the attempt to maintain a link between the D.F.R.B. scheme’ and the contemporary public service scheme, to the extent that the conditions under which current ADF personnel serve vary to those applying to DFRDB pensioners that principle also holds true. Yet the Senate Paper discusses DFRDB in the context of the other two.
Further insult is added to that already given DFRDB retirees with the comment at 1.22 that Matthews ‘considered that the unique nature of military service would be more appropriately addressed through specific benefit design features of the military superannuation schemes rather than through indexation.’ Can you please explain how the needs of those already retired ‘can be better addressed’ through changes to the design of the scheme that applied when they served? While there are deficiencies and inequities other than the formula used to index retired pay that also need addressing, DFRDB superannuates do not look to changes to the design of the scheme – they look to their elected representatives to ensure that they are treated fairly in comparison to their fellow Australians and that the unique nature of their service is appropriately recognised.
Of all the arguments for maintaining the status quo, the most pathetic must be that of Lindsay Tanner (the Senate Paper, 1.13) stating that a change in indexation arrangements ‘would … be inequitable for superannuants who previously chose to take their superannuation in a lump sum.’ This sentiment is echoed by another of the Government’s apologists, Andrew Leigh, when he states; ‘To change military superannuation indexation arrangements would effectively mean a change to a member’s preretirement conditions of service after the member has retired’ (‘Indexation of Military Pensions’, 23 May 2011, on his website). Really Minister? If this be so, can you therefore explain to me in terms that I can understand how the actions of the then Labour government in 1988/89 to first cut military pensions by 2% below the then CPI for three years and, secondly, to change the way CPI was calculated to the detriment of superannuants, was not inequitable to superannuants and, for those like myself who had already retired, a retrospective change of a condition of service?
If you are to be consistent Minister then either you have no excuse for not changing the indexation of our retired pay in line with that put forward in the Fair Indexation Bill, or you restore the conditions of service that applied at the time of our service. And that, Minister, would mean a restoration of the CPI formula that applied at the time, restoration of the lost 2% for each of the years it was lost, and back pay in full plus interest for lost earnings or all that we have lost since.
Government apologists, such as Senator Doug Cameron, state: ‘The Civilian [note comparison] and military superannuation pensions provide a guaranteed lifetime level of income and indexation regardless of a person’s other income and assets and are not affected by investment returns. Such a pension is generally not available to the wider community’ (letter from Senator Cameron to KBHussel posted on the Independent Australia Website, 3 Nov 2011 – see also the Senate Paper, 1.32). All of us who have served in the military committed to serve this country even it that meant putting ourselves in a position of extreme peril. That some of us did not see active service should in no way diminish this commitment. What security does a man have in the heat of battle? Do you now begrudge us some financial stability in our latter years?
The Senate Paper (1.34) states that in terms of the employer’s contribution the DFRDB scheme is ‘generous in comparison’ to other superannuation schemes in the public and private sector, including the current MSBS. Jess (51) understood the arrangements proposed by the committee (and, as seen in the above Whitlam quote it had the support of both sides of the Parliament) were generous in comparison to contemporary superannuation schemes in the public and private sector. On this point the report says: ‘As tax gatherer it [the Government] may see itself as having a duty not to subsidise too heavily its own employees out of general revenue. But the Committee does not consider that in the provision it makes for the Defence Force it should allow itself to be affected by the provisions it makes for public servants or the conditions which apply elsewhere in the community.’ When you compare the ‘generosity’ of the DFRDB scheme in relation to other schemes – the way I read this is that you are trying to say that we are better looked after than anyone else and should stop complaining – you fly directly in the face of the Parliament that approved the scheme. Jess’s comments above were directly related to the conditions of service the Committee sought to address.
From a personal perspective I have now been separated from the Service for more than 20 years and for all but two of those years I have been fortunate to have steady employment at a reasonable income level. Like many Australians my career has not given me significant promotion and my salary has increased generally in line with average wages. I refer you to the Senate Paper, 1.21 and the estimate that over the last 21 years the difference to a superannuate retiring on a starting retired pay of $20,000 if indexation was based on the greater of average weekly earnings or CPI would be in the vicinity of $11,000. It is easy to say that the retiree has the opportunity of accruing additional superannuation benefits through civil employment. It is another thing to make long-term financial commitments, especially when you know that those commitments will increase over time, when the purchasing power of a significant part of your income is being eroded to the level of military superannuation. I am not an economist and this was not explained on discharge. In fact, we were clearly led to understand our purchasing power would be maintained. This, I submit, amounts to a failure of the government’s duty of care to us.
Military superannuates are men and women who proudly served this country for 20 or more years in order to protect the Australian way of life, its values – including that of a fair go, and to ensure that our fellow Australians had the opportunity to build their own share of the ‘common wealth’ of this land. Why are we therefore denied a fair go regarding our service and why are we forced to live with ever-decreasing living standards when compared to the vast majority of those we served?
Minister, I ask that you respond to the specific points I have raised, spelling out clearly and unequivocally what you are doing to better the lot of DFRDB superannuates. And please, do not insult our intelligence with another form letter that only helps to demonstrate to us that remain indifferent to our situation.
Your Sincerely
Ken Marsh.
Dear KEN MARSH. re your Part One to the MINISTER FOR VETERAN AFFAIRS, WARREN SNOWDON:-
Ken, no one reading this can underestimate your astute and comprehensive forensic analysis.
Thank you and your Brethren for the amazing effort and intellectual hardware that goes into your arguments.
You shame the likes of MINISTER SNOWDON and the GILLARD GOVERNMENT.
Dear KEN MARSH, I have just read Part Two of your letter to MINISTER SNOWDON and have to salute the depth of content and your knowledge and overview of the whole subject.
Your argument is so comprehensive, so mature, so well argued in comparison with the facile and
flaccid pro forma bleatings of your opponents; that is, your Government, the Australian Government, the GILLARD GOVERNMENT.
Thank you so much for what you and others are doing – for those of us who can’t or won’t help.
Please keep us posted. I often say this. Because it is important and enables us to share
intel between us – and with everyone who cares.
Colleagues,
Out of the blue, I had a phone call from Gai Brodtmann (ALP), Member for Canberra this afternoon in response to an email I sent her last week. She asked what she could do for me. I asked her to speak to her ALP colleages and fix our DFRDB pension to give us a Fair Go and not use CPI as a measure of indexation. Pointed out the usual argument. She affirmed that she and Kate were aware of our situation and on top of it. I referred her to Sue’s video and sent her the link.
We will see what happens. Actions speak louder than words – so some joker once said!.
Ken – excellent letter to the Minister. Loved it. Thanks for speaking out on our behalf. Good job mate.
Tess – in response to your question posted 12 Nov, 0850hrs re the 10/21sumpy bit, you may find this link educative
http://www.allappys.com/index.php?page_id=3&PHPSESSID=b3d447d19bb3f26e22eb0a7dd092aa2c
I am a proud Hedgehog (21 Apprentice Intake). The Sumpy bit – we had Blackhanders (Engine/Airframe/Motor Transport fitters – sumpys, framies and truckies – and Queertrades – electrical, instrument and armament fitters, plus radio technicians – sparkies, tweezer twiddlers, gun plumbers (gunnies) and chrystal crackers.
I thought everyone know that
Dear KEN MARSH, you have enlightened me in so many ways. The only thing I recognise is
‘sparkies! ‘
But…I am going to sit down quietly and look at the link and try to understand!
Thanks for your patience with me.
* Probably everyone else does know!
Dear PAUL, re the phone call from GAI BRODTMANN – please keep us posted if you get any response.
SUE’s video is so moving – and courageous.
Tess and Paul – thanks for the above comments on my letter to the Minister.
SUE’S VIDEO – more than 1400 viewings so far. Congratulations to all, including SUE!
Right on Tess!
Sue’s video is going gangbusters and doing much better than we had possibly hoped. It has been watched not only in Australia, but in NZ, USA, UK, Germany, Middle East and Afghanistan.
The number of viewers is much higher than indicated by the youtube count (currently around 1450) because we have provided a direct link for those unable to access youtube (e.g. on Defence computers). This link has gone down because of excessive traffic!
I spent over two hours yesterday with another military widow, recording her story. My Christmas break challenge will be to produce another video in the Faces of Unfair Indexation series.
Thanks again to everyone for your support with this imortant part of the Campaign.
Ray Gibson
Co-Director Fair Go Campaign
OBAMA STOP PRESS: ” Everyone deserves a ‘ Fair Go! “
Dear RAY, isn’t it so exciting and it just goes to show the power of retiree activism!!!!!!
And how marvellous that it is such an international hit as well. Sadly, the plight of returned
soldiers and widows in Australia, is mirrored in other parts of the world.
I know your next video will be just as powerful and I draw to your attention to the above quote from President Obama’s address to our Parliament ( and thus to we, the people ) that “everyone
deserves a ‘Fair Go.’
You might want to include that ‘grab’ in your next video. The President of the United States
BARACK OBAMA,has said what our own Prime Minister JULIA GILLARD refuses to say to you.
To Mr Swann specifically in response to the Matthews report.
The Deputy Prime Minister
Parliament House
Canberra, ACT 2600
Dear Minister
Oft quoted in Government apologetics for rejection of the ‘Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits (Fair Indexation) Bill 2010′ is this line from the Matthew’s Report: ‘I consider this issue [indexation methodology] to be more relevant to scheme benefit design than to a methodology to maintain the purchasing power of pensions’ (Review of Pension Indexation Arrangements in Australian Government Civilian and Military Superannuation Schemes, December 2008) (Matthews). In context – which is not stated in Government propaganda – Matthews makes a telling admission where he comments that although some submissions to his enquiry sought changes to indexation owing to ‘the unique nature of military service’ that this was outside his terms of reference. He also acknowledged that a 2007 review of military superannuation arrangements recommended a change to indexation arrangements in line with that proposed in the Fair Indexation arrangements for DFRDB superannuates (Matthews, 6.10). This fact is also ignored in spin emanating from Government members who accuse the opposition’s Bill as being divisive and unfair to many other military and public service superannuates.
The DFRDB Act, which was enacted following the work of the Jess Committee (Joint Select Committee on Defence Forces Retirement Benefits Legislation Report, May 1972) was designed to address the specific and unique employment conditions faced by members of the nation’s armed forces. The Jess committee which had the full support of all political parties at the time (see Hansard, 26 Oct 72) believed the conditions of military service were ‘so different to those applicable to retirement from civilian employment that they require a totally different approach’ and that if these were not recognised any retirement scheme would be of ‘little value’ (Jess, 52). Jess (51) was quite specific in identifying those conditions, which included factors such as the:
inability to establish a home owing to frequent postings;
need to relocate to find employment after separation;
need for what may have been a considerable period of ‘further occupational training’ in order to find civilian employment;
inability to find permanent employment or being forced to take low-paid, unattractive work; and
fact that separation may take place at a time when family responsibilities were high owing to children’s education needs, such as schooling or university.
Addressing the Parliament on 26 Oct 1972 Gough Whitlam acknowledged that military service had ‘very great disadvantages for people in the armed forces, particularly for their families’ and was adamant that ‘we must ensure at the time they go back to civilian life and set up a new career they will not be disadvantaged compared with their contemporaries in age’ (Hansard).
Whereas other superannuation schemes exist to support persons in their latter years the DFRDB scheme was designed, among other things, to support men in the prime of their life transition to a new career at a time of high family responsibilities when at the same time they may well have had to relocate, undergo lengthy periods of retraining in order to find work, been unable to find permanent employment or forced to accept low-paid and unattractive work. So when Jess recommended indexation of ‘retired pay’ (49) in line with average weekly earnings (149) it was to ensure benefits were not eroded over time in relation to general community standards.
While I have been unable to determine why the Consumer Price Index was finally accepted as the basis for indexing retired pay it is clearly implied in both the Jess report (50,51) and the Hansard of 26 Oct 72 that there was opposition to the proposal, especially from Treasury, who persisted ‘in equating the peace time Army to the Commonwealth Public Service’ (Whitlam).
Be that as it may, a careful reading of Matthews reveals the fallacy of the current Government’s argument for maintaining the status quo for DFRDB superannuants.
As noted above, Matthews considered that the ‘unique nature of military service’ was best addressed by ‘scheme benefit design than to a methodology to maintain the purchasing power of pensions’ (6.10). The fact is that in the case of the DFRDB scheme indexation was integral to the ‘benefit design’ in order to meet the ‘unique nature of military service’. To quote the words of Jess, without this, the scheme would have been of ‘little value) (Jess, 52).
I now turn to Matthews comments on the CPI (6.3).
‘… it is well documented that the principal purpose of the CPI changed in 1998 … Until that time, the CPI was a measure of the purchasing power of wage and salary earner household incomes. Its most important use was as an input to the income adjustment process and prices were, therefore, measured using an outlays or payments method…
‘The key difference is that the CPI based on acquisitions does not measure mortgage interest and consumer credit charges but includes net expenditure on new dwellings (excluding land).’
I return again to the ‘unique nature of military service’ as identified above. The ‘man’, at the peak of his life, who separated from the Service after 20 or more years that was unable during that service to purchase a house was already disadvantaged compared to his peers. That he may now be forced to relocate and find new employment at a time of high family commitment placed him under further disadvantage. Add to this the possibility that he may have to undergo further training and/or may be unable to find permanent or suitable employment. The ‘very great’ disadvantage experienced throughout his service career now carried over to civilian life – the very thing the DFRDB scheme was designed to address. This was at the heart of the scheme’s ‘benefit design’ and for those of us who retired – or had re-enlisted for the last time prior to 1998 under the DFRDB scheme – is a retrospective change of a key condition of service, one that was designed to encourage both enlistment and re-enlistment (see Whitlam, Hansard, 26 Oct 1992).
For this man mortgage and other credit charges were and for many no doubt continue to be a key consideration.
Minister, the Matthews terms of reference were either intentionally or inadvertently flawed. Any enquiry into military superannuation should be framed in the context of its aims. Clearly the Matthew report wasn’t. Yet the data contained in the report clearly demonstrates the failure of successive governments to maintain faith with military superannuates by allowing the erosion of promised benefits.
I call on you Minister to act promptly to restore these benefits to those of us who committed our lives to the defence of this nation and its values, including that of a ‘fair go’, and to ensure that our peers could benefit from the opportunities this nation provides to build wealth. How ironic that we are denied a fair go and our living standards continue to erode when compared to that of many of our fellow Australians.
Yours Sincerely,
Ken Marsh
Dear KEN MARSH, this letter to TREASURER WAYNE SWAN is so splendidly crafted and argued.
ALL politicians should read this.
During PRESIDENT OBAMA’s visit to celebrate ANZUS, much has rightly been made of the Australian Government’s commitment OF Australian troops abroad – but the TRUTH has NOT been told of the
Government’s lack of commitment TO our Diggers at home.
It is a national disgrace.
I hope MINISTER SWAN does the right thing by you all;especially after reading your forensic analysis of the truth.
Ken
I sent a copy of your letter to everyone who would be interested in my address book.
Including Politicans on both sides of government.
You have done us proud with all the reshearch you have done.
Cheers
Bob Ihlein
Dear BOB IHLEIN, so fab to read your support for KEN MARSH’s amazing effort.
In fact, you are both National Treasures!!!!!
You’ve put in so much effort into seeking Justice for Diggers and families.
30 Hinchinbrook Drive
KIRWAN
TOWNSVILLE QLD 4817
Telephone: 0747736932
Email: sealure2@bigpond.net.au
The Hon Warren Snowdon, MP
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs 16 November 2011
Minister for Defence Science and Personnel
Parliament House
CANBERRA ACT 2600
Thank you for your very detailed response to my letter of 22 June 2011, which had been addressed to the Prime Minister. While I appreciate the time you have taken to respond, I am bitterly disappointed with most of the content of your letter. On many occasions you do not answer my questions specifically and on other occasions you simply avoid the issues or you include irrelevant details. However what disappointed me most of all, Minister, is the fact that it is apparent to me, at least, that most of your reply has been based on the so-called “AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT FACT SHEET – INDEXATION OF MILITARY SUPERANNUATION PENSIONS”. I have attached a copy of this “FACT SHEET” so that you can compare your response with the major points included in the “FACT SHEET”. I cannot confirm the authenticity of this “FACT SHEET” as there is no date, no signature, no Department, no authentication, no links. In fact as far as I can ascertain this “FACT SHEET” may have been prepared by anyone. Nevertheless many Government Politicians have been including a copy of this “FACT SHEET” with their responses to the hundreds of letters that were written to the Government during early August 2011.
On the assumption that the “FACT SHEET” has indeed been prepared and authorized by the Government, the Alliance of Defence Service Organisations (ADSO) has prepared a “REBUTTAL”. A copy of this “REBUTTAL” is also enclosed and I hope that you take time to read this in detail.
Based on this “REBUTTAL” I do not intend to comment on all the points you have raised in your letter, as most of these have been accepted, rejected or proven to be irrelevant or obfuscation in the ADSO “REBUTTAL” document.
I will only concentrate my response on three issues, viz:
1. The Indexation Issue.
2. The Residual “pension” paid to surviving spouses of a deceased DFRB/DFRDB recipient.
3. The inclusion of Commonwealth Public Service pensioners, MSBS recipients and the younger (under 55 years of age) DFRDB recipients.
THE INDEXATION ISSUE.
In your response to my question:
“Could you please explain to me why the Government has accepted the recommendation by the Matthews Review that the CPI remains the most appropriate method of indexation for military superannuants?”
You responded:
“The simple answer to this question is that there is no better method of indexation available.”
Minister, how can you say that? What utter hypocrisy!! Even the flawed Matthews Report acknowledges that the CPI is no longer relevant as an indexation for military superannuation pensions.
Recommendation 4 of the Matthews Report states that:
“… if a robust index which reflects the price inflation experience of superannuants better than the CPI becomes available in the future, the Australian Government should consider its use for indexing Australian Government civilian and military superannuation pensions.”
How can you and the Government continue to ignore the principle of this indexation issue? Whether we served for 20 years, 40 years or some period in between is irrelevant to the principle. Whether our military superannuation pension is below the Henderson Poverty Line or we are millionaires or that we go down to CentreLink to draw all or part of the Service Pension is IRRELEVANT. Can’t you and the Government see this? The fact is that the ABS has stated publicly on many occasions that the CPI is no longer an accurate measure in the cost of living increases. This means that anyone who has a pension which is still being indexed against the CPI is being disadvantaged as they are seeing their pension gradually but inexorably lose its purchasing power.
This means that these people have to go to CentreLink to receive a bigger handout. So why not index their pension so that this handout is reduced? It makes no sense at all to apply an inadequate indexation only to increase the proportion of the Service Pension allocated to “top up” their pension. What’s more every time they receive an increase to their pension, through the CPI, their Service Pension decreases. This is ridiculous!!
We are not asking for something new. We are simply asking that a principle be restored to those who have served our Nation, often in harm’s way or at least prepared to serve in harm’s way, for 20 years or more. This principle has been upheld by numerous reviews and commissions, all of which have been rejected by the Government of the day. The only exception, of course, is the recent, flawed Matthews Report which recommended that there be “no change” – that is the CPI be retained. The Government accepted this immediately (on a Friday, before Parliament went on holiday!) and gave no opportunity for any consultation, despite their reassurance before the 2009 election that the ALP had committed to determining a “fairer” method of indexation. This commitment never eventuated and it was nothing more than a political stunt to win our votes. Rest assured, Minister, this stunt will not work a second time!!
In case you have missed this point, I refer you to a number of statements made recently by members of the ALP and Independents as well as excerpts from other relevant sources:
Excerpts from Letter by Dr Mike Kelly, MP, Mr Bob McMullan, MP, Ms Annette Ellis, MP and Senator Kate Lundy Dated 14 September 2009:
“Significantly, many people genuinely believed that prior to the 2007 election, the ALP had committed to determining a “fairer” method of indexation, and ‘a review’ would provide the direction, so the immediate acceptance of the recommendation of no change in the Government response is being seen as a reversal of the pre-election position espoused by the ALP in campaign material.” (My emphasis).
“The Matthews report was prepared in 2008, and presented to the Government in December 2008, and in the meantime (i.e. 8 months), the ABS has been working on the ALP “election commitment to index pensions by a measure that best reflects pensioners’ living costs. (My emphasis)
“The culmination of this ABS work was announced on the very next working day after the release of the Matthews Report and the Government response announcing no change in indexation arrangements for Australian Government civilian and defence force pensions: Minister Jenny Macklin announced, on 24 August, the new Pensioner and Beneficiary Living Cost Index (PBCLI) which “will better reflect price increases in goods commonly purchased by pensioners” (My emphasis)
“The confluence in timing of the PBCLI announcement coming a day after the release of the Matthews Review has caused a great deal of consternation and served to sharpen the anger and frustration of Australian Government civilian and defence force pension recipients for the following reasons:
a) The Government in its response to the Matthews Review appears to have failed to consider the PBCLI formula as a possible alternative indexation method (evidenced by lack of consultation on the specific issue with stakeholders) despite the Report being withheld for so long by the Government, and the clear opportunity provided by Recommendation 4 of the Report, and
b) The Government, despite honouring the election commitment to conduct a review per se, has abandoned the spirit of the election commitment to a review that would address the inadequacy and inequity of the indexation method which has not kept up with the cost of living for Australian Government civilian and defence force pensions.” (My emphasis)
Given that the PBCLI has been developed, adopted as policy and applied to the Old Age Pensioners, why has not the PBCLI been applied to the military superannuation pensions, in accord with the principle detailed in the Matthews Report? The letter by the four ALP members goes on to say:
“It is also important to note the Matthews Report acknowledges the inadequacies in the CPI as a measure “to maintain the purchasing power of pensions” but concluded that its use should be retained (for ComSuper and Defence pensions) in the absence of – as yet (i.e. in 2008) – a better index. (My emphasis)
“…Note that the recent announcement of the inclusion of the PBCLI component for pension indexation has easily overcome both these objections.” (My emphasis)
“…There would appear to be no reason why the Government could not announce that the development of the PBCLI since the Matthews Review has opened the way for Australian Government civilian and defence force pensions now to be indexed – as for age and other pensions – twice yearly by whichever is the greater of the CPI or the PBCLI. If Matthews is correct in his assumptions that there may be little or no resulting benefit in such a move, the cost argument would not apply” (My emphasis)
Excerpt From Letter by Senator Kate Lundy, Dated 15 August 2011:
“I am, of course, convinced that the CPI no longer provides the kind of indexation that responds to the cost-of-living needs of this group of superannuants and pensioners, and I have been seeking the development of the new analytical living cost index which would more accurately reflect the cost of living needs of military and civilian superannuants.” (My emphasis)
Excerpt From A letter from the Office of Senator Brown:
“We are committed to working with government to find a way in which this can be addressed in a financially responsible manner. Our proposal that a properly applied tax on mining super profits which would raise an extra $100 billion over the decade has been rejected by both the major parties.” (My emphasis). This obviously implies that the Greens too no longer believe that the CPI is the most relevant indexation method.
Recommendation (6) of the Jess Review 1972:
(6) That retired pay and invalid pay be expressed as a percentage of final pay and be adjusted annually so that relativity with average weekly earnings is maintained. A possible method of achieving this would be to maintain the relativity of benefits to current pay for the rank held on retirement. (My emphasis)
Recommendation 1 of the Senate Select Committee on Superannuation and Financial Services of April 2001:
3.100 The Committee recommends that the Government examine the feasibility of adopting an indexation method other than the CPI for Commonwealth public sector and defence force superannuation schemes, to more adequately reflect the actual increases in the cost of living. (My emphasis)
Excerpt from Hansard of 16 June 2001, from Senator Xenophon’s Statement:
“To complement that inquiry (the Senate Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade References Committee inquiry into procurement procedures), I am also proposing that the Senate Economics Legislation Committee inquire into defence accounting in the context of ascertaining whether strategic reform program cuts are real or notional, to further examine the whole of the department for real savings in the budget and to look at funding those sorts of pension increases in the longer term. The government says that there is no money and disputes that there is a live dispute about the figures, but I am saying that there are ways of finding that money and that targeting waste in the defence budget is the logical place to start looking. I believe these savings need to be found quickly—say, in the next 12 months. The process of having rigorous, forensic and thorough inquiries by the Senate into this ought to be the way to go. I think that is the long-term, sustainable process to deal with this issue.”
“I will not be supporting the coalition’s bill. I do support the longer term aim and believe that the steps I have outlined are a more prudent way of getting us to where we need to go as a nation. It is one thing to say that you want to support the troops today, but surely the best approach is to rebuild the system, eliminate waste and use those savings so that troops and support staff can rely on improved benefits on a long-term basis. That is my position. I am looking forward to working with the coalition and my colleagues in the Australian Greens to find those savings so that we can have a long-term, sustainable solution to this problem.”
What has happened with this Review, Minister? Has it commenced, yet? These savings were to be identified within 12 months from the Senate’s meeting – that is by 16 June 2012!!
NOTICE OF MOTION Submitted by Mr Oakeshott:
“MEMBER FOR LYNE: I give notice that on the next day of sitting I shall move—That this House:
(a) recognises:
(i) The involvement of Australian service men and women in war and peacekeeping operations.
(ii) The role of family, friends and community networks in supporting those Australians who have served in our Military; and
(b) calls on the Government to:
(i) consider increasing the Military Superannuation and Benefits Scheme Pension twice annually by the greatest of either the Consumer Price Index, the Pensioner and Beneficiary Living Cost Index or the Male Total Average Weekly Earnings; and
(ii) do this in recognition of the unique circumstances of military service compared to all others within the public service.”
Excerpt From Speech By Mr Andrew Wilkie, MP in the House of Representatives on 31 October 2011:
“To that end, I urge the government to look afresh at the continuing unfairness in the superannuation arrangements for some serving and retired defence personnel, in particular members of the Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits Scheme and the Defence Forces Retirement Benefit Scheme. In essence, the problem is that currently the benefits paid by DFRDB and DFRB are indexed to the consumer price index instead of to male total average weekly earnings or the pensioner and beneficiary living cost index as is the case with other government benefits and pensions. As a consequence, the real value of the pension for some defence superannuants is falling further and further behind, to the point where evermore ex-service men and women are struggling to meet even the most basic costs of living—and that is wrong”.
Excerpt From the Military Superannuation and Benefits Scheme Booklet, Printed 30 June 2011:
“4. Attractive lump sum to pension conversion rates for the employer benefit. Pensions are subject to full consumer price index (CPI) updating. Upon retirement you can elect to receive your employer benefit as a lump sum, a full pension, or you may elect to take part lump sum and part pension. If you choose the latter, you must take 50% or more as a pension and the remainder as a lump sum. Pensions are subject to full CPI updating every six months (ensuring
that $1 in 2011 will be equivalent to $1 in 2028).”
Summary of Indexation Matter
Minister, in view of the above how can you and your Government still argue that “that there is no better method of indexation available”(than the CPI)? You have at least four members of your Government strongly stating that the CPI no longer reflects the true increases to the cost of living increases and that they are working to resolve this inequity.
You have at least four Independents (Mr Wilkie, Mr Oakeshott, Mr Windsor and Senator Xenophon) and the Greens who are also arguing the same thing.
You have several, at least six, major Parliamentary Reviews, or Senate Reviews or Commissions that have all come to the same conclusion that the CPI is no longer relevant.
Even the Government’s own flawed Matthews Review acknowledges that the CPI is not appropriate and that:
“It is also important to note the Matthews Report acknowledges the inadequacies in the CPI as a measure “to maintain the purchasing power of pensions” but concluded that its use should be retained (for ComSuper and Defence pensions) in the absence of – as yet (i.e. in 2008) – a better index.”
That “better index” has been implemented. It is called the Pensioner and Beneficiary Cost of Living Index (PBCLI) and it has been applied already to our Old Aged Pensioners. If this is not a “better index” and “a more robust index” then, Minister, why has it been applied to the Old Aged Pension?
Even Senator Xenophon admits, albeit indirectly, that the CPI is no longer relevant. His only concern is how the meet the additional costs. Considering that the Government was very eager to commit $300 Million to the “Malaysia Solution”, plus ready to commit $2 Billion to the Australian Service Union to secure a 20% pay rise for its members, plus Billions of dollars to other issues, the amount of money involved is relatively miniscule. This, despite Senator Penny Wong’s scare tactics of claiming that it will result in a $6.2 Billion “black hole” in the Nation’s budget. What the Senator fails to tell the public that this would result if it were extrapolated out to 45 years. She fails to state that any Government commitment would have similar results. The Senator also fails to include such “minor details” such as “claw back” generated by lower amounts of Service Pensions claimed and the ever-increasing number of recipients who are dying each year.
Minister, even our young “warriors”, those who are still serving are being deceived and disadvantaged by your Government’s deception and reluctance to implement your Labor Party’s strident call for “A FAIR GO”. Minister, please read the excerpt from the MSBS Booklet, below:
“Pensions are subject to full CPI updating every six months (ensuring that $1 in 2011 will be equivalent to $1 in 2028).”
Minister, how can your Government support such a statement and such an official policy?
Minister, you know, as well as I know, that a $1.00 today will DEFINITELY not be equal to a $1.00 in 2028 if it is indexed against the CPI. This is a blatant lie and you and the Government should hang your heads in shame. We have our young Defence Service personnel fighting in Afghanistan to meet your Government’s international policy. Some of them have already been Killed In Action and more will suffer the same outcome. Many more have been Wounded In Action. They rely on their Government to be honest, loyal and supportive. The Australian people will be devastated once they hear about this deliberate discrimination.
Minister, why are you and the remainder of your Government opposed to treating those members of the Australian Defence Force, who have served 20 years or longer, exactly the same way as our Nation’s Old Age Pensioners? All we are asking is that a principle be reinstated – that our pension does not lose its purchasing power. All we are asking is that our military superannuation pension be increased by exactly the same percentage as awarded to our Nation’s Old Aged Pensioners twice yearly.
Again I ask you: If there is no better indexation method than the CPI, why is the CPI not applied to our politicians, to our judges and to our Nation’s Old Aged Pensioners? Please, Minister, do not respond by saying that this “…is the nature of the arrangements provided under the now closed Parliamentary Contributory Superannuation Scheme…” or something similar!! This is gobbledegook speak and completely irrelevant!!
Minister, there are many of your colleagues who are arguing that the current CPI indexation is no longer relevant. Are you the only one who refuses to accept this? It is time that this Government met its pre-2009 election commitment. And if you fail to do this, I can assure you that all 63,000 DFRB/DFRDB recipients, their families and friends will show their frustration and discontent at the voting booths. There is a growing sense of betrayal in the Defence community (serving, ex-service and families) and we will make our votes count especially in the marginal seats.
RESIDUAL PENSIONS FOR SURVIVING SPOUSES
Minister, in your response, you state:
“There are many superannuation schemes that provide different benefits in different forms and values which generally reflect the underlying scheme membership. In the main, it is only public sector schemes that provide indexed superannuation pension benefits with a reversion of part of the pension to a surviving spouse and most of these are now closed. Schemes in the private sector and schemes for new public servants and Members of Parliament are accumulation schemes that provide lump sum benefits only.” (My emphasis)
Minister, you have simply reinforced my argument, in one sense, and avoided another issue altogether. In the first place, if DFRB/DFRDB recipients had the right to roll over their superannuation into a fund of their own choice, this would not happen. In fact, if this was policy, then when a DFRB/DFRDB recipient died, the surviving spouse would be entitled to receive a lump sum of the remaining super fund. This is not available to the surviving spouses of DFRB/DFRDB recipients. In fact they receive only 5/8th of the deceased member’s fortnightly entitlements (albeit pre-commutation). My point is however, what happens to the other 3/8ths of that superannuation entitlement?
The next point, and the most relevant point, is that these surviving spouses (many of whom are not ex-service members) have their residual “pension” indexed against the CPI!! At that stage they are basically pensioners and many will become “Old Aged” pensioners while receiving this 5/8ths residual pension. Why are they being discriminated? Why isn’t their pension then indexed against the PBCLI, especially after they reach the qualifying age for the Old Age Pension? Why is their residual pension indexed at a lower rate than the Old Age Pension until they die? Why, once they turn 60 or 65, isn’t their pension indexed against whichever is the greatest of the PBCLI, the CPI or the MTAWE, just as the Old Aged Pensioners are?
This blatant discrimination must stop.
INCLUSION OF DFRB, DFRDB, MSBS AND GOVERNMENT CIVILIAN PENSIONERS ALL IN THE SAME BASKET
Minister, in your response, you state:
“The explanatory memorandum for the Fair Indexation Bill indicated the coalition was committed to introducing a fair, equitable and fiscally responsible military superannuation system. The Bill and proposed amendments did no to provide that fairness and equity because it did not apply to:
• Defence Forces Retirement Benefit (DFRB) scheme and DFRDB scheme pension recipients less than 55 years of age;
• Military Superannuation and Benefits (MSB) scheme benefit recipients of any age who are in receipt of a MSB pension; and
• MSB scheme current contributors and preserved benefit members.”
In fact, Minister, Dr Kelly and Senator Lundy also argue that any Bill to change the indexation method for military superannuation pensions should also include Government civilian pensioners. Before I comment on your points, let me be very clear about the possible inclusion of Government civilian pensioners. Minister, you are well aware that Commonwealth Public Service personnel are employed under completely different arrangements to the conditions applicable to Defence Force Personnel. The House of Representatives recently acknowledged the unique nature of military service. When serving in an operation area, civilians are escorted by military personnel whenever they leave the safety of a compound. If the compound is attacked or mortared, it is the military who have to leave the safety of that compound to search out and destroy the enemy who attacked that compound. Obviously if a Government civilian is killed or wounded by the enemy or by accident in an operational area, they should be eligible for appropriate compensation.
However to attempt to obfuscate this debate and in order to increase the costs involved exponentially, it is immoral to include the Government civilians in this indexation issue. Even one of your Prime Ministers, Mr Gough Whitlam, MP acknowledged this when he said:
“If we are to get people to serve in an essential occupation like the armed Services during peacetime we must ensure at the time they go back to civilian life and set up a new career they will not be disadvantaged compared with their contemporaries in age. One of the means by which we can ensure that they are not disadvantaged is by the DFRB scheme. If we equate the DFRB scheme to the Commonwealth Public Service Superannuation Fund or Provident Fund we are disadvantaging the armed forces as a whole … I am putting it purely in material terms. We must also consider that we are unfair to the men and their families who choose to serve voluntarily during some of the prime years of their life in this essential occupation. There are very great disadvantages for people in the armed forces, particularly for their families, and we should not be grudging to see that our Commonwealth institutions, schemes and funds are promptly adapted to encourage people to enlist and re-engage and to serve in the armed forces. The DFRB scheme has been the subject of investigation by one of the most high powered joint committees that this Parliament has ever set up, and … has never been criticised in the Parliament …” (Hansard, 26 Oct 1972). (My emphasis)
Minister, Mr Whitlam has argued my case for me!
Now, why has the ADSO argued for the DFRB/DFRDB recipients over 55 years of age only? Minister, the reasons are many but these are the major ones:
• These members have been the ones who have been discriminated against the longest.
• These members are the ones who have been financially disadvantaged for the longest period.
• These members are the ones most in need of additional financial assistance as they approach the latter years of their life.
• The life expectancy of these members is lower than the younger recipients.
• The younger (under 55 years of age), especially those who retired post 2004, are in a far better financial situation as all their allowances have been accumulated under “ salary” which increases their superannuation entitlements just like the politicians who now have all their allowances included under “salary”.
For these reasons, Minister, it was decided that priority should be given to those DFRB/DFRDB recipients who are older than 55 years of age. We were also very aware that, should we include all DFRB, DFRDB and MSBS recipients, the bureaucrats would have a field day in screaming about the additional costs – just as the Government has done.
This does not mean to say that we will not continue to argue the case that the indexation for all military superannuants should be exactly the same as that applied to our Nation’s Old Aged Pensioners.
We will also continue to argue the case that the discrimination of our disabled members is a National disgrace and that this terrible injustice needs to be fixed now, and not in 20 years’ time.
CONCLUSION
Minister this betrayal of our long-serving members of our Nation’s Defence Force must stop and it must stop now. All Governments have given us their reassurances that they will fix this matter. All Governments have betrayed us. All the reassuring words will now fall on deaf ears. We want more than tokenism.
• Introduce a new indexation method immediately for all DFRB/DFRDB recipients aged 55 years of age and older, to be based on the Old Age Pension so that these DFRB/DFRDB superannuants receive exactly the same percentage increase as awarded to our Nation’s Old Aged Pensioners twice yearly.
• Allow the surviving spouses of deceased DFRB/DFRDB recipients to roll over their residual superannuation entitlements into a fund of their own choosing, or if this is not acceptable, then introduce the application of the same indexation method applied to our Old Aged Pensioners, once these spouses become eligible, in age, to receive the Old Age Pension.
• Incrementally introduce the new indexation method to all Defence military superannuants aged below 55 years of age during the next term of Government.
• Examine the requirement to provide a 2.7% “catch up” for all Defence disabled personnel to bring them into line with all other disabled personnel.
Yours sincerely, Enclosures: 1. Australian Government “Fact Sheet”
2. ADSO “Rebuttal”
(Neil Weekes, AM, MC)
Dear NEIL WEEKES, this letter to WARREN SNOWDON, the MINISTER FOR VETERAN AFFAIRS is an astonishing document.
It is breathtaking in its intensity and forensic refuting of the continual facile argument and excuses that successive Australian governments have made, to avoid paying you and your widows and families,a decent and honourable pension and death benefits.
In the scheme of things, to quote President Obama in our Parliament yesterday, ” Everyone deserves a Fair Go.”
Rest assured that the Obama Administration,in preparation for the announcement that 2500 US troops will shortly be deployed onto Australian soil, would be made aware of the campaign by
Diggers for a ‘ Fair Go’ and your Government’s recent treachery in trashing the Fair Indexation Bill.
PRIME MINISTER JULIA GILLARD, your new best friend is giving you a hint. Take it.
Dear Neil Weekes and Ken Marsh,
You guys are absolutely brilliant!. Your letters are excellent and any politician with any commonsense should read those and then throw in the towel. Smoke and mirrors are NO substitute for logic. A magnificent effort, well done.
Ken and Neil,
your letters were so excellent that I had to share them with Canberra Senators and the Member for Canberra Gai Brodtmann. My covering paragraphs…..
Dear Senators and Ms Brodtmann,
I attach a letter from Brigadier Neil Weekes (Ret’d) AM MC to Minister Snowden. It is well worth a few minutes to read. Some of the arguments and quotes in favour of a better indexation method for DFRB, DFRDB and their widows will be familiar as they are taken directly from Hansard, the Mathews report, correspondence from Labor Senators and MPs and even Prime Minister Gough Whitlam.
I urge you to read it. It is a lengthy letter seeking answers from the Minister about why DFRB, DFRDB pensioners and their widows are being discriminated against by the Green Labor government. It is shown on the website http://www.independentaustralia.net/2011/politics/exclusive-breaking-news-diggers-versus-the-gillard-government/ for all to see and where you will also find other well written and argued letters condemning the government’s attitude to defence force personnel and their widows. Another particularly good letter is from Ken Marsh to the Treasurer/Deputy Prime Minister which I will forward separately in another email. Again well argued.
Ms Brodtmann, following an email from me, you called me and assured me that ‘Kate and I are aware of the issue and are on top of it’. I would like to see some action.
My question to Ms Brodtmann and Senator Lundy is – why is the government treating us like this? We (and I include our spouses here) have given probably the best years of our lives for this country in war and peace and yet we are treated with disdain and discriminated against. Why the lies, obfuscation and bloody mindedness from government ministers? Why is the government ignoring all the advice from past enquiries about aligning our pensions to a better cost of living index than the discredited CPI?
ALL WE ARE SEEKING IS A FAIR GO – Even President Obama is aware of what a fair go is!!! but not, apparently, the current Green Labor government as it applies to Australian servicemen and women and the widows and widowers.
Thank you
Paul Threlfall
MEDIA ALERT FOR DIGGERS! Please check out our home page article by ERIC NEWHOUSE that HALF of the troops returning from IRAQ and AFGHANISTAN need ongoing medical treatment.
What are the figures for AUSSIE troops?
JOCK O’NEILL has given me permission to post this exchange between himself and the RSL.
From: fjoneill
Sent: Wednesday, 9 November 2011
To: RSL Ken Doolan
Cc: RSL Nat HQ
Subject: RSL National Executive in full Retreat:
RSL National Executive in full Retreat:
The RSL has retreated from the battle to maintain and improve Veterans Entitlements.
Their quarterly meetings with the Secretary of the Department of Veterans ‘ Affairs Ian Campbell is deafeningly silent on the questions of DVA Disability Pensions being denied the 2.7% of average wage increase granted to all other pensions and the DFRB/DFRDB indexation of payments to other than the lowest economy indicator the CPI.
The organisation that touts itself as the premier ESO is a disgrace to the veteran community with this retreat form gaining just and equal income in line with the general public norms.
The RSL National Executive is a mob of Quislings, traitors to their membership by doing the ALPs bidding in failing to prosecute these matters.
In full retreat in face of the face of this governments disgraceful treatment of veterans you can bet assured they will be in the advance party on the Turkish Express Gravy Train come the 2015 junkets along with the pollies spending up big on the taxpayers slush account.
Officers of the Executive your limp wristed approach to Veterans Entitlements may go down well in the Club Room but to the blokes who did the fighting, the ones who count you are nothing less than a bunch of useless tossers.
Jock O’Neill
WA
From: John Hodges
To: fjoneill
Sent: Wednesday, November 16,
Subject: RE: RSL National Executive in full Retreat:
Dear Mr O’Neill,
Please find attached the RSL Budget Submission 2012-2013. Priority Proposal no 7 states: “That all rates for Veterans’ Disability Pensions be adjusted by the same increment that was granted at the time for the Single Rate of Service Pension in the 2009 Budget which was by 2.7% increase of MTAWE (Male Total Average Weekly Earnings).”
The Budget Submission is also available on the RSL website http://www.rsl.org.au under Veterans’ & Defence Issues.
Kind regards,
________________________________________
John M Hodges
National Veterans’ Affairs Advisor
Returned & Services League of Australia
ANZAC House
245 Castlereagh Street
Sydney NSW 2000 Australia
Phone: +61 2 9264 8188 Ext 501
Fax: +61 2 9261 0627
Website: http://www.rsl.org.au
From: fjoneill
Sent: 16 November 2011
To: John Hodges
Subject: RSL National Executive in full Retreat:
Thank you John I appreciate you replying . I had already sourced the RSLs previous budget years submission where the matter in question was also number 7 on the list.
What my e mail was about is that the matter has not been pursued with either the Department , the Minister or the Government.
Fine words on an agenda are well and good but fighting those words to fruition takes action and persistence unencumbered by setbacks and failures. i.e. advance the moral argument dont capitulate in the face of political pandering and enticements.
I urge the national President and his Executive to fight that fight as if not they are as complicit as this government is in adopting a policy of denying our Disabled Returned Servicemen and Women the equal and just increase that all other government pensions have received from 20 September 2009.
Our ADFs 130,000 DVA Disability Pension recipients, 29,000 who rely solely on this pension and it accompanying Service component as their only family income have the right to be treated as equals in this country. Not as second class, dismissed as undeserving when pension increases are passed around.
Relative poverty in this group of Blinded, Permanently and Temporary Disabled contributes in no small part to them being marginalised from mainstream society, having increased incidents of substance abuse, child neglect, family dysfunction and breakdown, poor physical health, poor nutrition , compromised mental health and suicide.
The spouses and children of this group are looking to you the premier ESO to help them. Dont stand by and let them down for lack of action.
For them.
Jock O’Neill
WA
Dear Jock, i was once a member of the R.S.L. many years ago now and the reason i left was that they in my opinion are nothing but govt lackies. i went to anzac house in perth and was having a drink with some older blokes and when they found out i was a vietnam veteran they then gave me the cold shoulder. It didn’t worry me that much as i had already become a member of the vietnam veterans association in 1987. I met a person called o’neill, he was in signals whilst in the army. Are you that person?
Dear JOHN LAWRENCE, I am so intrigued by your comment. Please keep us posted.
Thank you for your service to this country John, and it distresses me to think you
were thus treated.
Dear JOHN LAWRENCE, I’ve just been in contact with JOCK O’NEILL and he’s asked me to
post this comment for you: –
I am ex Sigs 69/70 Deployment Troop 110 in Vietnam and ’70 Tech Troop 110 in Vietnam. I was the President and Secretary of the Armadale RSL sub branch for 3 years in early 90s and on the state executive. Also a member of VVAA WA committee late 80s. I guess we could have crossed paths Perths a big country town.
Jock
Dear Senator Wright
First, I want to thank you for your letter of 16 September 2011 in which you responded to my earlier correspondence on the indexation of military superannuation. It should come as no surprise to you that I found your response to be unsatisfactory.
First, I have attached two letters I have recently forwarded to the Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister for Veterans Affairs. I ask that you take the time to read these letters. Since receiving your letter I have done further research on this matter and that research is reflected in these letters. In them I look to the historical context in which the DFRDB legislation was framed and when this is understood it is clear that the actions of governments of all persuasions over the ensuing years with regards to veterans is unconscionable.
I also take up some points in your letter.
1. You state that you have requested ‘detailed costings from Treasury on the proposals to change indexation arrangements …’ Have you obtained these as yet and do they address specifically to costs associated with the indexing of superannuation as proposed in the Fair Indexation Bill? You should be aware that the veteran community believes that the consideration of fairer indexation for DFRDB pensioners within the gammat of all government superannuation arrangements fails to recognise the unique nature of military service and is therefore a devaluation of our contribution to the nation.
2. You state that you ‘have written to the Minister for Veterans Affairs requesting advice as to what can be done in next year’s budget to fund a fairer indexation of defence superannuation pensions.’ I thank you that this advice has been sought specifically in relation to defence superannuation. Could you please advise on progress made on this request.
3. I note with some interest your reference to the resource super profits tax as proposed by Treasury as a means of enabling all Australians to share in the return ‘from our shared mineral resources.’ In your negotiations with the Government regarding the progress of this through the Parliament have you taken up the matter of improvement of indexation arrangements – and other matters regarding to military superannation, including the disadvantage faced by military widows, plus the issue of military disability pensions on which I am sure you have been briefed.
While the focus of this communication is the indexation of DFRDB retired pay I am aware of wider claims by the ex-service community for changes to the way the current military superannuation scheme and other payments are indexed. I support these claims. Given the need for fiscal responsibility I acknowledge that it may not be possible to correct all anomalies related to the treatment of military veterans immediately. I do see the proposals put forward in the Fair Indexation Bill – one, I point out that was consistent with the 2007 review of military superannation arrangements – as a practical first step in restoring some measure of justice to ex-service men and women in that it addressed what are largely the group that has seen the greatest errosion of their benefits resulting from years of neglect by successive governments.
Senator Wright, I look forward to your speedy response to the specific matters I have raised.
Yours Sincerely,
The Government is really doing it well eh? The originator of the following is a former RAAOC officer but also, as an Ammunition Technical Officer (ATO), he is well qualified to talk on matters relating to ammunition etc. The really sad part about this for me, is that our people in Afghanistan will come home with enough baggage without any extras added on by the Government due to faulty/inadequate equipment. Has familiar overtones with Vietnam I’m afraid when “the system” could not provide enough socks to go round!
“Just read your opinion piece re equipping our troops. The new equipment should have been in place before we committed to Afghanistan and its lack thereof shows how poorly the DoD is handling operation materiel development and analysis. By the way when are you going to equip our troops with an effective and reliable rifle? The 5.56 mm system first introduced during the Vietnam war was a failure then and is still a failure. It was introduced without any operation/materiel analysis just so we remain on par with NATO/USA. All wars from Vietnam on have shown the system to be inferior. Your reintroduction of 7.62 mm systems to Afghanistan is a tacit acceptance of this criticism. I see you have also upgraded the Carl Gustaf 84mm launcher. I hope you upgraded the ammunition as well. It has been known since 1979 that firing this weapon causes unacceptable damage to a firer’s hearing. This has been largely ignored by DoD OHS staff for years (along with the auditory unsafe overpressures from the Steyr rifle). Your govt is really going to need a future fund to pay for future compensation claims arising from the use of these weapons.”
21 November 2011
The Hon. Julia Gillard, MP
Prime Minister
PO Box 6022, House of Representatives
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600
Dear Prime Minister
You were in Parliament on 17 November 2011 when the President of the United States reminded us all that: “… we are citizens who live by a common creed – no matter who you are or what you look like, everyone deserves a fair chance; everyone deserves a fair go.” [my emphasis]
As the President stated, the United States seeks “… security, prosperity and dignity for all”. Surely that is what we ‘stand for and who we are’ too?
Let us then also pursue that future, and no longer deny fair superannuation pension indexation to our own ex-service people – those already superannuated – and those who continue dutifully in their sacrifices for a people and Government that continues to send them into harm’s way. Let us fulfil our duty to them.
Now that the Clean Energy Bills, the Presidential visit, the G20, APEC, the TransPacific Forum and East Asia Summit are behind us, will you please work hard and urgently to finally make fair indexation a reality for all of our military superannuation pensioners?
Perhaps the upcoming Labor Party National Conference is an opportunity to agree to act to fix the matter, and do so in a comprehensive way for all military superannuation pension schemes: DFRB, DFRDB and MSBS. An announcement before Christmas would be welcomed by all those affected, their families and successors.
We live in hope that the Australian way – a Fair Go – will prevail; soon.
Yours sincerely
(signed)
Bert Hoebee
Copy to:
The Hon. Warren Snowdon, MP
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Minister for Defence Science and Personnel
PO Box 6022, House of Representatives
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600
The Hon. Gai Brodtmann, MP
Member for Canberra
PO Box 6022, House of Representatives
Parliament HouseCanberra ACT 2600
Senator the Hon. Kate Lundy
Senator for the ACT
Parliament House, CANBERRA ACT 2600
Senator the Hon. John Faulkner
Senator for NSW
Parliament House
CANBERRA ACT 2600
Dear KBHUSSELL this is horrifying news. How can we do this to our Defence personnel – provide them with inadequate and substandard munitions ?
Can you please let me know who wrote the opinion piece – and where it was published.
If we couldn’t even ensure our troops in Vietnam had socks ( let alone anything else ) how are we rated today ?
How does our hardware compare with say, the Americans ?
When the US troops lob in Darwin, will we be in the situation where their equipment will be superior to that of the ‘ host ‘ nation?
Dear BERT HOEBEE,so glad you’ve publicly posted your letter to our PRIME MINISTER JULIA GILLARD and others.
I hope she takes her cue from her new best friend, PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA and you have done well to quote his ” Everyone deserves a Fair Go.”
You make a good point about the Labor Party National Conference.
Is there no-one in Laborland prepared to champion the call by Diggers for a fair go ?
Dear KEN MARSH, without doubt, your relentless capacity to point out the collective lies, misinformation and obfuscation carried out by the GILLARD/GREEN/INDEPENDENT Trialition
has done much to keep the rest of us informed.
Also,your response to SENATOR WRIGHT exposes the incapacity of politicians to now think and act for themselves; instead, capitulating to political expediency and herd mentality.
Another poem from that gentleman, officer and patriot: Brigadier (Retired) George Mansford, AM. Where would Australia be without people and warriors such as “Warry” George?
SOME MOTHERS DO HAVE THEM
Woken by a sentry in the early hours of morn
In darkness searching for wet clothes so torn,
Fumbling, feeling, hurrying then finally ready
We left our night base, slow and steady
Quietly, confidently, one behind the other
There was total trust for we were all brothers
Yet I could not stay upright as we moved along
Stumbling, falling and not knowing what was wrong
A whispering curse from our leader.“Be quiet”
Yet as we progressed, it was still not right
Not even at dawn with the growing light
Whatever the mystery, it was far from right
I was becoming very uptight
A snake or spider? Had I been bitten?
Was it now my time that fate had written?
How strange there was no numbness, giddiness or pain
A shiver in my spine as I stumbled yet again
I quietly wondered how I would say my goodbyes
To loved ones who perhaps would wail and cry
Whatever the blight it had been very quick
Although I was yet to have fever or be sick
Soon after first light we stopped for a rest
I was exhausted and no longer one of the best
The Sergeant checked us as he passed
Took one look at me and then in a whisper asked
“Ya dopey bastard, ya wearing boots on the wrong feet?
God help us, our army is heading for defeat”
Oh the ribbings since donning boots in that little tent
From Moff and other mates no matter where I went
That I was the only bloke in the beloved Regiment
Who wore boots on the wrong feet by day and night
Cos I could never tell left from right
George Mansford ©November 2011
Crikey NEIL WEEKES, you and our fabulous POET LAUREATE GEROGE MANSFORD are such a hot team!!!!
This latest poem is like the others – a Corker!
In earlier correspondence, I included a letter from a former RAAOC officer and an ATO. What follows is part two of his thoughts and it is extremely worrying.
“I shotgunned my letter everywhere so feel free to use it. I’ve been providing similar info to our local federal member, a national party whacker, but he and his mates are too thick to know how to use it.
Compared to the US military, our current state of military army equipment is worse than what we had in 1938. You might wonder why we do not deploy our infantry battalions in our current war. Their doctrine and equipment is medieval and they would need total re-equipping and retraining before they could fit in with a modern yankee or brit battle group. Cost too much for our govt. Send the special forces that can fiddle around by themselves and not need to be part of an allied combined force operation.
You asked about our equipment. We have M1A1 tanks with no third/fourth line repair capability. These tanks are obsolete compared with the current yankee M1A2 model and could not be cooperated with the yanks. We have no modern APCs – still farting around with Vietnam war left-overs. We are incapable of producing suitable uniforms for our combat troops – we are now scrounging American ones. Our rifle and LMG are junk due to the ammo system and design defects with the Steyr. We have no mechanised artillery though we are now replacing our fd arty with 155mm, 40 years after the US and NATO did so. This arty is still towed. ie can’t keep up with the troops hence the complaints from inf that they can no longer be supported. The 105 mm Hamel gun is a joke. It can only fire the old US 105mm ammo and not at full charge. We may as well have saved money and stayed with the old yankee M2 How we used in Vietnam. We have no effective ground air defence sytem apart from a few old RBS70s using 1970s technology. I won’t go on, it is far too depressing. When I got out, we had 208 one star and above positions ie a general for (then) about every 260 people. The US ratio is about 1 for 2000. Even Mussolini’s Italians could laff at our force structure. And finally, our local CMF (forgive the old term) Arty Regt just lost its 105s (not enough ammo available for training) and had them replaced with 81 mm MOR of Vietnam vintage. I did ask when they were going to be rebadged as INF but got no response.
Do you need to hear any more???”
Listed below, are further thoughts from my ATO friend. I do not wish to distract from our main priority, that of a Fair GO, but perhaps when we have won that war, we should turn our energies to the Defence of this great country?.
“Here is a further list of current military materiel F—ups:
Collins Class submarine – only one of the six works and it does not meet operational requirements.
Wedgetail airborne early warning and control system – 20 years overdue and radars/computers still don’t work.
ANZAC ship air defence radars – upgrades don’t work.
Unmanned tactical aerial surveillance vehicles – millions spent and it’s all too hard.
Lightweight torpedo replacements for RAN and RAAF. Now a real technical bunfight.
Heavyweight torpedo replacement – subs need redesigning to accept it.
Multi-role tanker capability for RAAF – years behind though first aircraft delivered this month.
Electronic Countermeasures for RAAF’s Orions. What? When? How?
RAAF/RAN phase 1 joint air to surface missiles. Weapon will be obsolescent by the time they sort this out.
Army’s European Tiger attack helicopter. Underpowered engine and unreliable night use and navigation system. It has two different 7.62 mm MG systems and army to save money bought ammo that is incompatible with the mini-gun.
Navy/Army European MRH90 Helicopter – first delivered with so many faults that training has nearly ceased.
RAAF F35 fighter update – by the time the yanks sort that one out, it will probably cost us ten years GDP.
The new air warfare destroyers – yankee weapons and electronics on a Spanish platform – should be interesting.
Navy’s logistic and helicopter ships – bit of a fiasco and we had to buy a second hand Brit ship that had been scrapped in a big hurry to compensate for poor Navy maintenance of current assets.
SP arty for Army. Army wants German, public service wants inferior Korean model. Guess what we will probly get.
Ammo for 155mm How – still firing WW1 design stuff – no money for modern stuff though I must admit back in the 80s we bought a few rocket assisted rounds and Copperhead (laser guided warhead) – cost too much so we lost interest.
What else do you need to know”.
Dear Tess,
Well Juliar is at it again. Bragging about getting the supertax on miners through the Lower House. She has said it will provide a superannuation benefit for people on lower incomes and follows the fair go principle.
What a lot of rubbish. Why couldn’t these additional taxes be paid straight into the futures fund?
Why can’t they make some of these funds available to fix DFRDB and DFRB indexation formulas. Yes Prime Miunister. We would like a Fair Go as well.
By the way; Where will the money come from when all federal pollies get close to a 100% pay rise or more and all parliamentary pre 2004 pensions will increase by a similar amount in the near future. The PM and all pollies have gone very very very quite on this issue. I wonder why?
Let us pray for an open, transparent and an accountable government. Pigs might fly as well. Our Ministers for Defence and Veteran Affairs have certainly learnt to tell “Porky” Pies “ad nauseum”. And in the eyes of the serving and retired Defence community, their images are now and will remain covered in swill for the forseeable future.
John Griffiths
Dear Senator Brown
The passing of the resource mining tax by the House of Representatives today is of particular interest to me and, I am sure, many others in the ex-service community in light of a letter from Senator Penny Wright on behalf of the Greens dated 16 September 2011 in reply to an earlier letter from myself regarding the unfair indexation of military superannuantion and your parties role in voting with the Government to vote down the Fair Indexation Legislation as proposed by the Opposition.
I quote: ‘The Greens maintain the position that the current indexation of all Commonwealth superannuation pensions, including Veterans’ pension, (sic) is unfair, as the CPI does not accurately reflect cost of living increases’.
In this letter Senator Wright also expressed her concern that there were ‘many pressing calls on public money’ and her belief that ‘one way of helping to pay for these would be a fair resources super tax …’
I also note that the Government talks about this tax as ‘a very big win for the Australian people’ and one of the benefits they will see from this is improved superannuation arrangements.
Senator Brown, I applaud your concern for fiscal responsibility. I and others in the Veteran community do not believe that DFRDB superannuates alone are unfairly treated in regards to superannuation indexation. Given the size of the problem and the costs that are associated with making the necessary adjustments we do believe that the Fair Indexation proposal was a practical first step in restoring justice as this was aimed specifically at those that have been most affected by changes to the way CPI is calculated.
I have attached for your information a letter I sent recently to the Deputy Prime Minister and Treasurer. This examines the Matthews review – the review the Government uses as its justification for maintaining the status quo – and demonstrates that, when understood within the context of the framing of the DFRDB Act DFRDB retirees in particular have been significantly disadvantaged through a retrospecive change to a condition of service. It is patently clear from the historical facts the the indexation of DERDB retired pay was to maintain purchasing power and to ensure that those who had already been ‘significantly disadvantaged’ through their service to this country would not continue to be further disadvantaged in relation to ‘contemporaries in age’ in their transition to civilian life – a transition that could occur when they had high family commitments and were in the prime of their lives.’
It is a principle of our legal system Dr Brown that ‘justice delayed is justice denied’ – a principle that has its origins in the Magna Carter.
How much longer Dr. Brown must DFRDB retirees be denied justice?
Dr. Brown, you promote your party as the party of justice and claim to be different to the old parties. Right now you are being weighed in the balance by military veterans and their families.
Yours Sincerely
Ken Marsh
Dear KBHUSSELL, I refer to your two excellent more recent comments that stand side by side here.
I know what you mean about not distracting from the main game, the fight for a Fair Go – but really these disgraceful revelations indicate what contempt has been heaped upon our troops by successive governments.
And I am grateful to those of you who are prepared to step forward from the shadows to tell the truth.
It is one thing to ask people to go to the frontline and to be preared to die on behalf of those of us lolling about in God’s own.
It is another thing entirely to send them to their death and potential death, knowing that we have equipped them with inferior materiel.
I have no doubt that even the Australian flag that drapes their coffins are el cheapos made offshore in the very nation that our Government and the United States are surreptitiously
working together in the event of a stand-off.
Our Government is great at making enemies of friends;among them our own troops; as your comments attest.
You are an inspiration to me, when my own courage flags, and there is little doubt you are an
inspiration to many others.
Dear KEN MARSH, how right you are to bring up the MAGNA CARTA, so often ridiculed, even by members of the judiciary, but yet, an extraordinary document upon which much of our Common Lawe
is founded, and sometimes founders.
SEWNATOR BOB BROWN, a man I have much admired – and indeed still do, in so many respects, has unquestionably cast Veterans aside for no other reason than political expediency – and this is
manifest in his own words in response to a question by the wonderful PETER THORNTON,in a video
posted in these comments.
Dear Tess,
Thank you for your kind words and your encouragement.
The truth of the matter though is that because of your courage, determination, loyalty and your ability to “tell it how it is”, YOU are OUR inspiration. God bless
Dear KBHUSSELL, I am overwhelmed by what you say here. I am a pathological coward at the best of times.
Thank you for your blessing. I am so in need of it.
24 November 2011
Senator the Hon. Bob Brown
Parliament House
CANBERRA ACT 2600
Fair Indexation for All Military Superannuation
Dear Senator
We have corresponded a number of times on this issue, and I am grateful for your Party’s express support for and understanding of the plight of ex-service superannuants, so well stated by you in the Senate on 16 June.
Now that the Government has succeeded in having its Mining Tax bills passed through the House, there should no longer be any financial impediment to at last put this nasty, mean-spiritedness towards these loyal, hardworking Australians, who we so readily put in harm’s way, well behind us.
So, will you now please press the Government to urgently act to immediately redress the long standing wrong. It is the one which has for well over a decade seen our ex-service people face ever-depreciating purchasing power and reducing standards of living, which frankly is illogical and unjust, while even our Age pensions are maintaining their relative purchasing power.
I would be most grateful to receive your assurance that you will now take this on as an urgent priority for your Party, and to hear of progress you are making on it.
(signed)
Dear BERT HOEBEE,you have done well to remind SNEATOR BOB BROWN of his promise.
Please let us all know if he sends you a response.
Is this another example of political expediency denying veterans their proper entitlements?
http://www.couriermail.com.au/ipad/malaysian-vets-fight-for-benefits/story-fn6ck51p-1226205370878?sv=3875dbcf7953ead5ae5ba7e22c152212
Today’s Brisbane Courier-Mail has an article about Army veterans serving in Malaysia seeking proper recognition of their service in a ‘warlike’ operation. While my service was with the RAAF those of us who were in Butterworth in the 1970s understood that the Malaysian air force were flying regular sorties against the communist insergents in the Malaysian jungle.
I am sure all affected veterans will wait the outcome of the Minister’s decision to ‘consider a fresh inquiry’ into the matter – but that they will not be holding their breaths.
I received an email with this attachment today.
Regards to all Bob Ihlein
‘ Why are Australian military pensions not indexed…..
…..at a rate that avoids poverty !’
CASE STUDIES PROVIDE EVIDENCE OF DISTRESS BEING EXPERIENCED BY MILITARY PENSIONERS THAT PLACE MANY BELOW THE POVERTY LINE
THE AUSTRALIAN VETERANS AND DEFENCE SERVICES COUNCIL
A longstanding conflict with government over military pensions and the plight of military pensioners have driven the Australian Veterans and Defence Services Council reluctantly to break from its practice of over 40 years. From its beginnings the Council has restricted itself to a role of representing to the government function issues of concern to the ex-Service community. The National President of the Council, Rear Admiral Ian Crawford RAN (Retired) said; “The Council has now taken the unusual step of making public the outcome of its case studies because of the despair at the response of government departments. These case studies are evidence of the distress being experienced by military pensioners through the inadequacy of the current system of indexation that condemns many military pensioners to incomes below the Poverty Line”.
“The Council is now releasing to the Government, the Parliament and the Australian people the outcome of its case studies conducted over the last two years. These case studies are evidence of the distress being experienced by military pensioners through the inadequacy of the current system of indexation”.
The issue is over the inadequacy of indexation which inexorably draws more and more of the military superannuation community in their later years to the benchmark of poverty.”
If fair indexation is affordable for some 3.5million age pensioners why is it not affordable for military superannuation pensioners?
From the case studies, the specific conclusions that can be drawn are:
• While the military pension may have been adequate at the time of retirement the inappropriate indexation has meant that it has declined over time to maintain the expected quality of life.
• Non Commissioned Officers who have retired after 20 years service are receiving military pensions of less than $25,000 and in some cases only in the order of $15,000. A military pension of $25,000 or $480 a week is below the benchmark Poverty Line for a couple without children and not receiving the Age Pension or Disability Support Pension. For the June quarter 2011 this was $597.24 a week
• These retired NCOs have found it more difficult to find long term employment to supplement their military pension. Many remained serving for 20 years to access the service superannuation rather than leave earlier when employment as a younger person would have been easier to find. This continuation to pension age was encouraged by the Services to ensure the availability of a hierarchy of experienced NCO leaders.
• Owing to their partner’s postings and the remote locations of bases, few spouses of these retired military personnel had careers that might have contributed to the retirement income of the couple.
• Owing to frequent postings, which were a feature of military service, many couples did not buy houses until retirement, when they had funds to use as a deposit. As a result they still have mortgages.
• Some officers and NCOs whose military superannuation benefits are insufficient to maintain a living standard have had to have recourse to Centrelink, some after having served to their compulsory retiring age, varying from 45 to 55. At this age many have found it particularly difficult to obtain civilian employment.
• Since 1948, the serving military have had deductions from salary towards their retired pay and from 1973 this was at the rate of 5.5%. This responsible provision for retirement was long before general community compulsory superannuation in the 1980s. This deduction and the low military salary levels that did not improve until the 1990s, left little disposable income to invest for retirement.
Selected Cases Behind the Distress
Case A
An NCO who retired at age 40 after 22 years service and received an annual military superannuation payment of some $13,500. Worked in various jobs but was able to accumulate only modest extra superannuation. Now retired with mortgage and military superannuation in the order of $18,500.
Case B
An NCO who retired at age 48 after 20 years service and received an annual military superannuation payment of some $10,000 which has now increased to $20,000 per annum. Now receives a part age pension for self and spouse.
What then are the benefits of a retirement pension scheme to which the military have paid 5.5% of their salary if the pension is indexed less than the Age Pension? In some cases the amount of the pension is now less than the Age Pension and below the Poverty Line.
General Conclusions
The general conclusion from the case studies is that the current military pensions of NCOs and in many cases also officers, who retired during the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s are not adequate to maintain the purchasing power necessary to maintain reasonable living standards. Indeed the longer they have been in retirement the worse their situation because of the inadequacy of indexation. For these people there is an ongoing decline in quality of life. The longer they have been in retirement the closer they get to the Poverty Line.
Admiral Crawford said; “This is at odds with Australian beliefs of a Fair Go. These people have served their country and experienced the unique rigours of military life. In return their Government appears comfortable to stand back to allow an ongoing decline in their quality of life in their later years”.
Source: Defence Force Welfare Association journal, Camaraderie
For these military pensioners the Government is perceived to have failed the test of being a responsible employer. At a time when the Government is trying to reduce community dependence on welfare, it is exacerbating the situation by adding to the numbers needing to seek welfare. This is a direct result of the Government’s not providing the same indexation of military superannuation pensions as it does to the Social Security Age Pension and other pensions.
This criticism of the government function over indexation of military pensions in no way changes the Council’s strong respect for the commitment of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs in meeting its responsibilities since 1915, particularly of caring for those with medical conditions resulting from their service in the Australian Defence Force.
The need is that military superannuation pensions must be increased twice a year by the same indexation as the Age Pension
Military pensioners need the government to change from its indifference to their plight.
They served when and where their country needed them.
Now they need your help!
Further information can be obtained from Rear Admiral Ian Crawford RAN Ret’d
Tel: 02 9380 6558 Email: crawfordi@bigpond.com
Issued by Australian Veterans and Defence Services Council – Sydney – 21 November 2011
Dear KEN MARSH, thanks so much for mentioning this and posting a link to the COURIER MAIL’s article.
It beggars belief that Army Veterans serving in Malaysia do not have proper recognition!
What is wrong with this picture ?
Who is playing Toy Soldiers with the lives of our military personnel ?
It’s wonderful that you’ve shared this publicly and important that we be inclusive to all.
Even if our Government isn’t.
Thanks Ken.
Dear BOB IHLEIN, this is gut-wrenching.
The AVDSC makes it quite clear that the situation for older veterans in particular is cruel and harsh treatment indeed, at the hands of their own successive governments. Who needs enemies when you’ve got friends like this!
It’s a national disgrace.
Politicians should use part of their expense accounts to ‘adopt a veteran ‘ and top up the
pension difference to an honourable level!
Hi Tess,
Re your suggestion “Politicians should use part of their expense accounts to ‘adopt a veteran’ and top up the pension difference to an honourable level”, I have two comments – It’s hard to look up and see what’s going on, when your snout is firmly in the trough, and there is no honour amongst theives! Both directly relate to our federal pollies.
To Ken Marsh – Mate you are very well versed for an old Sumpy! Shame I never served with you. I was a sumpy but off 26 Apprentice intake, the 10 referring to my first squadron. Opposition deputy whip Warren (Fred) Entsh was also a sumpy in 10Sqn when I was there. Ken I think you may qualify as a ‘fellow of the royal society of sumpology!! You and many others demonstrate how articulate and worldly wise that most of our former military brethren are. I half-hope that we eventually do have to march on Canberra, just so we can catch up and blow the froth off a few coldies!
Cheers, Maurie
Dear 10SUMPY/MAURIE, thanks a lot for your message to me and first of all, will you explain to the rest of us about ‘ sumpy ‘ and what it means.
I love what you say about KEN MARSH and one of the really beaut things about what is happening here is the tremendous camaraderie and affection you have for one another. It is very moving
indeed. Especially because you are not shy about ecpressing your affection and respect – and have no compunction about sharing home truths.
I agree with you about the march to Canberra. I can’t wait to catch up with you all.
I’m thinking we should do it anyway!!!!
Hi 10sumpy/Maurie
Perhaps we should invite Warren Entsh to join us on the march – or threaten him with expulsion from the ‘Royal and Ancient Society of Sumpologists’ – he and other former military members of Parliament.
Regarding the ‘few coldies’, are you aware of the annual AllAppy reunions in Melbourne and Brisbane? I went to both last year – I was the youngest bloke at the Brisbane one but felt more among my peers in Melbourne. If not I can get you the details.
Tess – sumpies are the key to the whole show. To get a jet fighter (or anything else for that matter other than a glider) off the ground you need something that can suck in a lot of cold air at one end and blow a lot of hot air out the other. And we sumpies made sure that thing kept working.
And as I wrote that for some reason I couldn’t help but think of Canberra and perhaps an old sumpy in that place would have his hands full controlling the intake of cold and expulsion of hot air
Perhaps Mr Entsh should be the Speaker of the House.
Dear KEN MARSH, thanks. Got it.
You are so right about the link between your job description – and pollies!!!!
DIGGERS ALERT: G’day All, here’s the latest Press Release from the hardworking team: –
Leaders,
We deliberately held off releasing the next video from AVM Peter Criss (Ret’d) while Sue’s Story was doing the rounds and receiving such good feedback. Sue’s moving story has had more than 1700 views on YouTube and the number continues to grow, and hundreds more have viewed it via a direct link. This is a good result, but we can do better.
We ask everyone, whether they are personally affected or not, to support their military brothers and sisters and ensure that all ADSO emails and video links are distributed to their email contact lists.
Please post it on your own websites and include it in your Newsletters and magazines encouraging your viewers and readers to actively support the Campaign.
This week, Pete returns with the next video #7 in his series on Fair Go Issues – Is it Restoration or an Upgrade?
Through statements made in Parliament and in its ill-informed ‘Fact’ Sheet, the Government has attempted to misinform the public by suggesting that we can’t have the fair indexation we seek because it would be a retrospective upgrade to our conditions of service. Nothing has angered our supporters more than this deliberately misleading tactic to deny fair indexation to military superannuants.
In this video, Pete exposes the truth about this issue in his usual forthright style.
You can watch the video here: Fair Go!
And while on the site, you will also be able to view other videos in the series you might have missed previously.
Please help to keep this viral activity going. Don’t just pass this video link on to your friends and contacts: ask them to support the campaign, by passing the link on to their social networks, including their family and friends and all of their contacts, both military and civilian, and adding the link to their facebook page where they have one.
In this way we can achieve the wider public awareness and support necessary to influence all MPs and Senators for a change in Government policy.
Thanks for your continued support.
From the “Fair Go!” Team
Campaign Directors: Ted Chitham tchitham@bigpond.com
Ray Gibson storyweaver@internode.on.net
Campaign National Spokesperson: David Jamison Jamison@bigpond.com
Stay current with the Campaign at http://www.standto.org
For those that may have missed it, AVM Peter Criss was interviewed by Greg Carey on 4BC yesterday morning about the Fair Go Campaign for military super indexation.
This is a brilliant interview and you can listen to the podcast at:
http://www.4bc.com.au/blogs/4bc-blog/australian-veterans-losing-out/20111130-1o5vl.html#2752086
Greg Carey’s introduction is stunning in its revelation of the PM’s apparent lack of awareness of the matter and her intention to respond to 4BC not yet received. In this interview Peter Criss pulls no punches as he explains the background and substance of the Fair Go Campaign’s claim for fair indexation of military superannuation pensions and the Government’s response.
Greg Carey has made a commitment to follow up this matter with the PM in January when he returns from holidays.
Here is your chance to show your support by posting a comment on 4BC weblog at the same address as above.
And please pass the link on to all your contacts and invite them to also leave a comment.
Let’s use this opportunity to show the strength of our support – ACT NOW!
Ray Gibson
ADDING INSULT TO INJURY
Massive pay rise for MPs, but travel perks on way out
http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/massive-pay-rise-for-mps-but-travel-perks-on-way-out-20111130-1o7d9.html#poll
BUT JUSTICE TO THE DEFENCE COMMUNITY AND VETERANS IS NOT AFFORDABLE ……….
Dear Tess,
In early August, like so many others, I sent out letters to every Senator who voted against the Bill, all 34 of them. I registered as many of these letters as I could afford but despite this, I received just five replies. Sadly, the “cut and paste teams” had been at it and there was nothing new and certainly nothing original from any of the people who replied. Many of the replies I have read to others who wrote suggests that the script writers of the British series “Yes Minister” are being paid overtime.
Disappointed but still determined, I wrote a second letter to Senator S. Hanson-Young on 14 November. I based my decision to write her a second letter on the fact that next to Gillard, Swan, Albanese, Windsor, Oakshot etc, etc, etc, she has to be the most arrogant of all Politicians in Canberra. To date, I have still to receive the courtesy of a reply.
Is there a finishing school somewhere that all Politicians attend to learn about arrogance, contempt of the electorate, climbing greasy poles and putting themselves before all others?. A school where they learn to have total disregard for rules relating to travel claims, appropriate behaviour – at all times – and just boarding the gravy train.
I believe AVM Peter Criss is spot on with a class action. If that fails of course we can always adopt the measures we have witnessed overseas in Libya and Syria in recent times. Heaven forbid but at the end of the day that is perhaps the only message these pseudo leaders will understand. Lest we forget.
Dear RAY GIBSON, thanks so much for posting a link to this powerful interview with AVM PETER CRISS by GREG CAREY on 4BC.
And let’s send a link to every pollie possible – as well as to other media and share with
everyone.
Dear TRIBOB, little wonder that we’re all so fed up with them.
It is so morally repugnant that they would do a Red Spot Special to benefit themselves in the dying days of Parliament and stuff their pockets from the depleting public purse whilst denying Diggers a few extra pennies.
You are spot on!
Dear KEN HUSSELL, I think at the very least that those politicians who did not reply should reimburse you for the letters you registered. It would have cost you a fortune to send about 34 of them Ken, and I know only too well that it is difficult to spare the monies and that you
no doubt you and your family went without others things to be able to afford to register the letters to those pollies.
It is rude, disrespectful and discourteous for them to treat you and your Brethren in this way.
It also displays a lack of compassion and any sense of humanity.
And as you point out, such rudeness is not confined to one Party or one Independent.
Yes Ken, there is a finishing school for Politicians. It’s called Parliament.
And I agree with Peter Criss that to mount a Class Action would be a powerful challenge to
the financial oppression you’ve enduredby successive governments.
I think it is time to exhibit more People Power. It’s time for a ‘ Digger Spring.’
And to Occupy Government.
With today news of imminent pay rises for our pollies, I have just sent several scathing emails to Gillard and Lundy.
The interview on 4BC with AVM Criss was telling, and I hope that 4BC will follow up on it as promised.
Just as a matter of interest, how do class actions work?
Daryl Collins-Roe
Dear DARYL COLLINS-ROE you are so right about the AVM PETER CRISS interview.
* Re Class Actions – very basically, where a legal firm/individual lawyer will mount
a case on behalf of a group of people; sometimes hundreds and thousands of people.
Sometimes these actions are effective enough to influence a change of legislation, pay increases, compensation and even change public perception and opinion on matters etc.
They often provide a great insight into how Governments, Institutions and Corporations, etc handle their affairs – and often expose cover-ups.
* Having said this, is there an expert out there ?
Thanks Tess. I live overseas, therefore I cannot be as active as I would like in this. If I resided in Australia I would conduct a personal protest outside Lundys electorate office.
While our campaign is still active, I feel a sense of despondency at being ignored by those who purport to represent the people of Australia in Parliament.
While the contributors to the campaign have been wonderful and really worked tirelessly thus far, I think it is time, not for letters, emails, poems etc etc, (not denigrating these efforts by any means) for us to create a stir which will arouse the apathy in the media to our cause.
How to do this I do not know, but AVM Criss may have the answer, and perhaps an enquiry or class action may jog the powers that be into action.
Is there someone who can assist with this? I know nothing about it, or how to commence such a thing, but I guess it would require funds, and assistance from Defence Service Welfare Organisations.
Thanks
There was an excellent program on radio 4BC the other day – which resulted in many pages of excellent blogs. This issue will NOT go away for the government, until it is fixed – properly. Let us hope they take action before a class action is commenced.
See: http://www.4bc.com.au/blogs/4bc-blog/australian-veterans-losing-out/2011113
and listen to the program, and PLEASE keep writing to your local member and Senators.
Dear COLROE, it’s wonderful that although you’re overseas, you’re really ‘putting in’ to the discussion.
Onya!
Dear BERT HOEBEE. You’re right. This issue is NOT going away!
Today I received a reply from Senator Michael Ronaldson, the Shadow Minister for Veteran’s Affairs, to an email I sent him on 14 November. With this email I copied in the text of a letter I had posted earlier to the Minister for Veteran’s Affairs and requested him to pusue the matter ‘swiftly and with vigour’.
I will not copy in all of the letter of much of it repeats what I have seen before. However, I did note the following paragraph:
‘I can assure you the Coalition fully appreciates the unique nature of military service and remains absolutely committed to this reform. The Coalition will pursue it swiftly and with vigour at the next election, and beyond. With your support, and that of the wider Australian community, the Coalition will deliver a fair, just and fiscally responsible military superannuation system for Australia’s 57,000 DFRDB and DFRB military superannuants, and their families.’
I also note that with Senator Ronaldson, as with other Coalition members with whom I have corresponded, their response is generally signficanlty more prompt.
I wrote to various people back in July, about the Fair Indexation Bill’s defeat in the Senate. The Greens (Senator Wright or one of her minions) and the Libs’ Bob Baldwin both replied within a few weeks. Baldwin was first, with a very warm response that committed the Coalition to pursuing the matter. On the other hand, Wright’s was a “rote” letter excusing the Greens for deliberately ignoring their stated policy in this matter. I said in an earlier comment that a Greens reply to Ken Marsh??? was word for word the same as the one I got.
Now, I have finally had a response from my local member, Greg Combet. Only thing is, it’s really a cut and paste of words from Warren Snowden that I think he’s already addressed to Brigadier Neil Weekes. These people really don’t have much imagination, or courtesy for that matter. Time for a scathing reply, I think.
Dear KEN MARSH, well why won’t SENATOR MICHAEL RONALDSON say it out loud and say it proud?!!!!
And why won’t OPPOSITION LEADER TONY ABBOTT say it out loud and say it proud ?
Dear BARNEY WARD, their moral cowardice is pathetic, as is their lack of political courtesy. It is absolutely critical to know of their responses – because we supporters read them and remember them when it comes time to vote.
So thanks Barney, you’ve covered quite a bit in a few pars.
Isn’t it amazing that one of the most publicised issues from the Labor Party Congress, has been their discussion and subsequent support of same sex marriage. The media is to blame on this as well.
I wonder if the Canberra based pollies like Kate Lundy and Mike Kelly even raised the military super indexation problem that they claim to support at the conferance. It’s time ex Defence personnel in that region realised that support by the Canbverra based pollies for public service and military super indexation is just to get votes. Does anybody really believe that they support us?
I bet they will be happy to accept their massive payrise and follow on super payment increases when they leave politics. And all the while, military superannuants keep falling further behind.
We need to keep in mind that we will never catch up for the losses against the cost of living we have incurred with our current approach. Perhaps it is time to approach someone like Slater and Gordon to see if they are interested in a “no win-no cost” class action against the Commonwealth Government. And just to make it interesting, lets ask for a catch up backdated for the past 10 years in the same class action. I’m sure the pollies would be aware of our seriousness on this issue then.
John Griffiths
Be Wary of ‘Fiscal Responsibility’
Senator Ronaldson has now realised that he may have to eat his words (few as they are) if the government changes hands. He has adopted the escape clause ‘the Coalition will deliver a fair, just and fiscally responsible military superannuation system’ – if you vote for them, of course – have you heard this before? I’ve said before that ‘fiscal responsibility’ should apply to every decision in government and not just those decisions relating to military superannuation, so why make a point of it here? Well, to let them off the hook of course.
I am sure we would be happy to see an independent pay and allowances tribunal examine our recompense as it does for politicians – that would be fiscally responsible – even morally responsible.
I agree with John Griffith that we should be claiming a starting point for recompense from when government accepted the age pension indexation change – when the CPI became defunct as a true sole measure of the cost-of-living. The deficit should also become part of a member’s estate. Otherwise the ‘stall’ process will go on until the issue dies with its claimants.
Dear JOHN GRIFFITHS, sounds like an excellent idea, a class action – and as mentioned in relation to an earlier comment, there seems to be growing support.
Redress must certainly be backdated!!!!!
Dear BILL ARDEN, you all know from bitter personal experience that ALL promises made to you over decades by ALL successive governments have been nothing more than lies.
Their political cowardice is matched only by their moral cowardice.
POET LAUREATE GEORGE MANSFORD’s latest brilliant contribution to hearten the campaign for a Fair Go as well as our morale. Brain food for thought.
The Slippery Slide Of Oz
Politicians make glass promises so easy to shatter
Be it medical, roads, taxes or whatever matters
They often hide behind spin when betraying our trust
Seeking others to blame is now an acceptable political must
Brutus and Judas with knives and silver in that Place do thrive
Any measure of action to gain more power to survive
Secret midnight deals have become the norm
Huge national debt yet the sheep already have been shorn
They argue, stall and demand it must be done their way
Yet always unanimous in regards their allowances and pay
When it comes to loyalty they use slipper or the boot
Tell terrible lies behind expensive smokescreens when it suits
How cruel it is we live with such hypocrisy
In what is supposed to be a wonderful democracy
A fair dinkum way of life created by past generations true blue
Forged in famine, fire, flood, drought and sweat for me and you
Defended with agony and blood by diggers so true
Wake up Oz, we are being taken for a ride
By incompetent fools in charge of the slippery slide
George Mansford November 2011
Thanks Bill Arden for your observation re. fiscal responsibility. We do well to remember that with Howard we learnt that there were core and non-core promises and how we could tell the difference was to wait and see which ones he kept. With the current government we have come to learn that all promises are non-core. Time will tell what a promise ‘written in blood’ means.
Dear KEN MARSH, eloquently put.
Hi Tess and All,
Fair Go Campaign matters have kept my head down of late and I have only now had time to review the comments here over the last week or so.
I am not surprised, but I am reassured by the depth of talent we have in the veteran community and the comments on this enduring thread are an excellent measure of that talent; lots of good thoughts and ideas – and please keep them coming.
Ted Chitham and I (the two Fair Go Campaign Directors) would really appreciate it if you could also post your comments and suggestions to the ADSO Fair Go campaign website
http://www.standto.com
in addition to making comments here on the IA website. It would help us to more readily stay in touch with what the supporters of a Fair Go are thinking.
I have noted several recent entries referring to the possibility of some form of legal action. I would like to assure you all that this is being actively investigated within the Fair Go campaign. It is not something that we will do lightly. It can become a very expensive and time consuming route, and DFWA still bears the scars of a previous attempt at legal action many years ago. But we are looking at it again with fresh eyes and seeking legal opinion. Watch this space!
And as a footnote, let me observe that the very moving video – Sue’s Story – slipped passed the 2000 views mark over the weekend and it continues to climb. This is a remarkable result after just three weeks for a video of this type launched from Australia. For those who have not yet seen Sue’s Story, you can watch it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2u1KJV3OJSs
Thanks again to all for your ongoing support.
Regards,
Ray Gibson
Dear RAY GIBSON, thanks for your comments – and yes, it is important to post comments everywhere – and also very important to post them on a ‘ public ‘ site like Independent Australia, as well as ‘ in house ‘ sites – because then the wider public has access to
them.
Governments like it if campaigns are ‘ contained. ‘
Great news about Sue’s video. You are champions and so is she!!!!
Here is another poem from Brigadier (Retired) George Mansford, AM, posted with his approval.
The Slippery Slide Of Oz
Politicians make glass promises so easy to shatter
Be it medical, roads, taxes or whatever matters
They often hide behind spin when betraying our trust
Seeking others to blame is now an acceptable political must
Brutus and Judas with knives and silver in that Place do thrive
Any measure of action to gain more power to survive
Secret midnight deals have become the norm
Huge national debt yet the sheep already have been shorn
They argue, stall and demand it must be done their way
Yet always unanimous in regards their allowances and pay
When it comes to loyalty they use slipper or the boot
Tell terrible lies behind expensive smokescreens when it suits
How cruel it is we live with such hypocrisy
In what is supposed to be a wonderful democracy
A fair dinkum way of life created by past generations true blue
Forged in famine, flood, fire, and sweat for me and you
Defended with agony and blood by diggers so true
Wake up Oz, we are being taken for a ride
By incompetent fools in charge of the slippery slide.
George Mansford November 2011
Here is another recent poem penned by George Mansford, posted with his approval and on the request of Tess.
SOME MOTHERS DO HAVE THEM
Woken by a sentry in the early hours of morn
In darkness searching for wet clothes so torn,
Fumbling, feeling, hurrying then finally ready
We left our night base, slow and steady
Quietly, confidently, one behind the other
There was total trust for we were all brothers
Yet I could not stay upright as we moved along
Stumbling, falling and not knowing what was wrong
A whispering curse from our leader.“Be quiet”
Yet as we progressed, it was still not right
Not even at dawn with the growing light
Whatever the mystery, it was far from right
I was becoming very uptight
A snake or spider? Had I been bitten?
Was it now my time that fate had written?
How strange there was no numbness, giddiness or pain
A shiver in my spine as I stumbled yet again
I quietly wondered how I would say my goodbyes
To loved ones who perhaps would wail and cry
Whatever the blight it had been very quick
Although I was yet to have fever or be sick
Soon after first light we stopped for a rest
I was exhausted and no longer one of the best
The Sergeant checked us as he passed
Took one look at me and then in a whisper asked
“Ya dopey bastard, ya wearing boots on the wrong feet?
God help us, our army is heading for defeat”
Oh the ribbings since donning boots in that little tent
From Moff and other mates no matter where I went
That I was the only bloke in the beloved Regiment
Who wore boots on the wrong feet by day and night
Cos I could never tell left from right.
George Mansford ©November 2011
Thanks NEIL WEEKES for posting GEORGE MANSFORD’S wonderful poetry.
You know, he’s got quite a few followers, groupies, me among them, who start to fret if we don’t get at least a monthly offering from the Digger’s Bard.
It would be wonderful if there was a book of his poems available for Christmas.
What about in time for ANZAC DAY George ? !!!
Ray Gibson, it seems you have made a typo in the link to the Stand To website.
It should be:
http://standto.org/
Not .com
Thanks KEN MARSH for pointing that out – it’s good teamwork.
Thanks Ken. Too much haste, not enough speed!
Cheers,
Ray
Thanks Tess for the kind comments. I sent a copy of the letter by email to IA, and DFWA; also sent it to a friend who has passed it on to AVM Peter Criss.
Bill Arden, the CPI had already been fiddled with in the 60s. My Economic Statistics lecturer had many a scathing word to say about it, back in 1965. It just got even more inaccurate as time went on, that’s all. Government knew too. That’s why the enabling legislation used, from 1972-1976, for increases in DFRDB had a choice of measurements. It took the lesser of 1.4 times CPI and percentage movements in weekly earnings (AWE). Fortuitously AWE was lower in all 4 years. Fraser’s Treasurer (wasn’t it John Howard?) knew exactly what would happen when he made raw CPI the indexation benchmark in 1977. We now live with the result. Keating’s little discounting exercise only put the icing on the (sawdust) cake.
Onya BARNEY WARD, please feel free to post the letters directly into the comments as well, because there’s great merit in pooling our intel – plus its morale boosting and inspiring
to one another!
Thank you Barney Ward for sticking to the facts, you are spot-on (we need a ‘real’ fact sheet!). It is a pleasure to see someone who remembers how it began (or is prepared to do some research). As AVM Peter Criss said in his recent excellent radio interview, we must state the facts correctly.
There was no DFRDB increase for 1973.
The first DFRDB pay increase was in 1974 (effective from pay period commencing 21 June 1974) under the DEFENCE FORCE RETIREMENT AND DEATH BENEFITS (PENSION INCREASES) ACT 1974 No. 105, 1974 – Sect. 3. This was an increase of the lower of 1.4 times the CPI increase and the increase in the AWE (Male).
The second pay increase was in 1975 (effective from pay period commencing 20 June 1975) under the DEFENCE FORCE RETIREMENT AND DEATH BENEFITS (PENSION INCREASES) ACT 1976 No. 34 of 1976 – SECT. 18. This was an increase based on the increase of the full CPI, which was 13.4%.
Of note was that the definition applied to DFRB was ‘pension’ whereas for DFRDB was ‘pension benefit’.
From 1977 onward automatic increases began based on CPI only but, because the provision for Commutation was also introduced (Part XA of the Act) the CPI increase to the full retired pay (Pension Benefit) was discounted to a maximum of what would apply to a reduced pay after commutation of 4 times – this was a discounted indexation of entitled retired pay. We are not, and never have been, given the full CPI to our entitled pay!
I’d like to hear more from you Barney.
I need to clarify my previous post referring to Commutation in conjunction with Part XA of the DFRDB Act 1973; Commutation was introduced as part of the original DFRDB Act 1973.
Automatic indexation based on the CPI was introduced by Part XA in 1977 by the Defence Forces (Retirement and Death Benefits Amendments) Act 1977. Part XA defined ‘Notional Pay’, based on Commutation, as the maximum pay amount to be indexed. Notional Pay is based on the assumption that a recipient commuted the maximum allowable amount (4 times retired pay) thereby reducing the pay-in-hand by the maximum amount, whether the recipient elected to commute or not – the result was that the amount indexed was always less than the full entitled retired pay.
Commutation is one of the festering sores amongst the retired defence community. It is an advance of retired pay resulting in an annual reduction from retired pay of an amount designed to exhaust the advance over an expected lifetime (based on a life table in the Act). When a recipient reaches the life expectancy – which many of us have – the deduction from retired pay continues. Most of us will pay back close to 150% of the original advance on our pay if we live to our current life expectancy.
Thanks Tess. I’ll post a copy of Combet’s letter next up.
Bill Arden, I wasn’t aware that there had been no increase in DFRDB for ’73. But I suppose that’s logical. The scheme only kicked off in late ’72, from memory. I’ll have to sit down and research that part of it properly. I was there when it all happened, but the memory is getting a bit hazy after all this time.
Your comments about commutation are interesting, Bill. you are quite correct. Retirees were practically forced to commute, because of the “Notional Pay” racket. I joined the RAAF in July 1967, and got out in September 1990. My pension was reduced by $3227.56 pa to pay for my commutation. After 21 years I have paid back about $68500 of the $88368 I commuted. But it’s interesting if you index that $3227. Even at the lousy CPI rate it’s already $95000-odd.
It takes 63 weeks on average for someone over 55 to find a new job. Source – National Seniors Association. A revealing statistic given that we faced mandatory retirement at 55 and in the 70s and 80s I’m sure it would have taken much longer – even in good economic times. And they haven’t always been good.
When you think about it, in the last 10 years or so leading up to 65 many are at the top of their careers and earning the highest salary of their lives, and this at a time after the family committments to kids has eased, if not ceased. The significant disadvantage of service life Whitlam spoke about and sought to address through DFRDB is now reinforced by Government policy.
And Barney’s comments above re. commutation only further demonstrate how we get ripped off for the sin of serving our country.
Hi All
I fowarded my comments and the link to the Peter Criss interview on 4BC to a number of indivuals and outlets. I recieved the response below from Senator Gary Humphries in the ACT.
Dear Mr Sainsbury,
Thanks for the copy of your email to VVFACT.
After a long, hard battle on my part over several years to convince other Coalition members of the necessity to ensure indexation equity for recipients of both military and civilian Commonwealth superannuation pensions, the loss of the Coalition Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits Amendment (Fair Indexation) Bill 2010 by one vote in the Senate was a real blow.
I personally intend to keep the matter before my Coalition colleagues and pursue this issue towards a goal of indexation parity for all Commonwealths superannuants.
Yours sincerely,
Gary Humphries
SENATOR FOR THE ACT
Shadow Parliamentary Secretary to the Shadow Attorney-General
Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Materiel
—–Original Message—–
From: John and Pauline
Sent: Friday, 2 December 2011 2:16 PM
To: ‘VVFACT’ (Vietnam Veterans & Veterans Federation ACT)
Subject: Australian Veterans losing out#2752086#2752086
Newspaper editors and radio addresee’s, listen to the interview, READ THE
COMMENTS, and follow up on this issue. This is becoming a national disgrace.
This also applies to politicians at all levels and politicial parties.
Others, please forward to all and sundry. I doubt if newspapers (especially
the Canberra Times and other Fairfax publication’s and radio will do any
follow up as per usual) despite all the briefings from various parties and
individuals.
John Sainsbury
http://www.4bc.com.au/blogs/4bc-blog/australian-veterans-losing-out/20111130
-1o5vl.html#2752086
I should have added to my post immediately above John’s – so much for the Government’s spin that we should have got another job and added to our superannuation savings. Forced to retire at 55 and live on an income at the max around 76% of final pay.
Maybe politicians are from Venus, military veterans from Mars.
Dear BARNEY WARD, thanks, I think many of us would like a squizzy at that. And by the way, re your chat with BILL ARDEN – so great – answers a number of questions and we’re all learning
day by day the extent of the abuse to which you’ve been subjected by successive governments.
It is a national disgrace and a national shame.
Dear KEN MARSH, these are formidable statistics that you’ve posted here about older people
getting a new job. And behind each statistic is a human being. One of us.
Dear JOHN SAINSBURY, the thing is, why doesn’t SENATOR GARY HUMPHRIES say this out loud ?
But you have scored a response at least, and hopefully he will at least discuss the matter
with his colleagues.
Onya for sending the link to the fab interview with the fearless PETER CRISS on 4BC.
Hi Tess,
I would like to comment upon the Remuneration Tribunal that politicians keep offering as the independent body determining their pay and allowances. It is my understanding that the Tribunal sits within the Education, Employment and Workplace Relations portfolio headed up by Senator Chris Evans and operates in accordance with the Remuneration Tribunal Act 1973. Within this Act, it seems that the Minister can appoint and terminate Tribunal members as he sees fit while the Governor-General (on advice from the Minister) appoints the President. Apparently, the Minister can advise the Tribunal to inquire into certain matters. It is reasonable to assume that Politicians had already determined that giving up certain allowances would provide impetus for their current higher pay proposal. (These allowances are never used to their full extent because of voter resistance and ironically, the higher pay adds to politicians already unjust superannuation provisions). Quite probably, the Tribunal would have been asked to investigate and report accordingly. The Act goes on and on but clearly any reasonable person reading this Act would find it difficult to determine that the Tribunal is “independent” in the true meaning of the word, no matter how legally sound the Act may be. Regrettably we will never argue this issue successfully – it is just another example where politicians have put in place a process to protect their own interests.
Thank you for maintaining this outlet for us.
Regards
Hi all
This says it all.
I WONDER IF SHE EVER RECIEVED AN ANSWER FROM EITHER OF THEM?????
Subject: PLEASE read
Hi Everyone,
PLEASE PLEASE TAKE 5 MINUTES AND READ THIS
This is one of the best letters for a long time, it puts it ALL into perspective.
PLEASE PLEASE PASS IT ON to everyone you can, its time BOTH parties stood up and listened,
This is our country and its being destroyed.
Subject: Fw: The silent majority
This seems to put into words what I – and I am sure many others of the silent majority – think! It was written by Mrs Jenny Bell of South Australia to Julia Gillard and Tony Abbott:
To Julia Gillard (Prime Minister) & Tony Abbott (Leader of the Opposition) ..
You BOTH Worry me ! ( In fact both of your Political parties worry the hell out of me !!!)
Over the last three years, I find myself becoming more and more fearful of the pair of you, and between you, you are turning this countr into a place that I no longer feel at home in, or feel a part of! I watch you in parliament, and no, not just the two of you, but every politician that I see, stand up in parliament sneering at each other, and acting like children !!! (..and if you were my children, I would be ashamed of you all … What an example to set!)
Although you would like us all to believe that you are putting the needs of this country at the forefront, NEITHER of you are doing that, you seem more interested in “one-up-manship “, in scoring off each other, & denigrating each other, to the detriment of this country & its people !!!
It seems to be all about YOU as individuals, and not about what you can DO for this country !
It is fast becoming a place that I do not recognize, as the place I always thought, was the best place in the world to be !!!
But no longer !!!
You are not listening to the people of this country !!!
And here in South Australia , your counterparts are afflicted with the same disease – is it endemic in all politicians ?
I am watching the deterioration of living standards in this country, (and according to you, on a world stage we are doing better than most countries … REALLY ???) … And yet the gap is widening between the “haves” and the “have-nots” . I see our homeless on the streets, our hospitals under-funded, and understaffed, our health system is an absolute mess and a disgrace … And yet I see multi-millions of dollars being sent off shore, in aid to other countries, before attending to this country’s needs !
I see the “selling off of the farm”, in large amounts, to foreign interests, (In Every State ) including water rights to foreign interests too …. And WHY…?
Especially when you go to great lengths to tell us that water is a finite resource, & supposedly, we must ALL be careful with how we use it, so that we ensure we have it for the future ?
Foreign interests “Fracking” for coal seam gas, and riding rough shod over farmers’ rights to their own land, AND USING QUESTIONABLE CHEMICALS. (You don’t even KNOW what chemicals they use), and possibly causing damage to the water table in the process !!!
And those foreign interests I believe, do NOT have to pay anything in royalties back to this country, for the first five years of their tenure … IS THIS CORRECT ???
A Carbon Tax,( which you KNOW is just another tax with a “Starting Point dollar value”) which will make NO appreciable difference, to carbon emissions, AT ALL!
A tax, which in spite of all your arguments FOR it, you are doing alone, when other major countries will NOT & DO NOT embrace it, or believe in it !
All that it will do for this country is put working families and small businesses behind the eight ball, ….what planet are you on, if you think that your few hundred dollars a year, will make even a scrap of difference to the effect of the carbon tax on people ?Blind Freddy can see the holes in that argument !!! Do you really think we are that dumb ???
The CONVOY OF NO CONFIDENCE was real !!! …and I haven’t spoken to even ONE person, who would not have liked to be there if they could, but the tyranny of distance and /or work was the only thing that kept them away, ( myself included ), … and you KNOW that only a part of the convoy was actually allowed to be in front of Parliament house and ON VIEW .. the rest were streets away, unreported by the media !
For Mr Albanese to stand up in parliament, and call it “THE CONVOY OF NO CONSEQUENCE “, in his sneering tone, shows just how out of touch with the people of Australia , you really are !!!! WE WOULD HAVE ALL LIKED TO BE THERE !!!
DEFENCE ……. Because Americans are our Allies, and we support them in Wars, ……… Korea , Vietnam , Iraq , Afghanistan , …. and you have sent our soldiers to those places, and our soldiers fought for you, and for Australia ……. some coming home with terrible physical injuries, and some with devastating Mental Injuries as well ….. BUT WHERE ARE YOU, WHEN THEY NEED YOU ?????
Veteran’s Indexation to CPI only is a disgrace .. and is something YOUR Labor party Julia, used as an election sweetener, to get the Veteran’s Vote … BUT YOU LIED (Again) ! You never had any intention of honouring your election promise to them … and it WILL come back to bite you at the next election !!!! (And Tony, Liberals were NO BETTER, Howard had more than 10 years to “fix it ” and didn’t !)
Veterans are not alone, they have families, friends and supporters, who are heartily sick of the deception your party perpetrated on them …AND THEY ALL VOTE !!!!
THEY are your obligation, first and foremost …. and it is not your first obligation to give aid to every man and his dog overseas first !!! Look after your own FIRST !!!! Is this what you call SALUTING THEIR SERVICE ???
Have you any idea , how sickening it is for our Vets to see you both, ( Labor or Liberal ) turn up to the funerals of our current young vets for a photo opportunity, to be seen to be “caring ” in the public eye, but only to turn your backs on them all, when they need you ??? (Just ask Breanna Till an Afghanistan Soldier’s wife, how CARING this government is !!!)
And in light of what you DON’T do for our Vets …….Let’s talk about Multiculturalism ……People have come here from other countries, for a better life, for more years than I have been alive ( I am 65 years old !) … my own family migrated here in 1883, from Germany , and did find a better life …
Pre & Post war immigrants have came for a better life, and settled in and became wonderful contributors to this country, as did those who came here after the Vietnam War, .. all have contributed to the rich diversity of this country, and some descendants have even fought FOR this country, and they have become Australians and were glad to be …and they had NO handouts from our Government either, …they worked hard for everything!
I have never before had a problem with all, or any, race of immigrants coming here …
…….However , I DO NOW !!!
Please tell me why we have areas like Lakemba, where police do NOT, & will NOT go, for fear of their life ?
Please tell me why we can no longer have religion in schools, for fear of “OFFENDING” someone ? (The latest little gem is that they are not having, or being funded, for “chaplains ” any more , but “Counsellors “?)
Please tell me why religious Christmas observances are no longer allowed in some schools for fear of OFFENDING someone ?
Please tell me HOW Christmas decorations in some stores might OFFEND someone ?
Please tell me why we have to have segregated days in some swimming centres, for fear of “OFFENDING” someone ?
Please tell me why we have some RADICAL clerics demanding Sharia Law in this country … when if we were in THEIR country, this would NEVER be allowed ?
Please tell me why our laws need to be changed, so as not to OFFEND someone ?
Please tell me why we are fast becoming a MINORITY voice, in our own country, because of POLITICAL CORRECTNESS ?
Please tell me WHY Australians cannot legally wear a face covering bike helmet into a bank ..and yet it is ok to wear a Burqa which covers the whole face ?
And please tell me WHY, when those people who want asylum here, can wreck our detention centres, as in Villawood , and STILL be accepted here ?
SO , in light of the above, WILL BOTH OF YOU …..Please tell me WHY, when some of our Vietnam Veterans FINALLY received (in the last 6 months) the recognition that they should have had after the Vietnam War, (and which they received from the USA & South Vietnam, during and immediately after the Vietnam War), that the families of those Veterans, were refused assistance by this Government, to attend that award ceremony, and yet this Government ….flew , accommodated , and even took on bus tours , to the the families of asylum seekers, after the funerals of those who were killed in the boat which sunk off Christmas Island ?
What does that say, about just who are this government’s priorities ?
The Australian people that I speak to have genuine concerns about becoming a second class minority in our own country, and the reasons for it, are some of the above, ….. Are you so blind that you cannot see this ?
And no , I am NOT racist !!!…(if I did not like Catholics or Protestants would I be considered racist ?) Of course not !
Why is it, that if we object to what is happening in our country … we are immediately labelled RACIST, in an attempt to shut us up ?
We are fighting Radical Muslims, in Afghanistan & Iraq , are we not ?I hear you say, yes but the Muslims we have here are “Not like that ” … well how would we know ? …do we hear ANY of them coming out & speaking AGAINST radicals ?? I haven’t …have you ???
Islam is not compatible with ANY of the values that we hold here in Australia ! ….Are not the experiences of Britain , France , and the Netherlands an example of that? Why do you think it would be any different here ? We even have an Australian born “radical “, whose message is that Australia WILL become a Muslim country, under Sharia Law, & that we had “better get used to it “.
Will both of you grow some “Balls “, and start sticking up for this country and its people ???
We are the people who put you where you are, and PAY you to look after our interests ! … And you are NOT doing that, by any stretch of the imagination !!!
I would appreciate an answer, from both of you, if only to convince me that once again, I am not talking to a brick wall !!!!!
In case it has escaped both of you …I would like to remind you that, in Australia the Government .. is FOR THE PEOPLE, OF THE PEOPLE, & BY THE PEOPLE ..
never forget that……because you sure have up till now !!!
Mrs Jenny Bell
20 Helene St
Nuriootpa
S.A.
0885623753
Let us get this out to all – please keep forwarding and if you have people in the press or if you know Politicians – let them know we are dis-satisfied with their behaviour !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
PLEASE SEND THIS GREAT LETTER TO AS MANY PEOPLE IN AUSTRALIA AS YOU CAN, AND IF YOU HAVE CONTACTS OVERSEAS DO THE SAME?
I like the comment by Doug Conn, well put; maybe we don’t want THAT ‘independent’ Tribunal reviewing our remuneration! Compare our situation with the following examples (from Leslie Nielson’s ‘Military Superannuation – Myths and Realities’)
“Former parliamentarians, who entered parliament before the 2004 election, may be paid a pension upon their exit from parliament. These pensions are increased in line with increases in the annual allowance for serving senators and members. The basic salary of parliamentarians is linked by regulation to a reference salary in a Principal Executive Officer classification determined by the Remuneration Tribunal.”
“Upon retirement after 10 years service a Commonwealth judge’s pension is 60 per cent of the appropriate current judicial salary (less any adjustment for the superannuation contributions surcharge). When the judicial salary is increased, so is a retired Federal judge’s pension. A Federal judge’s basic salary is determined by the Remuneration Tribunal.”
“Since September 2002 pensions paid by the Reserve Bank of Australia Officers Superannuation Scheme have been indexed to changes in MTAWE. Prior to this date these pensions were indexed to changes in the CPI.”
But, here’s the killer: “Finally a Tribunal’s determination is subject to parliamentary approval.”
Now, is that being fiscally responsible??
Further to my comments about commutation affects on our indexation, of more serious effect is that to the ‘relicts’ of servicemen and women. Widows receive 5/8ths of the member’s indexed entitled retired pay as it would have been if it had not been commuted (ie no reduction due to commutation) BUT that pay had not been fully indexed by CPI, as earlier stated, so the widow gets 5/8ths of a discounted pay that will be indexed in future at a discounted rate!!
Is that a fair go?
Bill Arden – I note with interest your reference to the Reserve Bank scheme and the change of indexing from CPI to MTAWE. Was this a retrospective change to conditions of employment or a new super scheme introduced?
Why is there no reference in Matthews or other Govt propaganda to this when they say ‘all other govt schemes …?’
Or is it a matter that the Public Servants in the bank new what was going on and made sure they didn’t get the short end of the stick?
It seems at face value that there is a real precedent for change.
Dear DOUG CONN, you are welcome, indeed and thank you for your kind remarks. My colleagues on Independent Australia and myself so admire your energetic activism and it is a thrill to see you go for it.
So often people comment to me that they wish YOU were all running the country – the breadth of your intellect shames the gormless plodding and lack of passion in our pollies.
Like many of you, I have or am going through difficult times, and caring about you has
sort of lifted me out of the yuk zone because I know so many of you are doing it really,
really tough.
I can’t bear that you are being so mistreated and abused. And that you have been treated this way by our Government(s) and in our name.
Dear BILL ARDEN, the more you inform us about the technicalities of all of this, the more I suspect that politicians havn’t got the foggiest, and it’s just easier for them to say
‘No!’
Why does it have to be so complicated – and why can’t special legislation be drawn up
especially for our Defence Forces – and legislation that has nothing to do with the CPI!
Hi all. Jenny Bell – well stated about the childish behaviour of our political leaders. Their minions are no better – can’t think for themselves at all, just toe the party line. How many interviews/news conferences do we see the nodding heads of their followers at everything they prattle on about? If julia or Tony made an announcement “We plan on recycling dog poo and serving it up for parliamentry lunches”, these same mindless drones would be in the background nodding their heads aimlessly! Next they’ll be claiming compo for neck injuries!! We certainly need people with balls and able to think for themselves to stand up for our country.
Just a quick note from the IA editor. IA contributing editor-at-large Tess Lawrence has been diligently and passionately supporting your cause for several months, even though she has individually been fighting against severe persecution and injustice herself from the Victorian justice system.
Today, we told her story on the IA page. Please read this and express your support for our esteemed editor after the piece:
http://www.independentaustralia.net/2011/human-rights-2/the-victorian-injustice-system/
I’m sure it will mean the world to her.
Thank you,
David Donovan | Managing Editor
Independent Australia
The journal of Australian identity and democracy
Mobile: +61 403 237 880 | Fax: +61 7 5526 8217
Email: editor@independentaustralia.net | Website: http://www.independentaustralia.net
Twitter: twitter.com/IndependentAus | Facebook: facebook.com/IndependentAus
I promised the other day that I would post Mr Combet’s (sorry, Mr Snowden’s) very belated reply to my letter of 21 July. It’s interesting that Combet’s letter was dated 4 November – I didn’t get it until 1 December. Wonder where it spent the intervening month. I’ts taken me ’til now to retype it – anyway here it is!
“Thank you for your letter of 21 July 2011 regarding Defence Force Retirement and Death benefits. I apologise for the delayed response.
I have taken the liberty of making representations to the Minister for Veteran’s Affairs, The Hon. Warren Snowden, on your behalf in order to answer your questions.
Minister Snowden has provided the following response.
Superannuation is a means by which Australians can manage their living standards in retirement. It is not designed to provide a replacement for income earned over a working life, but more so to assist and encourage people to achieve a higher standard of living in retirement than would be possible from the age pension alone.
To this end, Australia’s retirement income system is based on what is described as the three pillars:
• Compulsory superannuation savings for all employees under the superannuation guarantee regime (and the Government as an employer is obliged to comply with the superannuation guarantee laws);
• Voluntary superannuation contributions and other private savings; and
• A publicly funded, means tested age or service pension and associated social security arrangements (which the Government, as the body which sets policies, provides services and creates laws and regulations, provides to all Australians who satisfy the requirements to be able to access these entitlements).
The three pillars function to ensure all Australians have security and dignity in retirement by providing them with, at least, a minimum retirement income with the age or service pension as a safety net. Military superannuation pensions are a retirement income related to prior employment and are provided by the Government as an employer to honour its obligations under the superannuation laws that apply to all employers; they are not based on need, just as the salaries on which they are based are not linked to need.
Retired ADF members may qualify for the age or service pension, subject to age, income and assets tests, if the superannuation pension provided by the Government as an employer is below minimum income levels. As the age or service pension is a safety net benefit, the Government has decided that it is appropriate to index these pensions in a different way to the superannuation pensions it might provide as an employer.
It has been suggested that some servicemen and women may be reluctant to apply for the age pension from Centrelink. However, in financial terms, the age pension is no different to the service pension which is paid earlier. Therefore, people should access financial assistance rightly available to them.
By way of example, a couple receiving around $23,500 in superannuation, and who are entitled to the age pension (or service pension if applicable), would be able to receive, depending on other income/assets, a combined age or service pension of up to $21,000 on top of their superannuation payments.
The explanatory memorandum for the Fair Indexation Bill indicated the Coalition was committed to introducing a fair, equitable and fiscally responsible military superannuation system. The Bill and proposed amendments did not provide that fairness and equity because it did not apply to:
• Defence Forces Retirement Benefit (DFRB) scheme and DFRDB scheme pension recipients less than 55 years of age;
• Military Superannuation and Benefits (MSB) scheme benefit recipients of any age who are in receipt of a MSB pension; and
• MSB scheme current contributors and preserved benefit members.
In other words, it is estimated that of the more than 204,000 superannuants or contributing and preserved benefit members at 30 June 2011, 158,000 or 77 per cent of these would not have been covered by the proposed legislation. Notably, some 14,000 DFRDB recipients under age 55 would also have been excluded.
The Government views military superannuation as a key element of the competitive remuneration and conditions of service package for ADF members. Each of the military superannuation schemes set up by the Government for its employees reflect the unique nature of military service and provide members with life time indexed pensions and also death, invalidity and reversionary benefits.
In the case of Defence Forces Retirement Benefits (DFRB) and Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits (DFRDB) recipients, it generally reflects salary level at the time if discharge and the period of service. For example, the DFRDB benefit is a pension based on 35 per cent of final salary on completion of 20 years of service.
It would be reasonable to expect that a DFRDB recipient who served only 20 years and discharged, at say age 40, would participate in other superannuation arrangements from current employment. A DFRDB member whose full working career is in the ADF, that is, a member with 40 or more years of service would receive a pension based on 76.5 percent of their final salary. Over a similar period, this compares to around 50 per cent of final salary for Commonwealth civilian employees.
For those who are still of working age, there is the capacity to build on existing superannuation income. Of not, 76 per cent of DFRDB pensions began before the member turned 45 years of age. Many people are working longer to support their retirement years. As mentioned earlier, once people reach 65 years of age (or for certain military personnel it is 60 years of age) the age and service pension provides a safety net for people who require additional income assistance.
The Government will provide for all its employees equitably in regard to indexation of Commonwealth public sector superannuation. It would not be appropriate to only consider discrete groups within the public sector. Changing the indexation arrangements in the Commonwealth sector would come at a significant cost.
Commonwealth superannuation pensions provide a guaranteed lifetime level of income and indexation regardless of a person’s income or assets, and are not affected by investment returns. Such a pension is generally not available to the wider community.
In your correspondence, you questioned why the majority of the Committee recommended that the Bill did not pass. The reasons for not supporting the Bill put forward by the Committee were that:
• the unique nature of military service is adequately reflected through mechanisms both during and post service;
• during their period of service, members of the ADF have access to service allowances, other salary related and disability allowances, ADF specific leave, housing, health, family support and compensation arrangements;
• the employer superannuation contribution rate during the service period is higher than other government employees;
• DFRDB pensions provide a guaranteed lifetime level of income and indexation which is generally not available in the wider community; and
• The DFRDB indexed pension is available, at any age, after 20 years of service (the majority of the rest of the community is precluded from accessing superannuation benefits until preservation age is reached, which ranges from age 55 to age 60 depending on the year of birth).
The Committee also recognised that the impact on the Government’s fiscal position would be significant if the Bill were to pass. It said suggestions the changes proposed by the Bill be funded from the Future Fund did not recognise that the gap between the target level of assets required in the Future Fund and the assets of the fund would be exacerbated.
A paper prepared by Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) on the Australian Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the Matthews Review made it clear that the CPI is a robust measure of general price inflation for the household sector and the best available broad measure of changes in the cost of living faced by Australian households. This paper is available on the Department of Finance and Deregulation website at:
http://www.finance.gov.au/superannuation/submissions-transcripts.html
The paper indicated that the ABS made two significant changes to the CPI in the September quarter of 1998 as part of the longstanding process of periodic updating of the CPI, one of which was to expand the population coverage to all private households in the eight capital cities. This resulted in the population coverage increasing from 29 percent to 64 per cent of Australian private households.
The paper indicated that the inclusion of social welfare beneficiary and superannuant households in the reference population better aligned the CPI for use in indexation of social security benefits and indexation of superannuation pensions respectively.
It is important to note that superannuation and age pensions are two separate and distinct components of the Australian retirement income system.
Superannuation is one element of the total remuneration package available to Australian Defence Force members.
Taken as a whole, the Australian Defence Force remuneration package reflects the special and unique nature of military service.
Age Pensions (and Service Pensions which is payable 5 years earlier) are the key element of the nation’s safety net arrangements for people who do not have superannuation.
I trust this information is useful to you. If you have any further concerns regarding Federal matters, please do not hesitate to contact my electorate office on 49542611.”
Basically the whole thing is just a rote reply – regurgitation of the pedantic and condescending lecture on super funds we’ve had before from Mr. Snowden. I don’t consider it answered one single question of mine. Maybe I should post my original letter so you can see what I’m on about. Because I’m darn sure the pollies don’t know. I’d be surprised if they even read it!
Dear BARNEY WARD, onya for picking up on the dates and the long time span between when GREG COMBET wrote his letter and from when you got it. Hmmmm, when was OBAMA in town ?
When was the announcement made about the US troops ? What was happening on the political
scene at that time ( if anything ).
Thanks for taking the trouble to retype the letters Barney, it is well worth it – they – and you – become part of this very important fact file!!!!!
Dear Tess,
I am staggered by what I have just read.
Please tell us what we can do to help and I will move heaven and earth to achieve your wishes.
I realise it is of little comfort to you at this time but the old saying “never let the bastards get you down” still rings true.
When you are ready, get back into the ring – there are thousands of us in your corner. God bless.
Couldn’t agree more, KBHussell. Tess has really had the short end of the stick. Keep your chin up, Tess. If we can help, call on us.
Dear Tess,
You’ve now got a real Army behind you. It might be ageing, but it can still pack a punch. If you need our help, call on us. We won’t let you down. You’ve done so much for us. Now it’s time for us to stand beside you.
Dear JOHN GRIFFITHS, you are so wonderful. I could think of no finer honour than to have a Home Guard made up of you all.
Age has got nothing to do with the strength of character and compassion that many of you
exhibit, despite so often being emotionally and physically ringbarked through Life and your experiences in War – and in Peace.
Thank you Sir.
Having read the post by David Donavan in relation to Tess’s treatment, I can only it stinks.
I would hope that ALL people involved with the Fair Go campaign support Tess to the hilt. After all, Tess is one of a very, very few jounalists who have taken up the fight on behalf of serving and ex members of the Australian Defence Force in exposing the injustices perperated over the years.
It just shows that no one is immune to persecution.
Keep up the fight.
Dear JOHN SAINSBURY, thank you for your lovely supportive words and as DAVID says, what happened to me can happen to anyone – and does!
So I feel I have a duty to speak up and be counted, just like all of you.
In fact, so often in all of this yuk, your Fair Go campaign and the way that you have sustained it with such energy and vigour, has inspired me.
Tess
We all feel we have a fight to take to the Federal Government and we are a combined effort of a lot of Old ex service members and we fight together for one cause which you have helped us so much.
Now we find out you have a battle of your own to contend with. I am sure I can say we are with you and hope we can give you the support you have given us.
Take Care
Bob
Dear Lovely BOB IHLEIN, I take great strength from your compassionate words and just to let you know that the Remedial Centre that I planned that was/is at the heart of this, will also cater
for Veterans and their families.
To know that so many of you are with me, gives me great heart Bob, and you are all an inspiration to me. And have been all along. On so many occasions, sitting down and reading your
comments has energised me into not giving up.
Thank you. So very much.
Tess, after your efforts on our behalf, pls rest assured that the ex servicemen and women whom you have fought for, and encouraged in our fight, are 100% behind you in your efforts to obtain justice.
Dear COLROE, thank you for this. It truly gives me strength and in no way will it impede on
my fight for your campaign. It never has and I won’t allow it to.
You Darlings have kept me going – because yours is the good fight; a just fight; a most worthy cause.
You bring humanity into politics. Since June ( and here I’m referring to your presence on Indy Oz ) your campaign has been consistent and relentless and I know from sources in Canberra that you have confused the Government who thought you would have petered out after a mere few weeks.
They just don’t get it about you all.
When I first discovered that your fight has been going on for decades – and with successive governments, I was just so astounded and ashamed at what has been done to you in our name; that is, your brothers and sisters in the wider community.
I take both comfort and strength from what you write here, and I thank you for bothering to
write it.
Like so many others, on 8 August 11, I despatched letters to all those Senators who voted against the Bill. The response was disappointing to say the least.
Yesterday, 8 December, four months to the day I despatched my letters, I received a reply from Senator Mark Arbib. This is an example of delegation at its best and it goes like this:
“Dear Mr. Hussell
I write with regard to your correspondence dated 8th August 2011 concerning the Fair Indexation Bill.
Thank you for sharing your concerns and raising this important matter with Senator Arbib. I apologise for the delay in my reply.
As this matter falls under the portfolio of the Minister for Veterans Affairs, Warren Snowden, I have referred your correspondence to his office for consideration and direct reply to you.
If this office can be of any further assistance with this or any other Federal Government matter, please do not hesitate to contact me on (02) 9364 2600.
Yours sincerely
Leo Damis
Electorate Officer”
Dear KBHUSSELL, thanks for posting the response you got from the Office of the CIA’s Man in Australia, SENATOR MARK ARBIB.
What a pathetic offering.
But it is important that we put all these nonsensical and lazy responses up on show to the world, so the full extent of our Government’s moral cowardice is exposed.
Nice work if you can get it.
The Hon Tony Abbott MHR
Dear Mr. Abbott,
By now you would be aware of the efforts of the wonderful and courageous Tess Lawrence who has shown incredible dedication in supporting Veterans regarding the indexation of military superannuation. You would also be aware of the rising frustration among Veterans about the treatment they have received from all sides of Parliament over an extended period of time. Despite this they continue to take a distant place to such events as Uranium sales to India, same sex marriages, carbon tax and the list goes on. Politicians from all sides have ignored our plight for too long and it is time priorities were changed. To take up our cause would not see them dancing on the world stage where they would prefer to be but we have earned the right not only to be heard but to be supported.
You have been to Afghanistan and have seen first hand the conditions our troops live, fight and die under and all too often with inferior equipment. The landscape there is probably not all that dissimilar to the back end of the moon. At least in Vietnam the jungle was neutral. You have some idea of the conditions our people experience from your fleeting visits but could you cope with a full tour, or more?. I would suggest not but if you did, you, like all the rest of us, would come home carrying excess baggage, physically, mentally and emotionally.
As well as being a man with considerable energy and drive, you also aspire to being the next Prime Minister. This being the case can you please take up the challenge on our behalf and lead from the front?. Rally your troops and take this incompetent Government head on, on our behalf and do not give up until you have won. It is not much to ask for given the sacrifice all veterans, their widows, children and their families have made for this country. Please Mr. Abbott, show us all what you are made of.
Yours sincerely,
K. Hussell
Dear Tess and Admin
I just went throught the 49 pages of the documents referenced by Admin.
I thought that soldiers went to battle to ensure we live in a democracy with freedom of speech. The PM keeps spinning about a fair go for all Australians. I recommend that all vets take the time to read those 49 pages. You will then realise the courage of Tess who has put her own massive problems on the backburner to help military superannuants.
I have read the words that Richard Ashley, solicitor, allegedly spoke to Tess outside the court during a break in proceedings. He allegedly stated; “You’re dead. You fucking bitch. The NAB (National Australia Bank) and I will take you down. You will have nothing. You will be destroyed”. And all through this he continued pointing at her in a menacing way.
There is a lot going on at the moment about violence against women. Why would a law firm like McKeon Park employ a person like this, if the accusations are found to be true. Why has the Law Institute seized documents belonging to Tess from another lawyer who has tried to help her, and is refusing to release those documents? Why did the magistrate after the alleged incident and being informed by Tess Lawrence what had just occurred, state he was not interested what happened outside the court, just what happened inside the court.
It is little wonder that lawyers have such a deserved poor reputation. I have seen enough and dealt enough with Tess, to see her as a person of integrity and truth. I therefore believe what she contends unreservedly.
If there has been a cover up on this matter, have the police been informed and if so, what have they done about it. Should the State Attorney General be asked to open a public investigation into this matter? Does anyone have the home address and a photo of Richard Ashley. His behaviour indicated his own family and female workers at his firm may be in jeopardy, given his uncontrolled anger and threatening language displayed to Tess. At least we know where he works. Maybe he needs to have a quiet discussion with an old soldier on how men should treat women and why we should respect them. Clearly he must be accountable for his behaviour to Tess. It is obvious that any man who would treat a woman as he has Tess, would not have the courage to treat a man the same way.
The views expressed above are made “without prejudice”
John Griffiths
Dear KEN HUSSELL, thank you for your kind words. Your letter to Opposition Leader TONY ABBOTT is an eloquent plea for his help and support. He surely must respond to you; and thus, to you all.
I hope that he reflects upon your words, especially when he muses over the past 12 months that includes the visit to Afghanistan. How can he,or PRIME MINISTER GILLARD for that matter, not contemplate the consequences of War upon our troops, let alone civilians.
Why are Australian Governments treating our retired and serving Defence Force personnel with such heartless indifference?
It is one thing to talk of winning the hearts and minds of communities in other counries against whom we are waging unwinnable wars, and quite another to already have lost the hearts and minds of our own Veterans and serving men and women who are deemed to be unworthy of a few dollars more in their pensions and payouts.
Onya Ken, for refusing to be silent and for writing to Abbott. He surely will reply.
Please keep us posted.
Dear JOHN GRIFFITHS, I very much appreciate your ‘ without prejudice ‘sentiments. And I point out that you have also quoted from a Sworn Affidavit prepared for me by Mr Phil Grano,from the Office of the Public Advocate, because of my mental state. That Affidavit was presented to the Court.
Mr Ashley,of course, is entitled to the presumption of innocence.
I assure you that I did write about the incident to both the Office of the Chief Magistrate and the Legal Services Commissioner.
No wrong doing or transgressions were found on either count, and neither regulatory body
did as I implored – that is, to secure the CCTV of the incident, on the preposterous basis
that it was not their role to gather evidence ( yes!) and the CCTV footage would be useless anyway because it had no audio. Apart from insulting every deaf person in the world, it is totally facile for legal institutions to suggest that CCTV without audio is useless.
To the best of my knowledge, the Jury was shown audioless footage of Matthew Johnson bludgeoning Carl Williams to death. Crimestoppers constantly shows us CCTV footage without audio. It’s such a nonsense that I won’t go on.
In the first instance, I do not wish to have a lesser or greater standing than the person I allege has threatened and verbally assaulted me. Or for he to have a greater or lesser standing over me. I think it is only fair to test all the evidence and to interview any witnesses and to view the CCTV that I know catagorically will show that the person concerned deliberately waited for some minutes for me to pack up and leave the courtroom only to be confronted by him.
John, the links between McKean Park, the Law Institute of Victoria and the theft of my trial documents from the office of Murumbeena Solicitor Ross Delahunty,where they were ironically
being held for safe keeping, is ominous indeed. Especially given that NAB Trial documents
were among those stolen ( I have no compunction in using the words ‘theft’ and ‘stolen’ )
and that the NAB is listed on McKean Park’s Creditors Petition.
You have spotted it in one.
As you have the reaction of the Magistrate.
There is a Certificate of Appreciation available that is issued through DVA.
You can go onto the DVA website http://www.dva.gov.au/dvaforms (D0755 form no) for the application. The Certificates are available for most recent conflicts.
You can apply then have the Certificate Presented by your Federal Member or posted.
I would love to see the look on the face of my federal member for Dobell when he presents it to me and I give it back and tell him to put it where the sun don’t shine.
Cheers
Bob
Dear BOB IHLEIN, I just had a squizzy at that whole list of forms – I had no idea there were so many of them. What a maze.
And by the way Bob, where is the Member for Dobell, CRAIG THOMSON, these days ?
Tess
Don’t hear much of him these days. Bet he is not using someone elses credit card though.
My wife said I would be as bad as them if I told him to shove the certificate, so I will just ask him to post it to me.
Bob
Dear BOB IHLEIN, thanks for yourcomment, I’m not surprised that you don’t hear much of your member GRAIG THOMSON, and he’s also been told to keep his head down. Has he sent you all one of those pro-forma Christmas cards ? Do you get any mailouts from his office ? Who else in the electorate is shaping up to stand against him in the next Federal election ? Don’t forget you are all a most powerful electoral voting bloc – especially in marginal seats – and seats where the incumbents are on the nose.
BIG PS: Give your Beloved Wife a big hug. She has a salient point.
I have been browsing the another forum (Blog) in QLD created by the radio interview with AVM Peter Criss:
http://www.4bc.com.au/blogs/4bc-blog/australian-veterans-losing-out/20111130-1o5vl.html#2752086
As in the IA forum, there are several recent mentions of a legal Class Action.
Even though Pro-bono action seems to be a lost cause because there is not enough ‘cash’ in it to entice several of the major legal firms that deal in these cases – especially in a case against the government, I am of the view that even if success in a Class Action (or any action) is uncertain, we would still gain immeasurably from that process because the publicity would be extensive. In addition, it would put on legal record the obfuscation of government statements and the injustices in the government’s claims, most of which will be based on obtuse legal phrases designed by the governments own legislators.
I am with Bill Arden and numerous others concering a class action. Perhaps ADSO should put out the feelers to a few of the law firms. I for one will donate to such a worthy cause.
Dear BILL ARDEN, it may be that one of the major law firms is prepared to run a Class Action for you. Slater and Gordon sndf Maurice Blackburn
Dear BILL ARDEN, it may be that one of the major law firms is prepared to run a Class Action for you.
It certainly couldn’t hurt having a yarn with them to see if they could help.
There seems to be growing support among you to explore this possibility.
It would certainly generate national/international publicity.
Dear PAUL, that sounds like a good idea.
Dear Bill, Paul & Tess,
Re your comments about legal action, please see my post of 4 December where I referred to earlier comments along similar lines.
Just to reiterate, ADSO and the Fair Go Campaign has not ruled out some form of legal proceedings whether it be class action or other legal activity. As a first step, we are seeking legal opinion on possible grounds and avenues. At this stage, we see this activity as supplementary to our other strategies which include direct political lobbying and building public awareness and support for change to military super indexation.
Regards,
Ray Gibson
Fair Go Campaign Director
Just another thought, has ADSO/Fair Go Campaign looked at maybe a quarter size or half page ad/statement in capital city newspapers with the simple facts of our campaign?
Dear RAY GIBSON, a Class Action as a supplementary activity is a brilliant idea.
Dear COLIN COYNE, it would cost a fortune Sir. It would be great if media ran the statement as a community announcement.
Also, has anyone approached GetUp for support ?
Hullo Special People,
About 100 years ago when I was a young fellow, a wise man told me that whilst money is not everything …………whatever comes second, simply does not exist.
If we opt for a class action, a brilliant idea, or wide newspaper coverage, also a brilliant idea, it seems to me that the bottom line is the dollar. Which ever way we go, it is going to cost and to that end we need a financial base, and a secure one. I pledge $100 to get us started if that is the way the majority feels we should go. If not, I still pledge $100 for a magnificent effort in any direction. I feel it is time we went “up the guts with bags of smoke!”. God bless all of you.
Hi Everyone,
Perhaps I can add a little more to the discussion here.
Re advertising, Tess is absolutely right of course. Large newspaper ads are hugely expensive. Our campaign funds are limited and we are very conscious of where we spend them.
You may be intersted to learn that ADSO uses a paid media consultant as an adviser and we have developed a media strategy. Our campaign focus and activities are all conducted with specific objectives in mind. This is not to suggest that our plans are rigid. We frequently review what we are doing and always welcome fresh ideas.
From a campaign point point view we have to be prepared for the possibility that this Government will run full term, and so the next election could still be two years away. We need to ensure that we have the resources (and energy!) to last the distance. Whenever an election is called, we would certainly want to be able to ramp up our activity levels and this would include more paid ads in printed media.
In the meantime, what are we doing?
. continuing to directly lobby Ministers and MPs from all Parties
. Continuing with letter writing to all politicians and encouraging our supporters to do the same
. Preparing and distributing flyers to increase public awareness and support
. Producing videos (e.g. The Pete Criss Series, Sue’s story)for distibution on social networks – youtube facebook etc. This is also aimed at increasing public awareness and support
. Writing articles and letters to Editors of Newspapers
. Radio interviews with Talkback Hosts
. Investigating legal options
. Village Meetings where Fair Go Team Members hold information sessions/forums
. Producing a Campaign Bumper Sticker – to be released in the new year.
We have also run paid ads in Community newspapers.
It is heartening to see a willingness to financially contribute to our cause. The easiest way to do this is to go to http://www.standto.org and click on the Donate Button and follow the simple instructions. This website is the official ADSO website, and I can assure you that any funds donated will be used specifically to help with the Fair Go Campaign, whether it be for advertising, a legal option or some other effective strategy. We will only use the donated funds for purposes that we believe will deliver best bang for the buck.
We can only do this with your continued support – both financial and direct involvement.
I hope this background information helps.
Ray Gibson
Fair Go Campaign Director
Dear KBHUSSELL, please publish a book – or at least a glossary, of your glorious sayings!
Dear RAY GIBSON, thanks for the heads up and update – you will win this campaign. No question.
Yours is a Just Fight. And a Good Fight.
Dear Ray,
Thank you for your summary, I appreciate that.
It was never my intention to rock the boat in any way, I just get increasingly frustrated when ALL politicians treat us with such contempt. In my case, correspondence is seldom acknowledged and when it is, it is usually a pathetic cut and paste job because no one politician has the courage to stand up and honestly tell us how they feel about our concerns.
It reminds me so much of my RTA from my first tour, 6 Feb 68. On my arrival at Mascot with fifteen or so of my soldiers, I was approached by a Major who said, “are these your soldiers?”. I replied, “Yes Sir, they are”. He said, “Good, tell them to take their dog tags off and forget where they have been …………and that goes for you too”. I thought that was a pretty good approach, I had been debriefed and had my first counselling session all in less than sixty seconds. We were treated with contempt then and in my case, forty three years later, we are still being treated with contempt. They obviously believe that as we are mostly around 70 years now, they only need to hold us out long enough and we will all fall off the perch and presto, problem solved. I am sorry but I do get angry.
I have this day, made a direct deposit to the Defence Force Credit Union of $100. The motto of AATTV is rather appropriate at this time eh?. Keep up the good work.
KGHussell Just read Barry Heard’s book ‘Well Done Those Men’ and I now have a better understanding of how you feel after your tours of duty. A terrible debriefing following awful conditions and situations. You are right, things haven’t changed much, still being treated badly. Don’t give up the fight and do stay angry. Just donated $100 as well.
Paul
Dear KBHUSSELL, just reading your comment has made me tear up at what has happened to you.
The ‘ dog tag ‘ incident says it all.
And yes, I think there is some truth in what you say about Governments just waiting for you
all to die off. It’s not an unknown technique after all, for Governments and Corporations to do this.
Remember the Voyager – Melbourne disaster ?
Dear KBHUSSELL, just reading your comment has made me tear up at what has happened to you.
The ‘ dog tag ‘ incident says it all.
And yes, I think there is some truth in what you say about Governments just waiting for you
all to die off. It’s not an unknown technique after all, for Governments and Corporations to do this.
Remember the 1964 Voyager – Melbourne disaster ?
Dear PAUL, thanks for reminding me to re-read BARRY HEARD’s fine book
‘ Well Done Those Men ‘ and it is crushing to realise things haven’t changed
for Diggers – that’s why I encourage all to help how they can, when they can,if they can.
Also words of support, as I can attest in my own situation, are so uplifting. And cherished by the recipient.
Here’s a link to Barry’s website:http://www.barryheard.com.au/
Dear Paul,
I have read “Well Done Those Men”, twice in fact. As I type this, that very book is on the coffee table next to my lounge chair. I shed a tear the first time I read page 288, second last paragraph, which states, “I wonder if those kids realised how much they helped me”.
You see, this is why I hurt so much. It takes the beautiful gestures of school children to recognise the hurt servicemen experience in the service of their country. “Several kids came over and said thanks”……………..”Others touched my hand”………….”One young boy gave me some flowers”………….
If school children can recognise the pain of Veterans and do something about it, why is it so difficult for these “things” that have joined the ranks of the rich and shameless in Canberra to say, “we appreciate what you have done in your service to your country and we recognise you for it. We will take a cut in our pensions to be in line with yours and in that way we will give you a fair go”. Why is it so difficult?.
Now I am getting emotional again. Damn!
Dear KB,
You have no need to apologise for getting angry and frustrated. You have every right to feel that way. We all do!
If you heard some of the robust discussions that I have with my fellow Fair Go Team members, you would soon understand that you are not alone in your feelings.
But I am forever an optimist and I believe we are making progress, albeit far more slowly than we deserve. If you look back to where we were three years ago in this campaign, we have moved a great deal from where we were.
Back then, there was virtually no support in Parliament for change. Now, at least half the Parliament supports us, and if Labor allowed a free vote, I believe the vast majority of politicians would support us. Three years ago, there was little awareness of the issue among politicians, the public and even the wider defence community. That is not the case today.
We have always believed it was going to be a long hard slog, and as I indicated previously, it may still be two years away and may require a change of Government to get there. BUT WE WILL GET THERE.
And a big thankyou to Paul and KB for your generous donations to the campaign. If we had many more supporters like you, our Campaign for a Fair Go could achieve so much more.
Hang in there Guys!
Ray Gibson
Director
ADSO Fair Go Campaign
Hi Ray, i was just on facebook with my brother who lives in Darwin. he was telling me that he has alot of friends that are GHAN vets and he said that they are doing it very tough and are only keeping their heads above the water with the help of friends. he also tells me that the ADSO campaign is icing on the cake for these desperate vets. also here in WA. the FAIR GO campaign is slowly getting more young ppl that i know through my sons looking at this site. they all tell their mates to look it up. it might be a little slow but at least it is not going backward like this govt.
Dear KEN HUSSELL, me too. Never lose your passion – or your emotions, Ken. I’m so sorry that our
successive Governments have treated you all so shabbily and in our name.
Thank you Ken, for your service to this country – and its people. And the sacrifices that you and your families have made as a consequence.
Dear RAY GIBSON, you are all so wonderful, the way you support one another; many of us can learn from you all.
You will win this fight, Ray. No question. And the comments you all leave, tell us why.
Dear JOHN LAWRENCE, this news from your brother is not surprising – the entire cycle is going to start all over again. What’s that line about those who ignore history are doomed to repeat it ?
What fab news about your sons. The campaign is certainly not going backwards. It has really put the wind up the Government – they just don’t get the commitment and the passion – and you all
run rings around them because you know your subject inside out. And they don’t.
I spoke to a Ubon vet the other day. He said they fought for years to have their service properly recognised. In fact, it was only after the 30 year embargo was lifted on government documents that some of them were able to work through those to get the evidence they needed.
We all know about Voyager, Maralinga and others. Pollies need to understand a couple of things – whatever they say behind closed doors will eventually come out (which probably wasn’t the case 30 to 40 years back) and that even us old blokes today have access to and the skills to use social media in a way that people haven’t in the past.
And where vets are denied benefits to which they are entitled, have conditions changed retrospectively etc, these issues go directly to the integrity of government and its relationship, not only with those who have served, but also those who are now serving and will serve in the future.
We do have means today to get our message across that we have never had before. And these avenues will become increasinlgy more available.
And pollies will learn one way or the other that failing to honour committments made to those who have served will affect the morale of those serving today and may well begin to impact on their ablity to retain and recruit.
We must win this and other battles of justice and fairness re. veterans issues for the sake of current and future service women and men.
Dear KEN MARSH, a timely reminder. To the Pollies. It is true that Governments can run, but they can’t hide from the people any more.
Warts and All History of the DFRDB
I would like to draw everyone’s attention to an historical document that expertly explains all the details and history of the beginning of the DFRDB Act 1973, in detail, particularly pars. 21 to 42. Some of it was never meant to be made public, and much of it reveals the obstruction from certain parts of the Public Service departments of the time.
“The Sydney Morning Herald dated 4 August, 1972 carried a news item headed ‘Service Benefits Scheme Opposed’. It quoted that ‘The Federal Treasury and Public Service Unions had raised objections to a new retirement benefits plan for Australia’s 70,000 regular Servicemen. The Treasury objected that the new Defence Force Retirement Scheme was too costly and too generous. The Public Service Union, represented by about 200,000 members wanted the scheme delayed. They were seeking a new Public Service Superannuation Scheme which did not necessitate the 2l years [I think this should have been 21 months] select committee investigation the Defence Forces Scheme was subjected to, and were reported to resent the prospect that the armed services will get one before they do.’ “
The PDF document is titled:
HOW IT ALL BEGAN
“Australian Defence Forces Retirement Schemes, 1909 to 1979,
and The Regular Defence Forces Welfare Association.”
A history issued by the N.S.W. Branch of the R.D.F.W.A. as a Supplement to Vol XI, No.4, November 1979, issue of “CAMARADERIE”, official organ of the Regular Defence Forces Association, with acknowledgements to the Authors.
And can be downloaded direct from:
http://dfrdb.com/cms/downloads/item/how-it-all-began.html?category_id=5
but also have a look around the site while you are there.
Dear BILL ARDEN, a brilliant piece of sleuthing and an important document, historically as well, to the telling of this extraordinary tale.
Onya Champ. All of you. You are a great inspiration to me, not to give up, in personal issues.
The following comparison of the income levels of ‘pensioners’ on the DFRDB and CSS schemes is based on Tables 2.2 and 2.3 on page 7 of the Matthews report. In making this comparison I am aware that the public servant had the option of retiring at 65 whereas we could leave after 20 years and so the accumulation time was much shorter. It must also be acknowledged that most of us faced manadatory retirment at 55, robbing us of an additional 10 years to accumulate. Our ability to accumulate additional superannuation funds are also dependent on our ability to find suitable employment – something Jess recognised could be difficult, being one of the specific aspects of military service addressed by the committee. And while the public servant has the benefit of a prescribed benefits fund for his or her entire working life this was not the case with military superannuants.
The figures used are current as of 30 June 2007.
Percentage of superannuants with a retired income less than $20,000:
DFRDB: 55.23 CSS: 43.76
Percentage $70,000 or above:
DFRDB: 0.21 CSS: 0.56
Whereas 55.23% of DFRDB retirees have an income less than $20,000, 56.24% of retired public servants have incomes of %20,000 and above. This is pretty close to a reversal of fortune.
Whitlam wanted to make sure that the ‘significant disadvantage’ endured by servicemen and their families was not carried over into civilian life.
Conclusion:
The uncaring attitude and betrayal of Australia’s military veterans bu successive governments has made sure that this disadvantage has continued. As a result of the stewardship of successive governments the scheme has become an abject failure and does not provide military retirees the benefits promised.
One last one because I can’t resit the temptation.
11.83% of DFRDB superannuates recieve $30,000 or more.
27.27% of CSS superannuates recieve $30,000 or more.
Which helps to put that $22,000? average in perspective.
Good evening all.
Sent a letter off to local member Greg Combet by registered post this morning, in response to the cut and paste job he sent me, which I posted the other day. I thank Ray Gibson in particular for some very helpful suggestions, and AVM Peter Criss and my old friend Ian Williams for their help and encouragement. Anyway, here’s the text. I hope you find it interesting.
“Please accept my congratulations on your expanded role in Government.
Thank you for your welcome, if belated, reply to my letter of 21 July 2011 about the Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits (DFRDB) Fair Indexation Bill. I appreciate your seeking assistance in regard to my questions, from the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs. Unfortunately, it seems the Minister’s office has fobbed us off with a reprise of a letter I have seen elsewhere. This rote reply raises a host of side issues, while merely skimming over the topics addressed in my request for assistance. Therefore, I regret that your reply is of no assistance at all.
The philosophy of superannuation so condescendingly expounded by Minister Snowden’s office has nothing to do with the indexation of DFRDB benefits. Whether, and when, the service and age pensions should figure in any “three pillars” arrangement for DFRDB recipients’ dotage is irrelevant.
Whether the DFRDB benefit was intended as a foundation upon which early retirees could build a larger retirement income is also beside the point. An implied obligation on retirees to “build on existing superannuation income” cannot justify the continued use of a faulty indexation regime to adjust DFRDB pensions.
Current and prior ADF superannuation systems, retiring ages, pay and allowances, and invidious comparisons between ADF arrangements and the pay and Conditions of Service of Commonwealth civilian employees likewise have no bearing whatsoever on the fair indexation of DFRDB retirement benefits. I believe those particular topics are deployed in DFRDB-related Government correspondence as “red herrings”; to portray DFRDB recipients as selfish; and, as a corollary, to promote guilt feelings over the non-inclusion of some ADF and Commonwealth employees in the Bill’s provisions. In context, DFRDB pensioners have no influence over Commonwealth conditions of service, and are therefore not answerable for the Commonwealth’s failings as an employer.
Minister, the inescapable fact is that the one purpose of indexing any pension is to maintain its purchasing power. Various retirement benefits and pensions may have differing purposes, one from another, but indexation’s purpose remains the same for every scheme. Regardless of any attempted spin by departmental bureaucrats, there can be no other purpose for pension indexation.
It is also an inescapable fact that the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has determined that CPI is no longer an effective measure of purchasing power. The Government has recognised this for Age pensioners and other welfare recipients, and now indexes those payments with a formula that protects their purchasing power.
It is time the Government treated retired Diggers with a little respect, and removed discrimination against them, by adjusting their retirement benefits using the same formula as the Age pension. I write again to request your assistance in achieving this desired result, and look forward to your response.
In courtesy, I advise that I will circulate this letter to other interested parties, including those listed below.”
I’m sending copies to some of the papers, RAAFA, DFWA; and I have posted a copy on “standto.org”
Dear KEN MARSH, thank you for this important comment. You are a champion. Thank you for watching over us.
Dear KEN MARSH, please, do not deliver us from temptation!
Dear BARNEY WARD, you betcha that the text is interesting! You are incorrigable.
Please, please, remain so. Thank you so much for your comment. It’s brilliant!
Dear John Lawrence,
Thanks for your feedback and support for the Fair Go Campaign. I am not surprised by your brother’s comments about Afghan vets.
Younger veterans have issues and needs that aren’t necessarily adequately covered by our efforts to improve the lives of older veterans and retired service men and women. We are trying to do more to connect with this important part of the Defence family, and this includes many younger veterans who are still serving.
We really appreciate the efforts of everyone who help to get the message out about our Campaign by passing on information and links through social media etc.
I am encouraged by your comments John. Please keep up the good work in spreading the word.
Cheers,
Ray Gibson
Director
ADSO Fair Go Campaign
Dear RAY GIBSON, just to say that the networking amongst you all is very encouraging and
IS making the Government nervy as the Federal election gets closer and your election bloc gets
stronger.
JOHN LAWRENCE’s feedback from his brother is very telling – and there is great unrest amongst
Iraq and Afghanistan vets. Mental and physical ailments are not being recognised. This ugly
cycle endured by earlier generations of Defence personnel is in grave danger of being
repeated.
Do our Governments learn nothing ? Does anyone in Canberra actually care about the human beings who comprise our defence forces ? Or care about their families ?
Thanks so much, Tess, for your kind words.
I’m just thinking about who I can monster next.
Bill Arden, last night I downloaded and read the RDFWA commentary your mentioned. It’s very interesting, and confirmed my memories of some of the problems with DFRB, notably the horrendous cost to older members of maintaining their pension entitlements.
There was a rumour around at the start of the Jess Committee’s review, that Gorton was making a virtue out of necessity when he appointed John Jess to head the committee. The story goes that Jess had been making a nuisance of himself about the DRFB scheme for some time before the government decided to overhaul it properly.
I wasn’t aware that the final Jess report actually recommended that government take on the funding of DFRDB directly. I’m sure I saw a report (which I can’t now track down) purporting to be from the committee, which said that its intention was to roll over existing DFRB reserves into some sort of operating account for the new scheme. Incidentally, such a move would have given a pretty solid base for DFRDB funding, given the amount of money that was rumoured to be available. Maybe the need to give some of the surplus back to older DFRB contributors and retirees put the kibosh on that idea. Or maybe the government changed the goalposts in response to prodding from the Public Service unions, who I know were set against the Services getting anything better, or different, than what they were agitating for. Who knows?
Another pertinent point is that not much seems to have changed. We were being diddled in 1979, when the DFWA report was written, and we are still being diddled now.
Dear Tess,
You ask, “does anyone in Canberra actually care about the human beings who comprise our defence forces? or care about their families?”.
Sadly, the answer is no. I mean really, why should “that woman” worry about Vets and their families when she can dance on the world stage with her arm around the President of the United States?. I personally thought her action on that occasion to be in extremely poor taste. Can you imagine the antics if she met the recent PM of Italy?!!.
Do politicians live in fear of their next electricity or telephone account? Do they ever spare a thought for veterans and their families who are facing their third meal of the week of sausages and rissoles and it is only Wednesday?. If they do not have these experiences, why do they let us?.
At the end of the day our “leader” has but two options for her epitaph, ” I had my arm around the President of the United States”, or, “I accepted the challenge and now our Veterans, widows, children and their families have the respect and support they need”. Surely the choice must be obvious even to her?.
Dear BARNEY WARD,one of the main things that kept my head obove dangerous waters, were/are the Diggers. I promised to walk with you all through this campaign, and I will continue that walk
until you get Justice. The campaign and all of your marvellous comments, and the ensuing conversation between us all, enabled me so often to unfurl out of a foetal position on the couch to read your latest comments.
And the wonderful moral support I’ve received privately from some of you – as well as your supportive comments posted on the VICTORIAN INJUSTICE SYSTEM here on INDEPENDENT AUSTRALIA
has given me courage and heart.
If the going gets tough, I think about what you have all been through – and how you’re still
fighting for Justice after all these years of being betrayed by your own Government(s).
You are so right Barney. You were diddled and you are still being diddled. And you have
been caused great injury by ‘ friendly fire ‘ by the GILLARD/GREEN/INDEPENDENT Trialition.
Onya Barney. Onya all of you. Well done you men – and women.
Dear Tess,
Your personal circumstances causes me a great deal of distess. That you were bullied and insulted by a ‘man’ brings shame upon our gender and we are sorry this happened to you. You are the inspiring one and keep us going with the campaign. To paraphrase Barry Heard – “Well Done That Woman”
Paul
Dear KBHUSSELL, I can see the cartoonists feversihly at work, JULIA et SILVIO at one of
the notorious BUNGA BUNGA parties, or, in PRIME MINISTER JULIA GILLARD’s case,
BUNGLE BUNGLE party!
Ken, your comments about living in fear of the electricity and telephone strikes a real chord.
You should be at a time in your life, when you can have some fun and enjoy times with families and friends and also afford a few adventures of your own choosing.
So many of you do volunteering and community work – and even if youdon’t belong to a formal group, you are still looking out for others in your neighbourhood, your community and you’re so worldly and knowledgeable – and so blooming fearless. You’re not intimidated by Governments or bureaucrats.
You’ve given me an idea – what about you all posting copies of ALL of your bills to PRIME MINISTER GILLARD, asking her to pay them for you. I reckon that would receive a lot of media
coverage!
Also, just as there are pensioner concessions – why can’t Veteran Pensioners get a special
discount on ALL services – phone, electricity, gas, water, rates, etc, etc.?
Love to know what you all think about such ideas.
Onya Ken.
Dear PAUL, thank you so much for your compassion and wonderful words.
Rest assured that because I was bullied and insulted by a male, I do not think ill of all males as a result.
In fact, I have had the most wonderful support from men – and women – who have been so distressed at what happened; you included Dear Sir.
Dear Tess,
I’m with Paul. It’s very distressing that you have such problems, and I really admire your courage in dealing with them and also continuing to back our cause with your wonderful supportive presence. All I can do is repeat the words of Paul and KB Hussell and others. If there’s anything we can do to help you, please tell us.
MINISTER SNOWDON WISHES YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND PLEDGES HIS CONTINUING SUPPORT!
WHAT’S WRONG WITH THIS PICTURE, VETERANS ?
____________________________________________________________
—– Original Message —–
From: DVA Mailing List
To: minister-media@dvalists.aaa.net.au
Sent: Monday, December 12, 2011 12:25 PM
Subject: Snowdon Media Release: CONTINUING SUPPORT FOR VETERANS OVER THE FESTIVE SEASON [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED]
Monday 12 December 2011 VA112
CONTINUING SUPPORT FOR VETERANS OVER THE FESTIVE SEASON
With Christmas less than two weeks away, the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Warren Snowdon, today wished veterans and their families a safe and happy Christmas and New Year period.
“I hope that our veterans, serving men and women, ex-service communities and their families enjoy the holiday season and have a well-deserved break,” Mr Snowdon said.
“In particular, my thoughts are with the families and friends who have lost loved ones this year in Afghanistan, for them I expect Christmas will be a difficult time.”
“The festive season can also be a challenging and lonely time.” he said.
“I ask everyone to think of others this Christmas, please take the time to visit elderly relatives, drop around to your neighbour’s house or give them a call and make sure that all is well.”
The Department of Veterans’ Affairs’ offices will close at 5 pm on Friday 23 December 2011 and will re-open at 9 am Tuesday 3 January 2012.
During this time, a range of important DVA services will be available to the veteran community including:
Crisis counselling – 24-hour crisis counselling through Veterans’ Line. This service is available toll free on 1800 011 046 to veterans of all conflicts and their families, including members of peace operations;
Transport – while the transport booking service will be closed, transport remains available if it is booked prior to the Christmas period, alternatively it can be paid for up-front and reimbursement sought from DVA at a later date;
Hospital admissions – doctors can admit DVA patients into hospital and request admissions approval, if required, when DVA reopens on Tuesday 3 January 2011; and
Defence Services Homes Insurance – help with policy and claim enquiries is available 24-hours a day on 1300 552 662, while payments can be made on 1300 304 989 for the cost of a local call or through the website http://www.dsh.gov.au
Pension pay days will not be affected by the Christmas and New Year arrangements.
DVA offices will also be closed for Australia Day on Thursday 26 January 2011.
“Again, I wish all veterans and their families a very happy Christmas and New Year,” Mr Snowdon said.
Media inquiries: Minister Snowdon: Marcus Butler 02 6277 7820
Department of Veterans’ Affairs Media: 02 6289 6203
Now vet JOCK O’NEILL has HIS version of the Christmas Message that PRIME MINISTER JULIA GILLARD and MINISTER WARREN SNOWDON should have sent to our troops!
—– Original Message —–
From: fjoneill
To: Prime Minister ; Prime Minister ; DVA Media Team ; DVA Minister ; DVA Minister ; DVA Minister C of S
Cc: DVA Media Team
Sent: Monday, December 12, 2011 1:15 PM
Subject: Atheists, Christmas Message to the troops from Julia and Warren:
Atheists, Christmas Message to the troops from Julia and Warren:
Have a good Christmas in the comfort of knowing that our ALP policies have stolen from the most disabled and blinded servicemen and servicewomen families of the nation over $7,000 by the 25th. Very Dickensian of us I know but I’m sure like Scrooge will have no trouble in reconciling the theft with your own particular brand of ALP ethics.
And Minister Snowdon congratulations in retaining the DVA portfolio and commiseration’s on your lack of advancement.
However you can take comfort in the history of underperformance and demotion of your predecessors . In the last 20 years none have gone anywhere in politics from either side of the divide
Your portfolio is unfortunate to be placed on the bottom rung for attention by inner circle policy maker except when it is use and abuse time in cutting entitlements or political self promotion, photo opportunity ,ceremonies and openings.
From one of the 130,000 disabled you have shafted
Repayment is looking forward to election time, are you?
Jock O’Neill, Perth
____
Dear BARNEY WARD, I promise I will,and your words and support mean the world to me and really, my involvement with your cause has saved me from going over the edge, because it got me out of the yuk zone. I’m so disgusted at the way you’ve been treated by successive governments and all in our name – that is we, the people.
Everyone that I’ve spoken with, who learns the truth about your pensions and death benefits is astonished. There is a common misconception that the Defence Forces are exceedingly well taken care of,in this regard.
It sickens me when I see the abject hypocrisy of PRIME MINISTER JULIA GILLARD and the rest of them going on about the sacrifice you have made for your country – whilst at the same time
they’re picking your threadbare pockets and pilfering your pensions to fund their own indecent
pay increases.
G’day all,
Now I am really getting confused!!! We have been arguing for months that, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) the Consumer Price Index (CPI) is not an accurate indication of the real increases to the cost of living, but rather an inflationary measure. The fact that the CPI no longer represents the real cost of living increases has been accepted by the four ALP Senators and Members (Senator Lundy, Dr Kelly MP, Ms Ellis MP and Mr McMullan MP) in their letter dated 14 September 2009. Senator Lundy has again reiterated this fact in her most recent letter dated 31 August 2011.
Some of you may be aware that I sponsored a Petition on the question of the DFRB/DFRDB indexation. This Petition was presented to the House of Representatives on 22 August 2011 and was referred to the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs who subsequently responded in the House on 21 November 2011. The Minister’s response is attached and is also available at:
http://www.aph.gov.au/house/committee/petitions/presented.htm
In his response Minister Snowdon states, inter alia:
“Mr Matthews did not find any conclusive evidence that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) understates inflation, as it affects Australian households in general. This finding was supported by the views expressed in a paper prepared by the Australian Bureau of Statistics on the Australian CPI for the Matthews Review. Those views made it clear that the CPI is a robust measure of general price inflation for the household sector, and the best available broad measure of changes in the cost of living faced by the Australian households.”
Now I do not know if this was debated but this appears to completely different to our stance and also to what the Matthews Review actually stated and what the ABS has stated. In fact the Government even acknowledged that the CPI was, by itself, no longer an accurate index for the increased cost of living and, consequently, based on the Matthews Review, the Government introduced a new indexation for the Nation’s Old Aged Pensioners – the Pensioner and Beneficiary Cost of Living Index (PBCLI). If the CPI is the most appropriate and most suitable index, then why has the Government introduced another indexation (PBCLI) for our Nation’s Old Aged Pensioners? This is blatant hypocrisy, or a blatant lie or blatant obfuscation by playing words with “inflation” and “cost of living” to achieve their own means – or all of these!!!!
Now while we are on this, I have subtended some excerpts from my most recent response to Minister Snowdon on this and related matters:
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
THE INDEXATION ISSUE.
In your response to my question:
“Could you please explain to me why the Government has accepted the recommendation by the Matthews Review that the CPI remains the most appropriate method of indexation for military superannuants?”
You responded:
“The simple answer to this question is that there is no better method of indexation available.”
Minister, how can you say that? What utter hypocrisy!! Even the flawed Matthews Report acknowledges that the CPI is no longer relevant as an indexation for military superannuation pensions. Recommendation 4 of the Matthews Report states that:
“… if a robust index which reflects the price inflation experience of superannuants better than the CPI becomes available in the future, the Australian Government should consider its use for indexing Australian Government civilian and military superannuation pensions.” (To me this implies that, if a more robust index can be found then it should be used BECAUSE the current CPI is no longer appropriate – or am I missing something here?)
How can you and the Government continue to ignore the principle of this indexation issue? Whether we served for 20 years, 40 years or some period in between is irrelevant to the principle. Whether our military superannuation pension is below the Henderson Poverty Line or we are millionaires or that we go down to CentreLink to draw all or part of the Service Pension is IRRELEVANT. Can’t you and the Government see this? The fact is that the ABS has stated publicly on many occasions that the CPI is no longer an accurate measure in the cost of living increases. This means that anyone who has a pension which is still being indexed against the CPI is being disadvantaged as they are seeing their pension gradually but inexorably lose its purchasing power.
This means that these people have to go to CentreLink to receive a bigger handout. So why not index their pension so that this handout is reduced? It makes no sense at all to apply an inadequate indexation only to increase the proportion of the Service Pension allocated to “top up” their pension. What’s more every time they receive an increase to their pension, through the CPI, their Service Pension decreases. This is ridiculous!!
We are not asking for something new. We are simply asking that a principle be restored to those who have served our Nation, often in harm’s way or at least prepared to serve in harm’s way, for 20 years or more. This principle has been upheld by numerous reviews and commissions, all of which have been rejected by the Government of the day. The only exception, of course, is the recent, flawed Matthews Report which recommended that there be “no change” – that is the CPI be retained. The Government accepted this immediately (on a Friday, before Parliament went on holiday!) and gave no opportunity for any consultation, despite their reassurance before the 2009 election that the ALP had committed to determining a “fairer” method of indexation. This commitment never eventuated and it was nothing more than a political stunt to win our votes. Rest assured, Minister, this stunt will not work a second time!!
In case you have missed this point, I refer you to a number of statements made recently by members of the ALP and Independents as well as excerpts from other relevant sources:
Excerpts from Letter by Dr Mike Kelly, MP, Mr Bob McMullan, MP, Ms Annette Ellis, MP and Senator Kate Lundy Dated 14 September 2009:
“Significantly, many people genuinely believed that prior to the 2007 election, the ALP had committed to determining a “fairer” method of indexation, and ‘a review’ would provide the direction, so the immediate acceptance of the recommendation of no change in the Government response is being seen as a reversal of the pre-election position espoused by the ALP in campaign material.” (My emphasis).
“The Matthews report was prepared in 2008, and presented to the Government in December 2008, and in the meantime (i.e. 8 months), the ABS has been working on the ALP “election commitment to index pensions by a measure that best reflects pensioners’ living costs. (My emphasis).
The culmination of this ABS work was announced on the very next working day after the release of the Matthews Report and the Government response announcing no change in indexation arrangements for Australian Government civilian and defence force pensions: Minister Jenny Macklin announced, on 24 August, the new Pensioner and Beneficiary Living Cost Index (PBCLI) which “will better reflect price increases in goods commonly purchased by pensioners” (My emphasis).
“The confluence in timing of the PBCLI announcement coming a day after the release of the Matthews Review has caused a great deal of consternation and served to sharpen the anger and frustration of Australian Government civilian and defence force pension recipients for the following reasons:
a) The Government in its response to the Matthews Review appears to have failed to consider the PBCLI formula as a possible alternative indexation method (evidenced by lack of consultation on the specific issue with stakeholders) despite the Report being withheld for so long by the Government, and the clear opportunity provided by Recommendation 4 of the Report, and
b) The Government, despite honouring the election commitment to conduct a review per se, has abandoned the spirit of the election commitment to a review that would address the inadequacy and inequity of the indexation method which has not kept up with the cost of living for Australian Government civilian and defence force pensions. (My emphasis)
Given that the PBCLI has been developed, adopted as policy and applied to the Old Age Pensioners, why has not the PBCLI been applied to the military superannuation pensions, in accord with the principle detailed in the Matthews Report? The letter by the four ALP members goes on to say:
“It is also important to note the Matthews Report acknowledges the inadequacies in the CPI as a measure “to maintain the purchasing power of pensions” but concluded that its use should be retained (for ComSuper and Defence pensions) in the absence of – as yet (i.e. in 2008) – a better index. (My emphasis)
“…Note that the recent announcement of the inclusion of the PBCLI component for pension indexation has easily overcome both these objections.” (My emphasis)
“…There would appear to be no reason why the Government could not announce that the development of the PBCLI since the Matthews Review has opened the way for Australian Government civilian and defence force pensions now to be indexed – as for age and other pensions – twice yearly by whichever is the greater of the CPI or the PBCLI. If Matthews is correct in his assumptions that there may be little or no resulting benefit in such a move, the cost argument would not apply” (My emphasis)
Excerpt From Letter by Senator Kate Lundy, Dated 15 August 2011:
“I am, of course, convinced that the CPI no longer provides the kind of indexation that responds to the cost-of-living needs of this group of superannuants and pensioners, and I have been seeking the development of the new analytical living cost index which would more accurately reflect the cost of living needs of military and civilian superannuants.” (My emphasis)
Excerpt From A letter from the Office of Senator Brown:
“We are committed to working with government to find a way in which this can be addressed in a financially responsible manner. Our proposal that a properly applied tax on mining super profits which would raise an extra $100 billion over the decade has been rejected by both the major parties.” (My emphasis). This obviously implies that the Greens too no longer believe that the CPI is the most relevant indexation method. (My emphasis)
Recommendation (6) of the Jess Review 1972:
(6) That retired pay and invalid pay be expressed as a percentage of final pay and be adjusted annually so that relativity with average weekly earnings is maintained. A possible method of achieving this would be to maintain the relativity of benefits to current pay for the rank held on retirement. (My emphasis)
Recommendation 1 of the Senate Select Committee on Superannuation and Financial Services of April 2001:
3.100 The Committee recommends that the Government examine the feasibility of adopting an indexation method other than the CPI for Commonwealth public sector and defence force superannuation schemes, to more adequately reflect the actual increases in the cost of living. (My emphasis)
Excerpt from Hansard of 16 June 2001, from Senator Xenophon’s Statement:
“To complement that inquiry (the Senate Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade References Committee inquiry into procurement procedures), I am also proposing that the Senate Economics Legislation Committee inquire into defence accounting in the context of ascertaining whether strategic reform program cuts are real or notional, to further examine the whole of the department for real savings in the budget and to look at funding those sorts of pension increases in the longer term. The government says that there is no money and disputes that there is a live dispute about the figures, but I am saying that there are ways of finding that money and that targeting waste in the defence budget is the logical place to start looking. I believe these savings need to be found quickly—say, in the next 12 months. The process of having rigorous, forensic and thorough inquiries by the Senate into this ought to be the way to go. I think that is the long-term, sustainable process to deal with this issue. (My emphasis) (Again, to me this implies that the Senator accepts that the CPI is no longer the most appropriate index).
I will not be supporting the coalition’s bill. I do support the longer term aim and believe that the steps I have outlined are a more prudent way of getting us to where we need to go as a nation. It is one thing to say that you want to support the troops today, but surely the best approach is to rebuild the system, eliminate waste and use those savings so that troops and support staff can rely on improved benefits on a long-term basis. That is my position. I am looking forward to working with the coalition and my colleagues in the Australian Greens to find those savings so that we can have a long-term, sustainable solution to this problem.”
What has happened with this Review, Minister? Has it commenced, yet? These savings were to be identified within 12 months from the Senate’s meeting – that is by 16 June 2012!!
NOTICE OF MOTION Submitted by Mr Oakeshott:
“MEMBER FOR LYNE:
I give notice that on the next day of sitting I shall move—That this House:
(a) recognises:
(i) The involvement of Australian service men and women in war and peacekeeping operations.
(ii) The role of family, friends and community networks in supporting those Australians who have served in our Military; and
(b) calls on the Government to:
(i) consider increasing the Military Superannuation and Benefits Scheme Pension twice annually by the greatest of either the Consumer Price Index, the Pensioner and Beneficiary Living Cost Index or the Male Total Average Weekly Earnings; (My emphasis. Again this implies, to me, that Mr Oakeshott believes that the CPI is no longer appropriate) and
(ii) do this in recognition of the unique circumstances of military service compared to all others within the public service.”
Excerpt From Speech By Mr Andrew Wilkie, MP in the House of Representatives on 31 October 2011:
“To that end, I urge the government to look afresh at the continuing unfairness in the superannuation arrangements for some serving and retired defence personnel, in particular members of the Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits Scheme and the Defence Forces Retirement Benefit Scheme. In essence, the problem is that currently the benefits paid by DFRDB and DFRB are indexed to the consumer price index instead of to male total average weekly earnings or the pensioner and beneficiary living cost index as is the case with other government benefits and pensions. As a consequence, the real value of the pension for some defence superannuants is falling further and further behind, to the point where evermore ex-service men and women are struggling to meet even the most basic costs of living—and that is wrong”. (My emphasis)
So why is Minister Snowdon still trying to say that the CPI is the most robust, most appropriate and “the best available broad measure of changes in the cost of living faced by the Australian households.”?
If this is so, then why do we need the PBCLI and why isn’t the CPI applied to our Politicians, to our Judges?
You be the judge but to me the Minister is telling pork pies and it’s about time that the Opposition challenged the Government on this matter in the Lower House – the Peoples’ House – so that the general public can be made aware of this deliberate deceit.
Cheers,
Neil Weekes
I see that Red Head got a $120,000.00 pay rise today and all her flunky mates got a rise as well. Pitty they couldn’t rise to the occasion and do what they are paid to do.
Makes one wonder who votes for them.
Cheers
Bob
Back in the days of the dinosaurs, when I served, there were three Service newspapers, and I think, if the Alzheimers is not active today, mine was called RAAF News. Are these service news publications still a real thing? Maybe if we write to them it would create an awareness among current members, thereby causing some concern at a political level. If we wrote to them, would the letters be published or are they controlled by Dept of Defence?
Dear NEIL WEEKES, what a staggering dossier – that boils down to a coagulated morass of deceit.
Thank you for posting it here in the comments section, because it procides an historical vertebrae to the mishapen body politic of this country.
You are a champion for your Brethren. I salute you.
I thought it appropriate to share this link from the RAR Corporation website. A group called RAR BUDDIES is planning a fund raiser on ANZAC Day next year in support of the families of fallen soldiers in conjunction with Legacy.
http://rarcorporation.com/
Dear BOB IHLEIN, spot on, and isn’t it a remarkable co-incidence that both the GILLARD-GREENS-INDEPENDENTS Tri-alition – AND the ABBOTT led OPPOSITION are in complete agreement on shovelling more loot into their pay packets.( sure,the Greens made a weak protest – they could always donate the extra loot to Legacy if they are really offended ). Nice work if you can get it.
Dear COLROE, I reckon RAY GIBSON will spot your comment and maybe have some answers for you on this.
Onya KEN MARSH, sounds like a goodie to support – also saw a segment on ABCTV a few weeks back, about Legacy and their assistance for older – and younger widows – and their families.
Thanks for sharing the link with us. Good scouting.
God did not give me the ability to convey in words, the feeling of nausea that swept over me last evening when I heard of the pay rises to politicians. I find it despicable that they could even contemplate such a staggering rise when so many are hurting in this country, especially Veterans, their widows, children and families.
At this time of the year when many children go without presents from Santa because the $’s are simply not available makes it even worse.
I hope all politicians choke on their oysters and champagne on 25 December and the further they are away from this country, the better.
Roll on the next election because this veteran and thousands like me will do everything in their power to make sure the current government is not re-elected then or at any time in the future. You too should take note Mr. Abbott, you and yours have dropped a lot of brownie points in my estimation over this matter.
Well done Bob Brown to reach for a height above the rest of the blood suckers in opposing this pay rise. I now know that at least one politician has a sense of honour and decency.
You may be interested in the following article in which I draw attention to your campaign:
http://www.independentaustralia.net/2011/politics/no-justification-for-politician-payrises/
Regards,
DD
Dear KHBUSSELL, thanks Ken, for having the gumption to speak up and out about this
latest venal slurp by our politicians from the public trough.
They have no shame.
I know many of you/me will spend your last penny to make sure you do the best for your
families, kids and grandkids, and all you/we love in your circle, and I know that for
some of you/us, if your kids didn’t give you a few bob every now and then, wouldn’t be
able to make ends meet. Then there are those of you/us who have no-one. Yes,it happens.
Your lives are our lives. You are part of the community. You ARE the community, no matter how much the Government tries to keep you on the outer.
I want to say, that just because our Government treats you shamefully in our name – please
don’t think that the rest of Australia agrees with how they are treating you. Not a single person I’ve talked with about this, realised how rudely and cruelly you’ve been treated.
Dear Beloved MANAGING EDITOR, DAVID DONOVAN, I heart you about your article on the obscene pay rises for our obscenely hypocritical politicians. And thank you so much for acknowledging the
wonderful Diggers campaign. It is such a joy to watch their increasing fearless activism. They are such an inspiration. Such rebels. Such warriors. Such leaders. Such teachers.
You have written a wonderful essay that reflects the injury of our Government(s) upon its people. We seem to have lost our way. There is no governance to speak of. And such things as
ethics and moral compass are the flippant instrument of pollsters.
Thank you David, for telling it as it is. And as we know it to be.
Dear IAN ‘MOLLY’ MELDRUM, you remain a longtime friend to Australia’s Defence Forces and few people will realise your work in Afghanistan and elsewhere, so often without fanfare.
Few people realise you have a brilliant intellect and an extraordinary sense of justice and a shared humanity. We wish you a speedy recovery Brother. And we will pay homage to you in our own way.
Hi Tess and everyone.
Thought you might like to know that the latest epistle has arrived at Minister Greg Combet’s office. I got the registered post receipt in the mail this afternoon.
Brigadier Neil Weekes, that’s a great forensic analysis of the DVA argument, which I also got thrust at me through Minister Combet. He regurgitated the same pap Minister Snowden sent you.
Neil, you have got it right about CPI. Minister Snowden’s office is trying to play semantics with the definitions of “inflationary price increases” and “cost of living increases”, which are vastly different things, as we all know too well. It’s the same thing Prof Matthews did in his report. I do wonder what his supplementary verbal riding instructions were.
CPI is still an acceptable, though not the best, measure of inflation in the “Economics” (as a subject) sense of the word. But it hasn’t been an effective cost of living index since the Government started removing items from its calculation “basket” in the 60s. Later and more blatant omissions from the basket have only made it worse.
KB Hussell, you can’t get between a pollie and a pay rise. You’ll be trampled in the rush. What’s the PM’s increase? $95k? 3.7 times my annual DFRDB payment – and I’m lots better off than many. It sure does make you ill. $20million a year is the cost to the Budget – and they can’t afford an extra 1.7% annual indexation increase for us. Well, there you have it.
I hope Mr Brown wasn’t being disingenuous when he protested the rise. To prove otherwise, maybe he and his colleagues could donate the pay rise to the RARBUDDIES or legacy, as you suggested Tess.
Hear hear Tess, to your comment about Molly. I hope he gets well soon. He’s provided a lot of us with great entertainment over the years.
Hiya Dear BARNEY WARD, firstly, isn’t NEIL WEEKES a national treasure, he is a true champion for Justice. Neil, and the likes of the fabulous KEN HUSSELL are the vertebrae of the campaign for Justice.
Onya for mentioning Molly – that’s lovely of you Barney. We do take one another for granted sometimes. Not deliberately of course, just not thinking how wonderful the other person is. Thanks Barney, for re-setting the compass. You are a champ!
Happy Christmas everyone!
The Greens keep sending out emails on how well they have done this year. However, they do not draw attention to their one BIG failure, on 16 June, when their Leader failed to vote for fair indexation. We all need to keep reminding them about that, and keep pressing them to make good on their fair indexation policy. This is what I said to their Leader about it today:
Dear Senator Brown
Thank you for your email. Indeed the Greens have a lot to celebrate from 2011!!
However, on one issue you have not particularly covered yourselves in glory, and have abandoned to their unjust fate the nation’s superannuated military personnel.
So, as a New Year’s resolution, and for a starter, it would be really good if you would do me the courtesy of responding to my letter dated 25 November, on the issue of fairness in military superannuation indexation – one of the Party’s policies.
Now that the Mining Tax bundle of legislation is through the House, there is no longer any remaining impediment to the Greens pushing the Government immediately to fix the long-outstanding and outrageous state of affairs for our military veterans.
The deadline was many years ago – when action was taken to protect Age and other commonwealth pensions from debilitating depreciation in their purchasing power. Please do not continue to sit idly by and watch actions that threaten the future well being of our Veterans and their families for generations to come.
I too, am excited to think of the possibilities for what the Greens can achieve working together in 2012.
Most of all I expect that you can fulfill your wish for a happy and fulfilling 2012 for our Veterans by promising that you will help them win the fight against this inequity, early in the New Year!!
I look forward to your response and assurances on this important matter.
Yours sincerely
Bert Hoebee
Hi Tess and All,
Firstly, I would like to praise David’s thorough and insightful critique of the Pollies’ pay rise fiasco. He hit all the nails in deconstructing the logic of further separating politicians from the rest of mainstream society with these obscene increases. For goodness sake, politicians in general are already too isolated from the rest of us, and this unjustified nonsense will only exacerbate that.
And as for the excuse that they can’t do anything about it because the Tribunal is independent – what utter crud! Whatever Parliament creates with legislation, they can un-create with further legislation. You only have to look at what they have done to veterans over the years with the stroke of the legislative pen – Keating’s 6% pension cut, and the more recent denial of an increase in disability pensions just to mention two examples. But of course, to change the outcome of the Tribunal’s report would require political will, and we know there will be no political will to resist these increases.
And lastly, re Colroe’s comment (15 Dec) about getting our Fair Indexation story out to the Service newspapers, it is a good idea in theory, but realistically, we don’t have a chance in hell. The papers will never publish anything critical of Government policy. They are very much a part of the Defence PR Machine, and the limped wristed Defence Department refuses to support serving members or veterans on the indexation issue.
We are working on more innovative ways of reaching current serving members, and from the feedback we are receiving we are having some success.
Best wishes to All for Christmas and the New Year,
Ray Gibson
Director
ADSO Fair Go Campaign
Dear BERT HOEBEE, Yo! re your comment and Yo,Ho,Ho! and a Happy Christmas to you too!
Well said re Brown of the Greens. And thank you for pointing out to BOB BROWN, what abject
hypocrits the Greens are. And if anyone would like a reminder of how the Greens are just as politically expedient as the Labor and Liberal parties, just scroll up the comments until you
come across the POLITICS IN THE PUB VIDEO where PETER CLAYTON puts a question to SENATOR BOB
BROWN – and you will see and hear his disgraceful response and capacity for the Greens to politically prostitute themselves.
Bert, please let us know if you get a response from SENATOR BOB BROWN to your compelling letter.
You are an energetic champ !
WHAT POLLIES GIVE AND RECEIVE.
Pollies while in office:
Get massive pay rises without having to show any productivity increases.
Only have to do two full terms in office to get the best super going in Australia.
Can carry on like idiots in parliament without censure or detriment.
Get lots of freebies and perks such as airline upgrades for themsolves and their families, Penfolds Grange Hermitage, travel allowance without accountability, free gifts from wherever they go, free entertainment and meals at the best venues in the country and overseas, overseas study tours and subsidised meals in the parliamentary restaurant etc,etc,etc.
Only have to be a twork when parliament sits ( unless excused).
are provided with staff(minders) and an office in their electorate, who do most of the responding to their electors, often without input from the pollie.
Don’t have to make many decisions, as they are required to vote on party lines, regardless of what they think is right.
Are not required to think or act strategically, merely to do those things which will count for them at the next election.
Can make promises without any intention of keeping them.
WHAT DEFENCE PERSONNEL GIVE AND RECEIVE
All Defence personnel:
Give an unconditional undertasking to serve their country in peace and war and agree to give up all basic human rights, including being placed in harms way, not choosing where they serve or what job they do.
Are not members of any union and must rely on the generosity of Government for improvements in pay and conditions.
When on operations and war service, have to work and live in conditions that would be unaaceptable to the general population of this country.
have to endure long periods of separation from their families. The families are often away from their home states and their own families and friends. Spouses careers must take second place to their partner.
Are subject to two sets of law and discipline ( civil and military).
Can be required to work long hours without relief as required by those in charge.
Are not allowed to speak out against those in charge of Government policies or directions, nor to talk to the media etc etc.
AND THAT IS JUST THE WORK COMPARISON.
BUT WHAT ABOUT WHEN BOTH PARTIES RETIRE ??????
We all know what happens then don’t we. Just think this year the bastards ( and I don’t use that tem politely), in the Senate stated they could not afford to index our sup the same as agged pensioners and didn’t bother to check the sums from DOFA and DOD. ( Read they didn’t want to check the figures because they knew they would not strand up to scrutiny). Brown said that he would pass it if the Coalition would let the Government increase the Mining Tax ( as if) and Xenephon said that the matter should be reviewed in ther next 12 months to see if there was a way to pay for our increases ( and we know he won’t do anything about it). The Coalition continues to go quite on this issue, following defeat of their Shadow Ministers Bill. In other words, we don’t have a hope of seeing any chance of a change before the next election, late in 2013. How much more will our super go down against the cost of living in that time. And remember that if they change our indexation to the same as pensioners after the 2013 election, we will never catch up with the losses we have sustained to date. And because our super indexation are based on percentages, all future increases will be effected exponentially, because we aill be starting from a lower super income point eg, a 2% increase on $20K per annum equals $400 perannum. yet a 2% increase on $30,000 equals $600. So on that increase alone that represents a $200 loss. And the next time your super is increased that loss is compounded again. Does that seem like a fair go to you?
I wonder what savings this Government can find from the 2012/13 budget and the current one, to pay the hundreds of millions of dollars it will cost this country for these rediculous pay increases for current and retired politicians on parliamentary pensions. (Remember that pre 2004 pollies pensions are directly linked to current pollies pay and conditions).
In my mind all our politicians are greedy parasites, who are sucking this country dry, but contributing very little to this country or it’s people who pay their way, now and in the future, when they leave parliament.
John Griffiths
Dear RAY GIBSON, just to back up what you said about DAVID DONOVAN’s article on the pollies obscene pay increases.
Thanks too for answering COLROE’s query, I know you keep a watching brief to answer such questions and it’s so very helpful of you – because we can all share the answer and it helps to give us an overview of things.
And onya Ray, for your gutsy comment. It’s so disappointing that the Service newspapers are so gutless. It would make such a difference if they back you up on this issue. And if the Editors
got together and adopted a non-partisan approach and waged a massive campaign. It would increase
their readership and websites hits by thousands! And bring them more into the general public domain.
Also, if it was a collective campaign, then the Government would not be able to muscle in and
withdraw ads, etc – and if they tried to – that could be exposed as well!
Ray,as you know, I’ve only been involved with you all since June this year, and I am in awe of
what you all have done – and the campaign is now a potent political force and you know have galvanised yourselves into a powerful electoral bloc, that I feel, with exceed the influence of the GREENS, and the others, in marginal seats, including PRIME MINISTER JULIA GILLARD’s
seat of LALOR.
You are all Champions and a fabulous collective role model, not only for retiree activism, but for the loyalty you have shown to the cause – and to one another.
Best Wishes to you All for Christmas and all the other celebrations that take place at this time of the year.
My first wish for us all,is Peace. My second wish is for Peace. My third wish is for Peace.
Dear JOHN GRIFFITHS, thanks for this brilliant and official job description for Politicians!
Nice work if you can get it. No wonder they try so hard to hang on to their seats – even when
totally discredited or ineffectual.
Your brilliant comparison with what DEFENCE PERSONNEL GIVE AND RECEIVE is hearbreaking John, because it’s true.
Thank you for your robust courage. It has never waivered. You are such a mentor and inspiration to so many of us. And who can forget how you and your Darling opened your home up to ABC TV, to show how,as Grandparents, you struggle so valiantly with the difficult financial circumstances
forced upon you by successive Australian Governments,including the current GILLARD LABOR GOVERNMENT, whose Party once professed to care about the battlers.
Thanks John, for doing what you do, and putting it all out there.
I wrote to my local MP Craig Thomson on the 6th July got a reply 12th August.
This week just gone I applied to his office for a Certificate of Appreciation posted it on the 13th December and got a certificate with the photo copied signatures of the worst three politicians in living history of this Country on the 16th December.
How quick the office works when a staffer shoves a sheet of paper in a printer types a name and bang. I now have a certificate but don’t know what toilet to hang it.
I bet you can all guess what three I am talking about.
I has become so hard to beleive the crap they keep sending out to us. They must think we are a bunch of dick heads we will go away as the shit is the same on every letter and they must get together with the opposition when they draft a letter as it is full of the same crap.
Come on 2013.
Bob
Dear BOB IHLEIN, I have to say, I have just collapsed with laughter at what you’ve written here Brother. I know others will as well. Just the way you’ve written it! I can just imagine you
saying it.
The thing is, if we don’t laugh, we’ll cry!
Now, it is a well known fact that I am a Class A Drongo – what is a Certificate of Appreciation Bob ?
And re your comments about guessing the three pollies – that is not as easy as you think.
Because there’s more than three of them who would fall into that special category you mention.
I see that some economist has calculated that the most recent pay rises awarded to our Politicians will cost us, the taxpayers, an additional $20 Million per year. No strident accusation from Senator Penny Wong on this occasion, as happened when she slammed the Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits (Fair Indexation) Bill 2011 (on 16 June 2011 in the Senate) that this would create a “huge black hole” in the budget of some $6.2 BILLION. No, not a single whimper, no not a single little bleat, no not a single little giggle. Strange that, isn’t it?
You see the Defence Force Welfare Association had calculated that it would cost the Australian Government (yes, us, the taxpayers) an additional $20 Million per year to index our DFRB/DFRDB military superannuation pensions exactly the same way as the Old Aged Pension is indexed each year. Exactly the same as what we now have to pay our politicians.
But Senator Penny Wong screamed bloody murder because, without advising anyone that she and her financial whiz-kids had extrapolated this amount out over 45 years, yes, over 45 years, this was going to create that “Huge hole” in the budget and the Nation could not afford it.
Has Senator Penny Wong extrapolated this most recent increase to the Politicians’ salary out to 45 years? If she did it would create a “huge hole in the budget to the tune of – you guessed it – $6.2 BILLION. BUT IN THIS CASE THE GOVERNMENT CAN OBVIOUSLY AFFORD IT – BECAUSE IT GOES INTO THEIR POCKETS.
Senator Wong, you are a fraud!!!
How do we (those who served 20 years or more) feel about this? Make you feel so proud to have served our Nation and to be treated with respect, loyalty and dignity, doesn’t it? NOT.
LET’S VOTE THESE PEOPLE OUT AT THE NEXT ELECTION. IF THEY ARE EVER ON A SALUTING DAIS, I SUGGEST THAT WE DO NOT ACCORD THEM THE HONOUR OF AN EYES RIGHT OR AN EYES LEFT. THEY DO NOT DESERVE OUR RESPECT. They do not respect us, and treat us with contempt. Makes me sick to the core of my soul.
Hi Neil, it is interesting that an economist has calculated the cost at $20M a year for the politicians pay increases. I think it it pertinent to mention that if you take into account the pay increases the Remuneration Tribunal concurrently awarded departmental heads, as well as cascading linked pay increases of judges, other senior public servants and state and local government politicians, in fact the decision by the Tribinal will inevitably cost Australian taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars per annum, as I mentioned in my article. How much would that work out to over 45 years? Perhaps we should ask Penny…
Of course, all this makes the measly $20M it would cost to properly look after people who risked their lives for their country seem infinitessimally small. I am downright aghast that we live in a nation where politicians can show such callous disrespect – in practical terms – to people they make such a show of venerating at official ceremonies – and then seemingly get away with it! One can only hope they get their comeuppance at the ballot box.
Dear NEIL WEEKES, your palpable anger and disgust at how you’ve all been so contemptuously treated is shared by so many of us. It is sickening that they’ve oiled themselves with what
should be your money.
They have neither earned nor warrant our respect.
Dear DD, thanks for lending your mighty support to our venerable veterans and you are right to point out the trivial amount of petty cash it would take to right this terrible wrong and to
restore Justice and self-respect to our Nation over this brutal elder abuse.
Tess
I will scan the certificate and email it to you. It is a certificate issued to show appreciation for our efforts in different conflicts mine being Vietnam. If it had been issued and presented by the Governor General I would be proud to display it. Having been issued by a red head, creditcard scammer and a bloke who’s name has snow in it I think it is crap but it might be worth money for my grandchildren to hock having three stooges signatures on it.
Bob
Tess I can’t copy the certificate to the website but all the Members out there know what it looks like.
Bob
Dear BOB, thank goodness you’ve still got a wicked sense of humour despite all that’s happened to you!
Thanks BOB, I know I’ve tried to do a similar thing, and it won’t copy.
merci for trying,
Dear Tess,
You suggested recently that I should write a book or at least a glossary of my sayings.
I am not really all that good with words and as for a book, I tried that once, writing the story of my life over some 20 odd years. I gave it to a good mate to read and he said,
“the story is as flat as a dunny carters hat”.
I said,
“with a comment like that, you are about as subtle as a drifting smell at a mixed formal dining in night”.
As you would expect, I was feeling pretty flat after that and as I was walking down the street the next day, this total stranger, a female, said to me, “you have got your fly open”.
I said, “Lady, when you get to my age you have got to be ready for anything!”.
I told my son about my book ordeal and he replied with a smart comment. I said,
“Watch your mouth, I brought you into this world, I can take you out!”.
My neighbour realised I was down and she said what is wrong old son?. I said,
“I can’t tell you, you’re too young”.
Despite my efforts over 20 years I was left “running around like a dog with two tossles in a pine forest – not sure which tree to hit first”.
I was tired and worn out after my efforts of 20 years and the load was so heavy, ” I was bent over like a dog trying to seduce a cricket ball”.
My neighbour across the road – a JW! – tall and very thin to boot – decided to have some fun at my expense and when he started I said,
“Bob, you remind me of a greyhound – all prick and toenails”. From now on I call him 3 – 2 – 1 – , three sand, two cement and one water.
Despite my experience at being an author and feeling like I have been on a merry – go – round with an octopus, I will never let the bastards get me down. After all, even a one armed paper hanger with piles can find an alternative.
Often when I hear politicians talk on TV I think that if bulls#*t was music, just one of them would be a walking brass band. When I feel down I will always remember the story of the young bull and the old bull……….
I think it is best if I do not commit to a glossary, just in case the Russians get their hands on it. In the mean time it is “up the guts with bags of smoke” which in Latin means, “let’s take these wankers head on and we will not take prisoners!”. (Hope this glossary put a smile on your face!!)
Special Lady,
Thank you for your courage and determination over a very difficult year. Despite your own problems, you have hung in there for us and from thousands of us I can only say, God bless you, you are our inspiration. To you and yours, health, happiness and every success for Christmas, New Year and beyond. Please let 2012 be a stress free year for all of us. Take care,
Oh KBHUSSELL,hysterical! Consider yourself now published. GEORGE MANSFORD is our POET LAUREATE and you better be our YARNSTER IN RESIDENCE!
Do you do standup Ken ? I reckon when we march on Canberra, you should take the stage – so start rehearsing.
I love this stuff and I’m always interested in the history of how and if they are passed down
through generations – did these arise out of your military experience – or did you grow up
in a family where these sayings were part of the daily vernacular ?
Please keep using them Ken – well I reckon if we could get a cartoonist to work with you,
you’ve got a best seller on your hands!!!
And you cheeky thing posting that message at the end!!!!
It gives me an opportunity to thank you all, you will never know how much you kept me going through some yuk times, bcause I couldn’t break my promise to you – nor did I want to – so
it helped so much to give me mental traction. Thank you for your good wishes.
Peace and Sweet Blessings to you all.
A Soldier Died Today
I just came across this and given the nature of the comment on this page, this probably says it all:
http://www.youngdiggers.com.au/soldier-died-today-anonymous-author
Dear KEN MARSH, I just read this. I feel so ashamed of our Government. And those Governments that came before it. Thank you. Point taken.
Dear KEN MARSH, I would not have known about this but for you.
Here is that wonderful and inspirational poem in full: –
Just a Common Soldier (A Soldier Died Today) by A. Lawrence Vaincourt
He was getting old and paunchy and his hair was falling fast,
And he sat around the Legion, telling stories of the past.
Of a war that he had fought in and the deeds that he had done,
In his exploits with his buddies; they were heroes, every one.
And tho’ sometimes, to his neighbors, his tales became a joke,
All his Legion buddies listened, for they knew whereof he spoke.
But we’ll hear his tales no longer for old Bill has passed away,
And the world’s a little poorer, for a soldier died today.
He will not be mourned by many, just his children and his wife,
For he lived an ordinary and quite uneventful life.
Held a job and raised a family, quietly going his own way,
And the world won’t note his passing, though a soldier died today.
When politicians leave this earth, their bodies lie in state,
While thousands note their passing and proclaim that they were great.
Papers tell their whole life stories, from the time that they were young,
But the passing of a soldier goes unnoticed and unsung.
Is the greatest contribution to the welfare of our land
A guy who breaks his promises and cons his fellow man?
Or the ordinary fellow who, in times of war and strife,
Goes off to serve his Country and offers up his life?
A politician’s stipend and the style in which he lives
Are sometimes disproportionate to the service that he gives.
While the ordinary soldier, who offered up his all,
Is paid off with a medal and perhaps, a pension small.
It’s so easy to forget them for it was so long ago,
That the old Bills of our Country went to battle, but we know
It was not the politicians, with their compromise and ploys,
Who won for us the freedom that our Country now enjoys.
Should you find yourself in danger, with your enemies at hand,
Would you want a politician with his ever-shifting stand?
Or would you prefer a soldier, who has sworn to defend
His home, his kin and Country and would fight until the end?
He was just a common soldier and his ranks are growing thin,
But his presence should remind us we may need his like again.
For when countries are in conflict, then we find the soldier’s part
Is to clean up all the troubles that the politicians start.
If we cannot do him honor while he’s here to hear the praise,
Then at least let’s give him homage at the ending of his days.
Perhaps just a simple headline in a paper that would say,
Our Country is in mourning, for a soldier died today.
© 1987 A. Lawrence Vaincourt
Hi All,
Thought I would share with you, a wonderful poem by Nan Witcomb.
Proudly they march
beside their mates -
slouch hats and jaunty caps
cast shadows on lined faces,
medals glinting in the April sun -
What dreadful secrets
lie behind those eyes
as they remember friends
whose bodies lie in foreign lands
so we might live in freedom -
For those who never knew
the joy of youth,
what pain and guilt and glory
do their cheerful smiles disguise?
…….and when they see their country
poisoned by corruption, lies and greed,
and young cowards free to steal and vandalize,
free to spoil and desecrate and maim,
do they wonder as they march,
if their youth and peace of mind and mates
were sacrificed
in vain……….
(You could almost take out “young cowards” and insert Politicians eh?)
Dear KBHUSSELL, thanks for posting NAN WITCOMB’s poignant poem.
It is wonderful to see how Poetry and Yarns and the Love of Words
has become part of this amazing historical document of comments
and conversation between us all.
Onya Ken!
Dear KBHUSSELL, thanks for posting NAN WITCOMB’s poignant poem.
It is wonderful to see how Poetry and Yarns and the Love of Words
has become part of this amazing historical document of comments
and conversation between us all.
Onya Ken! Onya Nan!
This message was accidentally posted in the IA ‘Contact’ page by AVM Peter Criss (AARDVARK PETE), so I have deleted that message from that page and respost it here. It follows:
UNREST IN THE RANKS
“The willingness of future generations to serve in our military will be directly dependent upon how we have treated those who have served in the past.” George Washington
So the politicians have seen fit to grant themselves another pay rise.
No, sorry, the Federal Remuneration Tribunal has granted them a pay rise and they have accepted its ruling. Changing the legislation to say no is apparently not an option.
What many may not realise is that politician pay rises benefit not just current politicians, but all qualifying pre-2004 retired politicians.
If those retired politicians are survived by their spouse this pay rise also goes to them.
Such are the terms of the pre-2004 Parliamentary Contributory Superannuation Scheme (PCSS) – which must be irresistible if you’re entitled to it.
Our troops certainly aren’t. They can’t even get the indexation they were guaranteed when enlisting.
You may not have noticed yet, but you will. The troops – current and retired – are angry.
Retirees receiving military superannuation pensions are struggling to maintain their standard of living because of inadequate indexation.
90 per cent of the 63,000 military pensioners are receiving less than $30,000 a year; the average being $23,000. What’s more, that money is taxed even if they are over 60 years old.
Those who volunteered to serve in the Australian Defence Force were promised an indexed military superannuation pension that would maintain its purchasing power as part of their employment ‘contract’. This ‘guarantee’ has been given since 1977.
Before 1977, the Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefit Scheme (DFRDB) and the earlier Schemes obtained increases retrospectively through ad hoc legislation introduced at the whim of the government. The automatic ‘safeguarding’ of their pension through the Consumer Price Index (CPI) initiative which, from the seventies to the early nineties, correctly captured cost of living increases, meant military superannuation pensions automatically retained value – employer obligations were met.
When age pensioners saw their purchasing power diminish, new indexation arrangements were progressively adopted, beginning in 1997. But the troops were abandoned.
Over the last ten years, age pensions have increased by 95 per cent. Politician’s pensions have increased well over 100 per cent (factoring in this latest pay rise). Retired military payments have increased by a paltry 33 per cent.
DFRDB recipients, plus about four thousand still serving under that scheme, are left wondering what they did wrong
The consequence of this employer neglect on veterans is profound. In real terms our retired troops are sliding into poverty with many now having to rely on welfare safety nets to survive.
Take Major Ben McGuinnes who retired in 1987 after 21 years in the Army on a salary of $38,584. He received an initial pension of $14,083 per annum indexed to CPI. In 2011, 24 years into retirement, he now receives $27,331. If either he or his wife work that income is also taxed at the marginal rate even though both are over 60.
That’s how a senior officer is impacted by unfair indexation; imagine what the troops are getting; a Sergeant retiring after 21 years in 1989 received $10,442.
Farcically, the “Military Super Book” (current edition) states: “Pensions are subject to full CPI updating every six months (ensuring that $1 in 2011 will be equivalent to $1 in 2028).”
I believe the Government knows that is deliberately misleading. The veteran community certainly knows it (from bitter experience) and there is growing awareness of the lie among those still serving.
An even starker injustice is the discriminatory treatment of a spouse following the death of a retired military member. Their spouse receives 62.5 per cent of their partner’s entitlements. The spouse of a politician receives 83.3 per cent. Why the disparity?
How in this staunchly democratic society, with its abundant wealth, enshrinement of the concept of ‘a fair go’ for all, and with the Parliament’s unambiguous acknowledgement of the unique nature of military service, can Governments maltreat those who served our Nation in the national interest for twenty years or more.
George Washington undeniably comprehended the National importance of fairly treating those who have served in uniform – wisdom that has evaded Australia’s political elite for decades.
Peter Criss AM AFC
Air Vice-Marshal (Ret’d)
Onya AARDVARKPETE! Another comprehensive must-read blockbuster from PETER CRISS AM AFC AIR VICE-MARSHAL ( Ret’d) that exposes the abject hypocrisy of our politicians who are stealing money from veteran pensioners and their families.
Thank you, Air Vice-Marshall Criss, for your incisive comments. I suppose you’ve picked up on the information in some of the media that the pollies are going to cost the country another $20 million a year because of this rise. No-one seems to have worked out the eventual cost of senior bureaucrats’ massive concomitant increases will be. Well over $100 million an year, I reckon.
Isn’t it funny; $20 million a year was the cost advanced for the Fair Indexation Bill, if memory serves.
Adding to your criticism of its content, the military super handbook presents all its information in terms of current salaries. That gives anyone using it for research into our situation a very distorted view of the matter. It in no way reflects the lousy salaries we were getting in the late 80s, when many of us resigned.
I beg to differ with your view of the efficacy of CPI in the 1970s. My Economic Statistics lecturer was scathing about its worth as a cost of living yardstick way back in 1965. The then government had modified the way some common consumer item was considered in the calculation “basket” after having slapped a new tax or excise on it (I think it was petroleum fuels) and he said CPI would thenceforth slide behind real living costs, as the years went by. It’s obvious that there were reservations about CPI when you consider that the indexation choice facing the legislators in 1974 was the lesser of 1.4 times CPI (not the raw figure) and Average Weekly earnings movements. I contend that Fraser’s treasurer in 1977 chose raw CPI as the indexation base because he knew it would slowly fall behind average weekly earnings, and thus the real cost of living, thereby saving the government a very great deal of money. I do agree that the situation got lots worse in the 90s and 00s. And Keating’s little discount didn’t help.
Just for interest, who’s worked out the theoretical differences in DFRDB pensions between the CPI-indexed pittance we get, and the result of indexing it to average weekly earnings? I just did it for Major McGuinnes. He’s roughly $12000 a year behind the 8-ball. That’s also at least $100000 lost pension income over the years. The sergeant’s about $7000 down; and you couldn’t live too well on the income he’s actually getting!
Dear BARNEY WARD,well said about AIR VICE-MARSHAL PETER CRISS.
And Barney, you are fabulous, the way you support your Brethren and join in the conversation and contribute to the dissection of the lies that continue to be promulgated by succcessive
Australian governments and their apologists. And toss in the successive Oppositions as well.
For Barney Ward and AVM Peter Criss, you may be interested in this graph I put together for the Lundy discussion forum back in March 2010 – fortunately it is still there!
http://www.katelundy.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/FSGT-2.jpg
This is what I wrote then – nothing has changed:
“A graph widely circulated via the DFWA illustrates clearly the comparable rates of indexation between Parliamentarians, Aged Pensioners and Military and Public Service superannuates. What it doesn’t show is the comparative effect on INCOME for each of these groups.
I have prepared a graph, from publicly available data, to show the comparative effect of poor indexation on the superannuation of a RAAF Flight Sergeant (equivalent WO1 Army and CPO Navy) who retired in 1973 after 20 years service. I have chosen this rank because 80% (or more) of the Defence Force are below this rank level and not as ‘well off’ in retirement as this FSGT!
Upon retirement from the RAAF his ‘pension’ (after commutation of part of it) was nearly the same as the combined aged pension ($2122 against $2106) – in 2009 his annual ‘pension’ was $7822 less than the combined age pension, and diminishing at a great rate! Where is the indexation justice here?
Comparison with the combined age pension is used because the DFRDB does not make a distinction between single, married, or supportive retirees – one size fits all to support a family or couple. All his ‘subordinate’ ranked retirees are even worse off, and all together they may represent more than 80% of Defence retirees.
If you can see the graph here (I hope), in 2009 AWOTE was $60805, and the Federal Minimum Wage was $28374, the age pension couple was $24746 and the FSGT $16924. I don’t have a figure but I bet the Parliamentary equivalent would be off the scale. The FGT’s data is a ‘real-world’ case, based on actual data of the member (from DFRDB) and who is prepared to identify himself, and make his records available.
One odd feature of the DFRDB Scheme is that the older you are when you retire the worse of you will be under the same qualifications as a younger retiree. This is because you will have to pay back your commutation at a higher rate (more reduced pay); just at the time you need it most! Commutation was intended to help a retired Defence member re-settle in civilian life after twenty or more years Service – in the early days commutation wasn’t a certainty, it was only approved upon certain conditions of need etc!”
T’WAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS,
HE LIVED ALL ALONE,
IN A ONE BEDROOM HOUSE,
MADE OF PLASTER AND STONE.
I HAD COME DOWN THE CHIMNEY,
WITH PRESENTS TO GIVE,
AND TO SEE JUST WHO,
IN THIS HOME, DID LIVE.
I LOOKED ALL ABOUT,
A STRANGE SIGHT I DID SEE,
NO TINSEL, NO PRESENTS,
NOT EVEN A TREE.
NO STOCKING BY MANTLE,
JUST BOOTS FILLED WITH SAND,
ON THE WALL HUNG PICTURES,
OF FAR DISTANT LANDS.
WITH MEDALS AND BADGES,
AWARDS OF ALL KINDS,
A SOBER THOUGHT,
CAME THROUGH MY MIND.
FOR THIS HOUSE WAS DIFFERENT,
IT WAS DARK AND DREARY,
I FOUND THE HOME OF A SOLDIER,
ONCE I COULD SEE CLEARLY.
THE SOLDIER LAY SLEEPING,
SILENT, ALONE,
CURLED UP ON THE FLOOR,
IN THIS ONE BEDROOM HOME.
THE FACE WAS SO GENTLE,
THE ROOM IN DISORDER,
NOT HOW I PICTURED,
AN AUSTRALIAN SOLDIER.
WAS THIS THE HERO,
OF WHOM I’D JUST READ?
CURLED UP ON A PONCHO,
THE FLOOR FOR A BED?
I REALISED THE FAMILIES,
THAT I SAW THIS NIGHT,
OWED THEIR LIVES TO THESE SOLDIERS,
WHO WERE WILLING TO FIGHT.
SOON ROUND THE WORLD,
THE CHILDREN WOULD PLAY,
AND GROWNUPS WOULD CELEBRATE,
A BRIGHT CHRISTMAS DAY.
THEY ALL ENJOYED FREEDOM,
EACH MONTH OF THE YEAR,
BECAUSE OF THE SOLDIERS,
LIKE THE ONE LYING HERE.
I COULDN’T HELP WONDER,
HOW MANY LAY ALONE,
ON A COLD CHRISTMAS EVE,
IN A LAND FAR FROM HOME.
THE VERY THOUGHT BROUGHT,
A TEAR TO MY EYE,
I DROPPED TO MY KNEES,
AND STARTED TO CRY.
THE SOLDIER AWAKENED,
AND I HEARD A ROUGH VOICE,
“SANTA DON’T CRY,
THIS LIFE IS MY CHOICE;
I FIGHT FOR FREEDOM,
I DON’T ASK FOR MORE,
MY LIFE IS MY GOD,
MY COUNTRY, MY CORPS.”
THE SOLDIER ROLLED OVER,
AND DRIFTED TO SLEEP,
I COULDN’T CONTROL IT,
I CONTINUED TO WEEP.
I KEPT WATCH FOR HOURS,
SO SILENT AND STILL,
AND WE BOTH SHIVERED,
FROM THE COLD NIGHT’S CHILL.
I DID NOT WANT TO LEAVE,
ON THAT COLD, DARK, NIGHT,
THIS GUARDIAN OF HONOUR,
SO WILLING TO FIGHT.
THEN THE SOLDIER ROLLED OVER,
WITH A VOICE SOFT AND PURE,
WHISPERED, “CARRY ON SANTA,
IT’S CHRISTMAS DAY, ALL IS SECURE.”
ONE LOOK AT MY WATCH,
AND I KNEW HE WAS RIGHT.
“MERRY CHRISTMAS MY FRIEND,
AND TO ALL A GOODNIGHT.”
This poem was written by an Australian Peacekeeping soldier stationed overseas. The following is his request. I think it is reasonable.
PLEASE. Would you do me the kind favour of sending this to as many people as you can? Christmas will be coming soon and some credit is due to all of the service men and women for our being able to celebrate these festivities. Let’s try in this small way to pay a tiny bit of what we owe. Make people stop and think of our heroes, living and dead, who sacrificed themselves for us. Please, do your small part to plant this small seed.
Thank you, Bill Arden. That’s a great piece of information. I’m biassed, but I think it supports my view of CPI as fatally flawed from the outset.
Can anyone remember when the rules about commutation were changed? I do remember that when a Warrant Officer colleague decided to quit in about 1973, as his nominal superior officer I produced a blurb about his intention to buy a house and associated business to supplement his retirement income, so he could commute 4 years’ benefit. By the time I left the PAF in 1990, not only was commutation more or less compulsory, but the commutation amount was being slowly increased from 4 years to five years’pension.
That didn’t happen because the system was being generous. In fact it’s because commutation saves the system money, if a retiree lives for more than about 16 years after collecting it. And the longer you live, the better it gets. For instance, if I make my life expectancy, the system won’t have had to pay me $146,500 as pension (that’s only indexed at lousy CPI rates), in exchange for giving me $88,368 in commutation. There’s $58,000-odd for nothing. It’s inexorable. You can apply the maths to anyone, and it’s all in proportion to their retirement benefit amount, the amount of commutation, and their life expectancy. As you say, Bill, the older you are when you quit, the worse off you are. But the system makes sure it doesn’t suffer, because the commutation penalty grows as your life expectancy shortens. You can’t beat it! The only good thing for the retiree is that it’s probably cheaper than a bank loan.
I got my letter from The DFRDB yesterday my increase of 1.5% is $11.93 a fortnight. Isn’t that terrific. Bet Julia is a lot happier about her pay rise than I am.
Merry Christmas Everyone.
We must get stuck into them next year.
Bob
Dear BILL ARDEN, your graph says it all. And so do your words.
They’ve given themselves a wonderful Christmas present – a gift that keeps on giving.
Dear KEN MARSH, do you the peacekeeper who wrote this ? Do you know when it was written?
Isn’t it a wonderful thing that not only did someone commit their thoughts to words – but to
poetry as well.
What a wonderful contribution, I hope the writer knows you’ve posted his/her poem in the
comments section.
Onya Ken, for sharing this with us.
Dear BOB IHLEIN, I think that is very likely. What will you do with your staggering pension
increase ? Pay $4 more of the electricity bill?
The beaut thing about this campaign is that it hasn’t slacked off – and we’ll keep fighting for
Justice every day left of this year – and renew the vows for 2012!!!!!!!!
Tess, the poem was emailed to me by an old mate. I simply did a cut a paste job so what you see is all that I know of it. I did find it quite moving – as I have much of the other prose posted on this stream.
And it does help to remind us that many of our younger brothers and sisters in arms will spend this Christmas separated from family and friends in circumstances that are tough and demanding.
Barney, although commutation was never compulsory there was no long-term benefit to forgo commutation because if you did not commute you only got the same indexation as a member who did commute!
Of much more importance is the legal precedent set by the High Court of Australia which could affect the interpretation of the DFRDB Act 1973 as applied to us and if it is legally just – I hope ADSO will take note (put it on the ADSO website if you like):
The basis of calculation of the return of commutation, which is an advance out of future retirement pay, depends on an age factor from the 1962 expected-life-table in Schedule 3 of the Act. This schedule is (and was) historic data from the outset; later tables were published in 1967 and 1972 but not used. An anomaly exists whereby the table used (and still used today) after the date of the Act is based on historical, rather than projected data. Schedule 3 of the Act contains life expectancy factors based on the 1961 census, and was published in 1962; there has not been an amendment to this Schedule 3. Consequently, members retiring since 1973 had their retired pay differential calculated by historic rather than prospective figures; even though the Act is valid it is anomalous in this situation. This view is further strengthened by a High Court decision when, in a matter before the High Court of Australia on the 19 April 2007:
“Their Honours held that the Court of Appeal was correct in concluding that the projected tables published by the ABS were more likely to give an accurate estimate of future life expectancy than the historical tables and should have been used by the primary judge. The majority added that the best evidence rule requires that the courts should act upon the least speculative and most current admissible evidence available and to prefer the prospective tables rather than the historical tables was to do no more than that.”
Source Reference:
http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/cases/cth/HCA/2007/15.html
Paras 68-71
Dear KEN MARSH, you are such a Darling; thinking of your younger Brother Diggers who will be spending Christmas overseas.
I know many of you think of those young men and women often – and not just at Christmas.
I know too, that your fight for Justice is for them too. And their families.
Early in the campaign, I remember NEIL WEEKES telling me how he wanted the youngies overseas to
keep their head down in this dispute/campaign, just in case it hindered their career prospects.
This Government and certain bureaucrats within the Defence Department can be vindictive.
But of course, we’ve had some wonderful support from younger service personnel. They have such respect for their elders. They really do. It is very moving. You lot are dead set legends.
You are their heroes. As you should be.
I wouldn’t be surprised if next year sometime, they become quite proactive in this capaign on your behalf. Heard a few whispers. No names. No pack drill.
Crikey BILL ARDEN, eavesdropping in on you and BARNEY WARD has confused me – when you talk ‘ commute ‘ are you talking about getting from A to B ?
If you are, I am thinking about the Government Fleet Cars and the Taxi Allowances for our bloated politicians – and the bills they run up at the taxpayer’s expense. And I am feeling very dizzy.
What say you Bill ?
Dear Tess – commute, commutation, confusion it’s all the same. You are not alone. Plenty of DFRDB recipients don’t understand either – that’s why I and others are keen that they do understand – one should always be aware of who is doing what, and how, and to whom!
My friends remind him of a fruit cake – some are nutty, some soaked in alcohol, and some are sweet, but mixed together they are my Christmas cake and whichever they are they remain my friends.
If you are feeling dizzy Tess you are in the right place – stick with us and we’ll see you through.
Merry Xmas my lovely.
Dear BILL ARDEN. Love the Christmas Cake analogy, and that will come in very handy this Christmas, for sure.
I still don’t get what ‘ commute’ means in this context.
And when I go over some of the pro-forma responses you’ve got from politicians, I notice that they don’t even understand what they are parroting along party lines.
That’s one of the reasons why your responses are so important – because you rip apart all that
obfuscation.
Sweet Blessings to You and Yours too, Bill – and I know you’ll see me through, as I will you!
Dear Tess, Ken and Bill,
A few comments if I may:
Bill, the matter of out of date life tables used for commutation is certainly on the ADSO radar. You will find some detail about it on the ADSO standto website here:
http://www.standto.org/military-superannuation/communtation
Tess, this webpage may also help you to better understand the mystery about commutation, which is basically an option to take an advance of retirement pay as a lump sum, and then accept a reduced pension for the rest of your life.
The matter that Bill correctly raises is that Comsuper calculates the reduced pension using hoplessly outdated life expectancy tables, which means of course, the reduced pension is lower than it should be – and the Government wins again – Surprise! Surprise!
As I said Bill, the matter is on the ADSO agenda, along with a list of other shortcomings in military super. But we have taken a conscious decision to attack the indexation issue first. There is only so much we can do, and this elephant has to be eaten one mouthful at a time.
Ken & Tess, you might be interested to learn the real origins of that poem. Go to:
http://www.snopes.com/holidays/christmas/soldier.asp
It has been around for some time in various forms, and is not quite as it appears in the post above.
Finally, just for interest, AVM Peter Criss had his recent article on the pollies payrise published in Crikey yesterday: http://www.crikey.com.au/
Well done Peter.
Regards,
Ray Gibson
Director
ADSO Fair Go Campaign
Thank you for your comments Ray. I do appreciate that ADSO has a lot on its plate at present. I like the ‘elephant for dinner’ analogy – maybe carve some up for Xmas!
Tess, all cultures seem to have their own ‘in-house’ jargon, so when getting involved in military discussions one can be excused for being confused about ‘commutation’. However, it is not jargon but a legal and accepted English definition. Wiktionary.org gives, for commutation;
(obsolete) A passing from one state to another; change; alteration; mutation.
(obsolete) The act of giving one thing for another; barter; exchange.
(formal or archaic) Substitution of one thing for another; interchange.
Specifically, the substitution of one kind of payment for another, especially a switch to monetary payment from obligations of labour.
You could take your pick here but in the simplest of examples relevant to DFRDB – if your boss says he will pay you a pension of $1000 a year for 20 years OR give you $2000 up front and only pay you $900 a year for the 20 years, you have commuted (exchanged) part of your pension for an equal advance of part of your future yearly payments.
One of the problems with the DFRDB model is that the deductions are (disputably) regarded as permanent deductions for the rest of your life, not just the 20 years as in my example.
I’m sorry that I’m using this message as something off topic but I know we have fellow DFM reading this. I just wanted to thank all my mates who are still serving and all those that serve overseas and wish you all a great Christmas. Stay safe, don’t let sand get in your crotch and have a beer during the festive season knowing that we’re thinking of all of you.
First, Peter Criss, well done. I have had a captain cook and was interested in the comments. I believe we need to do more to argue the ‘unique nature’ of our service and the conditions it was meant to address. Obviously difficult to do in short grabs. But I have had the same comments made to me as I see on the ‘Crikey’ page – ‘I wish I had a pension for life at 40′ and the like. And many who do not understand are entitled to ask ‘couldn’t they get another job?’
Ray, thanks for identifying the ‘peace keeper’.
Matt – I wouldn’t apologise. I was only thinking this morning that I did 6 Christmases overseas, (three single, three with wife and kids). Which, if I subract the 2 1/2 I did at Wagga as an apprentice ammounts to 1/3rd of my service career in terms of Christmases.
I forgot to say, regarding Peter’s article, that I heard on the news that the sticking point re. politicians pay increase is the flow on to retired members. It seems they are looking for a way to prevent that happening.
Perhaps we could remind them that Paul Keating set a prececent in 1989 (circa) that they could look to. Wouldn’t it be a form of poetic justice if Keating suffered loss as a result of a retrospective change to his employment conditions!
Readers.
I commend AVM Peter Criss for exposing again this unjust neglect and maltreatment of Veterans by our Government.
Whether good, bad or otherwise, our Defence Force personnel compulsorily contribute to their superannuation pensions [retirement pay] during their service. Proper indexation to maintain the purchasing power of that retirement pay is a condition of their service, and for the Governmment (ie. the people of Australia) to fail to justly and equitably meet that indexation obligation, is a disgrace. This state of affairs has gone on for far too long, and without just compensation under law, since the CPI [in the 1990s] was recognised as no longer being the appropriate index by which to maintain purchasing power. No Union would stand for it, and rightly so. Unfortunately, as part of their sacred covenant with the Nation, service people have no right to union representation: all the more reason for them to expect to be given a “Fair Go”, and to be protected by their Government from unjust discrimination.
You may be interested in this exposition on the Unique Nature of Military Service, courtesy the Defence Force Welfare Association:
THE UNIQUE NATURE OF MILITARY SERVICE
This is a shortened version of a full paper
that is available on the DFWA website http://www.dfwa.org.au
In recent years there has been a shift in assumptions and attitudes underpinning the way military
service is viewed. Those in government who shape policy are increasingly attracted to the idea that
the soldier (sailor or airman) is adequately provided for by salary and allowances that compensate
for his service both while it is being given and after it has ceased. Military service can be
mistakenly seen as comparable to other forms of service that involve risk and danger, and therefore
no longer viewed as unique.
The unique nature of military service is rooted in the nature of society itself. Most democratic
societies recognize the central place of the individual as the primary unit of sovereignty. Sovereign
individuals are vested with inalienable human rights, recognized in the Universal Declaration of
Human Rights as, among others, life, liberty and the security of the person (Article 3). Australia is a
signatory of the Declaration, adopted by the General Assembly of the UN in 1948
Implicit in Article 3, there is also a right to defence of self and of others from attack, and this right
inevitably gives rise to an obligation to do so if it is the State which is under threat or attack.
The inter-relationship of rights and responsibilities borne both by the state and the individual, is
complex, and based on the principle of the social contract. The state may not alienate the rights of
the individual without that person’s assent. The individual, while preserving the integrity of his or
her rights, may assent to the state’s demand for surrender of some of them for the common good,
but in all circumstances save one, the state is obliged to uphold and defend the individual’s rights.
In volunteering for military service, the individual accepts the surrender of his basic rights under
Article 3. He places his life, liberty and security of person in the hands of the state. This surrender is
not unconditional, though in extremis, it is absolute. The state, for its part, accepts the obligation to
preserve, as far as is consistent with the achievement of the military mission, the physical and
spiritual wellbeing of such individuals who place themselves at its disposal. This obligation extends
beyond the period of service itself, to the physical and psychological consequences of that service.
Even when the state demands surrender of these rights by imposing a compulsion for service, the
terms of the social contract imply that such compulsion is done only within the democratic
framework and is therefore with the assent of the individual, who at all times is party to it.
In no other calling, occupation or profession has the state the power to accept or demand the
surrender of these rights. Military service in this fundamental respect is unique, and the obligation
this places on the state is inescapable, as it is enduring.
A service person’s calling is unique.
Dear Mr Marsh
Thank you for your letter to Senator Brown dated 25 November 2011. I am responding on behalf of Senator Brown as Australian Greens’ Spokesperson for Veterans Affairs.
Although it is accurate to say that the Minerals Resource Rent Tax Bill 2011 and associated Bills were passed through the House of Representatives on 23 November, I regret that these Bills were not consistent with the original Treasury-recommended resources super-profits tax, which was supported by the Greens and it has been estimated would have raised revenue in the order of $10 billion per year for many pressing social needs, including changes to the indexation of veterans’ superannuation.
The Government’s mining tax which passed the House has been severely “watered down”. Indeed, some commentators have suggested that, if resource prices remain at their current levels, lost revenue will be in the order of $200 billion over the coming decade.
The Minerals Resource Rent Tax Bill is yet to be passed by the Senate.
The Greens, however, remain committed to encouraging the Government to change the current indexation of all Commonwealth superannuation pensions. We have specifically made a formal request to the government for change to military superannuation to be considered as part of the next Federal budget.
Thank you again for taking the time to write about this important issue.
Yours sincerely,
Senator Penny Wright
Australian Greens Senator for South Australia
Hello Ken Marsh. An old RAAF colleague sent me the poem the other day. I fired it on to most of my contacts list (there are a few that wouldn’t get it); and I wish I’d had enough imagination to put it up here. Thanks.
Bill Arden, I was too obscure about commutation. Trying to be cute, you see. I should have written what you did. The other thing I was trying to point out is that our part of the exchange – the loss of at least 12% of our annual pension, for life, costs us a lot more than we got out of it in the first place.
Bert Hoebee, that’s a great comment about super; and the DFWA paper says it all, really.
Finally, I’ll say it now before the brain goes into overload: Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone!!!
Dear RAY GIBSON, is there anything you don’t know? Thank you Sir, now I get it.
You are a champ.
Dear BILL ARDEN, yes, RAY GIBSON’s reference to the poor effulant was very apt, spot on.
And thanks Sir, for the definition and you are right about jargon and I am keen to learn, so that I can understand more.
Actually ‘ off air ‘ someone contacted me and said they too were wondering about the word. Of course to you, it’s all second nature because you know your subject so well, as politicians are learning to their electoral peril.
Dear MATT NORMAN ( WINGMAN ), in no way are you off topic Brother. It is wonderful that you
salute our Brothers and Sisters who are overseas and in our thoughts we embrace their families back home.
* I urge everyone to read Matt’s investigative and compelling expose on his experiences fighting the NATIONAL AUSTRALIA BANK in the Victorian Supreme Court. It is on the Front Page of
Independent Australia today.
By the way, doesn’t the NAB do Defence Force Loans ?
Dear KEN MARSH, XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX to everything you say Bro.
Dear BERT HOEBEE, thanks for bringing this to our attention and it is important to share
this material. Everything helps and it does not matter if things are repeated because not
everyone has the chance to go through ALL the comments.
Thanks for the link to the DFWA – and it’s worth a squizzy just for general interest.
Mostly all of us know someone who is in the Forces.
Thank you for reminding us of the special obligations to the State of service personnel under the various UN articles.
How tragic it is, then, that your Government treats you with utter contempt and if the Government was an individual civilian, it would be prosecuted for mass elder abuse.
Dear KEN MARSH, in relation to what Greens SENATOR PENNY WRIGHT has to say.
Bollocks. and Lies. What political tripe. Why do the Greens persist in treating you as idiots ?
Dear BARNEY WARD, you cheeky possum. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you.
2012 will be THE year for Justice for Diggers.
Yes, Ken and Tess!
Aren’t the Greens disingenuous b..s: they keep bombarding us with requests for $$ support saying how well they have done, and things like: ” We Greens will not sit idly by and watch actions that will threaten the future of our country for generations to come”, when all they while they ARE sitting idly playing politics with us, our future and our issue, which they proclaim is of such a high priority!!
All we want for Christmas … … is a Fair Go: dignity, respect and equity in the indexation of our superannuation pensions.
Dear BERT HOEBEE, in relation to your pension increase ( I hesitate to call it an increase, it’s more a parity as it stands ) the GREENS have been totally hypocritical and have proved themselves to be political and moral cowards.
Earlier int he coments is a telling video of SENATOR BOB BROWN asnwering a question from the wonderful PETER CLAYTON. It is there for all to see. Disgraceful political horsetrading in all its inglorious obscenity.
Hi all
I would urge all to log on to Crikey and get a limited free subscibtion. Make comment in relation to Peter Criss’s article before it is taken off.
Comments are already being made by the ill-informed and ignorate in relation to the article. The more comments by people who know what they are talking about the better.
It will serve to educate the uninformed.
To all, and especially Tess,have a Merry Christmas and a Happy and prosperous New Year.
Keep up the fight.
Dear JOHN SAINSBURY, thanks for the heads up – and do consider posting a link to the PETER CRISS article.
Thank you so much John, for your good wishes for Christmas and the New Year. It’s lovely of you. Your support means the world to me.
Rest assured I will keep up the good fight. How could I not, walking alongside you all.
It is a privilege.
DIGGERS SUICIDE WATCH: And not just through Christmas. Let us all look out for one another. Here’s an important email from DR RODERICK BAIN, Medical Adviser to the RSL National Exective, along with an article on Queensland stats by AAP. There is a human being in every statistic listed here.
Dear Colleagues,
Could we all be mindful of this less often discussed topic at this time, during the holiday and Festive Season. This anxious time will potentially include many of our own veteran mates where times have been particularly tough in several parts of this country during 2011. VVCS is close to hand and their number 1800 011 046 works Australia wide for those who need to talk their difficulties through. Other forms of assistance can also be found with Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636 and Lifeline 13 11 14.
This is not a matter to be entered into lightly as we’re all aware that much more needs to be done as the regrettable figures below indicate. As bad as our road toll might be our suicide figures are considerably higher.
Thank you for any assistance and raising of awareness you’re able to provide at this time.
Best regards,
Rod.
Dr Roderick Bain MBBS FRCA FANZCA
Medical Adviser to RSL National Executive
Tel 02-93808774
Mob. 0417604450
roderickbain@gmail.com
Doctors warn of suicide spike this Christmas
Thursday, December 22, 2011 – AAP
Darren Cartwright
The emotional fallout from Queensland’s natural disasters could lead to a sharper than usual spike in suicides this festive season, doctors say.
Australian Medical Association Queensland (AMAQ) president Dr Richard Kidd says suicides are traditionally higher during the festive season because many personal and financial pressures were magnified.
With the first anniversary of the January floods and Cyclone Yasi approaching, the AMAQ is concerned another layer of stress will be added to those affected by the disasters.
“There is a very dark side to the festive season, sadly, and we see an increase in suicides this time of year,” Dr Kidd told reporters on Tuesday.
“We are really concerned there is going to be more of a spike this year.
“People who haven’t recovered from the floods are not in a position to give all that they would like to give to their children than in previous years.
“There will be a number of ways the floods and the cyclones will be impacting on the quality of Christmas this year, and it’s already a time that we see increased numbers of suicides and increased distress, so it’s a double banger if you like.”
In a bid to prevent suicides, the AMAQ has funded a new TV advertising campaign encouraging people suffering from depression and anxiety to consult their GPs.
The leading cause of death for men and women under 34 is suicide and males dominate the statistics, Dr Kidd said.
“Men have overall less support systems and are still being conditioned to be the bread winner and the rock,” he said.
“Men traditionally go into their cave when they have a problem to sort out, where women go and talk to friends.”
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, there were 488 suicides in Queensland in 2009 – more than one a day.
Across Australia there were 2131 people who took their own lives last year.
* Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or SANE Helpline on 1800 18 SANE (7263) or visit http://www.beyondblue.org.au.
Dear Dr. Bain,
The timing of your article is so appropriate. Moreso now than ever, we need to think beyond our own boundaries and think of others.
May I also suggest we think of our Veterans at this time of the year. Too many are still serving overseas, away from family and friends and it will be a bleak Christmas for them. I speak from experience with two Christmas days away from home in the Army uniform of this country.
I do hope ALL politicians read your article from their far away destinations as they sip on their champagne, easily affordable as a result of their indecent pay rises:
“suicides are traditionally higher during the festive season because many personal and financial pressures were magnified”.
It is time we thought of others less fortunate than ourselves.
Dear KBHUSSELL, it’s wonderful of you to back up DR BAIN’s timely warning. And I know that many of us will heed your compassionate call to think of others less fortunate than ourselves.
You have experienced that ache of not being with loved ones on what, for many, remains a very special time that goes well beyond all the crass commercialisation.
* I don’t wonder what the pollies will be toasting as they guzzle the Bolly. They will be toasting a year of utter political mismanagement and pathetic governance, for which they have
rewarded themselves with thousands of dollars per annum that should be going to Diggers.
Nice work if you can get it.
OOOPs! In an earlier comment I referred to a video of SENATOR BOB BROWN being asked a question by PETER CLAYTON. I meant PETER THORNTON!!!!!
Sorry to both PETERS!
And Onya both PETERS for your campaigning!
know Dr Rod Bain and agree that this is the time of the year where we sometimes find ourselves alone and not doing too well.
On the 1/01/2008 my 32 year old Son committed suicide. The after mart was very difficult and if I had not had the help from Lifeline and the VVCS I was heading down the same path.
I blame a lot of things, myself my broken marriage, alcohol, drugs the list goes on. It is a far too common happening within the service community our children committing suicide and
If there were studies done they would probably find it is more common with the Service families.
Our frequent moving aprox every two years, the service life where the Father is away a lot, the large consumption of alcohol in my part as a service member which leads the children to think it is the norm.
Theses all lead up to our children growing up with no stable environment, no lifelong friends that children of the civilian family have. This is also another reason that our service to the Country is different to
Public Servants and Civilian workers.
I am not sharing this with you to gain Sympathy or anything like that I just want to support Dr Bain in what he has said.
We have to ask the Question “ Are you alright?” if we think someone is heading in the direction of Suicide.
Bob Ihlein
Dear BOB IHLEIN, I’ve always known because of your comments that you are an extraordinary human being,and I for one am honoured that you have shared with us, the truth of your son’s suicide – and revealed this extraordinary laceration of heart and mind, in order to make us seriously contemplate our own lives – and the lives of those around us, including members of our own family. We are all one family in moments like this Brother.
You will have saved at least one of us today Bob, with the brutal sting of what you have written here today.
You are just a few more sleepless nights to the anniversary of your son’s suicide on New Year’s Day and I know for you that will just be yesterday. Not 2008.
You are so open, so honest, so courageous and so magnificent in your shared humanity.
To think that at this time, whilst you think of your Dear Son, that you are thinking of others too. What a lesson to us all.
Many of your Brethren and we ‘ civilians ‘ too, will recognise and empathise will all you
have written.
We do have to ask one another if we’re okay. And not humiliate or demean people if they are not. They are us an another day. What happened to you can and does happen to us.
If you can and want to, I would love to know your son’s name and a bit about him. In my mad way, I like to light candles to remember loved ones who have died and who now live in my heart and thoughts.
I will think of your son. And you Dear Bob.
I would urge that we copy and include your story in future correspondence to politicians. As if they don’t know about such scenario! The moral cowardice of their looking away disgusts me.
It is fabulous that you are supporting DR BAIN in this -and please let him know of your comment
Bob.
You could not have given us all a better Christmas or Hanukkah present. And what a way to honour your son’s life – by telling his story – and yours – in an effort to save the lives of others.
You are a HERO Bob, in more ways than one.
* MEMO TO ALL OF US. If you have the Yuks, or the Sads, don’t lock it inside and let it fester and multiply. Call Lifeline 13 11 14.
Hi all
Sad things happen to all people, and I sympathise with the families and anyone who has suffered the fallout from suicide.
Apart from Lifeline, Beyound Blue, The Veterans and Families Councelling Service, there are many other ex-service organisations like the Vietnam Veterans Federation and offshoots, who offer support and councelling during such difficult times.
I say hang in there, and seek, and offer support if needed. Even if it is just a shoulder to lean on, do it.
Thanks for your kind words.
My son’s name is Mark Robert and yes it is a hard time of the year for me but I have support that I need.
The main thing is we have to talk about things and not let it go too far as then it is very hard for the ones left behind.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to one and all.
We will be back bigger and stronger for the continued battle next year.
Bob
Dear JOHN SAINSBURY, well said – so glad you’re all putting your support into helping one
another. Wise words. Thanks so much John.
Dear BOB IHLEIN, I know that your family won’t be the only ones thinking of MARK ROBERT and it is wonderful that you have such support – and that you still reach out to others.
You are right. We do have to talk about things before they eat too far into us.
Sweet Blessings to all for Christmas and Hannukah and all the other festivities at this time of
the year.
And too right that we’re all up for it in 2012!
Keep safe on the roads.
Vale BRUCE RUXTON, as a journalist, I interviewed Bruce a number of times, both for
print and radio.
He was one of those rare human beings who was fearless about his opinions and expressing
them in public. As such, Bruce was always someone who was prepared to be quoted.
So often he opened up public debate and argument about contentious issues in a way that no politician could. Or would.
STOP PRESS:BRUCE RUXTON & BARRY EVERINGHAM.
For nine years Independent Australia’s Senior Correspondent Barry Everingham was the personal media adviser to BRUCE RUXTON.
It just may have been the world’s most unusual PR coupling; given
that both men were singularly minded and given that Bruce fired Barry with alarming regularity
for his insubordination and wise counsel.
Likewise, Bruce would call Barry and demand why he wasn’t at his post, minutes after dismissing him!
I understand the ABC has already interviewed Bazza about Bruce. There is no doubt that few others have more insight into the Ruxton complexities as does our Barry Everingham.
To all who have contributed to this discussion over the last months, thank you. I had largely lost contact with the defence community until a chance meeting a few years ago and over the last 12 to 18 months have begun to connect again in a real and meaningful way. And this thread and all of you have been a part of that. And one day I hope to meet you face to face – perhaps when we march on Canberra.
In a personal communication with Peter Criss I realised that although we cannot remember each other he is one of the many knuckleheads I have strapped in to the seat of a miracle (couldn’t resist that one Tess).
So to you and all of the defence family, especially those overseas at Christmas and their families, all the best for the festive season. And if for some reason – and I know there will be some of your – who find this a painful or lonely time – my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Remember:
We may not call ourselves ‘the honorable’, but our service was and is.
They may deny us our proper entitlements, but they cannot deny us the fact that we served, and in that we can all take pride.
Merry Christmas.
Dear KEN MARSH, you wonderful cheeky possum! I agree with you so much about this ongoing discussion we’re all having. Actually, it’s sort of our Facebook page, isn’t it.
I cannot imagine not checking in to read what you or someone else has to say. It’s a meeting
place and I know for sure that there are been a number of reunions and catch ups here in the
comments section.
And by the way, what did the fearless and Fab PETER CRISS say to you Ken, when you told him that.
Tell you what, I feel the same way about a big get together and from day one, I’ve been looking forward to that march on Canberra. That is going to be a big number.
As usual Ken, you are also thinking of others and thanks for acknowledging defence family
members serving overseas and yes, there are many of us for whom this can be an especially painful and lonely time, and I know that so many of you Veterans keep a lookout for those
doing it tough; even though you are often doing it tough yourselves.
The thing is, sharing a meal is always a good start – and even if it’s a cheese sandwich, that’s a great joy and more than a splendid feast with company, don’t you reckon.
Thank you all for your service to this counry. That service continues in this fight for
Justice. No question. You are all heroes and with that irresistable and charming combo of being courageous and brave AND with a sense of great humour.
You Diggers kept me going through a really yuk period and it was my promise to you that
helped me unfurl from laying in a foetal position and enabled me to focus outside the zone of
my own illness.
Crikey, I’m so glad we all met – and so looking forward to marching alongside you in 2012.
Merry Christmas. And Sweet Blessings.
MINISTER SNOWDON’S HOLIDAY OUT-OF-OFFICE MESSAGE FYI.
From: Snowdon, Warren
Sent: Saturday, December 24, 2011
Subject: Out of Office [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED]
Thank you for emailing the Office of Warren Snowdon MP, Minister for Veterans’ Affairs.
This Office is closed until Wednesday 4 January 2012.
For crisis counselling, please call the Veterans’ Line on
1800 011 046 – which is available 24 hours a day.
For any other urgent matter, please contact Ross Bain, Chief of Staff, on
0414 664 302.
We wish you a safe and happy holiday season.
Thank you.
So, just remind me boys and girls – is our Fair Indexation Issue an “other urgent matter” for us to contact Ross Bain (COS to Mr Snowden) out of working hours?
Just asking……..
Be a fair bastard to upset his Christmas hols eh???
Best regards to all (except Julia’s mob)
Paul
Dear PAUL, wash your mouth out! On the other hand, MINISTER SNOWDON
obviously has placed his trust in ROSS BAIN, as he should.
I think the definition of ” other urgent matter ” is up to the individual.
Do I think that the issue of an increase in Defence Force Retirement and Death
Benefits is a matter of extreme political urgency ?
Yes I do.
SWEET BLESSINGS TO ALL
Dear Ms. Gillard and Mr. Abbott,
I do hope you both watch a replay of your sad efforts of a eulogy to men and women serving overseas that was shown on the ABC tonight, Sunday, Christmas Day.
The entire facade was further reduced in quality, when, within minutes of turning your backs on the cameras, you turned your backs on current service men and women who have done it far tougher than either of you, or your sad followers could ever understand. Equally, you both turned your backs on the likes of me and thousands like me who have “been there and done that”. The collective “you” have been treating us this way for years and you could not give a toss could you? The collective “you” do not even have the manners or ability to respond, as a matter of courtesy, to our correspondence. Take a bow S. Hanson-Young, you obviously cannot read or write , else you would have responded to my first letter sent back in August. Sad to say, but next to Gillard, Swan and Albanese, you are the most arrogant politician in Canberra with your nose in the trough. Enjoy it while you can dear lady, your hold on the greasy pole is losing its grip.
What do we have to do to get the message through to you and all those other imposters who are supposed to be running this country? Caring for the less fortunate, the aged and the veterans, their widows and children, who have more than done their bit for Queen and country. Collectively, you could not give one, could you? It is no longer a case of if, but when, the next lot hits the fan, you will look to the servicemen and women to put their shoulders to the wheel without a second thought.
Is there any politician in Canberra who has the balls to stand up and be counted when it comes to Veterans and their families? Do any of you have what it takes to lead from the front? Are any of you prepared to take up the challenge on our behalf? The deafening sound of silence suggests the answer is a big NO on all accounts.
Dear KBHUSSELL, what a strong and powerful shard that cuts right into the spleen of the pathetic body politic we have witnessed in 2011.
I didn’t see the program, but I will because of what you’ve written here. You have exposed the shameless hypocrisy of our politicians.
I read the hurt and anger in your words Ken, and they mirror the feelings of many of your Brethren and families.
You are all so amazing. I compare what you write with the banal pro forma drivel that seeps out of Party HQ. I think it’s time that some of you stood for public office. Especially in those marginal seats where the number of Veterans form a powerful electoral bloc.
For a long time after I left the RAAF I felt unworty to be called a veteran. I suspect I am not alone. I share the following in the hope it may be helpful to someone else.
I AM A VETERAN
‘The only way human beings can win a war is to prevent it.’ General George C. Marshall
I am a veteran of 20 years service with the Australian Defence Force (ADF). While I now wear that title with pride it took me almost 20 years after I separated from the ADF before I felt comfortable doing so. In fact, I wondered if I even had the right to be called a veteran.
Australian troops were heavily committed to the Vietnam war when I joined the RAAF as a 16 year old apprentice in 1967 but that commitment ceased in early 1973 before my turn came. So most of my career was in the post Vietnam period and came to an end before Desert Storm.
I never fought the ‘war within’, not wanting to let my ‘mates down’ while knowing that ‘each step could mean your last one on two legs.’ My experience was not of ‘mud and blood and tears’, of seeing mates shot down, and living with the memory of ‘Frankie, drinking tinnies in the Grand Hotel on a thirty six hour rec. leave in Vung Tau.’
Night for me is not ‘a jungle dark and a barking M16.’ The ‘Channel 7 chopper’ doesn’t chill ‘me to my feet’, and I am not troubled by ‘this rash that comes and goes’. No, neither I or my family live with the aftermath of the terror of war as do too many others.
How then can I call myself a veteran, join their fellowship and march beside them on Anzac Day? I was never tested and proved myself as they had.
After I left the Service I gradually lost contact with most of those I had served with. As time passed I missed the camaraderie and the mate ships, thinking I had lost these forever. I wondered if I could join the Anzac day march but then I reasoned it was for those ‘real veterans’, not for peace time wannabes like me. Eventually a phone call to the RSL confirmed my entitlement to march and to my reconnecting with what is a very important and significant part of my life.
It was at the 2005 march in Sydney – probably the first one I participated in – that I met another ex-apprentice from an earlier intake. He told me about a reunion my intake was holding later that year and put me in touch with an old mate in Melbourne who had the details. As a result of that contact I am back in touch with former mates. I have joined my local RSL sub-branch, the RAAF Association and the 77 Squadron Association. Now I attend reunions, sub-branch meetings and association functions. As well as renewing old friendships I am enjoying the fellowship of the wider ex-service community.
This, however, is not why I wear the title ‘veteran’ with pride. Rather, it is a recognition and acceptance of my service and that of others of my generation of service men and women for what it was and what it did.
I served five years with 75 Squadron at Butterworth Air Base in Penang, Malaysia in the 1970s. Throughout the 1970s and most of the 80s the RAAF maintained two fighter squadrons plus a maintenance and base squadron as part of Australia’s treaty obligations to Malaysia and Singapore. The RAAF presence was maintained to act as a deterrent against external aggression and was established at a time of regional instability. At the time the the Malaysian armed forces were engaged in an internal war against communist insurgents bent on overthrowing the Malaysian Government that only came to an end in 1989.
From 1947 to the present day Australian military personnel have been involved in peace keeping operations in different trouble spots around the globe – the Middle East, Africa, Kashmir, Korea, South East Asia and the Pacific. Australian’s were the first to participate in United Nations peace keeping operations anywhere in the world when they entered Indonesia in 1947 – a proud record.
In December 1974 I was serving on Caribous with 38 Squadron at Richmond when Cyclone Tracy devastated Darwin. In the aftermath of Tracy my mates who worked with the Hercules squadrons down the tarmac, including those with 486 Maintenance Squadron, worked tirelessly in support of the largest air lift this country has seen. The Australian Military have a long history of coming to the aid of their fellow Australians in times of natural disaster as well as responding to disasters in other countries in the Pacific region and beyond.
My generation of service men and women may not have endured the horrors and privation of Vietnam, Korea or Afghanistan. What we did do was maintain a strong and well-trained defence infrastructure which of itself was a strong deterrence to aggression and so contributed to the security of not only our fellow Australians, but to our region of the world. We saw the introduction of new technology and methods that improved Australia’s defence capability. And we trained the next generation of women and men so that when the time came they were able to respond to the call of our Government, wherever that took them. Those of my generation can take pride in the accomplishments of today’s service women and men knowing that if it were not for our service they would not be able to achieve the tasks they have been allotted, just as we acknowledge that we could not have performed ours without the service of those that came before us. In common with service men and women of all generations we committed ourselves to serve the citizens of Australia, even if that service took us to our death.
Like many Australians I have the greatest respect and admiration for those women and men who have served our nation in armed conflict. We must always remember their sacrifice and their mates who paid the ultimate price to safeguard our democratic freedoms and way of life. I cannot and do not compare my service to theirs.
I also take pride in the service and contribution of my generation of service men and women. We did all that was asked of us. There are no insignificant roles in the army, navy or air force. Each individual contributes to the success of the whole. We are all veterans and we can all wear that title with pride.
Acknowledgement
Redgum, ‘I was only 19′
Dear KEN MARSH, re I AM A VETERAN – what a profoundly moving, poignant and thought-provoking essay.
Thank you for writing it.
You have done well to remind us that serving on the frontline
also involves ‘ defensive ‘ and not always ‘ offensive ‘ activities; and not always in armed conflict.
You are also on standby in relation to man made wars and those other wars of
nature, like Cyclone Tracy, floods and bushfires, tsunami and earthquakes.
You should “take pride in the service and contribution of your generation of service men and women.”
These words of yours: –
“I also take pride in the service and contribution of my generation of service men and women. We did all that was asked of us. There are no insignificant roles in the army, navy or air force. Each individual contributes to the success of the whole. We are all veterans and we can all wear that title with pride.”
- are words that our current PRIME MINISTER, JULIA GILLARD, OPPOSITION LEADER TONY ABBOTT and GREENS LEADER BOB BROWN, don’t want to hear or even acknowledge.
In no way can these words apply to the dismal record of governance in Australia in 2011 in particular.
It is wonderful that you have caught up with your mates. Your support of one another – and
of those in the wider community who are limping a bit in life and straggling behind, is an inspirational life lesson for all of us.
I’m glad you didn’t just think these thoughts Ken, but that you went to the trouble to put
your thoughts in words, and to share them with us today.
* I love that quote from General Marshall; love to learn more about him.
KEN MARSH, has sent two fabulous links to enlighten me about General George Marshall.
Now the penny drops, albeit from a great height. It’s the same Marshall as in the Marshall Plan. Now I get it. Thanks Ken.
http://www.nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/peace/laureates/1953/marshall-bio.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Marshall
Dear JOCK O’NEILL pulls no punches about: –
ADF Recruiting overseas
This is just another way of driving the cost of the military pay rates down. Just as was the case when we had conscription.
When conscription was abolished in 1972, to retain skilled workers the pay rate for Regular servicemen and women was increased by 30%.
The idea of recruiting overseas is armed forces on the cheap just the same as the Military Disability Pension and Retirement Pensions are on the cheap.
This nation needs to wake up to the great political abuse of our military the Anzac legend and myth covers up. When it comes to paying the appropriate wages, disability payments and superannuation pensions Anzac is just a big con job for the political elite.
Who would want to join the military today when a disability caused therein leads to a life on welfare? The same trades people required in the military can earn twice as much in the resources sector and be covered by community best practice workplace accident liability insurance. With the added bonus, nobody shoots at you.
The Australian Defence Association is only thinking of the commercial advantages from Defence contracts by keeping sweet and kowtowing to the government line. As the ADA website states it is not an ESO as we know one and as such they do not represent the interests of our servicemen or women. Why anyone would take notice of Neil James’s misnamed ADA on diggers pay, conditions and entitlements is beyond understanding.
Jock O’Neill, Perth.
This has been the 2nd most viewed IA story of 2011. Read about it here:
http://www.independentaustralia.net/2011/politics/top-ia-stories-of-2011-diggers-versus-the-gillard-government/
DD
I had this emailed to me today how true in our battle with the Government.
________________________________________
He was getting old and paunchy
And his hair was falling fast,
And he sat around the bar,
Telling stories of the past.
Of a war that he once fought in
And the deeds that he had done,
In his exploits with his buddies;
They were heroes, every one.
And ‘tho sometimes to his neighbors
His tales became a joke,
All his buddies listened quietly
For they knew of where he spoke.
But we’ll hear his tales no longer,
For ol’ Bob has passed away,
And the world’s a little poorer
For a Serviceman died today.
He won’t be mourned by many,
Just his children and his wife..
For he lived an ordinary,
Very quiet sort of life.
He held a job and raised a family,
Going quietly on his way;
And the world won’t note his passing,
‘Tho a Serviceman died today.
When politicians leave this earth,
Their bodies lie in state,
While thousands note their passing,
And proclaim that they were great.
Papers tell of their life stories
From the time that they were young
But the passing of a Serviceman
Goes unnoticed, and unsung.
Is the greatest contribution
To the welfare of our land,
Some jerk who breaks his promise
And cons his fellow man?
Or the ordinary fellow
Who in times of war and strife,
Goes off to serve his country
And offers up his life?
The politician’s stipend
And the style in which he lives,
Are often disproportionate,
To the service that he gives.
While the ordinary Serviceman,
Who offered up his all,
Is paid off with a medal
And perhaps a pension, small.
It’s so easy to forget them,
For it is so many times
That our Bobs and Jims and Johnnys,
Went to battle, but we know,
It is not the politicians
With their compromise and ploys,
Who won for us the freedom
That our country now enjoys.
Should you find yourself in danger,
With your enemies at hand,
Would you really want some cop-out,
With his ever waffling stand?
Or would you want a Serviceman
His home, his country, his kin,
Just a common Serviceman,
Who would fight until the end.
He was just a common Serviceman,
And his ranks are growing thin,
But his presence should remind us
We may need his like again.
For when countries are in conflict,
We find the Serviceman’s part
Is to clean up all the troubles
That the politicians start.
If we cannot do him honor
While he’s here to hear the praise,
Then at least let’s give him homage
At the ending of his days..
Perhaps just a simple headline
In the paper that might say:
“OUR COUNTRY IS IN MOURNING,
A SERVICEMAN DIED TODAY.”
Thanks BOB IHLEIN, for posting this poignant poem. Do you know its origins by any chance ?
Some of the words sound famliar and I think someone may have sent it to me in the past, but
would love to know more about the poem – and the author.
Dear All,
Health and happiness to you and yours for this New Year and beyond. I am looking forward to a year where we continue to take the fight up to “that mob” in Canberra.
For Bob Ilhein,
Our thoughts are with you on this day my friend.
Dear BOB IHLEIN, like KBHUSSELL, I am thinking of You and Your Family -and your son MARK ROBERT on this anniversary of his death.
Your wonderful comment and reminder to us all the the day, to look out for one another prompts me to remember that this can be a very bleak time of the year for many of us.
To all of us, keep the Lifeline phone number 13 11 14 handy , and don’t hesitate to call – or to share it with others.
It would be wonderful to start and end 2012, together.
Tess and KBHussell
Thank you for your kind thoughts And Happy New Year to everyone I hope we all have a good one and get stuck into them in 2012.
Bob
Dear All,
I have viewed the video prepared by Matt Norman on Tess’ situation and words fail me.
As I see it, at the moment Tess is trying to dog paddle in the ocean, in rough seas without adequate floatation devices and she needs help.
Is there anyone out there with a legal background or with a well qualified legal contact?. That this has happened to her, her home and belongings defies logic. I can only assume the Police are not interested and how much weight can anyone put on a piece of paper on her gate and door without a formal presentation of what her “wrongs” are.
Does anyone know of supports that could be available to Tess? Legal aid, ICAC, SAS or the Mafia? Surely this has to be the most UN- Australian act I have ever witnessed and there has to be some way we can help.
Oh Dear KBHUSSELL, I want to give you a big e-hug! That’s exactly how I feel at the moment, dog-paddling is a good phrase.
I love your reference to the SAS and the Mafia!
This happens to people every week KB. That is why I must not capitulate to such corporate psychopaths or their lackeys, in this case, MCKEAN PARK lawyers.
POET LAUREATE GEORGE MANSFORD’s ‘A FAIR GO’ poem is a wonderful way to bridge 2011 with 2012,
given that the notion of a ‘ A Fair Go ‘is ageless and forever undated. In this beautiful poem
the fabulous George reminds us that old soldiers can’t eat medals. Are you listening PRIME MINISTER JULIA GILLARD ?
A FAIR GO
The cry of Fair Go arrived with the convicts from the First Fleet
Later, the Rum Corp demanded it by rebelling in the streets
A Fair Go is part of our diet in this vast southern land
The lack of it caused the Eureka Stockade and a defiant stand
The mob at Vinegar Hill stood fast to seek it and did defy
The Labor Party was born and Fair Go became its battle cry
Ned Kelly never got it, so took to robbing for his loot
Mind you, today’s Pollys’ do it far better and don’t have to shoot
The ANZACS and those who followed fought to make it so
Their dream was to ensure every Aussie battler has a Fair Go
Today we scream it at the Refs and Umps when they get it wrong
Even louder with adjectives if we’re playing Kiwis or Poms
We love it when a battler beats the system cos he got a Fair Go
Just like when David whacked Goliath for six into the back row
Then at last Canberra Suits were in the hall vowing us a Fair Go
Alas, the stage is now deserted as are the promises they gave
Given the current cast and the play, Ben Chifley’sturning in his grave
Clearly today’s Pollys simply get it all so bloody wrong
They don’t understand the cry that made our nation strong
It’s called a Fair Go for all walks of life, no matter who they are
Be it in the big smoke, country town, cattle runs or dream timeafar
It does include old soldiers who can’t eat medals you know
When it comes to indexation they too need a Fair Go
As do disabled diggers who were ripped off not so long ago
Or the farmers invaded by moguls with their oil and gas drills
A Fair Go is being threatened by greed, PC*, spin and happy pills
Like all those before us, the call is still the same
Directed at injustice, broken promises and all who run unfair games
No matter where tomorrow takes our nation, one thing is for sure
Its proud people will sing, write and shout “Fair Go” for evermore
George Mansford December 2011
*PC–Political Correctness
Tess I just viewed the video.
I am disgusted that an Australian could do that to you.
How can we help? You have done enough for us in our fight for fair indexation.
That is a minor battle to what you are facing.If we hadn’t upset Mike Kelly he is a lawyer but doubt if he would help as he would be too concerned in helping himself.
I hope that there is one of us out there who is qualified to help you in the legal maner. There would be plenty of us if you need some muscle to march into the National Australia Bank and give them a bit of what for. They are a bunch of Ars…..s and we should all close our National Australia Bank accounts.
I am so sorry that we have people in this country that we fought for that can do this to you.
Regards
Bob
Dear Tess,
Just like Bob Ihlein, I share the same sentiments that he has expressed about your treatment. On the TV tonight there was an article on Today Tonight where the civil libertarian lawyers were bleating about prisoners being denied justice and human rights. And of course the taxpayer picks up the bill for these pathetic lawyers to represent them. Why don’t they come out of the woodwork for people like yourself or, for veterans trying to get a fair go after they leave the service. And of course the veteran on military super was happy to sign away his/her human rights for 20 + years to get a military pension. The answer is simple. These scumbag lawyers get paid by the Crown to represent people who have committed crimes against our laws and don’t deserve to be treated like everyone one else, who lives by the rules. And they perpetuate their future business by getting photo opportunities and TV/media exposure crying “foul” on behalf of the dregs of society. No problem going to the Supreme Court or the High Court, Australian taxpayers will keep footing the Bill for the rediculous claims that these lawyers put forward.
And so Tess, the likes of yourself and veterans must either have the money to take on the Government or big business to court (and obviously we can’t afford that). And if we represent ourselves people will say that only a fool would represent himself/herself in a court of law.
Unless there are some dramatic changes in the law of the land regarding free representation, only those with plenty of money will continue to be the ones who can afford a good lawyer.
Of course Julia our PM{?} says that Australia is about a fair go for everyone. As we can assuredly state- no it isn’t Julia.
Tess, the only way you can win this fight and achieve a fair outcome is for someone or some organisation/s to foot the Bill for your Defence or, take on your case on a no win – no pay basis.
At the very least, the video on your visit to your home is a clear example to Australia, just how the National Bank and it’s lawyers treat NBA customers. Lets hope the video goes viral.
We continue ti stand beside you Tess
John Griffiths
Dear BOB IHLEIN, I am very moved at what you have written here and I want to make it quite clear that I don’t think I would have come out of that dark yuk place I was in, after the
verbal threats and assault in the Courts, when I slid into depression, anxiety and PTSD, if I had not promised you all that I would walk with you on this campaign until we got Justice for
Veterans -and serving defence personnel.
It was the main thing that made me crawl out of the abyss, just to keep the faith with you. And because I was worried about you – and still am – knowing what some of you have been through and what some of you are still going through. And to think that in Court, the NAB
( in my absence ) actually got stuck into me behind my back and got stuck into my connection with this story – and our comments, arguing that if I could do this – how could I be really sick – even though the eminent psychologists Michael Crewdson and Dr David List both explained this was normal, that a patient would be able to focus on things other than the object/subject of the illness.
You all helped me find my courage again. For sure.
It was a cruel blow – and also says that the NAB doesn’t believe people should be allowed to rehabilitate from illness – or build up their self-worth after it has been shattered.
The NAB likes to keep its legal jackboot on your neck, while they’re punching you on the canvass.
Dear JOHN GRIFFITHS, I remember the 7.30 show on the ABC where you and your family were interviewed by Josie Taylor – and how you told it like it is. That program went a long way to
encourage me to go public with what was happening.
If we don’t expose these things, we become complicit by our silence. And they rely on grinding us down.
You didn’t remain silent. You didn’t remain a bystander. And by opening up your home and your heart, thousands of Australians were suddenly made aware of the reality of your paltry veteran pensions, for the first time.
To know that you are standing by me, is a powerful impetus – and great encouragement.
I have been rejected by legal aid and I do sometimes get perplexed at how decisions
are made on who to help.
However unpalatable and difficult it is to deal with, in some cases, I believe that even murderers are entitled to competent legal representation – and I prefer to see a prosecution and defence of equal calibre and contest, because I think Justice is best served that way. And it is Justice rather than Revenge that I try to aspire to.
I think it sometimes takes great courage to defend someone who is clearly guilty of a murderous crimes and who is loathed by the majority of the community. Evidence should be tested.
* I have repeatedly asked the NAB ( in writing ) to release funds to me to engage lawyers to defend me against them in Court. They have openly laughed at me for even suggesting it.
They have mocked my stammer in Court and a magistrate has been sarky about my obvious dyslexia,that sometimes worsens under stress.
I am pitted against corporate psychopaths and legal thugs. They have proved that.
But they are corrupt and fraudulent – and I have no problem in saying so. In Court or
out of it.
Sometimes, as MATT NORMAN has indicated in his own torrid account of his fight against the NAB, as a self-representing litigant, you are left entirely out of the conversation between the NAB and the Judge. So often the NAB sets the Agenda and the timetable.
I actually thought it was their right to do so, until I wised up. By then, of course, they
had designated the bulk of the directions of the three years of getting the matter to Trial.
I have to be a fool and defend myself because I have no alternative. I’ve been running my
own case, full-time for more than 3 years. The NAB has a fleet of lawyers pitted against me.
In Court, they do pathetic things, like pull faces at me (they have their backs to the Judge )
when I stand to speak.
I’d like to see these cases televised; in the public interest and for public accountability and legal transparency – and for Judges to take an affirmation that there is no conflict of
interest in the case they are hearing.
Here’s another poem, from George Mansford, posted with his approval.
A FAIR GO
The cry of Fair Go arrived with the convicts from the First Fleet
Later, the Rum Corp demanded it by rebelling in the streets
A Fair Go is part of our diet in this vast southern land
The lack of it caused the Eureka Stockade and a defiant stand
The mob at Vinegar Hill stood fast to seek it and did defy
The Labor Party was born and Fair Go became its battle cry
Ned Kelly never got it, so took to robbing for his loot
Mind you, today’s Pollys’ do it far better and don’t have to shoot
The ANZACS and those who followed fought to make it so
Their dream was to ensure every Aussie battler has a Fair Go
Today we scream it at the Refs and Umps when they get it wrong
Even louder with adjectives if we’re playing Kiwis or Poms
We love it when a battler beats the system cos he got a Fair Go
Just like when David whacked Goliath for six into the back row
Then at last Canberra Suits were in the hall vowing us a Fair Go
Alas, the stage is now deserted as are the promises they gave
Given the current cast and the play, Ben Chifley’s turning in his grave
Clearly today’s Pollys simply get it all so bloody wrong
They don’t understand the cry that made our nation strong
It’s called a Fair Go for all walks of life, no matter who they are
Be it in the big smoke, country town, cattle runs or dream time afar
It does include old soldiers who can’t eat medals you know
When it comes to indexation they too need a Fair Go
As do disabled diggers who were ripped off not so long ago
Or the farmers invaded by moguls with their oil and gas drills
A Fair Go is being threatened by greed, PC*, spin and happy pills
Like all those before us, the call is still the same
Directed at injustice, broken promises and all who run unfair games
No matter where tomorrow takes our nation, one thing is for sure
Its proud people will sing, write and shout “Fair Go” for evermore
George Mansford December 2011
*PC–Political Correctness
Dear Tess,
just re-read some of your court case. When do you have to go to court again? perhaps some of us could escort you for support and to avoid any confrontation with the opposition lawyers? just say the word. There must be a few local Victorians willing to step up to the plate.
Dear PAUL, that would be wonderful. Really. I am so moved at your support.
And it would be an honour to have you there. Will keep you posted.
Tess
Let us all know I will come down from the Central Coast of NSW it is only two days drive and I am sure there will be a lot more of us that will be there to support you.
I am closing my NAB account on Friday. Not a big account but it is one and I will be telling them why at the Branch.
All the best and keep all of us up to date on you progress.
Bob
Dear BOB IHLEIN, you are taking a quite extraordinary stand on my behalf and in my defence.
I am so very moved.
You are wonderful Bob, and I have teared up reading this, especially given Mark’s anniversary, but I am not comfortable with you having any more difficulties in your life on my account. You are already carrying too great a load. In no way do I wish to add to it.
I certainly will keep you up to date. For sure. And I would love to see you in Melbourne.
But again, would be fretting about you driving.
Just knowing that you are there, is such a lovely feeling.
What better frontline could there be than you gentlemen.
Dear Tess
Just watched Matt Norman’s video. Disgusting what they’ve done to you. Who would think Australians could sink so low?
I’m with Bob Ihlein, John Griffiths and the others who have expressed their support for you Tess. One or more of us will find a way to help you, somehow.
Dear BARNEY WARD, you are very special Gentlemen indeed.
I want you to know that expressing your steadfast and strong support is a powerful antedote to the yuk things that have happened and continue to happen in this matter, and makes me stand up a little more upright.
Thank you so very much.
SITUATION REPORT No 9 (SITREP NO 9)
GENERAL
1. I was going to issue an end of year SITREP, but decided that that would be looking backwards, and be somewhat negative.
2. We need to look to the future and 2012 will be a crucial year for our fight for “A FAIR GO’ campaign.
3. I am now convinced that OPERATION “LETTER RAID” was a great success. Many of you will have received a response from one or more politicians, albeit some of these from the politicians’ staff. The point is however that the Politicians did receive our letters.
4. The fact that the Politicians were forced to issue that so-called “FACT SHEET” clearly demonstrates that they felt a need to try to justify their intransigence on the indexation issues. However, the “FACT SHEET” was not signed, or dated. It had no specific Departmental reference. It was not authenticated and, in fact, it could have been issued by anyone. It confirms that we are making our point heard in Canberra.
CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (CPI)
5. Obviously there is disagreement and disunity within the Labor Government regarding the continuing application of the CPI to our military superannuation pension.
6. Even the flawed Matthews Report acknowledges that the CPI is no longer relevant as an indexation for military superannuation pensions. Recommendation 4 of the Matthews Report states that:“… if a robust index which reflects the price inflation experience of superannuants better than the CPI becomes available in the future, the Australian Government should consider its use for indexing Australian Government civilian and military superannuation pensions.”
7. To me, at least, this states that the CPI is not a robust index and, therefore, the Government should develop a more appropriate index.
8. However, the Government also acknowledged that the CPI was not appropriate as an index for our Nation’s Old Aged Pensions, so they introduced a more “robust” index – the Pensioner and Beneficiary Cost of Living Index (PBCLI). SO WHY DID NOT THE GOVERNMENT APPLY THIS INDEXATION TO OUR MILITARY SUPERANNUATION PENSION?
9. Then Minister Snowdon and other Politicians advise us, in their responses, that there is no better index than the CPI!! How hypocritical can they get? If this is true then why implement the PBCLI for the Old Aged Pensioners and why isn’t the CPI applied to our judges and our Politicians?
10. The same questions should be asked regarding the Government’s last minute decision not to apply the 2.7% increase to all Service (Military) members receiving some form of disability pension, as a result of the Harmer Review. This increase was granted to all civilian members who receive a disability pension but, at the last minute, the flow on was blocked to our members!! Why?
11. Why this blatant discrimination against those who gave the most important years of their life to our Nation?
12. Then Minister Snowdon argues that those who served 20 years still got out at a young age and therefore they should have been able to find a good occupation. Well, if you joined at 25 and served a minimum of 20 years (which you had to qualify for the lowest DFRDB/DFRB superannuation payment) you would be a minimum of 45 years old and it was never easy for a 45 year old plus Service personnel, especially those without any trade qualifications, to get a job let alone a good job. So the DFRDB/DFRB superannuation became their main income source.
13. Why is this Government refusing to even consider changing the CPI index?
14. Why are they maintaining this callous approach, even though there are Labor members, including Senator Kate Lundy, Ms Annette Ellis, Dr Mike Kelly who openly declare that the CPI is no longer relevant and that they are “working behind the scenes” to have Caucus reconsider its position!! And pigs fly!!
15. There are also those Independents, including Messrs Wilkie and Oakeshott, as well as Senators Xenophon and Brown, who also agree that the CPI is no longer maintaining parity with the increases to our cost of living!
SO WHAT NOW?
16. We must remain united and while I have said this many times before, we must show all the Politicians that we will continue our campaign for “A FAIR GO” right up to the polling booths at the next election.
17. We still need to write our letters to the Politicians, to keep in their faces, to remind them that we will not go away.
18. We need to concentrate on getting our message out through our local radio stations and our local TV stations.
19. I suggest that we conduct another “LETTER RAID” but this time direct our letters to nominated major media outlets.
20. We must see if we can get coverage on the “A CURRENT AFFAIR”, “60 MINUTES”, “TO-DAY TO-NIGHT” and similar shows.
21. We need to encourage the Opposition to bring these matters up in QUESTION TIME.
FINALLY
22. We must stay the fight.
23. All the best of good health and lots of laughs and good times throughout 2012.
REMEMBER EVIL WILL ONLY SUCCEED WHEN GOOD, HONEST MEN DO NOTHING
Neil Weekes
HOMELESS WAR VETERAN AND FAMILY. PITCH TENT IN FRONT OF GOVT OFFICES.
What’s wrong with this picture ? Everything! Sent to me by a concerned Digger.
Subject: Paula Todd, her war veteran husband Jamie and their children.
A HOMELESS couple and their five kids pitched a tent in front of a State Government office in Townsville yesterday
to protest over the lack of social housing.
Paula Todd, her war veteran husband Jamie and their children, aged from two to 15, were moved on from the Walker St site.
Mrs Todd said her young family had been homeless since moving to Townsville from Victoria in November, receiving little support.
They are among 25 “high-risk” families on a waiting list for four-bedroom homes.
Mrs Todd said the family had applied for more than 30 private rental properties, but had been knocked back each time.
The family was placed into emergency accommodation for two weeks after first telling the Townsville Bulletin of their plight in December.
Mrs Todd said the family was housed at a motel for $1225 a week for the fortnight, before their emergency funding dried up.
“There are no houses and there is nothing we can do,” Mrs Todd said.
“I’m so furious, I just want a roof over my head for my children.
“We will be forced to sleep in this tent.”
Department of Communities regional executive director for North Queensland Matthew Lupi yesterday sympathised with their plight and said staff had “turned over almost every stone” to assist the family.
“There is far greater demand for low-cost housing than the State’s able to provide in social housing. Despite substantial building programs we have to increase the number of dwellings,” he said.
“They are one of probably 25 families rated as high need looking for four-bedroom homes.
“Their case is exceptional but there’s probably 20 other families that will be upset if we allowed them to jump the queue who have also been on the waiting list.”
STORY FOUND AT: http://www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/article/2012/01/04/295171_news.html
Kind regards,
· Money can’t buy happiness.
But it makes misery easier to live with.
Onya NEIL WEEKES for the first SITREP for 2012.
LETTER RAID was an indisputable success. Congratulations for all of your hard work and relentless energy.
And writing and emailing and publishing letters as well as responses – even if they are
pro forma are critical in terms of forensic analyses of the overall situation.
As we now know. We have exposed the repetition of broken promises and lies, lies and broken promises – from all political hue.
We cannot slacked and I know we won’t slacken. Everything we all do as individuals also contributes to the whole.
Getting our message across to the wider public is important and yes, a lot more people have a lot more understanding about things,but only because of all of your maginificent efforts and your teamwork.
Losing is not an option.
Thanks Neil Weekes for the update. Great work!
I got so annoyed with Senator Wright’s reply to Ken Marsh that I sent a letter to her. Thanks, Bill Arden, for the link to the Flight Sergeant/Age pension comparison. here’s the text of my letter.
I am writing to you, again, to express my disappointment in your replies to recent letters from campaigners for Fair Indexation of Defence Force Retirement Benefit (DFRB) and Defence Forces Retirement and Death Benefits (DFRDB) pensions. I expected the passing of the Minerals Resource Rent Tax through the Lower House to elicit a far more positive response than Fair Indexation campaigners have received from you.
In my opinion your comments on the mining tax’s effectiveness are beside the point. Despite its being “watered down”, I believe the tax will generate enough revenue to finance many things, including the Fair Indexation proposals. Its acceptance in the Senate is a foregone conclusion; unless, of course, your party opposes it for esoteric reasons of your own.
You suggest that Fair Indexation’s likely cost might preclude its implementation, even if and when the mining tax is passed, and that if it does stand up, it will have to be provided for in a Federal Budget. Those stipulations are hard to accept, given that the recent Parliamentary pay increases, the smallest of which is twice the average annual DFRDB pension income, will be implemented forthwith, and unimpeded by any budgetary considerations. No politician or senior public servant will have to wait on some subsequent Federal Budget to approve payment of his or her increase, whereas military pensioners must wait years for their just claims to be considered, much less granted. How can parliamentary pay increases be so immediately affordable, when fair pension indexation will apparently break the bank? After all, the cost attributed to the Fair Indexation proposals by informed accountancy (not Government “spin”) is only about the same as costs quoted in some media for parliamentary increases alone – about $20million per annum. (I haven’t seen any estimates for the tied public service rises, but it won’t be peanuts.) Incidentally, it seems that despite Senator Brown’s opposition to the Parliamentary pay rise, neither he nor anyone else has refused to accept it; nor has anyone donated it to Legacy.
The only reason to index a pension is to maintain its purchasing power. To maintain purchasing power, the pension must maintain its relativity to wages, and thus prices. When DFRDB was adopted, Service people were promised, amid much rhetoric from all and sundry, that their new benefits scheme would always be indexed to maintain price/wage relativity. No succeeding government has kept that promise. I believe Malcolm Fraser’s Treasurer knew in 1977 that indexing DFRDB to raw Consumer Price Index (CPI) would ensure its purchasing power would inexorably fall. Arguably DFRDB was only indexed at all so Government could claim it had complied with the Jess Review’s recommendations.
I am indebted to a fellow campaigner for the following link, which tends to prove the point. It graphically illustrates changes in the relationship between a senior NCO’s DFRDB pension and the “couple” Age pension over the period 1973-2010:
http://www.katelundy.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/FSGT-2.jpg
As you can see, the DFRDB pension rapidly and cumulatively lost ground to the Age pension, which itself couldn’t maintain the relationship with wages and prices it enjoyed in 1973. In consequence, the DFRDB pension’s decline in real purchasing power is even more marked.
The Government eventually changed Age (and, very notably, Parliamentary) pension indexation criteria, finally admitting that CPI was no longer a good cost of living indicator. But military pensioners were left out of the indexation “rejig”, doubtless because they were deemed to have no political power, and therefore could be disregarded with impunity. Government apparently thinks that we are still politically impotent. But the times, they are a’changing, as Bob Dylan said. Everyone in Federal politics should take note that our power is building.
Senator, it’s my opinion that every argument against Fair Indexation for military pensions misses the point, which is that every Federal Government since Gough Whitlam’s has disregarded and dodged its obligations to Service people in this matter. DFRB and DFRDB pensioners only ask that the Government go a little way towards redeeming promises made in 1972 that have never been honoured, by any Government of any political stripe. Military pensioners had hoped that the Greens would support this aim, which was expressed in the Fair Indexation Bill. But all you have done is to provide a shield behind which the Government continues to dodge its responsibilities.
You have the power, in the Senate, to get the issue back on the table now. Excuses about affordability, proper funds allocation, and all the other justifications for inaction advanced by yourself and Government spokespersons are just that – excuses. In the light of the Parliamentary pay rises, they aren’t even valid excuses. If you really mean what your policy document on pension indexation says, and you wish to maintain your political credibility, you need to act forthwith.
In courtesy I advise you that I will circulate this letter widely.
Hi All,
Just to start the year on the right note, I couldn’t resist passing on this gem I came across in a media webpage recently.
Not that you need any further evidence of this Government’s seriously misguided spending priorities, but in case you missed it, here’s another example that received only the slightest news media coverage:
“It’s been announced that the Sydney Cricket Ground will be upgraded, with funding from the Australian Federal Government of $50 million, the New South Wales State Government of $86 million, and the SGC Trust spending $50 million.
This will see the venue’s capacity boosted from 45,758 to 48,000.
Wait, what? That works out to be just under $83,000 per additional seat! How bloody ridiculous.” End of quote.
I am probably offending die-hard cricket fans here, but seriously – how can the Government justify the expenditure of $50 Million over the next couple of years from the same budget that they tell us can’t afford $20 Million per year to restore fairness and equity for military superannuation pensions. (And yes – the $50 Million figure is correct; I double checked that it wasn’t a misprint).
Regardless of the merits of the upgrade, it beggars belief that Federal Government funding can be found from a constrained budget to fund this project over the next two years. But then, from what I have seen of this Government’s distorted priorities over the last couple of years, why should the next couple of years be any different?
This is obviously what Senator Wong had in mind when she rose in the Senate to speak against the Fair Indexation Bill:
“ There are certainly …many requests for further government expenditure which are worthy. In government, generally the choices are not between a worthy cause or a worthy program and a program which is not worthy; generally the choices are to prioritise between many different programs… there is a finite amount of government expenditure, which needs to be well managed to meet a whole range of meritorious programs.”
Yeah…Right!
Ray Gibson
You’ve got to love them, haven’t you Ray?
Federal Government can’t afford military pension upgrades, or disability pension upgrades for military people injured on duty. State Government can’t afford compensation for police injured on duty – but they can both find money, no problem, for politicians’ pay rises and unnecessary things like this. Why? There is an old Latin motto about this sort of thing – “cui bono” (see Wikipedia) – to whose benefit? It would be interesting to look at this particular piece of folly from that point of view, to see who’s hiding behind the immediately obvious beneficiaries.
I’ve just been listening to “How Green was my Cactus” on the local (2NUR-FM) Uni radio station. Wonderful stuff. Recently the segment has been lampooning the Government’s relationship with Bob Pink, oops sorry Brown, and the Greens. (I wonder just who is driving the bus in that alliance.) This morning it was about asylum seekers. Maybe, in line with Neil Weekes’ suggestion, we should fire off a few things to programmes like that. Perhaps we could get them to stir on our behalf.
I’m sending copies of my letter to Senator Wright to the major papers – any ideas about who else I should circulate?
Dear David Donovan,
Is it possible please for you to provide a list of names, addresses and E-mail addresses for all CEO’s of major National newspapers?.
I find myself becoming increasingly frustrated by politicians who do not have the manners to respond to correspondence and I am hoping a change of direction might help. I also intend to flood my local member on the off chance he can get a result.
Are there any other avenues we can try? Keep up the good work. Regards,
I can certainly help in that regard. Send me an email at editor@independentaustralia.net and we can discuss.
Best,
Dave
I heard the PM say on ABC radio today when answering a Cricket comentator Qeustion would the Federal Government spend Fifty Million on other sports grounds in Australia and her reply (words to the effect) If they ask it will be considered especially with the Cricket word cup coming up int the future.
I love Cricket but we have to look at more important issues.
Barney Ward Can I send a copy of your letter to my local MP the credit card man?
Cheers
Bob
By all means Bob. Send it to anyone you think might read it. I might follow up on my own suggestion and send it to 2NUR. We’ll see what happens.
You may think that I’m particularly annoyed with the Greens. You would be right. This outfit noisily claims the moral high ground on so many issues, but will abandon its own stated policy at the drop of a hat when it suits. The DFRDB issue is only one of several in which there have obviously been deals done.
AUSSIE DIGGERS WIA IN AFGHANISTAN:
A link to a story in The Age:
http://www.theage.com.au/national/three-aussie-soldiers-wounded-by-bomb-20120105-1pmeg.html
One of those new seats at the SCG that Ray told us about (4/1/12, 11:16 pm) has my name on it – free use for life. Why?
5.5% of my after tax salary was deducted to pay for my retired pay. This means that the govt has already collected tax from my contribution (tax 1).
This was paid into general reveune which means the govt had the use of any earnings that accrued to that 5.5% – effectively a tax rate of 100% (tax 2).
I have since 1987 being paying tax at my marginal tax rate on the full income from DFRDB – except that in the last 15 months since turning 60 I have recieved a 10% rebate re. taxation (tax 3).
I have received no discount on the tax I have paid over the last 20 plus years to allow for the contribution I have made. Which effectively means that 5.5% has been taxed again (4th tax).
Once I apply for the aged pension – or if I had eligibility for the service pension – then the full ammount of my DFRDB pension will be assessed as income.
When I apply for that pension centrelink will also assess the income I recieve from my private sector superannuation account. Only this time they will make a calculation of my contributions to that and that contribution will not be considered as income. This effectively means I am taxed again re. my DFRDB as opposed to the relief I get from my post RAAF super (tax 5).
And, if I understand things properly, no tax was paid on private sector superannuation until about 1989 – at least after I left the RAAF. But anyone who has pre 89 (circa) super continues to get income from that tax free after they turn 60.
So I have paid more than my fair share of tax. Thankyou Julia for the seat at the SCG. And as you can see Julia, it is not really free use for life – I have already paid for it.
And if I have overstated anythng maybe someone can correct me.
Dear KEN MARSH, well said. Very well said.
It’s obscene.
The Banks are doing it here, there, and everywhere!
To the military, and the citizens – and, apparently, even against the (USA) law.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2002187/Bank-refuses-delay-foreclosure-home-soldier-returning-Iraq.html#ixzz1Ow1Opgub
But Bill – it was an honest mistake. They’d only made the mistake 27 times before – that we’re aware of
Dear BILL ARDEN, please let us know if you hear of ANY similar cases in Austrslia.
It is outrageous the way that serving and returned soldiers are treated. Not just in Oz either.
Dear KEN MARSH, you are wicked to even suggest such a horrible thing.
BRAND ANZAC DOESN’T NEED REBRANDING! From today’s Herald Sun: – Spend the money on increasing the pensions for Veterans!
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/more-news/fury-at-move-to-brand-anzac-day/story-fn7x8me2-1226237820283
I might be an old sucker when it comes to ‘objective’ comment but having read some of the 197 comments in the Herald Sun web site on a reported ‘Government Branding’ of ANZAC I can’t understand how people can get so vocal and emotional about something that hasn’t been explained!
What does ‘Branding ANZAC’ mean? The Herald Sun has just thrown the statement into the mix without explaining what the basis of the argument is. Could it be to protect the name ANZAC from commercialisation by others? I believe a USA firm has already tried that (registering the name ‘ANZAC’ Biscuits, I think) and withdrew after much uproar! If anyone (Tess) knows the background I can read please tell me where to find it.
I don’t believe in rubbishing ANY government just because it is not the flavour of the day and I don’t accept comments based solely on political bias. Also, beware of ‘Astroturfing’ which is a form of advocacy in support of a political, organisational, or corporate agenda, designed to give the appearance of a “grassroots” movement designed to sway the leaning of the arguments. Astroturfing is believed to be used by some governments in online forums and possibly TV shows, for ‘viewer voting’ etc.
9 December 2011 Dear Mr. Abbott, By now you would be aware of the efforts of the wonderful and courageous Tess Lawrence who has shown incredible dedication in supporting Veterans regarding the indexation of military superannuation. You would also be aware of the rising frustration among Veterans about the treatment they have received from all sides of Parliament over an extended period of time. Despite this they continue to take a distant place to such events as Uranium sales to India, same sex marriages, carbon tax and the list goes on. Politicians from all sides have ignored our plight for too long and it is time priorities were changed. To take up our cause would not see them dancing on the world stage where they would prefer to be but we have earned the right not only to be heard but to be supported. You have been to Afghanistan and have seen first hand the conditions our troops live, fight and die under and all too often with inferior equipment. The landscape there is probably not all that dissimilar to the back end of the moon. At least in Vietnam the jungle was neutral. You have some idea of the conditions our people experience from your fleeting visits but could you cope with a full tour, or more?. I would suggest not but if you did, you, like all the rest of us, would come home carrying excess baggage, physically, mentally and emotionally. As well as being a man with considerable energy and drive, you also aspire to being the next Prime Minister. This being the case can you please take up the challenge on our behalf and lead from the front?. Rally your troops and take this incompetent Government head on, on our behalf and do not give up until you have won. It is not much to ask for given the sacrifice all veterans, their widows, children and their families have made for this country. Please Mr. Abbott, show us all what you are made of. Yours sincerely, K. Hussell
Subject: RE: Tony Abbott MP – Contact Form
Date: Fri, 6 Jan 2012 13:41:29 +1100
From: Tony.Abbott.MP@aph.gov.au
To: kbhussell
Thank you for your email to the Leader of the Opposition, the Hon Tony Abbott MHR regarding the indexation of military superannuation. Mr Abbott has asked me to respond on his behalf.
The Coalition is committed to delivering fair indexation of the Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefit (DFRDB) and the Defence Force Retirement Benefit (DFRB) military superannuation pensions. This is why the Coalition introduced legislation to Parliament to deliver this important reform.
The Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits Amendment (Fair Indexation) Bill 2010) fully reflected the Coalition’s 2010 election policy commitment of indexing DFRDB and DFRB pensions of recipients aged 55 and over to the higher of the Consumer Price Index (CPI), Male Total Average Weekly Earnings (MTAWE), or the Pensioner and Beneficiary Living Cost Index (PBLCI).
The Gillard Government and the Greens both made election commitments to fix military superannuation indexation. However, the Labor-Greens alliance combined to use their numbers in the Senate to defeat the Coalition’s bill.
The decision by the Labor-Greens alliance means that the 57,000 DFRDB and DFRB recipients continue to battle rising living costs with a military pension that fails to keep pace with the cost of living.
The only way for fair indexation to be delivered is to change the Government.
I invite you to stay up to date with Coalition news and policy announcements via the Liberal Party website http://www.liberal.org.au and to keep in touch with Tony Abbott via his personal website http://www.tonyabbott.com.au
Yours sincerely
Office of the Hon Tony Abbott MHR
Leader of the Opposition
…and would you believe any of it – his mob had 11 years before the red witch and blatantly refused to address the problem
…the only way to get politicians to do the right thing is to put the fear into them that their self interest is about to be prejudiced. And the only way to do that is to make them fear they will be unelected.
So next election put the sitting member last (doesn’t matter what party) and his main opponent second last. If there are greens sitting, put them next last. Choose whom you like from the remainder to represent you.
Do not be put off by “opposition” bullshit that independent members are “dangerous.” They force governments to cooperate with constituents’ wishes rather than leaving the management of the country to big business or the unions. And also contrary to what you may read in the media, coalition governments have been almost the norm in this country since 1940. Only witless and hawke/keating ever got the numbers for one party government in the Reps. (The Senate is always stroppy – that is its role.)
And did you know that the majority of Oz’s PMs got the job by backstabbing their predecessor – the Macbeth syndrome is alive and well in this country.
Cheerz
JJG
Dear BILL ARDEN, thank you for pointing out such ploys as ‘ astro turfing ‘ and yes, such is
the warfare of modern communications.
If anyone owns the ANZAC ‘brand, ‘ it is surely all of YOU!
You have protected, defended and earned the name, all these years. It belongs to you.
And your ghosts. And all the fallen. And veterans and serving personnel alike. Surely.
Dear KBHUSSELL, thanks for posting this thread of emails – and JJG’s frank response says it all.
Note that ABBOTT’s insipid and pro forma response to you refers to 2010 – and conveniently
ignores the fact that they did NOTHING about this when in power for 11 long years.
Why do ALL politicians continue to treat you as half-wits?
In the next election, there is no doubt that you can hold them ALL to political hostage.
The nonsensical polliespeak that ABBOTT and others indulge in, becomes irritating and insulting by its banal repetition.
Don’t they understand that you are not fools and nor do you wish to be taken for such!
Don Tate’s new story may be of interest to keen followers of this page: http://www.independentaustralia.net/2012/australian-history/real-inglorious-bastards/
DD
G’day Rags,
How are they hanging?
Need your advice old son. Since early Aug, I have sent out more than 50 letters to those arseholes in Canberra but have only received five replies,
all of which where of the cut and paste variety.
For the bigger, arrogant arseholes, Gillard, Swan, Albanese and Hanson-Young, I registered their letters but even that made no difference, still no response. Last week, I bombarded my local federal member but am not holding my breath for an answer.
How do you get through to them when apart from being bloody arrogant, none of them can read or write?.
Ken,
Make an appointment to see your local member and get some of your local mates to make appointments too. Make him/her aware that there are enough seniors/exservicemen in every federal electorate to distort reelection distributions – even safe seats aren’t if the old buggers get stroppy enough. Make him/her fear for their job.
See the local newspaper, it, unlike the dailies, will probably take up your complaints.
Join a local political party, preferably the one your local member is in, so you can piss in the tent from the inside.
Keep sending written snail mail complaints to the trough feeders. Keep them civil and keep a record of time, how many, and responses. Every time you get a “cut and paste” response, reply to the writer advising them of their duty derelection and send a copy of their letter and yours to their opposition and to any internet groups you know that will publish them.
Ring up Jones and Laws and local talk-back radio and complain about lazy overpaid politicians so full of their own importance they can’t be bothered to reply to their constituents. Get the word out.
I shall soon start doing the same about my local member – he is not known locally as SGT Shultz for nothing. Roll on the next election. None of the major parties are anything to cheer about at the moment.
Cheerz
JJG
Dear KBHUSSELL, I want to know how they’re hanging too! Is Rags ‘ JJG ? ‘ Or is JULIA GILLARD JJG ?
We need to be mindful to follow Neil Weekes lead to stay on track with regard to military superannuation indexation. There are a lot of other important issues being addressed by the relevant ESO’s like DFWA, ADSO and RAR Assoc etc. If we stray away from this subject, we weaken the impact of our posts, and on those who read them. I’ll admit that I have been guilty of straying off track at times and it is an easy thing to do. Lets make a commitment to not lose sight of our primary objective.
I am becoming concerned at a number of posts complaining about lack of support from star rank officers. I would rather have a small number of fully committed star rank people like Peter Kris, Neil Weekes and Digger James, than a lot of people who are half committed. My experience from 8 years of voluntary service in the RSL holding Committee positions and working as apensions officer, made it clear to me that a few will always work for the many. That is a sad fact of life. I look at my class from Portsea and can count Ken Hussell and the late John Graham as long term and prolific contributors to veterans issues. The main thing is that the same few keep the momentum of this issue going in the belief that partial or non contibutors to veterans issues will be prepared to lend their support when asked by their relevant ESO. Op Letter Raid was a good example of how this can work.
We won’t help our cause by having a go at individuals about their seeming lack of support. There have been a number of personal attacks which don’t help our cause at all. Having said that I and many have said that the RSL as a body is not doing enough to support this major issue. DFWA has taken a lead role on military super indexation and other issues, which has resulted in the formation of ADSO. The RSL should look at this and ask themselves why ADSO has been formed and why they have not joined ADSO as a contributing body.
Spot on John we do have to keep the objective in line. I am also a Committee member and pensions officer. I wrote to Don Rowe and the reply was so poor. The RSL is good as a body but don’t have the get up and go like Bruce Ruxton had. That is what the RSL needs. Until then we have to follow Neil’s lead and write our letters to the Politicans and media.
Bob
Dear Tess,
“How are they hanging”, you ask?
By the time one completes 20 plus years in the Army, much scrub bashing and climbing big hills with a heavy pack on your back has taken place.
When you bump into an old mate you have not seen for years, you always ask, “how are they hanging”?
This question obviously refers to his knee caps hence his answer, “they are OK”, or “one is lower than the other”, or “not sure, cannot feel anything”. All comes about as part of the job. Hope that clears things up for you. ( please forgive me Lord, I have just had to tell Tess a white lie……OK?.
Who is JJG?. John J Goold, AKA myxl165@bigpond .com
JG is NOT the PM!! We have far more colourful expressions for her than that! Take care,
Dear JOHN GRIFFITHS, well said in your salient comment. It was because of the fabulous NEIL WEEKES and IAN MCMANUS, that I am well and truly a camp follower. Some of their documents
‘ fell my way ‘ and I was compelled to do something about your plight, as best I could, in my own way.
Look at what you’ve all done – and all without a brass razoo!
You have created national interest and awareness and your collectiv endeavour has re-arranged the comfortable and hypocritical scenario of the GILLARD GOVERNMENT/GEENS/INDEPENDENT TRIALITION and you have morphed into a powerful election bloc.
I’m in awe of you all. And I salute you.
John Griffiths makes some good points (9 January, 2012 at 5:08 pm).
And while we are on the subject of staying on point I would like to emphasise that we are not fighting for ‘an increase in our pensions (pay)’ at all – we are fighting for the principle espoused by the original statesmanlike approach by the Jess Report Committee of parliament of the 1970’s who put it to the House and had it agreed without dissension that the DFRDB retired pay should be protected by indexation to maintain its value. The Parliamentarians (the McMahon government and the Whitlam opposition) supported the MTAWE model; the Fraser government (mostly the bureaucrats) later chose the CPI. It doesn’t matter which was the better then but the principle was the same – maintaining the value. That principle has been abandoned by lesser mortals in parliament.
A while back a comment mentioned the Crickey.com blog where statements like “Why didn’t they get another job when they retired?”, and similar, where made. Okay, those people have been misled into believing we are after more than we contracted for, or they think we are getting a free ride, and they are easy to answer, but what about those who think it and don’t say anything? The only way the masses will accept our case is by convincing them with logical argument – and to stay true and ‘on song’. No more ‘Pension Increases’ please, use something like ‘Pension value preservation’ instead.
Dear BOB IHLEIN, just to say, as someone who trains media spokespeople, you all have a natural spokesman in NEIL WEEKES. He is a fabulous and fearless champion. Such Dear Creatures are rare.
Whenever he speaks on radio,the switchboard lights up. It is so rare to hear ANYONE just saying what they think, in the political arena. And speaking with such authority and with sound argument.
The thing is, he runs rings around the pollies, who are totally inept on this issue. Why else do you think that not a single ONE of them dares to go online with him:Mike Kelly included.
A Weekes is a long time in politics!
Dear KBHUSSELL, you cheeky blighter! You’re sounding like an extra in ” It Ain’t Half Hot Mum.”
Kneecaps indeed!
I think it’s such a glorious expression; topped only by your glorious and wicked definition of the phrase.
Crikey, it’s so good to have a rollicking laugh.
Dear BILL ARDEN. Noted and heeded. Sound advice.
Tess
I Agree Neil is our Natural leader but it is a pitty the State and National RSL didn’t have leaders like Neil and Bruce who have the conviction to stand up and fight for what is right. Instead they sit on the side making very little noise.
Bob
Dear BOB IHLEIN, it really surprises me that the RSL isn’t more muscular in this debate.
I knew BRUCE RUXTON professionally and interviewed him for print and radio on a number of occasions.
Regardless of whether one agreed with him or not, he was totally courageous in standing up to
Governments and shirt-fronting them on issues.
The RSL was a powerful machine in his day.
By the way, what was his stand, in terms of increased pensions,Bob ?
MINISTER SNOWJOB,VETERAN AFFAIRS realises he has made an almighty blue in trying to rebrand
ANZAC DAY. What we need Minister is less of the ‘AN’ and more of the ‘ZACS’ for our Diggers.
Now MINISTER SNOWJOB is blaming the Media, cor blimey!
Here is his silly Press Release, for a larf: –
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs subscription list
Tuesday, 10 January 2012
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
ANZAC CENTENARY ‘BRANDING’
Australia is preparing to commemorate the Centenary of Anzac from 2014 to 2018, marking 100 years since our nation’s involvement in the First World War.
Over this period we will remember not only the Anzacs who served at Gallipoli and the Western Front, but all Australian servicemen and women who have served in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations.
The media reporting suggesting there would be branding of Anzac Day is wrong. There is no such plan for 25 April 2015 or any other year.
What is being developed is a specific motif for the centenary program similar to the way a motif was developed for the highly acclaimed Australia Remembers – created to mark the 50th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.
The final motif will convey to the Australian community the overall theme for the four year centenary program.
The Anzac Centenary Advisory Board, which includes many eminent Australians and is chaired by the former Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, AC, AFC (Ret’d), supports the development of the motif.
It is unfortunate that the public has been mislead by inaccurate media reporting on this subject.
The sanctity of Anzac Day will always be protected.
The Hon Warren Snowdon MP
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs
Minister for Defence Science and Personnel
Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on the Centenary of Anzac
Media inquiries: Minister Snowdon: Lidija Ivanovski or Marcus Butler 02 6277 7820 or 0407108 935 / 0417 917 796
Department of Veterans’ Affairs Media: 02 6289 6203
Ken Hussell
Cowra NSW 2794
10 January 2012
Mr. Stephen Smith
Minister of Defence
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600
Dear Minister,
In a recent video interview, you said that indexation of military superannuation would cost tax payers “millions” of dollars. I have heard this same song from Penny Wong in the past and you know that what you say is completely misleading. What do you mean by “millions” really. Eight million? twenty eight million or one hundred million?. You know as well as I do that the figure is closer to twenty million dollars per year. I agree that whilst this is a lot of money to Mr. and Mrs Average, the way this government spends money it is petty cash. If the Prime Minister can look at throwing fifty million dollars to upgrade the Sydney Cricket Ground, surely Veterans, families and widows do not have to take second place to that?
Why is it necessary for this government to constantly try to deceive people about this issue? Surely a better approach would be to tell the truth, resolve the matter in our favour given our service to this country and let us all get on with our lives.
As the Minister for Defence, I assume you are well read in the area of Military History. In the event that you are not, allow me to bring two events to your notice.
I need to go back in History for a moment. Is there any Australian who would begrudge diggers there six bob a day in 1942 when, following Pearl Harbour, the Japs had their sights on Port Moresby, Darwin and Sydney Harbour? Was there any Australian who did not shed a tear when they heard of the battle of Isurava, high in the Owen Stanley mountains where the 39th Battalion, made up of mainly 18 and 19 year olds, faced the Japanese who outnumbered them six to one?
In his book, “The Spirit of Kokoda” – then and now – by Patrick Lindsay, (ISBN 1 74064 070 5) page 15 states in part, “Australia was not prepared for war. The politicians had been warned by our military leaders but they had done very little. Prominent military historian, David Horner, summed up the state of our defences: It is now generally agreed that the Australian defence policy between the wars and until the fall of Singapore was at the best, naively optimistic, and at the worst, some might say, close to treason”.
Minister, does the way you and your Government treat veterans today, come under the heading of betrayal?
In his book, “The Amazing SAS”, by Ian McPhedran, (ISBN 0 7322 7981 X), the author summarises the exploits of an SAS Squadron deployed to Afghanistan. On their return to Australia, on page 325, he states:
“The closure to this operation was really important”, says Rick, “and it’s only in hindsight [that] you recognise how important that was. We’re so busy charging ahead that we probably didn’t necessarily appreciate it at the time. But you’ve only got to talk to the Vietnam veterans – they didn’t have that – and you realise that, yep, we got this one right. For the Vietnam veterans, ex-SAS people, who turned up to that parade in June, this was closure for them as well. There was a lot of emotion. The regiment has finally been recognised for what it has done over a sustained period. Recognition is a very powerful thing………………….”.
Minister, it is only right and proper that you and this government give all diggers a “fair go”. I use the term digger to embrace ALL men and women who have worn the uniform of this country to a theatre of war. That you can pocket obscene pay rises and at the same time turn your collective backs on the Veterans, their families and widows is beyond comprehension. Not only would an appropriate pension accurately reflecting our contribution over many years get us above the poverty line, but it would also allow closure by virtue of recognition of our service. You see, Mr. Smith, “recognition is a very powerful thing…………….”.
Yours sincerely,
K.B.Hussell
Dear KEN HUSSELL, thank you for exposing DEFENCE MINISTER STEPHEN SMITH, for the hypocrite
he is.
I truly had high hopes for him. But all that is long dashed.
Ken, you are a Darling to remain steadfast to the ideals of the Digger.
Spot on, re The Amazing SAS. I interviewed Ian on radio about the book.
The men behind the Title are who really matter.
Thanks Ken. You are fearless and steadfast – and eloquent to boot!
Tess,
Thank you and others for your kind words but let me reassure all of you that I am no appointed leader of the Fair Go Campaign. I am but one voice and a member of the Alliance of Defence Service Organisations (ADSO). No one person can win this fight for “A FAIR GO”.
What I do know is that we must remain united and we must never become involved in internal squabbling. Nor must we lose sight of our main objective (to have our military superannuation pensions indexed exactly the same way as the Nation’s Old Aged Pensioners). Yes, there are other very important related matters and other non-related issues, particularly the injustice of the Government’s late decision not to apply that 2.7% increase to our military members receiving a disability pension. They are hurting However if we continue to add all these issues into the one bucket we diminish our chances of having any of them approved.
As I, and many others, have said, we need to chip away at these issues, drip by drip, to gain a toe in that political door so we can kick the whole bloody door in.
The old adage of “UNITED WE STAND, DIVIDED WE FALL’ is just as appropriate today as it has always been.
My main concern at the moment is the mileage that the Government intends making out of the Centennary of ANZAC Commemorations program that they are now pushing. Do not get me wrong, I support the need to commemorate such battles and associated events. However the politicians will take every opportunity to have their photographs taken with ADF members and we “old” veterans. They will tell everyone how much they are allocating to honour us and all those who have gone before. They will crow about how well they look after us and that will make us look like a very ungrateful group of whingers.
So this first six months of 2012 are critical. Are you prepared to say no to an invitation to have your photograph taken with a politician? Are you prepared to say that successive governments have betrayed us if you are asked to be interviewed?
We must get our message out into the general public arena. How do we do this? Your views would be appreciated. It’s your Campaign and you have done an excellent job in telling the Government, and the Opposition, that you are not happy and that you are not going to simply fade away.
As I said earlier, I think we need to launch OPERATION “LETTER RAID MARK 2″ but this time direct our letters and emails, over a nominated period, to nominated major media outlets (TV, radio and newspapers) in each capital city and in each marginal seat. What say you? Talk back radio is a superb outlet and I encourage all of you to get on to your local radio station.
We have come a long way since 22 June 2011 so let’s up the ante during the first six months of 2012.
Neil
This a letter I wrote to Craig Thomson on the 6th Jan 2012.
Mr. Craig Thomson MP
Member for Dobell
PO Box 3763
Tuggerah NSW 2259
Fair Indexation for DFRDB/ DFRB Superannuates
Mr. Thomson
I have written to you in the past about the Fair Indexation of our DFRDB/DFRB Superannuation and have received very poor replies that have not answered the questions I asked. ( But I will give you one thing you did reply eventually)
I am attaching a letter to a Greens Senator from another from a DFRDB recipient.
Also a letter to Mr. Swan from a DFRDB recipient.
You should also look on the website of the Independent Australian http://www.independentaustralia.net/2011/politics/exclusive-breaking-news-diggers-versus-the-gillard-government/. You will see how we all feel about the way you and your Government as well as previous governments have treated the Defence Force Personnel who have defended this Country so that you and your colleagues can have the freedom to stand for and be elected as politicians that are supposed to run the Country to the best of your ability to maintain the freedom and prosperity that we used to have.
You and your leader have not done this and our Country is not what it used to be under previous governments.
You deny us Fair Indexation of our Superannuation by maintaining the CPI as an indicator to our increase of our Superannuation falsely stating that it would cost twenty million dollars a year. Yet you don’t mind receiving a wage rise yourselves that will cost the same amount plus spending fifty million on the Sydney Cricket Ground.
One of the attachments gives details of the Jess committee and as a condition of service our Superannuation should be treated different to public servants.
I suggest you and your colleagues have a good look at the Jess committee findings and act on them.
We write to you and other politicians and get some of the poorest replies they are all spin written by the same person and then sent out from the appropriate electoral office.
You are supposed to represent us as constituents of your seat. You don’t if you did you would answer our letters and give answers to the questions asked.
When I quote you it is all politicians not just you in particular. The replies that have come are quite a joke Mr. Bob Brown’s reason for voting against our Fair Indexation was that the ALP and the Coalition were not in favor of his mining tax. Now that he has got the mining tax he hasn’t brought fair indexation back up again.
In this new year of 2012 one year before you will be out of a job you should get in and do something to support the retired defence force members that live in your electorate.
Read the attachments, read the comments on the website go back to the beginning and read the Jess committee findings and you may learn something that you can then pass on to your colleagues in parliament as you are all on a very short string.
Regards
Robert Ihlein
DFRBD Recipient
I attached letters from Ken Marsh 17/11/11, Barney Ward 4/1/12 and sent them with my letter above.
Today I got this reply from Craig Thomson dated yesterday he has lifted his game in replying to my letters the one I sent in July took a month or more.
Dear Robert Ihlein
Thank you for your letter dated 6tr January 2012.
Your letter has been forwarded onto the Minister for Financial Services and
Superannuation, Hon Bill Shorten for him to look at your letter and reply to
you.
Yours sincerely
Craig Thomson MP
Federal Member for Dobell
Graig Thomson MP – Fighting for our community
Mail: PO Box 3763, Westfield Tuggerah, Tuggerah NSW 2259
Phone: (02) 4351 1223 Fax:, (02)4353 6480 Email: Craig.Thomson.MP@aph.gov
They realy know how to shove the buck we haven’t had one sent to Shorten yet have we.
Bob Ihlein
Good one-two Neil; left, left, left-right-left.
This is what the reply from Tony Abbott MP to K B Hussell said (8 January, 2012 at 9:51 am)
“The Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits Amendment (Fair Indexation) Bill 2010) fully reflected the Coalition’s 2010 election policy commitment of indexing DFRDB and DFRB pensions of recipients aged 55 and over to the higher of the Consumer Price Index (CPI), Male Total Average Weekly Earnings (MTAWE), or the Pensioner and Beneficiary Living Cost Index (PBLCI).”
You will note Neil that this isn’t exactly the same as the aged pension gets. The Age Pension is benched to 27% of the MTAWE. However, we should hold the LIBNATS to their words if they are ever in a position to be held to account – and we should also be asking for a one-off adjustment from the date they made the promise. How strange it is that not one member of the Opposition has tried to defend their stated position since their Bill was rolled in June 2011.
Neil “The Deal” Weekes (my catch-cry, sorry Neil) also makes a good point about the forthcoming Centenary of ANZAC Commemorations over the next few years because it will also be an opportunity for US to be in the spotlight – and rightly so. We can take advantage of this to publicise our grievances to a tuned up audience (as long as they don’t get bored with too much hype). The pollies will then have some interesting questions from the media because the media loves to dig.
I also note that there are many responses in Crikey.com and the Herald-Sun blogs from people who are not directly involved as military retirees, so we have support and interest from a much wider audience than we could imagine – this can only be good. There are obviously many Australian citizens who are not happy with the Government’s attitude in these matters.
Dear NEIL WEEKES, Onya for what you’ve written and also just to say, do not doubt for a minute
the impact you have ALL had on the GILLARD/GREEN/INDEPENDENTS TRIALITION – and the Opposition
as well.
Your activism has put the wind up them. They know you have mobilised into a powerful electoral
bloc that will corrode into votes that might otherwise go to the GREENS and INDEPENDENTS – the latter two now on the nose with the Australian electorate.
You are right in raising the prospect of more open public dissidence to expose the hypocrisy
of this and past governments.
That pro forma unidentified fact sheet was designed to gag any individual response from LABOR
politicians.
In that single pathetic gesture, they inadvertently pay tribute to the power of your campaign.
The fact is, that unlike the mandatory thoughtspeak to which our LABOR politicians are confined, you speak as individuals and groups who have a common goal but who are capable of, and unafraid of, individual thought.
It is critical that the momentum be maintained. Everything you do leads on to Justice.
Losing is not an option.
An article by AVM Criss in todays Punch blog. Great stuff and generated support from most contributors.
Hi All,
The Pete Criss article referred to by Colroe can be viewed here
http://www.thepunch.com.au/articles/why-have-we-abandonded-our-troops/
There are many off-topic and ill-infomed comments on the article already appearing from members of the public who don’t know any better. We need to counter-balance the rubbish that is there with relevant and supportive comments. Please go online now and read the article and leave a comment.
Ray Gibson
Dear DIGGERS, have you read JOHN WARD’s powerful thrashing of our politicians about
their hypocrisy about you and you and you. And those who went before you?
It’s on our front page and called “MY HEART IS BREAKING.”
Peter Criss, you cunning old bugger!! I mean that in the nicest possible way. Your article in “The Punch” has really stirred up a hornet’s nest. There are a wide variety of respondents, some informed, many misinformed, and, I suspect quite a few stooges as well. I used the pseudonym “Murray” in my responses. I believe old mate Ken Marsh (Ken M?) may have been in there as well. Some clot named Brendon even brought up the $4.1B crock of shite. There are stooges diverting aguments away from Peter’s article, but the informed are trying to steer it back. Please take the time to read the comments and respond as you see fit. Happy new year to all and hope to meet up in Canberra this year to “Warm the cockles of our pollies hearts!” Tess how are you travelling? Whilst we can’t all be there to support you, you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Cheers, Maurie
Dear BOB IHLEIN, what a telling response from the Credit Card Kid, Craig Thomson.
Basically, it tells us this. BILL SHORTEN is already the de facto leader of the Labor Party
and is poised to go in for the political kill on PRIME MINISTER JULIA GILLARD.
After all, he’s got priors.
Imagine what a fun photo opportunity it would be, if Mummy in Law swore him in.
JULIA knows it’s only a matter of time.
Dear RAY GIBSON, please bear in mind that some comments are stooge comments – often placed by political minders and spin doctors.
Dear 10SUMPY/MAURIE, just read your comment and we both used the word ‘ stooge ‘ in relation to
comments on Peter’s brilliant article!
It’s great that you’re all on the case and refuting such nonsense with sound argument – and the facts.
Like you, I’m looking forward to a big catch up on the march to Canberra.
Thanks for your good wishes Maurie. Will write more soon about what’s happening.
One thing is for sure, I am travelling much better than I would be, if you were not here and so supportive. It means such a lot to me. And for a while back there, you gentlemen and your fight for justice for you and your families, were about the only thing that could make me unfurl from a foetal position.
Hi Tess,
Thanks for your comment.
I am well versed in the black art of information warfare and its application to cyberspace. I am in no doubt that this Government in particular and it bureaucrats are capable of stooping so low to engage in such tactics, given the misinformation campaign they have waged to date.
I am convinced that least a couple of the persistent posters of inane comments on the Punch site fall into this category. This is all the more reason why our supporters must counter- attack with accurate and informed comment. We cannot afford to have innocent readers of the blog left with a jaundiced view from the rubbish that is there.
There are over 250 comments to date and I’m pleased to say that the balance is shifting to a more supportive position. I have responded to several of the comments and I have seen some from Maurie and Ken. But it would be very helpful if other IA readers could join the fray.
Dear RAY, you are spot on. If the stooge comments are left unchallenged and uncorrected, then
it takes little for the white lie to morph into the perception of truth.
Thank goodness you’re all on the case – and relentlessly energetic.
You’re such an inspiration!
BREAKING NEWS:TWO DIGGERS WIA IN AFGHANISTAN:
AAP STORY ON HERALD SUN WEBSITE:-
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/breaking-news/two-diggers-wounded-in-afghanistan/story-e6frf7jx-1226244366635
14 Jan 12
Mr. Andrew Wilkie
188 Collins Street
Hobart Tasmania 7000
Dear Mr. Wilkie,
When I first heard you were Canberra bound, I was delighted.
I thought at last, there will be someone in Canberra who understands the stress imposed on our diggers (includes ALL men and women who have served) who are despatched to an overseas theatre of war. Someone who has humped a pack …….and sat on it waiting for something to happen, lived off ration packs and had to dig deep when the going gets tough. Someone who genuinely cares when a young soldier is lost and who also cares for the loved ones they have left behind. This message is clear in your speech. At last I thought, light at the end of the tunnel!.
I wrote my first letter to you on 31 October, the very same day you addressed the House.
At the end of your very first paragraph, you said, “And may we in this place be careful to ensure the work of all our servicemen and women is appropriately recognised and rewarded”.
You started your second paragraph by saying, “To that end, I urge the government to look afresh at the continuing unfairness in the superannuation arrangements for some serving and retired defence force personnel ………………”.
In your final paragraph you said, “In closing, Australia owes a great deal to our armed forces past and present……….”.and,
“Our consideration must extend to when they are hurt or retired”.
Mr. Wilkie, these are beautiful words and because, like you, I have military background, I know these words are from your heart.
I have quoted from your speech and now I would like to take a quote from my first letter to you dated 31 Oct 11:
“Your current platform against poker machines and the damage they do to families is a commendable one. If you could find the same drive and enthusiasm to support past and present servicemen and women, by getting behind the Fair Indexation Bill, then the world and especially their world would be a better place”.
I believe everything in life happens for a reason. It is history that the Howard government did nothing to improve our lot despite eleven years in “the chair”. It is common knowledge that the Gillard/Brown government intends to do absolutely nothing as well. I believe it is more than a coincidence that you, the only politician with an intimate knowledge of how the stresses build up on servicemen and women who leave our shores to fight a war, thousands of miles from home, are in the position you are in today.
Mr. Wilkie, there are some 57,000 of us looking for a “fair go”. Assuming each of us had a wife/partner, the figure becomes 114,000. If we take the case of Vietnam veterans, of which I am one, if we each had one child, our children are now in their mid/late 40′s. The figure of 114,000 becomes 171,000. If each of our children had one child, the figure becomes 228,000. Add to this the uncles, aunts, cousins, grandparents, sympathetic public and the figures become rather serious.
Mr. Wilkie, you have the power to improve the lot of thousands of veterans. Please take up the challenge and lead from the front as you have done before.
If I can close with yet another quote from my original letter to you on 31 Oct 11:
“Give your support to the Fair Indexation Bill and send your loyalty down to all those who have given their best and continue to do their best thousands of miles from home. You owe it to them and for those who will follow in their footsteps. It is up to you Mr. Wilkie, show us all what you are made of”.
KBHussell, I dips me lid.
Now your talking KBH. Doesn’t that feel better, heartfelt and convincing? Much better than butting brick walls.
A beautifully crafted letter K, congratulations, I keenly await any response from Andrew Wilkie. You are reminding him to face the mirror of his own sentiments – how could he resist?
Dear Ken Marsh and Bill Arden,
Thank you – but it is to you both that I “dips me lid”. God bless.
Dear KBHUSSELL, your letter to ANDREW WILKIE is powerful beyond measure and I think all of us should copy it and email it to Wilkie to show our support and solidarity for what you have written.
Here are two email addresses for Wilkie, and I suggest you put both email addresses on the email:
wilkie.andrew@bigpond.com
andrew.wilkie.mp@aph.gov.au
I cannot help but wonder what happened to that Andrew Wilkie, whose eloquent words you quote ?
He has discarded you, despite using you to gain political traction in the House, as so many have, hand on heart, hand on pocket. Yet more hollow words from hollow politicians.
They can’t go wrong mouthing their support for you. Let’s face it, it’s motherhood, meat pie, gods and country stuff, clinging to the rim of the slouch hat.
But name one politician in all these decades who has fought for you as you have fought and stood ready to fight, for your country ? There is none that I can recall.
This nation and its politicians have abused you and betrayed you. Theirs is a treachery
that indicts us all for remaining silent and complicit.
The next federal election will see you flexing your considerable electoral muscle and you
will cause mayhem in marginal seats, as you should.
I endorse KEN MARSH’s comment, I too dips me lid at your amazing letter.
* I am now going to copy it and send it to Andrew Wilkie, saying it is a copy of a comment that KBHUSSELL left today on INDEPENDENT AUSTRALIA’s story DIGGERS VERSUS THE GILLARD GOVERNMENT.
KB, I would like to add my personal thanks and that of the Fair Go Campaign for a brilliantly composed and compelling letter. Well Done.
Could I have your permission to reprint the letter on the ADSO Fair Go website?
Ray Gibson
Co-Director
Fair Go Campaign
Dear BILL ARDEN – about your support for KBHUSSELL’s amazing letter to ANDREW WILKIE:
” You are reminding him to face the mirror of his own sentiments ” – what beautiful
language, Bill, especially in the truth of it.
Dear Ray Gibson,
My efforts belong to all of us. Please feel free to do with it whatever will help our cause.
Cheers.
The following I posted on the Punch site. I have posted it here again to demonstrate a point.
We all know that politicians break promises soon after they are elected – a recent example being the carbon tax but before then we had the matter of the ‘non-core’ promise. Nothing new about that.
One thing that I have noted however is that governments generally announce changes that will affect people’s pockets before hand. Changes that hurt are rarely, if ever, enacted retrospectively – unless warning was given in order to allow people to prepare for the change.
As explained below, the purpose of the CPI has changed. For recipients of retired pay through the DFRDB scheme this change has violated what is a long-standing practice – a long standing practice because to do anything else is patently unfair and a violation of natural justice.
That this has been hoisted on military members makes the matter even more unjust, for these workers, more than anyone else, are dependent on the good will of the government of the day to protect their conditions of employment – no unions, no right-to-strike, no right to speak out on government policy, and no right to resign at will.
This issue therefore should be of concern to all Australians who believe governments should be held accountable for their actions. All Australians should make it clear to those that represent them that they have a clear expectation that their elected representatives will act fairly and that they will be held accountable if they do not.
THE PUNCH BIT
The DFRDB scheme was based on the recommendations of the Jess committee. The committee considered ‘that it is essential that retired pay should be adjusted automatically with increases in average weekly earnings. Unless the payment made to retired members is kept abreast of rising community standards its real value is quickly eroded’.
To quote from the Matthews report – which the current government uses as its excuse to do nothing.
‘… it is well documented that the principal purpose of the CPI changed in 1998 … Until that time, the CPI was a measure of the purchasing power of wage and salary earner household incomes. Its most important use was as an input to the income adjustment process and and prices were, therefore, measured using an outlays or payments method.’
Matthews goes on to explain that the change was made to ‘measure price inflation for the household sector through an acquisitions approach.’ There was a deliberate policy move to break the nexus between wages and CPI.
‘A CPI based on acquisitions covers payments for goods and services acquired whereas a measure based on outlays ‘also includes payments which are not directly related to the acquisition of specific goods and services but represent inescapable costs of acquisition or consumption’. The key difference in the approaches is that the CPI based on acquisitions does not measure mortgage interest and credit charges but include net expenditure on new dwellings (excluding land)’.
The Jess committee recognised the difficulty that service members had purchasing a house when they were posted every two to three years. It recognised that this placed them in a position of financial disadvantage when compared to other Australians of same age. The DFRDB scheme was designed in part to address this issue. There will be many DFRDB retirees still paying mortgages.
The designers of the DFRDB scheme meant it to maintain it real value in relation to rising community incomes. It was meant to support the service member transition to civilian life without additional disadvantage. Changes to the CPI have clearly eroded its value and governments of all persuasions have broken faith with the nations military servants.
Well said Ken.
I read your piece on the Punch Blog. I thought it was an excellent rebuttal for some of the rubbish being sprouted by one or two posters (who I suspect could easily be DOFD plants). I also have a further comment in the pipeline which has not yet been published in response to the distorted opinions being expressed about the CPI.
Cheers,
Ray
This is the official advice to the troops (subject to a disclaimer)! The link is;
http://www.defence.gov.au/dpe/pac/MG_12_3.htm
It says, in part;
“Member’s Guide to ADF Pay and Conditions in Australia
12.3 Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefit Scheme
…
What happens when you retire?
You will get a retirement pension if you complete 20 years’ service. You will also qualify if you do 15 years’ service and reach the retiring age for your rank. Your pension is indexed twice a year to the Consumer Price Index. That way it does not lose value. You may take part of your pension as a lump sum but there are limits that apply.”
So you don’t miss it I will repeat this bit –
“Your pension is indexed twice a year to the Consumer Price Index. That way it does not lose value”.
All we have to do now is to discover what the Defence Department (Government) understands to be VALUE!
Go KEN MARSH!!!!!!!!!!!
Go BILL ARDEN!!!!
Go RAY!!!!!!
Go RAY GIBSON!!!!!!
Go KBHUSSELL!!!!!!
Go ARMY, NAVY, AIR FORCE!!!!!!
Go DIGGERS!!!!!!
Good one Bill!
And the MSBS Handbook for those ADF members on the current Military Superannuation scheme is even more explicit:
“Pensions are subject to full CPI updating every six months (ensuring that $1 in 2011 will be equivalent to $1 in 2028).”
A blatant lie – and the Government knows it!
Ray
Further to the previous advice about the Punch article by Peter Criss – Why have we abandoned our troops?, Peter was interviewed on 4BC on Friday.
You can listen to a podcast of the interview on the relevant 4BC webpage:
http://www.4bc.com.au/blogs/4bc-blog/not-looking-after-troops/20120113-1pz5v.html#commentForm
The page asks for comments – so let’s give it to them.
Please distribute it to your networks and encourage participation.
Regards,
Ray Gibson
Co-Director
Fair Go Campaign
My ignorance may be showing but the assertion by the MSBS Handbook that they will “ensure that $1 today will be equivalent to $1 in 2028” is not very encouraging or matched by history. What you could buy in 1996 for $1 wouldn’t impress you today. When the DFRDB began I can remember petrol was about 14 cents a litre and we were complaining then! You could fill your tank for about $8.40 then – try filling the same tank today; it will cost you $84.00 instead!
Inflation, an evil component of the exploding costs of living, will ensure that a dollar in 2028 won’t buy you as much milk and bread as it will today, unless you are shopping for it overseas on the Internet!
Unfortunately for us, the only agency that can control inflation in our country is the government of the day. Are they saying that they are going to do that?
Dear RAY GIBSON, thanks for the heads up and link to PETER’s interview on 4BC!
Dear BILL ARDEN, even if they were saying that, would you believe them ?
Dear Mr. Wilkie,
Clearly, you cannot trust the PM on any promise she gave you in relation to your poker machine reforms.
You can however, trust what the diggers tell you.
I believe that Mr Wilkie has our interests at heart. Unfortunately the poor bugger has been led up the proverbial!!!If only he could believe what people say or tell him. Don’t abandon him – let”s see if he can sway the evil witch. After all – he’s one of us. Stick with him.
Dear PAUL, only because it is you!
But I cannot guarantee that I will be able to restrain from further comment on this.
Dear Paul,
I wish I could find it in my heart to be as confident about Mr. Wilkie as you.
If he were one of us as you say, I would have expected him to go in much harder for us than he has done to date.
Do we judge Whitlam unfairly as the one who ‘stole our super’? Maybe he is the only true friend vets have had in Canberra.
I read his speach in Hansard and it is passionate about the needs of the serviceman – he claimed to have more in his electorate than any other member. It seems he pushed from opposition for the review of the DFRB scheme. He gave the public service and especially treasury a blast for trying to equate the peace time army to the PS.
My RSL pensions officer told me a while back that the scheme he introduced for our compensation was the best of the ones available to be under. And I have read a couple of posts on the 4BC blog that say he made sure that when DRFDB increases were approved they kept up with wage increases.
It was Fraser who settled on the CPI. When I read some of the Hansard of the time I know there was heated debate about the generosity of the PS scheme that was under consideration and became reality. Decisions on the method of DFRDB indexation were deferred until a decision was made on other Commonwealth schemes.
While it is something that will never be known, it seems we might have got a different outcome if Whitlam had been around a bit longer.
Dear All,
You will recall I wrote to Andrew Wilkie on 31 October 2011.I did not receive a reply so I sent a follow up letter on 14 Jan 12. I received correspondence on 20 Jan from Andrew Wilkie’s office and it went like this:
“I am emailing you today because you have emailed Andrew Wilkie recently or in the past concerning gambling reform and/or poker machines.
I’m sorry Andrew is not able to reply personally to the thousands of people who email him on this issue. I can assure you, however, he sees all the emails as they arrive, appreciates the feed back and is greatly encouraged by the predominantly supportive nature of the emails.
Today Andrew Wilkie participated in the launch to STOP THE LOSS – a coalition of concerned community groups and individuals who want to give a voice to the hundreds of thousands of victims of poker machine addiction, through seeing real and lasting reform of the poker machine industry. If you support reform of the poker machine industry, take a look at this website – http://www.stoptheloss.org.au – and consider showing your support by signing up as a subscriber and sharing it on Facebook and Twitter.
We will email you again when we have further information on the staus of Andrew’s discussions with the Prime Minister about poker machine reform legislation”.
This response does not address the issues I raised regarding support for the Fair Indexation Bill so I will start again and keep you posted. (I hope Andrew Wilkie is not becoming addicted to poker machine legislation?)
Dear KEN MARSH, it’s interesting reading your comments about WHITLAM – and the other comments about him. It would be great if we could dig out some of the Hansard of the day.
Dear KBHUSSELL, what a disgraceful response from ANDREW WILKIE – can you recall who sent this letter on his behalf ?
What about stopping the loss of income to DIGGERS, Andrew ? Talk about a Spinned response!
Dear Tess,
I am having some difficulty believing the name but the person who sent Andrew Wilkie’s response to my letter of 14 January 2012 is “Liz Virtue, Office of Andrew Wilkie MP, Independent Member for Denison”
Dear KBHUSSELL, I’m bustin’ me billy to hear what you have to say on PRIME MINISTER GILLARD’S
latest betrayal – of ANDREW WILKIE – and what you think of his stand and withdrawal of
support for the GILLARD GOVERNMENT.
Isn’t it great she only has to screw one more independent and she will be in big trouble.
Pity Wilkie wasn’t a Real Man he would have the Balls to stand up for the Veteran Community.
He looked pathetic on TV tonight the Bitch took the ball so he isn’t playing anymore. They are al tared with the same brush.
Bob
Dear Mr. Wilkie,
At last you have made the only decision you could and that is to withdraw your support for the Gillard government. I was hoping you would have seen it coming earlier but better late than never.
Mr. Wilkie, in my opinion, you have come through this with your reputation intact, unlike the Prime Minister. You ARE an honourable man, a former Army officer and clearly have the interests of this country and its people at heart.
Please continue your admirable fight for gambling/poker machine reform, but could I ask you please to divert much of your drive and energies now to the diggers and their fight for a fair go. They will only ever tell you the truth and will never let you down (as they have been let down!) as you well know.
Dear BOB IHLEIN,I rather think that BILL SHORTEN will be sniggering in the wings, don’t you ?
Dear KBHUSSELL,it is a curious thing – so many people have said the same thing to me.
Agreed, we must salute WILKIE for keeping his word in this instance.
I cannot see the Australian people copping another of JULIA GILLARD’s broken promises;even those
Australians who are in favour of pokies. It’s not a good look. We are sick and tired of this Government and its Governance. And of politicians in general. They hold us, we the people, in such contempt.
And the political DNA of all of this is linked back to the knifing of KEVIN RUDD. Very soon
those who pulled JULIA’s strings will do the same to her. That is, if she first survives the disdain of the Australian people.
Dear Mr. Windsor and Mr. Oakeshott,
Well now, the three musketeers are down to two.
Your collective childish games put “the assassin” into power in the first place, do you have the backbone to take her out?
Surely you could see from the outset that your games would come back and bite you big time on the RSEND? So, what is your next step brave warriors? Will you support your fallen comrade or will you continue to wander along, fat dumb and happy trying to avoid contact with the assassin until your time for a fat pension arrives?
How about you both become half serious for a moment. This country is falling further and further into debt every day – the boat people keep on coming – millions of dollars leave this country supporting others while our homeless, aged AND VETERANS are neglected. We have a PM who lies, cannot keep promises and yet follows the USA around like a homeless puppy.
When our magnificent young men are killed in action in Afghanistan, we all share the heartache of the families and loved ones left behind. Not so the government of the day though. They gather in front of the cameras, mouth hollow words like “our dead will be brought home with dignity” and at the end of the service they return to Canberra without a second thought for the widows, children and loved ones left behind. It does not bother any of you to pocket obscene pay rises while our Veterans, widows and children are left to make do as best they can.
Mr. Windsor and Mr. Oakeshott, I am one of a cast of thousands who have had a gutful. A gutful of incompetent politicians who have no real idea or ambition for guiding this country onto bigger and better things. A gutful of watching you people pocket obscene pay rises while the rest of the country is hurting and even in Parliament you all waste precious time trying to score points against each other, like children, when there are far more important things to do.
As I said at the start, your childish games put “the assassin” into power in the first place. If you do not have the backbone to remove her, then get out of politics and leave the important jobs to more dedicated and appropriately qualified people.
Dear KBHUSSELL, you are right to remind us all – and Messrs WINDSOR and OAKESHOTT – that theirs was a group think decision based on each securing various promises and concessions in exchange for their support of a GILLARD GOVERNMENT.
I wonder what BOB KATTER has to say about all of this ?
Somehow I think his electoral stocks will increase.
This is yet another major betrayal of the people by JULIA GILLARD and the LABOR PARTY. Apart from obvious ALP stooges on talkback radio, I have heard no-one express anything less than
utter disgust and anger at GILLARD’s latest betrayal.
I have always doubted she would last the full term. And the Craig Thomson story has yet to fully explode and reach its political climax. Pun intended.
AUSTRALIA DAY
Australia Day is a time for all of us to celebrate everything that makes this Great Land the best place in the world to live and raise a family. And it is a time to reflect on our good fortune to be able to call ourselves Australians.
This is an ideal opportunity to also remind the Australian people of the important role our military forces have played and continue to play in helping the Nation through its most challenging times, whether it is protecting their interests overseas or at home.
Be proud of our contribution.
To link this Australia Day theme with the Fair Go Campaign, we are releasing a new flyer.You can see the new flyer here:
Just as you helped to make the WHY flyer a great success, we are again calling on everyone to help with getting this flyer on to computer screens and bulletin boards across Australia.
So, please check out the flyer now, and then send it, along with this notice, to every Australian in your address book.
The central message remains the same:
PAST AND PRESENT AUSTRALIAN MILITARY PERSONNEL DESERVE A FAIR GO
MILITARY SUPERANNUATION PENSIONS ARE NOT FAIRLY INDEXED TO RETAIN PURCHASING POWER; THE ADJUSTMENTS THEY RECEIVE DO NOT REFLECT THE REAL COST OF LIVING
OVER MANY YEARS, GOVERNMENTS FROM BOTH SIDES OF POLITICS HAVE BROKEN THE EMPLOYER PROMISE TO PROVIDE FULLY INDEXED SUPERANNUATION PENSIONS FOR RETIRED DIGGERS – PENSIONS THAT DON’T ERODE IN VALUE
IT IS A NATIONAL DISGRACE!
WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP?
1. CONTACT YOUR LOCAL FEDERAL MP AND TELL HIM OR HER THAT YOU WANT A FAIR GO FOR ALL MILITARY SUPERANNUATION PENSIONERS.
2. GO TO http://www.standto.org AND REGISTER YOUR DETAILS TO STAY INFORMED, VOLUNTEER, OR MAKE A DONATION – IT ALL HELPS.
3. RESPOND WITH SUPPORTIVE COMMENTS IN LETTERS OR BLOGS TO NEWS ARTICLES AND RADIO INTERVIEWS.
4. AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, PLEASE KEEP THIS FLYER CIRCULATING – BY EMAIL, BY ADDING TO YOUR FACEBOOK PAGE, AND BY PHYSICALLY PRINTING COPIES OF THE FLYER, PINNING THEM TO BULLETIN BOARDS AND HANDING THEM TO OTHERS WITHOUT EMAIL.
Thanks for your support, and have a great Australia Day.
From the “Fair Go!” Team
Campaign Directors: Ted Chitham tchitham@bigpond.com
Ray Gibson storyweaver@internode.on.net
Campaign National Spokesperson: David Jamison jamison@bigpond.com
http://www.standto.org
OOPS! Don’t you just hate it when that happens.
The new flyer will be posted to the standto website and DFWA website. This may take a day or so. However, until then, you can access the new flyer here:
http://www.facebook.com/ADSOAustralia#!/photo.php?fbid=239946732747590&set=a.197470210328576.49993.191114454297485&type=1&theater
FAIR GO TEAM AND AUSTRALIA DAY:
Onya Gentlemen!
RAY – what happened ? What did you say ‘ Oops! ‘ about ?
Tess,
In my first post on the new flyer, I didn’t include a link for readers to access the the flyer. The fingers were working faster than the brain. It happens to me all the time!
The flyer should be up and running on the ADSO standto site, the DFWA site and probably Neil’s justafairgo site very shortly, but in the meantime, I have posted it to the ADSO facebook page and it can be viewed there as indicated in my second post on the topic.
Apologies for any confusion.
Regards,
Ray
Dear RAY, it’s not you. It’s me! Now I get it. No wonder I’m not a member of MENSA!
This is slightly off topic, but brings to public attention just how the Gillard Government is endeavouring to hide criticism / deliberately mislead Australia.
This article appeared in the Daily Telegraph last Monday. As yet, have only seen minimal reporting by our media.
Piers Akerman
Monday, January 23, 2012 at 06:16am
The federal government moved quickly to cover-up its hiding of a critical missing report on energy resources after it was revealed here it did not appear on the official record.
The file, Report 117: Transport Energy Futures—Long Term Oil Supply Trends and Projections points out that Australia is running out of fossil fuels, that it is not self-sufficient and that alternate sources, such as bio-fuels do not really offer any solution to the self-imposed burden of the Labor-Green-Independent minority government’s carbon tax.
In its foreword it states: “Coping with the supply reductions will be compounded by the fact that shrinking oil supply will interact with measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in order to address climate change.
“While there are opportunities for joint solutions, there will also be conflicting demands.
“For example, two of the more obvious sources of alternative motive energy are coal-to-liquids and gas-to-liquids. Both of these would involve increased emissions.”
In effect, Report 117 kills the Gillard government’s claims to be cleaner and greener and undermines the rationale behind its ridiculous economy-destroying carbon tax, due to take effect from July.
That’s probably why Report 117 can not be found on any government website.
But, since this was revealed in my column in The Daily Telegraph last week, another “Report 117” has been posted by the Department of Infrastructure and it deals with aircraft movements through capital cities.
The real Report 117 exists (it was apparently sent to European bodies concerned with the fuel issue) on a private French website and can be accessed through a link posted on my Blog last Friday which has thus far attracted more than 300 comments.
The real Report 117 was prepared for the Minister for Infrastructure Anthony Albanese by Dr David Gargett of the Bureau of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Economics (BITRE).
It carries the Commonwealth of Australia copyright (2009) and has been given ISSN 1440-9569 and ISBN 978–1–921260–31–5. It’s departmental designation is March 2009/INFRASTRUCTURE 08294.
It was signed off by Phil Potterton, executive director of the Bureau of Infrastructure Transport, and Regional Economics (BITRE) in March, 2009.
As I wrote last week, the Parliamentary Library confirmed that Albanese declined to release the publication, that the (then) current BITRE website didn’t list the March, 2009, report despite “earlier and later reports being listed”, and the report was not listed on the government website which archives “old” websites.
Since The Daily Telegraph report, someone in the government has overhauled the BITRE website to make it appear as if the critical report 117 never existed.
The Watergate scandal which ultimately brought down US President Nixon was essentially triggered by a botched cover-up attempt.
This cover on this government’s cover-up has been blown.
Back to our ongoing fight for DFRDB Indexation Equality.
Funny (tragic) silence on how the Politicians’ pay rise is not against Labour’s committed fiscal monetary policy to get the budget back in surplus for 2013/14!!!!!! $20M is good enough for them but not the AGED DIGGERS (Army, Navy, Air Force)who fought for Australia’s democratic freedom.
Keep up the good fight, Labour in Queensland will be gone on 24th March, unfortunately we have to put up with 8 WEEKS of contrived mud slinging.
Bring on the Federal Election and let the people decide who’s credibility will be rewarded with a return to take their place in OUR elected Parliament.
Dear COLIN COYNE, It’s great that PIERS ACKERMAN has exposed that Report 117 not only went AWOL, but was also subject to revisionism and rebranding!!!!!
I am getting so sick of Government – and the GILLARD FAUX PAS GOVERNMENT in particular, trashing us on a daily basis.
Where do they get off, these loons ?
And thanks Colin, for bringing us to the heart of the injustice towards Diggers.
I’m sure tomorrow, many loud and solemn words will be uttered in reverence; in an attempt
to drown out the Truth. But we won’t let them do that.
Losing is not an option.
Well Anthony Albanese can’t get it right can he. Now he and his minder who plaguarised a Michael Douglas movie script have been caught out again, with little Anthony using it in an attempt to deride Tony Abbott. Lets just call Anthony and his minder “Dumb and Dumber”.
Plaguarism is not a new thing for members of this Government. They have been all using the same tired dishonest statements, lies and deceit, in an attempt to say our military super indexation is unaffordable. Of dourse they had no trouble in seeing their $40,000 per annum payrise go through ( more for some), with commensurate increases for current and future parliamentary pensions.
It’s Happy Australia Day for our federal politicians as they quaff their Grange today, courtesy of Qantas freebies along with their upgrades to first class. For military superannuants, it’s a case of more belt tightening and a realisation that our service to this nation will never be recognised by this current sleasy Government, who are only interested in looking after themselves.
I’m afraid I’m not celebrating today.
Dear JOHN GRIFFITHS. Love your work.
Well might Anthony Albanese try and pass off his impersonation of Michael Douglas. We all know the truth about this senior member of the Brown/Gillard government. Mis-speaks and stumbling attempts to fool the Australian people don’t go down well with thinking people. When I was working in his department he just couldn’t let any public ceremony/opening of an event or opportunity pass by without giving the opposition a big serve – not that the opposition had anything to do with the subject – he just made it up on the run. He’s such a t…
I would hate to be in the shoes of the staffer who wrote his speech. The poor bugger is in for a workplace hiding at the very least!!
Oh yes. Happy Australia Day to all. Let’s hope we have a good Australian year to celebrate veterans past and present who have given us this grand life that we live. Hope to meet up with you all on the lawns of Parliament House when we march to show our dissatisfaction with this crappy government. Anyone have any idea of the date of the march ??
Dear PAUL, the other day, when PRIME MINISTER JULIA GILLARD betrayed ANDREW WILKIE and thus the
Australian people,over her notorious capitulation over the pokies, do you remember what the
entire Laborettes did ? They all blamed Tony Abbott! Pathetic. They blame him for their every failure. What is wrong with us all?
For goodness sake, could some real people and real politicians stand as candidates in the next Federal Election and let’s abolish political parties altogether.
Email to Andrew Wilkie today.
Dear Mr Wilkie,
I was delighted to hear you castigate Gillard for her abject betrayal of trust by dishonouring her promise re Poker Machine Reform. You proved yourself, in my eyes at least, as a man of your word and principles.
This brings me to the reason for my email to you. As an ex-serviceman, and on this Australia Day, could you now take time in the forthcoming weeks to assist your former colleagues and all ex military personnel by making our DFRDB issue a topic for discussion when Parliament resumes.
We do not want increases for increases sake, we only ask that you, and other politicians of a smidgin of moral calibre, have a fair look at our plight, and treat us with respect and a Fair Go by giving us equal rights to that of Old Age Pension recipients.
Please, minders for Mr Wilkie, do not reply to this with the standard form letter sent to others who have written to Mr Wilkie regarding this topic. I would appreciate a personal response.
Thank You
Daryl Collins-Roe
Ex RAAF, Income now $22500 p.a. DFRDB
Dear COLROE, more power to you Brother. Please let us know IF and HOW Mr Wilkie responds.
Today I emailed the following to almost everyone in my email directory. I copied under this the lasted circular from the ADSO email that accompanied their Australia Day Flyer.
Feel free to use this if you believe it helpful.
Dear Friends
I am asking you to support Australia’s military veterans in their campaign to have the Australian Government honor the commitments that were made to veterans when they served. All that we are asking is that the way in which our superannation is indexed is fixed so that it continues to deliever what we were promised.
Below I have tried to give a brief explanation of what our superannuation system was designed to achieve and copied in an email from the Alliance of Defence Service Organisations. This will give you a link to a website where you can find our more. I have also attached a flyer from the ADSO.
This is not simply about veterans. It goes to the very heart of the relationship between the Government and its military servants. If today’s Government cannot honour the committments of previous Governments to military veterans todays troops can have no confidence that committments made to them will be honoured.
Please take a little time to read this and then support us in any way you can, including forwarding this to your networks. And if you have any questions you can contact me and I will try and find an answer.
Yours Sincerely,
Ken Marsh
In the early 1970s the military was struggling to retain sufficient numbers to maintain an adequate number of senior NCOs and officers. It was common that people would leave at the end of their initial period of enlistment. Pay and conditions were poor when compared to that on offer to civilians.
Military life puts strains on families that most civilians don’t experience. Frequent postings – every 2 to 3 years – impacts on children’s education and makes it more difficult for the military partner to establish a career and accumulate superannuation. There is regular and what can be prolonged periods of separation while the member is on duty. Frequent postings meant that many could not buy a home, thus placing them at financial disadvantage compared to those in the civilian community – and, if you’re wondering, military families like everyone else pay rent and tax.
The DFRDB scheme recognised that a commitment to the military could significantly disadvantage a family and was designed to ensure that that disadvantage did not continue when the member who had give 20 or more years service transitioned to civilian life. It recognised that the member may have to relocate and/or undergo a lengthy period of training in order to find suitable employment and that this could take place when family commitments were high. It also recognised that some members may be unable to find permanent work or be forced to take unattractive and low-paid employment. For many, especially SNCOs, this has been the reality.
With the exception of very senior officers service men and women faced mandatory retirement on turning 55. Today it takes 63 weeks on average for someone over this age to find work – it was much harder in the 70s and 80s. In fact it was difficult for anyone over 40 at that time to find employment and the fact is that many who gave 20 or more years found themselves in that situation. Most Australians – then and now –at the age of 55 can expect an additional 10 years to accumulate for retirement when family commitments have lightened considerably.
The indexation arrangements in the DFRDB scheme were meant to ensure the retired (from the service, not necessarily from work) service man or woman would maintain their living standards in retirement and would not be disadvantaged in relation to their peers of same age. Rather than achieve this goal changes to indexation arrangement have entrenched economic disadvantage for many veterans.
It was also designed to be an incentive for service members to give 20 or more years service. As I came to the end of 15 years I gave serious consideration as to whether I would sign on again. This promise got an extra 5 years out of me. I, and many others, made a commitment to this country. All we ask in return is that the government of the day keep the commitment this country made to us.
Dear KEN MARSH, thanks for this important backgrounding – so important – and also such a helpful reminder to us all about the core issues.
It’s great to see that you have started the New Year with such enthusiasm and vigour for
a Fair Go from a Government – and Opposition – that daily sinks into even greater irrelevance. s
Ken,
That is one of the best summations I have seen. Well done.
Thanks for allowing it to be used.
We will.
Regards,
Ray Gibson
Fair Go Campaign Co-Director
Well done Ken Marsh I have posted it on facebook and sent a copy to all my friends that would be interested.
We are getting closer to the end of the Gillard Government my close (friend) HA HA the member for Dobell is still in deep water only trouble the Liberal candidate for the next election is in trouble as well.
I am ready to march to Canberra anytime.
Bob
Thanks Ray and Bob for your kind words. And please feel free to make any editorial changes you think necessary to better suit your purpose.
Yes Bob, I saw the good news this morning about your local member. Perhaps we could ask Mr Wilkie to move something in the Parliament as soon as the member for Dobell falls – I can just about guarantee he won’t be pushed – on his sword that will bring on an election.
Dear KEN MARSH, how wonderful to get such a supportive fab response from RAY GIBSON!!!!!
Onya Brothers!!!!!
Dear BOB IHLEIN, well said, and I bags a possie near to you in the march.
(however will I keep up! )
Dear BOB IHLEIN and KEN MARSH, please give us more info about what you are both talking about – don’t forget, it might not have been published in the national press – like many things.
Craig Thomson says reports are wrong
Government
27 Jan 12 @ 03:27pm by Denice Barnes
Embattled Dobell Federal Labor MP Craig Thomson said media reports the formal investigation by Fair Work has released adverse findings into his alleged misuse of union funds are wrong.
Mr Thomson said Fair Work Australia had made no such findings and reports in Friday’s newspapers were “absolutely wrong’‘.
According to those reports the workplace regulator had issued Mr Thomson with its findings and had given him a month to respond.
The investigation, which began in 2009, centres on claims Mr Thomson misused a credit card while he was the national secretary of the Health Services Union prior to his election in 2007.
Opposition Leader Tony Abbott has accused the Federal Government of delaying the investigation because of its perilous position as a minority government, which cannot afford to lose an MP.
“We have no report,’’ Mr Thomson.
“Fair Work Australia says there is no report.
“I maintain there is no wrongdoing and I am fully co-operating with the inquiry.
“I look forward to clearing my name.’’
This in our local paper The Central Coast Express Advocate yesterday.
Dear Tess
From the SMH yesterday re. the honorable member for Dobell.
http://www.smh.com.au/national/adverse-findings-against-thomson-20120126-1qjtj.html
I wonder if it was not for the precarious state in which the govt. finds itself if he would still be around.
This was also in the Express Advocate yesterday
THE Liberal Party has made a mess of selecting a candidate to take the Federal seat of Dobell from scandal-pagued Labor MP Craig Thomson.
Their preferred candidate to contest the next federal election, Garry Whitaker, found himself in the headlines this week after it was claimed he lived in an illegal dwelling at Wyong Creek.
Mr Whitaker, an SES controller and former Hornsby councillor, was the surprise winner of the preselection battle held in December.
In a contest between the more fancied Matt Lusted, owner of a construction company and odds-on favourite Karen McNamara, a public servant and wife of Wyong councillor John McNamara, Mr Whitaker was considered a long shot.
His nomination has yet to be ratified by the Liberal’s State Executive, leaving the nomination in limbo.
This week rumours were rife that he would not win endorsement after it was revealed he lived in a large farm shed-style dwelling at Wyong Creek.
It’s been reported he and his wife were living there while planning to build a home on the property, a not uncommon occurrence in the valleys.
Liberal Party head office would not be drawn on the matter. Their only comment has been that the state president was looking into it.
It is going to hard to get a good polly on the Central Coast if this is what we have at the moment.
Bob
Dear BOB IHLEIN, thanks for posting the article by DENICE BARNES of the CENTRAL COAST EXPRESS ADVOCATE.
It says a lot, doesn’t it.
The Tent Embassy/Labor Party Insurgent Squad ( re Abbott’s whereabouts at The Lobby with the PM)
did what it was designed to do – grab the headlines from the notorious Craig Thomson Affair. But it has all backfired.
Can’t see many mentiones in Big Media that Barbara Shaw, who spoke to Tent Embassy supporters and passed on misinformation about what Abbott actually said – and revealed that he was at the glass-walled restaurant just up the road,is a former NT Greens political candidate.
Given the treachery of the Greens when they voted against the Fair Indexation Bill last June, we are aware that they are quite content to act as political stooges for the GILLARD GOVERNMENT they prop up, whenever it is politically expedient to do so.
They will all get their comeuppance at the next Federal Election. I can’t see this pathetic
Government lasting the distance. And the Opposition is just as flaccid.
No wonder that we the people,didn;t give either a majority vote. We had it right.
Time to abolish politicle parties altogether. They no longer represent us. Nowhere is this
more obvious to us all here, than in the disgraceful treatment you veterans have endured for decades from successive mean and ungrateful governments.
Dear KEN MARSH, the whole episode has the pervading odour of a political corpse.
CRAIG THOMSON, along with his political mistress/masters, is on his way OUT!
Dear BOB IHLEIN, re Liberal GARRY WHITAKER. Why doesn’t this surprise us ?
We are sadly becoming reconciled to the fact that the calibre of political candidates is
dismal, for the most part.
SITUATION REPORT No 10 (SITREP No 10)
“BUTCHER’S PAPER” RAID (URGENT!! URGENT!!)
SITUATION
1. This is an URGENT request for your involvement.
2. As you know the Prime Minister has called for an urgent meeting of Caucus, plus all the Government’s backbenchers, to attend a meeting next Sunday, 5 February 2012.
3. Apparently they are going to list all their concerns on butcher’s paper.
4. This is a perfect opportunity to ensure that our demands are considered and are listed on their butcher’s paper lists.
MISSION
To ensure that our demands are listed by Caucus and the ALP backbenchers on their “Butcher’s Paper” list.
EXECUTION
General Outline:
• We are after volume, not lengthy, detailed submissions.
• We must get hundreds of emails and, preferably, short, succinct letters to our local ALP politicians, including the ALP Senators, especially to those ALP Members in marginal seats. (For a list of these members go to the website: http://www.aph.gov.au/Senate/senators/homepages/index.asp?sort=party. Click on “Issues”. Click on “Military Superannuation Indexation”. Look at the right column – see the heading “The Politics” and click on “Marginal Seats”.)
• THIS IS URGENT and your involvement is critical.
Tasks:
1. As with OPERATION “LETTER RAID” we encourage everyone to send either an email (or several emails) or a short, pithy (but not rude) to their local ALP member and Senator.
2. Those who reside in an electorate not held by an ALP member are encouraged to email, or write to, the Prime Minister.
Draft Letters
• Draft letters are attached but please feel free to do it your way – THE IMPORTANT THING IS TO DO IT!!!
• These letters can be either sent as an email BUT DO NOT SEND THEM AS AN ATTACHMENT as politicians do not open attachments.
• No need to post your letters by registered mail.
Co-ordinating Instructions:
Timings:
1. THIS IS URGENT.
2. LETTERS MUST BE POSTED BY THIS WEDNESDAY, 1 February 2012.
3. Emails can be sent at any time up to and including Friday, 3 February 2012.
• Email/Postal Addresses:
• Email and postal addresses for all ALP politicians and all Senators can be found at these websites:
• House of Representatives: http://www.aph.gov.au/house/members/mi-party.asp
• Senate: http://www.aph.gov.au/Senate/senators/homepages/index.asp?sort=party
• Postal Addresses can be found by just clicking on to the designated Member/Senator.
• It is strongly suggested that you send two copies of your letters:
1. One to his/her Electoral Office, and
2. One addressed to:
a. Members Name
b. Member for (insert Electorate)
c. House of Representatives
d. Parliament House
e. CANBERRA ACT 2600
For those who may be concerned that letters may not arrive at either the Electorate Office or at Parliament House by this Friday, 3 February, I suggest that you send them PRIORITY PAID
CONCLUSION
1. Yes, I know that I have left out “ADMINISTRATION AND LOGISTICS”!!!
2. WE NEED YOUR URGENT AND ONGOING INVOLVEMENT.
3. WE NEED VOLUME, HUNDREDS/THOUSANDS of emails and LETTERS TO REACH THE ALP MEMBERS/SENATORS BY THIS FRIDAY.
4. THIS IS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO SHOW THE GOVERNMENT THAT WE ARE STILL HERE, WE ARE UNITED AND WE WILL NOT GO AWAY.
DRAFT LETTERS FOLLOW (ALSO USE WITHIN THE BODY OF YOUR EMAILS BUT NOT AS AN ATTACMENT).
OVER TO YOU.
MAKE YOUR VOICE AND YOUR POSITION HEARD
(APOLOGIES FOR THIS VERY LATE NOTICE – BUT YOU CAN STILL MEET THE DEADLINES IF YOU ARE REALLY COMMITED TO GETTING “A FAIR GO”.
Neil Weekes
Attachments:
1. Draft Letter to ALP Member of the House of Representatives/Senate
2. Draft Letter to the Prime Minister (for those who do not have a sitting ALP Member in their Electorate
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
DRAFT LETTER/EMAIL TO ALP MEMBER/SENATOR
(Two letters: one to the Electoral Office and one to Parliament House)
Your full postal address
Your telephone Number
Your Email address
Date:
Name of ALP Member/Senator (Remember, if they have been or are a Minister, it should be:
“The Honourable Wayne Swan, MP” or if a Senator is or has been a Minister, it should be:
Senator, The Honourable Penny Wong”
Dear Mr/Ms
I understand that your Leader, our Prime Minister, has called an urgent meeting of Caucus, including all the backbenchers, on Sunday, 5th February 2012, to discuss the most pressing issues facing your Government.
You should be aware that there are over 63,000 recipients of the Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits (DFRDB) superannuation “pension” who continue to have their military superannuation pension indexed against the Consumer Price Index (CPI) even though our old aged pensioners (who made no contributions to their pension) have their pension indexed against whichever is the greater of the CPI, or 27.5% of the Male Total Average Weekly Earnings (MTAWE) or the Pensioner and Beneficiary Coast of Living Index (PBCLI).
Why does your Government continue to discriminate against those members of the Australian Defence Force who have served our Nation for 20 years or more, often in harm’s way?
All we want is a FAIR GO – to have our military superannuation pension indexed exactly the same way as the Nation’s old aged pensioners!!
Why did your Government decide at very late notice not to pass on the 2.7% increase to the Disability Pension to all our Military Disabled Pensioners?
Why does your Government discriminate against us? Why do we continue to pay tax even after we turn 60 years old?
There are 63,000 DFRDB recipients and 125,000 Defence disabled pensioners. Add to these numbers their families and their friends and you will readily acknowledge that we represent over 1,000,000 voters.
Rest assured we will make our votes count at the next election if these matters are not addressed by your Government, especially in those marginal seats held by ALP members.
We strongly advise you to raise our concerns at your ALP meeting on this Sunday, 5 February 2012.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
DRAFT LETTER TO THE PRIME MINISTER
The Honourable Julia Gillard, MP
Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Australia
Parliament House
CANBERRA ACT 2600
Dear Prime Minister,
I understand that you have called an urgent meeting of the ALP Caucus, plus all the ALP backbenchers, to attend a meeting on this Sunday, 5th February 2012, to discuss the most pressing issues facing your Government.
Prime Minister, I am aware that you are aware that there are over 63,000 recipients of the Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits (DFRDB) superannuation “pension” who continue to have their military superannuation pension indexed against the Consumer Price Index (CPI) even though our old aged pensioners (who made no contributions to their pension) have their pension indexed against whichever is the greater of the CPI, or 27.5% of the Male Total Average Weekly Earnings (MTAWE) or the Pensioner and Beneficiary Coast of Living Index (PBCLI).
Why does your Government continue to discriminate against those members of the Australian Defence Force who have served our Nation for 20 years or more, often in harm’s way? All we want is a FAIR GO – to have our military superannuation pension indexed exactly the same way as the Nation’s old aged pensioners!! Is that asking for too much?
Why did your Government decide at very late notice not to pass on the 2.7% increase to the Disability Pension to all our Military Disabled Pensioners in 2009?
Why does your Government discriminate against us? Why do we continue to pay tax even after we turn 60 years old?
There are 63,000 DFRDB recipients and 125,000 Defence disabled pensioners. Add to these numbers their families and their friends and you will readily acknowledge that we represent over 1,000,000 voters.
Prior to the last election, your Government made a commitment to fix the DFRDB indexation issue. Instead you commissioned yet another review. Even some of your own ALP members have admitted that the Matthews Review was flawed. Within days of the release of that review, your Government introduced the PBCLI for our Old Aged Pensioners because you acknowledged that the CPI was not maintaining parity with the real increases to the cost of living. Why was the PBCLI not applied to the Military superannuants, as recommended by The Honourable Dr Kelly, MP, Senator Kate Lundy, Ms Ellis, MP and Mr Bob McMullan, MP?
You have broken your promise to the Nation regarding the carbon tax. You have broken your commitment to Mr Wilkie. You have broken your commitment to the men and women who served this great Nation for over 20 years.
This is a National disgrace and it is time that this terrible injustice was righted!!
Rest assured we will make our votes count at the next election if these matters are not addressed by your Government, especially in those marginal seats held by ALP members.
We strongly advise you to raise our concerns at your ALP meeting on this Sunday, 5 February 2012.
I gave you the wrong website for the ALP marginal seats. It should be: http://www.justafairgo.net,
then follow all the prompts as previously given.
This is a copy of my actual letter that I will be posting, by Prioity Paid, to the PM early tomorrow (Monday, 30 Jan 2012).
30 Hinchinbrook Drive
KIRWAN
TOWNSVILLE QLD 4817
Telephone: 0747736932
Email: sealure2@bigpond.net.au
29 January 2012
The Honourable Julia Gillard, MP
Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Australia
Parliament House
CANBERRA ACT 2600
Dear Prime Minister,
I understand that you have called an urgent meeting of the ALP Caucus, plus all the ALP backbenchers, to attend a meeting on this Sunday, 5th February 2012, to discuss the most pressing issues facing your Government.
Prime Minister, I am aware that you are aware that there are over 63,000 recipients of a military superannuation “pension” who continue to have their military superannuation pension indexed against the Consumer Price Index (CPI) even though our old aged pensioners (who made no contributions to their pension) have their pension indexed against whichever is the greater of the CPI or the Pensioner and Beneficiary Living Cost Index (PBLCI), with reference to the Male Total Average Weekly Earnings (MTAWE).
Why does your Government continue to discriminate against those members of the Australian Defence Force, some of whom have served our Nation for 20 years or more, often in harm’s way? All we want is a FAIR GO – to have our military superannuation pension indexed exactly the same way as the Nation’s old aged pensioners!! Is that asking for too much?
Why did your Government decide at very late notice not to pass on the 2.7% increase to the Disability Pension to all our Military Disabled Pensioners in 2009? Why does your Government discriminate against us? Why do we continue to pay tax even after we turn 60 years old?
There are 63,000 military superannuation “pension” recipients and 125,000 Defence disabled pensioners. Add to these numbers their families and their friends and you will readily acknowledge that we represent over 1,000,000 voters.
Prior to the last election, your Government made a commitment to fix the Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits (DFRDB) indexation issue. Instead you commissioned yet another review. Even some of your own ALP members have admitted that the Matthews Review was flawed. Within days of the release of that review, your Government introduced the PBLCI for our Old Aged Pensioners because you acknowledged that the CPI was not maintaining parity with the real increases to the cost of living. Why was the PBLCI not applied to the Military superannuants, as recommended by The Honourable Dr Kelly, MP, Senator Kate Lundy, Ms Ellis, MP and Mr Bob McMullan, MP?
You have broken your promise to the Nation regarding the carbon tax. You have broken your commitment to Mr Wilkie. You have broken your commitment to the men and women who served this great Nation for over 20 years.
This is a National disgrace and it is time that this terrible injustice was righted!!
Rest assured we will make our votes count at the next election if these matters are not addressed by your Government, especially in those marginal seats held by ALP members.
We strongly advise you to raise our concerns at your ALP meeting on this Sunday, 5 February 2012.
Yours sincerely,
(NEIL WEEKES, AM, MC)
Brigadier (Retired)
Dear NEIL WEEKES, given the current floundering of PRIME MINISTER JULIA GILLARD – and it can only get worse – she would do well to read and heed YOUR statistics and the fact that as an electoral bloc you have the powerful capacity to deliver a million voters.
Unless she has a political death wish – and it seems she has – ( and have you noticed how the Faceless men like Bill Shorten and the lads have been keeping their big heads and egos down over this latest fiasco ? ) she will bring the plight of the veterans to Caucus. Or else she’s Cactus.
Hi all
This was sent by a mate of mine. Not sure if it has ben posted before, but I think it relevant.
He was getting old and paunchy
And his hair was falling fast,
And he sat around the bar,
Telling stories of the past.
Of a war that he once fought in
And the deeds that he had done,
In his exploits with his buddies;
They were heroes, every one.
And ‘tho sometimes to his neighbours
His tales became a joke,
All his buddies listened quietly
For they knew of where he spoke.
But we’ll hear his tales no longer,
For ol’ Bob has passed away,
And the world’s a little poorer
For a Serviceman died today.
He won’t be mourned by many,
Just his children and his wife..
For he lived an ordinary,
Very quiet sort of life.
He held a job and raised a family,
Going quietly on his way;
And the world won’t note his passing,
‘Tho a Serviceman died today.
When politicians leave this earth,
Their bodies lie in state,
While thousands note their passing,
And proclaim that they were great.
Papers tell of their life stories
From the time that they were young
But the passing of a Serviceman
Goes unnoticed, and unsung.
Is the greatest contribution
To the welfare of our land,
Some jerk who breaks his promise
And cons his fellow man?
Or the ordinary fellow
Who in times of war and strife,
Goes off to serve his country
And offers up his life?
The politician’s stipend
And the style in which he lives,
Are often disproportionate,
To the service that he gives.
While the ordinary Serviceman,
Who offered up his all,
Is paid off with a medal
And perhaps a pension, small.
It’s so easy to forget them,
For it is so many times
That our Bobs and Jims and Johnnys,
Went to battle, but we know,
It is not the politicians
With their compromise and ploys,
Who won for us the freedom
That our country now enjoys.
Should you find yourself in danger,
With your enemies at hand,
Would you really want some cop-out,
With his ever waffling stand?
Or would you want a Serviceman
His home, his country, his kin,
Just a common Serviceman,
Who would fight until the end.
He was just a common Serviceman,
And his ranks are growing thin,
But his presence should remind us
We may need his like again.
For when countries are in conflict,
We find the Serviceman’s part
Is to clean up all the troubles
That the politicians start.
If we cannot do him honor
While he’s here to hear the praise,
Then at least let’s give him homage
At the ending of his days..
Perhaps just a simple headline
In the paper that might say:
“OUR COUNTRY IS IN MOURNING,
A SERVICEMAN DIED TODAY.”
Pass On The Patriotism!
YOU can make a difference
A veteran is someone who, at one point in his life,
wrote a blank cheque made payable to ‘Australia’, ‘New Zealand’, ‘Canada’, ‘Great Britian’, ‘The United States’ or any other God fearing country for an amount
“up to and including my life”.
That is Honor, and there are way too many people in this WORLD who no longer understand it.
Good morning Tess and All,
This morning, Punch has published another excellent article by AVM Peter Criss. The article debunks many of the myths about Defence life that appeared in comments following his first article and reinforces the indexation issue. You can see the article here:
http://www.thepunch.com.au/articles/War-is-hell-and-military-life-is-no-picnic/
It is a piece well worth reading and passing on to all of your contacts, both military and civilian.
I also note that further ill-informed comments are beginning to appear on this article. Once again, we need correct any rubbish comments that appear and demonstrate strong support for Peter and the article (as we did last time.) Please go to the site and leave a comment, no matter how brief, and ask all of your contacts to do the same.
We know that politicians and their staffers and many other journalists read articles on the Punch site and we have to continue to show our strong resolve, particularly with the butchers paper and texta meeting coming up this weekend for the Labor Caucus.
Thanks for your continued support.
Regards,
Ray Gibson
Dear JOHN SAINSBURY, always worth another read anyway. Says it all.
Memo to PRIME MINISTER JULIA GILLARD’S media minders: – could you please ensure the
PM reads this pome and responds to John Sainsbury in this comments section.
I know it’s cutting edge stuff, actually responding to the Australian people, but why not give it a go and walk a mile in the boots of our old Diggers.
PETER PACKS A PUNCH!
Thanks RAY, and for posting the link to PETER’s PUNCH article. Great networking and onya
AIR VICE MARSHAL (Ret’d) PETER CRISS – more power to your brilliant pen!
Another poem from George Mansford. I hope that it has not been posted before. It was sent to me in early January and I have not had the time to post it here.
A FAIR GO
The cry of Fair Go arrived with the convicts from the First Fleet
Later, the Rum Corp demanded it by rebelling in the streets
A Fair Go is part of our diet in this vast southern land
The lack of it caused the Eureka Stockade and a defiant stand
The mob at Vinegar Hill stood fast to seek it and did defy
The Labor Party was born and Fair Go became its battle cry
Ned Kelly never got it, so took to robbing for his loot
Mind you, today’s Pollys’ do it far better and don’t have to shoot
The ANZACS and those who followed fought to make it so
Their dream was to ensure every Aussie battler has a Fair Go
Today we scream it at the Refs and Umps when they get it wrong
Even louder with adjectives if we’re playing Kiwis or Poms
We love it when a battler beats the system cos he got a Fair Go
Just like when David whacked Goliath for six into the back row
Then at last Canberra Suits were in the hall vowing us a Fair Go
Alas, the stage is now deserted as are the promises they gave
Given the current cast and the play, Ben Chifley’s turning in his grave
Clearly today’s Pollys simply get it all so bloody wrong
They don’t understand the cry that made our nation strong
It’s called a Fair Go for all walks of life, no matter who they are
Be it in the big smoke, country town, cattle runs or dream time afar
It does include old soldiers who can’t eat medals you know
When it comes to indexation they too need a Fair Go
As do disabled diggers who were ripped off not so long ago
Or the farmers invaded by moguls with their oil and gas drills
A Fair Go is being threatened by greed, PC*, spin and happy pills
Like all those before us, the call is still the same
Directed at injustice, broken promises and all who run unfair games
No matter where tomorrow takes our nation, one thing is for sure
Its proud people will sing, write and shout “Fair Go” for evermore
George Mansford December 2011
*PC–Political Correctness
This is the more recent poem by George Mansford.
Munga and His Purple Heart
Dedicated to all the Munga’s of our Army, past, present and future
Munga was from the bush and a banana bender to boot
A bloke who loved his freedom and would never wear a suit
He was mustering cattle somewhere in the vast outback
When he was conscripted and issued a rifle and pack
In a flash he was on parade and training for war
He was a good soldier in the field and that was for sure
But when it came to regimentation he tended to give it a flick
Often broke the rules such as Two Up and illegal brews for a nip
Being absent without leave and not saluting Officers with Pips
The CO knew him well as an offender often before his desk
Offering incredible alibis before being found guilty with the rest
Soon they were at war with sudden death and terrible fear
Came the day Munga was wounded and evacuated to the rear
To an American Hospital which happened to be near
Some days later while Munga rested in a hospital bed
A General surrounded by Media arrived with medals to spread
Our wounded mate was given a Purple Heart and he was appalled
“I can’t take this medal cos I am an Aussie” he called
There was dismay, and the General’s aide finally asked
“Then what do Aussies get when wounded on a task?”
There was silence and then with no ifs or buts, he said at last
“If we get wounded, more likely it’s gunna be a kick in the arse”
Munga made it back to Oz and his beloved outback
Away from bustling noisy crowds, smog and concrete tracks
Back with his green mountains and familiar golden shores
Free and happy as the screeching parrots with noisy encores
Sleeping by silent waters and the glow of camp fire embers
Perhaps dreaming of army mates he would always remember
Such old comrades at re-unions or in Valhalla speak of him and others
Readily recall his many escapades and loyalty as a brother
They swear it was his blunt comments that made Canberra faces go red
The day our National Media broke the cruel news which said
“No medal but a kick in the arse for a wounded digger in a hospital bed”
George Mansford -January 2012
*The Purple Heart is a decoration awarded to all US Military who are wounded on operations
Thanks, Ken Marsh, for your comments of 27 January. i am sending something similar to all my address book.
Tess, I took your comments about digging up Hansard references to heart. I’ve been doing some ratting around.
Many of you probably already know about the website http://www.aph.gov.au/hansard/hansreps.htm. This gives access to every Fed Parliament Reps Hansard from 1901. You can find links to individual “fragments” (speeches) but I couldn’t get them to work very well. At any rate, the basic site is easy enough to handle once you get used to the way it works.
I am sure John Jess, who was somewhat of a maverick Liberal, had been stirring about the old DFRB scheme since the late 1960s, but I haven’t yet found any Hansard references to that. What I have is the following:
9 June 1970 – Lance Barnard moves for a Joint Select Committee to consider DFRB. Supported by John Jess and others
2 September 1970 (no hurry here) – Committee appointed.
18 May 1972 (no hurry here) – Jess presents report. His comments can be found under a “Question” heading in the report for the day.
26 October 1972 (last sitting day of McMahon Government – still no hurry) PM makes statement, saying basic Jess ideas accepted but some aspects need further consideration. Barnard, Jess, Whitlam comment – this is Whitlam speech mentioned by Ken Marsh.
25 May 1973 – Lance Barnard, multihatted minister in Whitlam Government, introduces new DFRDB Act. Receives assent in June 73, but interesting that major provisions deemed to be in effect from 1 October 1972.
Still to find – various indexation decisions in 1974, 1975, 1977. But I’ll get there!
MUNGA AND HIS PURPLE HEART by GEORGE MANSFORD.
Dear NEIL WEEKES, isn’t this another brilliant poem by George. Thank you so much for posting George’s evocative word pictures. I hope he puts them all in a book soon.
What a great poetic salute to January!
Please send a copy to JULIA GILLARD – whilst she’s still Prime Minister – and before the
Caucus meeting!
Dear BARNEY WARD – what fabulous sleuthing. And it’s great reference material for us all – and putting it all here as shareware is wonderful networking.
I didn’t realise that Taswegian Lance Barnard ( he was, wasn’t he ? ) played such a role.
This injustice towards you all has been going on for decades. Why doesn’t this Government
just do it! Why didn’t all the Governments before them just do it?
Hi again
Although not my local member here in the ACT,I forwarded the letter below by e-mail to Gai Brodtmann, and similar e-mails to Andrew Leigh ( the other local ALP member) and Kate Lundy on 29 Jan 12.
I received a phone call late to-day, 30 Jan 12, from Gai Brodtman, who said she would raise the matter at the ALP meeting on 5 Feb 12.
I dont know how we will know if the matter was raised or not, but at least I got a response.
Ms Gai Brodtmann
House of Representatives
Parliament House
CANBERRA ACT
Dear Ms Brodtmann
I understand that your Leader, our Prime Minister, has called an urgent meeting of Caucus, including all the backbenchers, on Sunday, 5th February 2012, to discuss the most pressing issues facing your Government.
You should be aware that there are over 63,000 recipients of the Defence Force Retirement and
Death Benefits (DFRDB) superannuation “pension” who continue to have their military superannuation pension indexed against the Consumer Price Index (CPI) even though our old aged pensioners (who made no contributions to their pension) have their pension indexed against whichever is the greater of the CPI, or 27.5% of the Male Total Average Weekly Earnings (MTAWE) or the Pensioner and Beneficiary Coast of Living Index PBCLI).
I ask again, as one of the local members, why do you, and your Government, continue to discriminate against those members of the Australian Defence Force who have served our Nation for 20 years or more, often in harm’s way?
All we want is a FAIR GO – to have our military superannuation pension indexed exactly the same way as the Nation’s old aged pensioners!!
Why did your Government decide at very late notice not to pass on the 2.7% increase to the Disability Pension to all our Military Disabled Pensioners?
Why does your Government discriminate against us? Why do we continue to pay tax even after we turn 60 years old?
There are 63,000 DFRDB recipients and 125,000 Defence disabled pensioners. Add to these numbers their families and their friends and you will readily acknowledge that we represent over 1,000,000 voters.
Rest assured we will make our votes count at the next election if these matters are not addressed by your Government, especially in those marginal seats held by ALP members.
I do not require your usual platitudes as to why FAIR Indexation cannot be achieved, when you are quite happy to accept a huge increase in your Parlimentary salary and, if you are there long enough,to accept a Superannuation Pension that is indexed out of all proportion to the paltry increases paid to DFRB and DFRDB recipents.
I strongly advise you to raise my, and others concerns, at your ALP meeting on this Sunday, 5 February 2012.
Yours truly,
John Sainsbury
29 January 2012
Dear JOHN SAINSBURY, not sure what happened, but left a comment for you earlier that seems to have disappeared!
Good news re MS GAI BRODTMANN. Please keep us posted.
Dear Barney Ward, I did come across a Hansard stating that a decision on indexation had been put on hold pending a determination regarding other Commonwealth superannuation schemes being reviewed at the time.
I have seen in a couple of blog responses to Peter Criss’s interviews statements that are probably true but in the interests or accuray would need verification.
First – it was Fraser that settled on the CP!.
Secondly, that Whitlam legislated increases to DFRDB a couple of times at 1.4% CPI – a figure I have seen quoted somewhere else in this debate regarding a proposal that this was an indexation under consideration.
Lastly, that 75% of service men and women left before 20 years – which could well be acurate. One thing I believe we could ask Penny Wong among others re funding is did the government take into consideration in their costings of the ‘Fair Indexation Bill’ the benefit they got from this interest free loan given them by this 75% (or whatever the more accurate figure may be).
Dear Ken Marsh,
I think Lance Barnard’s Statement when he introduced the DFRDB legislation on 25 May 1973 contains a comment about deferral of indexation decisions until they could be aligned with other public superannuation schemes. I’ll have to check that.
It took quite a while for the automatic indexation of pensions to be set up. In the meantime there were at least two sets of legislation granting increases. The criterion set was the lesser of 1.4 times CPI and the increase of average weekly earnings – they’d already resiled from Jess’s recommendation to tie indexation to average weekly earnings. In fact Jess’s intent was to ensure retirement benefits maintained their relativity to military salaries. If that had happened, my pension would be worth nearly $50,000 a year! I’d be rich!
I’m advised that in 1974 there was an increase equating to 1.4 times CPI. In ’76, the increase was indexed to average weekly earnings – the rumour is that it was about 13%. I haven’t found either of these in Hansard yet but I do remember some retired mates talking about the large increases they got, back in the day. Fraser did settle on raw CPI in 1977 (haven’t found that Hansard yet either but I have seen other definitive info), and I still maintain CPI was chosen because Treasury knew it would lose ground to average weekly earnings – and costs of living – over the years.
Tess, Lance Barnard was a very able man. He and Whitlam ran the whole show between them for a few weeks after December 1972, and Barnard still had a multiplicity of ministerial responsibilities in 1973. If I recall correctly, he retired before Whitlam got the bullet in ’75. Burnt out, if you ask me.
Good on you, George Mansford, and well said about “Munga and the Purple Heart”. How true. A number of old acquaintances who flew in Vietnam were recommended for medals by the US people they served with. I don’t think a single one was awarded.
Anyhow, must go. This computer’s playing up and I have to get it sorted so I can do something about Neil Weekes’ paper blitz before the weekend.
Guys, if you didn’t read the post ‘Tess Lawrence versus McKean Park Lawyers and the NAB’ you will probably have missed the fact that Tess has a court appearance today. I know that she has our support and that we all wish her well.
Well said, Ken Marsh. We will be thinking of you today, Tess. You go get ‘em, Tess. We live in Australia not in some country ruled by corrupt dictators who tread all over the little people.
Dear Tess,
We are all in your corner old soldier, give ‘em heaps! Thinking of you, take care,
Good luck today Tess.
Let those l awyers know that diggers watch out for their mates and we are keeping a close eye on them andthe NAB bank.
Sorry Tess, I completely missed that post. Hope it goes OK. All the best and don’t forget to let us know if we can do anything.
Cheers, Barney
Loved George Manford’s latest offering. How does he feel about cut and paste to things like facebook – this and others?
Tess
I hope all went well for you today.
Bob
Dearest KEN MARSH, NEIL WEEKES, KBHUSSELL, JOHN GRIFFITHS,BARNEY WARD, BOB IHLEIN. You Darling Men. His Honour JUSTICE JESSUP denied my application for an extension of time to lodge an Appeal. My mental illness triggered by the death and other threats by MCKEAN PARK’s RICHARD ASHLEY, that prevented me from representing myself in Court, amounted to nothing in the eyes of the Federal Court.
In fact, Justice Jessup, in the sort of language that may well have originated in a B Grade version of the likes of the Barchester Chronicles, described ASHLEY’s assault as an “unhappy” event, equivolent to an attack of the vapours. Even with this, MCKEAN PARK’s lawyer attempted to expunge His Honour’s term entirely.
I can only imagine what terms His Honour might attribute to Murder or Rape.
There is more to come on this. I am not done here.
I will be appealing His Honour’s decision. And I will publish the entire transcript of the
proceedings, in the interest of judicial transparency, so you can judge for yourselves. What’s not to love in public accountability ?
Gentlemen, I thank you for your support and loyalty. It enabled me to arise from a foetal position of depression and despair. It clearly does not matter a jot to the Courts. But it means the world to me. You gave me traction when clinging to the rim.
A short email I sent to M.P. Bil Shorten today.
Comments: I sent a letter to my Federal M.P. Craig Thomson reference Fair Indexation for Military Superannuation last month. He replied stating that he had forwarded it on to you. To this date I have not received a reply. I understand that you are having a conference about Superannuation soon but the Ex Defence members are not invited. Pitty we went to defend this country and served for 20 years or more without an invitation at the time. Regards Robert Ihlein
Dear Tess,
We share your disappointment over the events of yesterday.
I have read your summary a number of times and it still escapes me how Justice Jessup can describe your experiences as an “unhappy” event. I have had two death threats in my time because I am a foster father and I took both experiences far more seriously than an “unhappy” event. As you say, what for murder or rape?
Sixty five years ago, I lived in Tumbarumba with my grandparents. We had no electricity, the toilet was the “deep drop” up the hill and every night one headed off to bed with a “jerry” in one hand and a kerosene lantern in the other. Groceries from town involved a four mile round trip in a horse and sulky. But they were beautiful days. People were honest, caring and respectful to each other and truth was the order of the day. When I walked down the street with my grandmother, men would always walk to the gutter side, tip their hats and say, “good morning Mrs. Williams”. Where have those days gone? They have been replaced by an attitude of “women and children first…..if they are big enough”, broken promises and lies are the order of the day and start from the top down. My reading of your summaries of NAB activities and the big end of town leave me with a feeling of despair, for me, my children and my country. Where to from here?
You may not have won the battle yesterday dear friend, but I MUST believe you will win the war. I MUST believe that truth will prevail. If I cannot believe in that then all my efforts for this country in my life time have been in vain. I refuse to believe that.
Dear All,
I have always been interested in “body language” and the body language I have seen from the PM in recent weeks is a sight to behold. A lack of confidence, not entirely in control, worried, the need to rely on broken promises and lies to get by, are all good signs for me.
I am, however, still trying to come to grips with the outburst from Simon Crean last night. On national television he says, “Rudd does not have the numbers”……..”Rudd will never regain the top job”……..”Rudd was never a team player”. If Rudd was “never a team player”, where does that leave the PM? She has been flying solo for months!.
On top of this of course, the PM was singing the praises of Rudd as Foreign Minister. All very confusing really but these comments suggest there could be widening cracks within the foundation of the government. Why put these issues before the public now?
Let us hope that the PM tables Neil’s excellent letter next Sunday. Wouldn’t it be great to be a fly on the wall?
THOMSON,BILL SHORTEN THE ODDS
Dear BOB IHLEIN, thanks so much for this reminder that when you wrote to politically dead-man-walking CRAIG THOMSON, the letter was forwarded to BILL SHORTEN.
Hi All,
As a follow-up reminder to Neil’s post on 29 Jan, below is the ADSO message released yesterday on the butcher’s paper meeting this weekend. If you haven’t already done so, please consider ringing or emailing your Labor MP and/or State Senator. You have a couple of days remaining to help deliver a strong message.
Ray Gibson
Co- Director
Fair Go Campaign
ALERT – A CALL TO ACTION
The Federal Labor Caucus is holding a “brainstorming session” on Sunday 5 February 2012 in Canberra to formulate its policy ideas and strategies and to have its members (MPs and Senators) raise issues of concern from within their electorates.
This is a great opportunity for us to make sure that our grievances and the Government’s unfair treatment of them is made known at their workshop. We do not need to go into the details of our issues: they have been received by the politicians in earlier campaigns. This call to action is to make our presence felt and known that we will not relent in achieving our “Fair Go!” Campaign objectives
At the “head shed” ADSO’s David Jamison has sent a letter to the PM and Cabinet Ministers and Neil Weekes has distributed his Situation Report No 10 “Butcher’s Paper Raid”. The “Two Front Strategy” is in sync.
At the “sharp end” we call on our State and Local Electorate Action Groups and all our supporters to act in a show of strength for our major issues: military superannuation pension indexation and the restoration of the value of Veterans’ Disability pensions.
HOW?
1. Make you concern known to your local Labor MP before Friday afternoon. Use any one or more of the following means:
• a personal visit to the MP and/or the Electoral Office,
• make a telephone call to the MP and/or the Electoral Office ,
• send an email to the MP, the Electoral Office and the Parliamentary Office,
• post an entry on the MPs facebook, or
• post a short letter.
2. Make you concern known to other Labor MPs, Labor Senators, the PM and her Cabinet Ministers. Their contact details can be found at http://www.aph.gov.au/house/members/mi-party.asp
http://www.aph.gov.au/Senate/senators/homepages/index.asp?sort=party
WHAT TO SAY/WRITE?
We suggest you compose your own. As a guide, use any of the following:
We want the Government to adopt the same formula used for Age/Service pensions for all components of Military retirement pensions (DFRB/DFRDB/MSBS)
Successive Australian Governments’ have breached a condition of military service (employment), related to the indexation of the military superannuation payment (pension), that it would retain its purchasing power. It hasn’t since 1997 when the Government discarded CPI indexation for the Age pension to another formula that retains purchasing power but kept CPI for military superannuation pensions.
The Labor Party’s promise, prior to the 2007 Federal Election, that in Government it would “fix” the unfair military superannuation indexation and the indexation of disability pensions, established a bank of goodwill and voting support amongst the defence community. That goodwill has been exhausted by the Labor Government’s failure to deliver.
We want the Government to restore the value of Veterans’ Disability Pensions by adjusting them to reflect increased community living standards since 1997, as it has for Age and Service pensions.
It seems that Labor’s principle of a Fair Go for everyone (“We will not leave anyone behind”- PM) does not apply to many in the Defence Family.
And ask any one or more of these questions:
1. When will the Government deliver on its 2007 election promise to fix military superannuation indexation?
2. Why doesn’t the Government restore fair military superannuation indexation to its veterans?
3. When will the Government introduce legislation to restore fair military superannuation indexation to its veterans?
4. How much longer does the Government believe it can cling to its discredited position that CPI indexation alone is inadequate for age pensions but perfectly acceptable for military superannuation?
5. Is the Caucus aware that the Government’s failure to honour it pre-election commitment of FAIR indexation has lost the respect and good will of the Defence Family?
Ask for a reply
In your contacts and correspondence be assertive and courteous but please avoid personal abuse.
Here is some information on the Defence Family (DF) (current and past serving ADF members and their related families):
1. DF (estimated at over 3 million people) represents a large portion of the Australian community
2. DF is dissatisfied because the Government has failed to deliver on its 2007 promises to fix the unfair military superannuation (DFRB/ DFRDB/MSBS) pension indexation and disability pension indexation.
3. The Australian people hold the DF in high esteem and trustworthiness. They are increasingly aware of the Fair Go Campaign and supportive of our call for A Fair Go.
We know that Politicians react to numbers particularly in marginal seats and when the issue discredits their Party’s public image.
The Call to Action is NOW.
Please pass to your network of family and friends and encourage them to follow your lead.
From the “Fair Go!” Team
Campaign Directors: Ted Chitham , Ray Gibson
Campaign National Spokesperson: David Jamison
Stay current with the Campaign at http://www.standto.org
‘ORDINARY’ HEROES DO EXTRAORDINARY THINGS
Dear KBHUSSELL, human beings like you are my heroes and inspiration. Thank you for your service to this country – then – and now.
It is compelling to read of your response to death threats in ‘ civilian ‘ life. And I do understand KB.
Thank you for your brilliant word pictures of your childhood. I think there is much to be said for decency, respect and good manners. Can you remember the back door being left open and money left on the kitchen table for the milkman and the breadman ( and they were predominantly men in these roles ) ?
I have no doubt KB that your foster children are learning much from you and your sense of justice and compassion and your activism. You could so easily remain a bystander rather than a participant in Life.
It is important for younger people to see older people making a stand against injustice and teaching them that there is no shame in speaking up in a room full of strangers to proclaim and defend in private, as well as in public, what you believe to be the truth.
I learned a lot from what transpired in the Court yesterday. It has only strengthened my resolve to continue my fight for Justice. Especially since I know that what happens to me, happens on a daily basis in our Courts to others, especially those who represent themselves in Court.
Like you I believe that the truth will prevail. It is precisely because of you and others KB and the input you have made into making our world a better place, that I am inspired to fight on.
Thank you so very much for your public support. It has made a world of difference.
Actually, in the Supreme Court, my story and our shared conversations here – and comments – were used a weapons against me
Dear Tess, so sorry that the Courts are giving you such a bad time. The law is definitely tilted towards the big battalions. The NAB is definitely NOT the descendant of the old National Bank that I used to work for back in the dawn of time. We used to help people, not sue them for manufactured debts! Again, if there’s anything we old buffers can do to help you, please say so. We’ll do our best.
On the PM’s weekend meeting, so far I have written to the PM, the Minister for Defence, the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, and my local member, Greg Combet. All sent off express post this morning. They should make Parliament House easily before the weekend. Here’s a copy of my letter to Snowdon, for info. Hope you like it.
“Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits (DFRDB) Amendment (Fair Indexation) Bill
I have previously written to other Ministers in your Government about the above topic. Most of them haven’t bothered to answer; the one reply I did receive was a “cut and paste” of material supplied by someone in your Department. Minister, you should take a closer look at what people put forward in your name. Your colleague’s cut and paste reply to my letter was peppered with too many inaccuracies (that’s putting it kindly) to enumerate here. It’s no wonder we Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits (DFRDB) retirees find it difficult to get a Fair Go, if that is a representative sample of the (mis)information being fed to responsible Ministers.
Be the above as it may, I understand that the Prime Minister has called an urgent meeting of the Caucus, and all backbenchers, for next Sunday, 5 February 2012; to consider the most pressing issues facing your Government.
Minister, I know you are aware that there are 63,000 Defence Force Retirement Benefit (DFRB) and DFRDB recipients who continue to have their benefits indexed to Consumer Price Index (CPI), even though Age pensioners (who made no dedicated contribution to their pension,) have their pension indexed against whichever is the greater of CPI, or 27.5% of Male Total Average Weekly Earnings (MTAWE), or the Pensioner and Beneficiary Cost of Living Index (PBCLI).
I’m sure you are also aware that there are 125,000 disabled ex-Service people out there who are bewildered and angered by your Government’s 2009 decision to exclude them from a general increase in disability pensions.
Minister, why does your Government keep discriminating against people who have been prepared to serve the nation for many years, often in harm’s way – and suffered injury and marked disadvantage to themselves by so doing? All DFRDB recipients want is a FAIR GO – to have our retirement benefits indexed by the same criteria as used for the Age pension; and to see our disabled fellow Service people treated equitably in the matter of their benefits.
We ex-Service people can influence a wide cross-section of the voting community. Therefore, I suggest that the issue of a Fair Go for military pensioners is a very fitting topic for inclusion in your list of pressing issues for next Sunday. You can no longer use the excuse of cost to deny Fair Indexation, given the recent generous Parliamentary pay increases, the least of which is twice the average DFRDB pension. I urge you to give the matters of military retirement benefits and military disability pensions headline status at next Sunday’s meeting.”
Letters to the others were somewhat the same. I intend to e-mail a bunch of other MPs in the next day or two, to remind them gently that if they want to keep their seats, it’s past time they took some notice of the people they work for – the voters – instead of their high-powered factional cronies and other over-ambitious people.
For now, back to the Hansard salt mines. Might come up with some more references soon.
Dear RAY GIBSON, timely reminder!!! Onya Team!
Dear BARNEY WARD, thank you Sir, your ongoing support is so wonderful and I treasure it, and stockpile it for the yuk times. Your comments about the NAB that you worked for are salient ones. These days the NAB buys its reputation because it is inacable of earning it.
Barney, thanks for posting your letter here for us all to read – and I am mindful that it is expensive to register mail. Please let us know if you get any responses. Those responses, as
we know, can be important.
Wouldn’t it be fab if one of the pollies actually contacted you before Sunday, to let you know they got your letter and will bring up the subject at the meeting! Old-fashioned, new age politics style!
JOCK DOES HIS BLOCK:SENATORS LEND HIM YOUR EARS.
Dear Senators and Members
Why the ALP has lost so many ADF and Veteran votes. Or how Labor stole $3,200 pa from your DVA Disability Pension.
I wish to draw to the attention of the Honourable Senators and Members that the indexation of DVA Disability Pensions is intact as per the Howard/Billson Veterans Entitlement Act (VEA) legislation of Oct 2007.
What was done?
Messer’s Rudd and Griffin amended the VEA coinciding with the Federal budget of 2009 broke that indexation. Broke it for the one off event of the increase to government pensions resulting from the Dr. Jeff Harmer review into pensions. Consequence the DVA Disability Pension was denied the 2.7% of MTAWE increase afforded to all other pensions.
The Harmer increase was promoted by the ALP as “Maintaining the Purchasing Power of Pensions”. The ALP inner cabinet policy makers did not think that 130,000 of the nation’s Defence Force disabled were worthy of having the value of their pensions maintained.
The DVA Disability Pension is thus forever (or until redressed) behind in value against other government pensions by 11.4% (what 2.7% of MTAWE equates to in real terms) or up to $3,200 pa for the most disabled and blinded who rely upon the DVA compensation package for their wounding, trauma and injury as the sole family income.
The hard fought for (by the TPI Federation under Blue Ryan) six monthly indexation of DVA Disability Pensions is intact and rated against the better of the CPI, MTAWE or PBLCI.
I hope this helps to explains why the ALP has lost so many ADF and Veteran votes.
How was it done?
Messer’s Rudd and Griffin took to themselves the power to dictate the days of the year. They altered the VEA to remove the day Sunday 20th September from the 2009 calendar as it pertained to DVA Disability Pensions.
This circumvented the legislation applying to Centrelink and DVA clients that increased all government pensions by the said 2.7% of the average wage and enacted on that day, 20th Sep ‘09. To achieve this a clause was inserted into the VEA which intended that the increase legislation did not apply to the 130,000 DVA DPs as the enactment day for the legislation did not exist for them.
In 44BC a bloke called Julius also took on the powers to dictate which eventuated in his colleagues stabbing him in the back. Messer’s Rudd and Griffin should have paid more attention to their Shakespeare and taken the lesson that mortals who aspire to dictate soon come to their own Ides of March.
Yours truly
Jock O’Neill
WA
I put all of this together attachments etc to form one email and sent it to the two below plus anyone else I could think of.
It is not all of my letters I have used postings by Barney Ward and Ken Marsh to push my point. Will probably fall on deaf ears.
Bob
Mr. Combet M.P.
Mr Thomson M.P.
Gentlemen I wrote to Mr Thomson on the 6Th January this year and received a reply which I will post below.
We have been informed that Mr Shorten M.P. is having a Superannuation conference with everyone except the Defence Force Superannuates.
Below is also letters sent by fellow retired Defence Force to some of your ALP colleagues.
Please read all of my email and let me know why Mr. Thomson sent my letter to Mr. Shorten who has not replied.
Regards
Robert Ihlein
Vietnam Veteran DFRDB Superannuate.
6th January, 2012
Mr. Craig Thomson MP
Member for Dobell
PO Box 3763
Tuggerah NSW 2259
Fair Indexation for DFRDB/ DFRB Superannuates
Mr. Thomson
I have written to you in the past about the Fair Indexation of our DFRDB/DFRB Superannuation and have received very poor replies that have not answered the questions I asked. ( But I will give you one thing you did reply eventually)
I am attaching a letter to a Greens Senator from another from a DFRDB recipient.
Also a letter to Mr. Swan from a DFRDB recipient.
You should also look on the website of the Independent Australian http://www.independentaustralia.net/2011/politics/exclusive-breaking-news-diggers-versus-the-gillard-government/. You will see how we all feel about the way you and your Government as well as previous governments have treated the Defence Force Personnel who have defended this Country so that you and your colleagues can have the freedom to stand for and be elected as politicians that are supposed to run the Country to the best of your ability to maintain the freedom and prosperity that we used to have.
You and your leader have not done this. Our Country is not what it used to be under previous governments.
You deny us Fair Indexation of our Superannuation by maintaining the CPI as an indicator to our increase of our Superannuation falsely stating that it would cost billions. Yet you don’t mind receiving a wage rise yourselves that will cost the same amount plus spending fifty million on the Sydney Cricket Ground.
One of the attachments gives details of the Jess committee and as a condition of service our Superannuation should be treated different to public servants.
I suggest you and your colleagues have a good look at the Jess committee findings and act on them.
We write to you and other politicians and get some of the poorest replies they are all spin written by the same person and then sent out from the appropriate electoral office.
You are supposed to represent us as constituents of your seat. You don’t if you did you would answer our letters and give answers to the questions asked.
When I quote you it is all politicians not just you in particular. The replies that have come are quite a joke Mr. Bob Brown’s reason for voting against our Fair Indexation was that the ALP and the Coalition were not in favor of his mining tax. Now that he has got the mining tax he hasn’t brought fair indexation back up again.
In this new year of 2012 one year before you will be out of a job you should get in and do something to support the retired defence force members that live in your electorate.
Read the attachments, read the comments on the website go back to the beginning and read the Jess committee findings and you may learn something that you can then pass on to your colleagues in parliament as you are all on a very short string.
Regards
Robert Ihlein
DFRBD Recipient
Reply from Mr. Thomson.
10 January 2012
Dear Robert Ihlein
Thank you for your letter dated 6tr January 2012.
Your letter has been forwarded onto the Minister for Financial Services and
Superannuation, Hon Bill Shorten for him to look at your letter and reply to
you.
Yours sincerely
Craig Thomson MP
Federal Member for Dobell
Letter from Ken Marsh to Mr Swan M.P.
17 November, 2011 at 3:46 pm
To Mr. Swann specifically in response to the Matthews report.
The Deputy Prime Minister
Parliament House
Canberra, ACT 2600
Dear Minister
Oft quoted in Government apologetics for rejection of the ‘Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits (Fair Indexation) Bill 2010′ is this line from the Matthew’s Report: ‘I consider this issue [indexation methodology] to be more relevant to scheme benefit design than to a methodology to maintain the purchasing power of pensions’ (Review of Pension Indexation Arrangements in Australian Government Civilian and Military Superannuation Schemes, December 2008) (Matthews). In context – which is not stated in Government propaganda – Matthews makes a telling admission where he comments that although some submissions to his enquiry sought changes to indexation owing to ‘the unique nature of military service’ that this was outside his terms of reference. He also acknowledged that a 2007 review of military superannuation arrangements recommended a change to indexation arrangements in line with that proposed in the Fair Indexation arrangements for DFRDB superannuates (Matthews, 6.10). This fact is also ignored in spin emanating from Government members who accuse the opposition’s Bill as being divisive and unfair to many other military and public service superannuates.
The DFRDB Act, which was enacted following the work of the Jess Committee (Joint Select Committee on Defence Forces Retirement Benefits Legislation Report, May 1972) was designed to address the specific and unique employment conditions faced by members of the nation’s armed forces. The Jess committee which had the full support of all political parties at the time (see Hansard, 26 Oct 72) believed the conditions of military service were ‘so different to those applicable to retirement from civilian employment that they require a totally different approach’ and that if these were not recognised any retirement scheme would be of ‘little value’ (Jess, 52). Jess (51) was quite specific in identifying those conditions, which included factors such as the:
inability to establish a home owing to frequent postings;
need to relocate to find employment after separation;
need for what may have been a considerable period of ‘further occupational training’ in order to find civilian employment;
inability to find permanent employment or being forced to take low-paid, unattractive work; and
fact that separation may take place at a time when family responsibilities were high owing to children’s education needs, such as schooling or university.
Addressing the Parliament on 26 Oct 1972 Gough Whitlam acknowledged that military service had ‘very great disadvantages for people in the armed forces, particularly for their families’ and was adamant that ‘we must ensure at the time they go back to civilian life and set up a new career they will not be disadvantaged compared with their contemporaries in age’ (Hansard).
Whereas other superannuation schemes exist to support persons in their latter years the DFRDB scheme was designed, among other things, to support men in the prime of their life transition to a new career at a time of high family responsibilities when at the same time they may well have had to relocate, undergo lengthy periods of retraining in order to find work, been unable to find permanent employment or forced to accept low-paid and unattractive work. So when Jess recommended indexation of ‘retired pay’ (49) in line with average weekly earnings (149) it was to ensure benefits were not eroded over time in relation to general community standards.
While I have been unable to determine why the Consumer Price Index was finally accepted as the basis for indexing retired pay it is clearly implied in both the Jess report (50,51) and the Hansard of 26 Oct 72 that there was opposition to the proposal, especially from Treasury, who persisted ‘in equating the peace time Army to the Commonwealth Public Service’ (Whitlam).
Be that as it may, a careful reading of Matthews reveals the fallacy of the current Government’s argument for maintaining the status quo for DFRDB superannuates.
As noted above, Matthews considered that the ‘unique nature of military service’ was best addressed by ‘scheme benefit design than to a methodology to maintain the purchasing power of pensions’ (6.10). The fact is that in the case of the DFRDB scheme indexation was integral to the ‘benefit design’ in order to meet the ‘unique nature of military service’. To quote the words of Jess, without this, the scheme would have been of ‘little value) (Jess, 52).
I now turn to Matthews comments on the CPI (6.3).
‘… it is well documented that the principal purpose of the CPI changed in 1998 … Until that time, the CPI was a measure of the purchasing power of wage and salary earner household incomes. Its most important use was as an input to the income adjustment process and prices were, therefore, measured using an outlays or payments method…
‘The key difference is that the CPI based on acquisitions does not measure mortgage interest and consumer credit charges but includes net expenditure on new dwellings (excluding land).’
I return again to the ‘unique nature of military service’ as identified above. The ‘man’, at the peak of his life, who separated from the Service after 20 or more years that was unable during that service to purchase a house was already disadvantaged compared to his peers. That he may now be forced to relocate and find new employment at a time of high family commitment placed him under further disadvantage. Add to this the possibility that he may have to undergo further training and/or may be unable to find permanent or suitable employment. The ‘very great’ disadvantage experienced throughout his service career now carried over to civilian life – the very thing the DFRDB scheme was designed to address. This was at the heart of the scheme’s ‘benefit design’ and for those of us who retired – or had re-enlisted for the last time prior to 1998 under the DFRDB scheme – is a retrospective change of a key condition of service, one that was designed to encourage both enlistment and re-enlistment (see Whitlam, Hansard, 26 Oct 1992).
For this man mortgage and other credit charges were and for many no doubt continue to be a key consideration.
Minister, the Matthews terms of reference were either intentionally or inadvertently flawed. Any enquiry into military superannuation should be framed in the context of its aims. Clearly the Matthew report wasn’t. Yet the data contained in the report clearly demonstrates the failure of successive governments to maintain faith with military superannuates by allowing the erosion of promised benefits.
I call on you Minister to act promptly to restore these benefits to those of us who committed our lives to the defence of this nation and its values, including that of a ‘fair go’, and to ensure that our peers could benefit from the opportunities this nation provides to build wealth. How ironic that we are denied a fair go and our living standards continue to erode when compared to that of many of our fellow Australians.
Yours Sincerely,
Ken Marsh
Letter from Barney Ward to Senator Wright.
1. barney ward says:
4 January, 2012 at 5:57 pm
Thanks Neil Weekes for the update. Great work!
I got so annoyed with Senator Wright’s reply to Ken Marsh that I sent a letter to her. Thanks, Bill Arden, for the link to the Flight Sergeant/Age pension comparison. here’s the text of my letter.
I am writing to you, again, to express my disappointment in your replies to recent letters from campaigners for Fair Indexation of Defence Force Retirement Benefit (DFRB) and Defence Forces Retirement and Death Benefits (DFRDB) pensions. I expected the passing of the Minerals Resource Rent Tax through the Lower House to elicit a far more positive response than Fair Indexation campaigners have received from you.
In my opinion your comments on the mining tax’s effectiveness are beside the point. Despite its being “watered down”, I believe the tax will generate enough revenue to finance many things, including the Fair Indexation proposals. Its acceptance in the Senate is a foregone conclusion; unless, of course, your party opposes it for esoteric reasons of your own.
You suggest that Fair Indexation’s likely cost might preclude its implementation, even if and when the mining tax is passed, and that if it does stand up, it will have to be provided for in a Federal Budget. Those stipulations are hard to accept, given that the recent Parliamentary pay increases, the smallest of which is twice the average annual DFRDB pension income, will be implemented forthwith, and unimpeded by any budgetary considerations. No politician or senior public servant will have to wait on some subsequent Federal Budget to approve payment of his or her increase, whereas military pensioners must wait years for their just claims to be considered, much less granted. How can parliamentary pay increases be so immediately affordable, when fair pension indexation will apparently break the bank? After all, the cost attributed to the Fair Indexation proposals by informed accountancy (not Government “spin”) is only about the same as costs quoted in some media for parliamentary increases alone – about $20million per annum. (I haven’t seen any estimates for the tied public service rises, but it won’t be peanuts.) Incidentally, it seems that despite Senator Brown’s opposition to the Parliamentary pay rise, neither he nor anyone else has refused to accept it; nor has anyone donated it to Legacy.
The only reason to index a pension is to maintain its purchasing power. To maintain purchasing power, the pension must maintain its relativity to wages, and thus prices. When DFRDB was adopted, Service people were promised, amid much rhetoric from all and sundry, that their new benefits scheme would always be indexed to maintain price/wage relativity. No succeeding government has kept that promise. I believe Malcolm Fraser’s Treasurer knew in 1977 that indexing DFRDB to raw Consumer Price Index (CPI) would ensure its purchasing power would inexorably fall. Arguably DFRDB was only indexed at all so Government could claim it had complied with the Jess Review’s recommendations.
I am indebted to a fellow campaigner for the following link, which tends to prove the point. It graphically illustrates changes in the relationship between a senior NCO’s DFRDB pension and the “couple” Age pension over the period 1973-2010:
http://www.katelundy.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/FSGT-2.jpg
As you can see, the DFRDB pension rapidly and cumulatively lost ground to the Age pension, which itself couldn’t maintain the relationship with wages and prices it enjoyed in 1973. In consequence, the DFRDB pension’s decline in real purchasing power is even more marked.
The Government eventually changed Age (and, very notably, Parliamentary) pension indexation criteria, finally admitting that CPI was no longer a good cost of living indicator. But military pensioners were left out of the indexation “rejig”, doubtless because they were deemed to have no political power, and therefore could be disregarded with impunity. Government apparently thinks that we are still politically impotent. But the times, they are a’changing, as Bob Dylan said. Everyone in Federal politics should take note that our power is building.
Senator, it’s my opinion that every argument against Fair Indexation for military pensions misses the point, which is that every Federal Government since Gough Whitlam’s has disregarded and dodged its obligations to Service people in this matter. DFRB and DFRDB pensioners only ask that the Government go a little way towards redeeming promises made in 1972 that have never been honored, by any Government of any political stripe. Military pensioners had hoped that the Greens would support this aim, which was expressed in the Fair Indexation Bill. But all you have done is to provide a shield behind which the Government continues to dodge its responsibilities.
You have the power, in the Senate, to get the issue back on the table now. Excuses about affordability, proper funds allocation, and all the other justifications for inaction advanced by yourself and Government spokespersons are just that – excuses. In the light of the Parliamentary pay rises, they aren’t even valid excuses. If you really mean what your policy document on pension indexation says, and you wish to maintain your political credibility, you need to act forthwith.
In courtesy I advise you that I will circulate this letter widely.
NEIL WEEKES BRINGS IT ON! SHORTENS BILL’S ODDS!
SITREP FLASH MESSAGE – Contacting members of parliament Dated 1 Feb 2012
For those who still haven’t sent a letter or an email to their ALP member, or Senator or haven’t sent an email, here is another option that you can use to get your message straight into the politicians office.
Log on to the websites below. They will give you a list of all Members of the House of Representatives and the Senate in Part order, Greens first, followed by the ALP.
Then click on to the Member/Senator you wish to contact.
Then look down and you will see “Online: Contact Form”. Note not all Members/Senators have this box so I know that it may be a hit and miss option with your Member/Senator but it’s worth a try. The PM does not have this box but Dr Kelly, MP does!.
Click on that and type in the appropriate details You can even have a letter copied ready to send. Place your cursor into the comments section, click the right button and hit “Paste”.
You can certainly contact Mr Bill Shorten, MP via this Form so give it to him about not including a military rep on his Super Conference!!
Cheers,
Neil (Thanks to Jim Anderson)
List of the House of Reps
http://www.aph.gov.au/house/members/mi-alpha.asp
List of Senate members
http://www.aph.gov.au/Senate/senators/homepages/index.asp
VETS HAVE POLITICAL FIREPOWER
Dear BOB IHLEIN, you have compiled a powerful document that is a formidable indictment of the
GILLARD GOVERNMENT (such as it is) and the GREENS – and, it must be said, previous Governments.
The Oppositions of the day, likewise, as now, remain total ineffective and uncaring.
Reading this, it is again clear that the case FOR an increase in veteran pensions is overwhelming and so potently argued, that the situation in untenable for you.
You have been fed false promises by successive Australian Governments, for decades. Time for you to make just one.
Because you have mobilised yourslves into a powerful National electoral bloc of tens of thousands of veterans, families and supporters, especially in marginal seats – the next Federal election gives you the ability to influence the outcome.
Your capabilities and activism have been so underestimated, as the current hypocritical incumbents will soon find out.
With a cc to Senator Lundy. I thought it appropriate to remind the Prime Minister that there are certain values that she has publicy stated she will fight to her last breath for.
Dear Prime Minister
Re: Labour in Australia is a movement
I read with interest your speech of 16th Sept 2011 which you delivered at the Chifley Research Centre on the future of Labour. You refer to Labor’s values – ‘values that have shaped this nation’ for ‘120 years.’ One of those values you state so clearly that you believe in, one that you say you ‘will fight for to … [your] last breath’, is that no-one will be left behind.
You remind us of Whitlam’s reform of ‘university education’ and his introduction of ‘the great Labor achievement of Medicare’ as examples of these values. Yes Prime Minister, there have been many achievements of past Labour Governments that have delivered on these values.
Military veterans remember another reform of the Whitlam Government, the introduction of the DFRDB scheme, which was designed to ensure that on their retirement from the services they also would not be left behind.
Prime Minister, I would encourage you to read Whitlam’s statements regarding military superannuation in the Hansard of 25 Sep 1970 and 26 Oct 1972. These are the words of a man who was passionate about the welfare of military members. In opposition Whitlam pushed the government to establish an inquiry into military superannuation and he enthusiastically endorsed the findings of the inquiry. I quote from his speech of 26th Oct 72:
‘If we are to get people to serve in an essential occupation like the armed Services during peacetime we must ensure at the time they go back to civilian life and set up a new career they will not be disadvantaged compared with their contemporaries in age. One of the means by which we can ensure that they are not disadvantaged is by the DFRB scheme. If we equate the DFRB scheme to the Commonwealth Public Service Superannuation Fund or Provident Fund we are disadvantaging the armed forces as a whole … I am putting it purely in material terms. We must also consider that we are unfair to the men and their families who choose to serve voluntarily during some of the prime years of their life in this essential occupation. There are very great disadvantages for people in the armed forces, particularly for their families, and we should not be grudging to see that our Commonwealth institutions, schemes and funds are promptly adapted to encourage people to enlist and re-engage and to serve in the armed forces. The DFRB scheme has been the subject of investigation by one of the most high powered joint committees that this Parliament has ever set up, and … has never been criticised in the Parliament …’
Whitlam also took the Public Service, and particularly Treasury, to task for their persistence in ‘equating the peacetime army to the Commonwealth Public Service’.
The Jess Committee, on who’s recommendations the DFRDB scheme was based, considered it ‘essential that retired pay should be adjusted automatically with increases in average weekly earnings. Unless the payment made to retired members is kept abreast of rising community standards its real value is quickly eroded’. You see Prime Minister, they believed that the value that no-one be left behind, a value you have stated you ‘will fight for to … [your] last breath’, should apply to those of us who have served in this Nation’s uniform. Sadly Prime Minister, successive governments, Liberal and Labour, have betrayed military veterans by their failure to uphold this value.
I will not here outline the grievances of the Veteran Community in regards to different aspects of their superannuation, the treatment of disabled veterans and concerns with currently military superannuation arrangements. Your relevant ministers and other government members of Parliament have been made well aware of these, including Senator Kate Lundy who, perhaps unfairly given the fact that she was forced to toe the party line regarding the ‘Fair Indexation Bill’, has been well and truly targeted by veterans – including myself.
You have an opportunity this coming Sunday to begin to rebuild faith with the Veteran Community by putting the issue of Military Superannuation and related matters on the agenda. I urge you to do this.
It would be ironic, would it not Prime Minister, if it fell to an Abbott led Coalition Government to begin the work of restoring the Whitlam legacy to military veterans.
Ken Marsh
Well said Ken Marsh. Every vet out there should remind themselves that tomorrow is the last day for DFRB/DFRDB recipients and any other committed diggers to send an Email to our Labor politicians, requesting they include military super indexation, in this Sunday’s Labor Party Brainstorming Session. At the very least you should Email your local federal Labor MP and all Labor senators in your state. See previous guidelines by Ray Gibson and Neil Weekes. It is essential that as many of us as possible let our pollies know we are serious and we are bot going to go away.
KEN CHALLENGES GILLARD….to keep her promise…don’t hold your breath!
Onya Ken Marsh. Love your work!
Onya JOHN GRIFFITHS for rallying us all and supporting KEN MARSH and RAY GIBSON and NEIL WEEKES.
Congrats to you all.
John, what about posting another link to that brilliant 7.30 Report compiled by Josie Taylor, on the Diggers and the fight for a Fair Go – and that featured an interview with you.
It would be a great help and we could also include the link in emails to Canberra for this weekend – and anywhere and everywhere!
Sent an email similar to John’s to Ms Brodtmann. Had a phone call response from her within 20 minutes of sending the email advising that she would raise our Fair Indexation concerns on 5 Feb. Let’s hope something comes of it……
I got a reply from Senator Lundy’s rep today only sent the email to Her yesterday. Have to give her dues that is the quickest reply I have ever had and she might mean what has been said. see below. BOB
Thanks for your speedy reply ( better than most politicians of either side)
Please ask Senator Lundy to bring up the Indexation Issue at the Butchers Picnic on Sunday.
Regards
Robert Ihlein
From: Emerson, Marc (Sen K. Lundy) [mailto:Marc.Emerson@aph.gov.au]
Sent: Thursday, 2 February 2012 3:35 PM
To: ‘robert.ihlein@optusnet.com.au’
Subject: Indexation of Military Superannuation
Dear Mr Ihlein,
Thank you for writing to Senator Lundy concerning the indexation of military superannuation. The Senator appreciates the time you have taken to write, and she has asked that I respond on her behalf.
Senator Lundy remains committed to continuing the campaign to improve the indexation methods applying to military and civilian Commonwealth pensions. Senator Lundy believes that the CPI no longer provides the kind of indexation that responds to the cost-of-living needs of this group of superannuants and pensioners, and has been seeking the development of new analytical living cost index which would reflect more accurately the cost of living needs of military civilian superannuants.
Senator Lundy will continue to post details of the campaign on her website at http://www.katelundy.com.au
Thank you again for your comments.
Yours sincerely
Annika Hutchins
Office of Senator Lundy
That was a quick resonse from senator lundy. i think that the message is getting through to her. but we will have to wait and see. here in west aussie the message it getting through to a lot of ppl now and from all the good work done by the fairgo team and others. i have talked to friends that are labour voters and they say that it is a disgrace the way we have been let down by gillard. the total of ppl that is spreading the word now is about 60 ppl and with their sons and daughters the number is growing. thanks again for your support Tess. i will give you an update of my battle with prostate cancer on the 6th of feb. i was talking the radio doctor and he said that he is treating alot of vets with prostate problems at sir charles gardiner hosp. cheers for now and stay safe all of you good ppl.
Dear Tess
Links to the 7.30 TV report are on the ADSO websites. I don’t think that we should be too hopeful about Kate Lundy’s intentions . She is Canberra based and will only keep pushing a result for both military and Commonwealth super indexation changes at the same time. And we know that will never happen because of the cost. We keep pushing the unique nature of military service to prove we should be treated differently to public servants and we should stick to that approach. We can only look at recent history to know Lundy will follow the Labor guidelines come crunch time. I’m cynical of all Labor Canberra region pollies. They just keep coming up with the same old rhetoric to win their seat at the next election. But in the end, they deliver nothing. Another thing to remember is that Lundy and her Canberra based cronies only pushed to include the PBLCI index for inclusion, without the MTAWE index. That would not be in our interests. And if that occurred, you can guarantee that we would never see the inclusion of MTAWE in the future.
We cannot trust the words of our politicians. It is only their actions or lack of action that count. And clearly I don’t trust politicians from any party based on their statements and promises alone. And recent history supports me on that point..
Delete
Dear Bob,
You have done well to receive a reply from Sen Lundy so quickly.
When I read her reply I thought, I have read these words before. A check on my screen shows me that the letter you have received is the same one Paul received on 5 Sep, the same one John Sainsbury received on 6 Sep and the same one I received on 7 Sep.
I agree totally with my old class mate from Portsea days, John Griffiths, when he says, “I cannot trust the words of our politicians”.
‘Its time we started caring more about soldiers who are alive than those long dead’. I only today became aware of the article to which I have placed a link below today. It appeared in the Sydney Morning Herald on Nov 11.
http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/society-and-culture/on-the-11th-remember-the-living-20111110-1n9hy.html
Afternoon all,
Sorry Tess, no answers to letters yet. But I hope the Ministers have taken them on board for Sunday’s meeting.
This morning spent contacting (electronically) all Labor marginal seat holders in NSW. Most have acknowledged. Here’s a sample:-
“I understand that the Prime Minister has called what will amount to a “General Meeting” of Labor parliamentarians for this Sunday, 5 February 2012; to discuss matters of primary concern for the next year, and formulate policies and strategies. I have a suggestion for your discussion.
Successive Australian Governments have breached a Condition of Military Service that military retirement benefits would be indexed to maintain relativity with salaries, to maintain their purchasing power. That commitment has been ignored for some time, arguably since the DFRDB scheme was introduced – and certainly since 1997, when the Government finally abandoned Consumer Price Index (CPI) as the adjustment mechanism for Age pensions, because it could no longer claim that CPI truly reflected living cost increases. But the Government kept CPI as the indexation criterion for military retirement benefits and military disability payments.
Federal Labor gained a store of goodwill from the Defence Family (about which more later) when it promised, in its 2007 election campaign, to “fix” what was described as “unfair” military superannuation and disability pension indexation arrangements. That goodwill has been exhausted by the Government’s insistence on clinging to the notion that CPI indexation alone is sufficient for military retirement and disability payments, when it has discarded CPI as the primary method for Age and other pensions.
We of the Defence Family want the Government to stop hiding behind the doubtful shelter of dubiously instructed Inquiries, and to live up to its election promises. We want indexation for military retirement benefits (DFRB, DFRDB and MSBS) to be indexed in the same way as Age pensions. We want the Government to restore the value of military disability pensions by adjusting them to reflect increased community living standards, not specifically exclude them, as in 2009, from adjustments granted to other disability pensioners.
For your information, the Defence Family consists of serving members, their families and friends, and ex-service people and their families and friends. There are more than 3 million in the Family, and although those family members in Regular or Reserve service have given up their citizens’ rights of public comment on political matters, they maintain an interest in issues which affect them and their dependants and friends. They can, of course, still vote. The rest of us can say what we like – and frequently do.
The Defence Family is generally held in high esteem in Australia. We are not happy with the way Government has reneged on its promises about retirement benefit and pension indexation. The word about our Fair Go campaign is spreading, generating increasing public support. Unless something happens to redress indexation inequities in the very near future, I believe all the Defence Family’s votes will be directed away from Labor in the next election; and their opinions will have some effect on the general public. May I respectfully suggest that your narrow margin of victory in the 2010 election is very much eclipsed by the number of Defence Family members who live in your electorate. I’m sure you will agree that the matters I have raised in this note deserve headline treatment at Sunday’s meeting.
Please note that this message is being despatched to various other Labor members in New South Wales
Thank you for your attention and Best Wishes,”
Also wrote notes to NSW Senators along the same lines, asking for their support in getting the subject up on Sunday. While I was about it I sent a note to Minister Shorten having a little stir about the superannuation “Round Table”. What a collection of egos in that lot – starting with the man himself!!
Still digging in the Hansard morass. More to report soon. Also had a look at the ComLaw site. Do you know there have been 10 separate pieces of legislation enacted about DFRDB alone? And I thought being a Federal Parliamentarian was a soft touch!
And I thought she may have realy ment what she said.
Suckede in again. You are right can’t trust one of them.
Can’t even get a reply from Joe Hockey his would be spin as well.
Bob
Dear Ken Marsh,
That’s a very good article! And how true. I wonder how many people actually took it on board.
Dear Bob Ihlein,
Greens Senator Penny Wright does the same thing, and the stuff that comes out of Warren Snowdon’s office is rote learning peddled by some Ministry public servant. Every letter word for word the same. The only difference is the date.
I don’t know what the good senator’s motivation is – maybe she thinks one (letter) size fits all. But when it comes to Ministerial replies, we have to remember that Public Service staff members draft these things, and feed Ministers their ammunition. The PS has always fought, with a fervour usually reserved for religious crusades, to make sure no-one in the military gets a single thing better than PS entitlements. As an illustration, I was a Command Inspection team member at one stage. Occasionally some Public Service people would accompany us on staff visits to bases. They got about $20 a day allowance. We RAAFies got $8. We tried for years to even things up. Didn’t happen. The PS holds the purse strings. That’s all she wrote.
You wouldn’t believe it but today I received an identical reply from Senator Lundy to the letter I received ages ago and one that most other members have received just recently. Her office must be in a parlous state. I can just imagine it ‘just reply to them all again with the same letter and let’s hope they go away’
WRONG!!
Dear PAUL, only two more sleeps to find out what – if any – influence Ms GAI BRODTMANN has on her facile comrades and this beleaguered GILLARD MsGOVERNMENT. But let us give Ms Brodtmann credit for actually telephoning you herself.
My Goodness! One human being talking to another human being!
Dear BOB IHLEIN,forget SENATOR KATE LUNDY, she has treachery written all over her political DNA.
This is a non response. Typically gutless. Besides, she’s not allowed to communicate with you directly. All her communication with you has to come through the PM’s Department that is clearly as incompetent as Lundy’s.
Dear JOHN LAWRENCE, I think there is little doubt that some of the decent rank and file of the Labor Party are sick to the back teeth of the decayed Labor executive.
About your Prostate Update, thank you for remembering John. You talking so openly about this – and pointing out how common it is amongst Vets – has enabled a number of families to talk more openly about this.
You are showing other men and families that it is okay to talk about it. Of course it is. We shouldn’t be shy or embarassed to discuss this and share our experiences.
I’m one of those who subscribe that the brain is the sexiest organ of our body.
Dear JOHN GRIFFITHS, ain’t that the truth. You put it so succinctly.
Dear KBHUSSELL. Same same. How good are you to join the dots. They must think you are Drongos.
* Off the point I know, but I bet you and JOHN GRIFFITHS would have a few good yarns to tell about Portsea days.
Dear KEN MARSH, you are right, thanks for the link to this brilliant article by James Brown.
Dear BARNEY WARD, a great brainful of info, merci. You are so good at this! Don’t stop.
HOCKEY ONE,TOO,THREE.
Dear BOB IHLEIN. JOE HOCKEY, who he ?
Notice how he has gone quiet. Real quiet.
“It’s time we started caring more about soldiers who are alive than those long dead”.
Well done Ken Marsh, and a big thank you for bringing the article out into the open.
Having read the article, three things come to mind:
EDUCATION……. of the population,
COMMUNICATIONS ……. in ALL directions and
A government that supports the diggers.
Which ever way we go it appears we need a government who can honestly and truthfully set the bar.
Millions of dollars for more memorials says the government but they cannot look after diggers on a day – to – day basis and into the future?
Honestly, what planet does this Gillard person come from?
When we hear of a digger KIA in Afghanistan, it is headline news. Unfortunately, we have all seen too many ramp ceremonies. But what of the WIA? All we ever hear it would appear is that “they have been airlifted to an appropriate medical facility”. Some questions:
* How many of our diggers have been WIA?
* Are they and their families receiving adequate support from the government?
* Apart from their physical injuries, how are they coping in terms of mental, emotional and psychiatric issues?
* Are DVA pensions adequate and in place?
* Are those with serious injuries encouraged to remain in the services – even if this involves cross training or are they simply “hung out to dry”?
* How many of our diggers who have been WIA have been medically discharged and are they receiving appropriate support”
* We never really hear about these magnificent people, is it government policy to treat the population as mushrooms?
I recently wrote to the Shadow Minister for Defence. I did not know who he was as I have never seen him on TV. I had to go to the office of my local member in order to receive a summary of the Coalition Shadow Ministry. It was then that I found out that the Shadow Minister is one David Johnston. He is obviously asleep at the wheel because in todays climate of Defence matters he should be shouting from the roof tops!.
In my Vietnam experiences, we always had to play second fiddle to the US and rely on them for basic day to day needs, to keep us operational. We are doing the same thing now in Afghanistan. If we started today, it would take 15 to 20 years to catch up. Where is the Shadow Minister for Defence? Despite this, we are about to be swamped by the US by way of troops, planes and ships on our Northern borders. I wait with interest to see the reaction from other super powers in our region and how our government will cope with that.
I need to finish on a bright note. Some weeks ago I approached the Editor of our local newspaper with a “dit” on giving diggers a fair go. My “dit” was approved by Neil. The Editor was a bright, supportive lady who was impressed with our campaign. What started out from me was a “letter to the Editor” but this lady was looking to making my letter a front page story. I was promised she would be back in touch by Friday, 27 Jan 12. That date came and went with no further contact. My efforts to contact her have been to no avail.
Sadly, the Editor has been “got at” by management within Fairfax or a government official. Given that all politicians sit up in the sewer every night double crossing the rats, perhaps it is time to get rid of all of them and start again?
OUR POLITICIANS:MIA WHEN IT COMES TO OUR WIA.
Dear KBHUSSELL, the strategy is, it’s all about ABBOTT. The others are shadow puppets. Not aloud to say boo.
Back in the land of the grownups, thank you for mentioning our Wounded in Action, our Government – and the Opposition – never do.
When it comes to our WIA our politicians are MIA! Have been for decades.
Hi All,
Having read all of the recent contributions, I would just like to say I think you are all doing a fantastic job supporting the Fair Go Campaign for justice for our ex-service and retired colleagues. A sincere thank you to all – particularly in your efforts to hold our politicians to account. It makes me feel proud to be a part of this unstoppable movement, which I can assure you, continues to gather momentum week by week. By the time the election comes around, I suspect that many of our parliamentary representatives will start to understand the meaning of shell shock!
For info, attached below is one version of the message I sent to all QLD Labor senators ahead of the Butcher’s Paper Meeting tomorrow.
Ray Gibson
Co-Director Fair Go Campaign
Dear Senator,
I understand that the Prime Minister has called a special meeting on Sunday 5 February to hear from Caucus members about voter concerns.
As a senator, you would be well aware of the issue of unfair indexation of military superannuation pensions, given the unsuccessful passage of the Fair Indexation Bill in the Senate last year. I have also written letters to you on the same subject.
The upcoming forum presents an opportunity for you to leave party politics in the Chamber and genuinely represent the interests of many thousands of Queenslanders who are directly or indirectly affected by years of Government neglect on this and other related military superannuation issues.
In particular, there are many ex-military members and widows who rely on their military superannuation pensions to sustain their families when their military service is done. The Government (as employer) made a promise on enlistment that they would have a pension on retirement that maintained purchasing power. This fact is beyond dispute. The Government still makes the same promise today for those currently serving. This is demonstrably as untrue today as it has been for the past twenty years or more, because the CPI no longer maintains purchasing power. The ABS has told the Government as much, but the Government myth continues. For those who struggle to maintain a basic standard of living with a superannuation pension that erodes in value year after year, it is no myth. It is harsh reality.
Hackneyed and tiresome Government responses that fair indexation is unaffordable and that retired veterans can join the Centrelink queue for safety net top-up are merely cop-outs and simply don’t wash with the veteran community. If fair indexation is affordable for over 3 million age and welfare recipients then it is disingenuous to suggest that it is unaffordable for military retirees who served their Nation for twenty years or more, and who paid for a superannuation pension that was designed to maintain purchasing power.
The other myth in this sorry saga is the incredulous real cost of fair indexation alleged by DOFD. A modicum of fully independent research by any politician would show that the DOFD advice to Government is unsafe, but either political apathy or lack of political will has prevailed, allowing the Parliament to be deceived by tainted bureaucratic advice. Even the Senate Inquiry into the cost of the Fair Indexation Bill accepted the DOFD fairy tale at face value despite receiving conflicting evidence. This failure of due diligence is a sad indictment on the accountability of all politicians in both Houses.
I should also remind you that the Labor Party promised to fix this injustice before the 2007 election and no amount of post-election spin by political minders will change that. Many veterans gave their vote to Labor because of this issue alone. Four years later, it remains another unfulfilled Labor promise. For a political party that claims the moral high ground of “a fair go” for all, this deliberate discriminatory policy is a disgrace to the Party’s ideals.
Senator, the bottom line is that the Government has an obligation to restore a condition of employment that has knowingly and negligently been removed causing serious financial detriment for all military super retirees.
Fixing this neglect is the right thing to do. It is the fair and just thing to do. And it needs to be done now.
As a voter and Queensland resident, I respectfully request that you raise the above matter of concern at the Caucus meeting. I can assure you that hundreds of thousands of voters who are part of the Defence Community and who call Queensland home will be closely watching the outcomes of the meeting.
Thank you Dear RAY GIBSON, good to hear this from HQ! This campaign is the tops. I’ve worked on a few and the fact that you have sustained the energy, momentum and fight with such enthusiasm
outstrips the sluggish, evasive and dismal performance of the Government and Opposition combined!
You don’t pull any punches in your letter to the Senators about tomorrow. Thankfully.
It is refreshing to read such spinless views in the face of the Government’s spineless and contemptible attitude towards you.
Your powerful electoral bloc will trounce them and given the precarious state of marginal seats and the numbers of Vets, families and friends within them, they really should be cleaning out their desks now and shredding their credit card account printouts and eating their expenses claims.
Ray Gibson, like all good military campaigns when the commander gives the orders the troops fall into line. This campaign is going well because we have good commanders leading the way. Thankyou sirs. Sgt Marsh.
Yesterday I posted a link to a news paper article that spoke about our nations obsession with monuments to the fallen while our veterans (and serving members) almost seemd to be ignored.
This following link is, to me, rather emotional and shows the true spirit of the services. I admire the efforts of the RAR Buddies.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=fCgvvPR9GCk
Dear ROYAL AUSTRALIAN REGIMENT cobbers – how come NO politicians walked with you on Australia Day – or did they ?
KEN MARSH, thanks for posting this link. It made me tear up. Thanks indeed to those RAR sweethearts and their families and supporters – for supporting LEGACY.
Dear Ken, there is NOTHING wrong with emotion. I am tired of the constant attempts ( especially in Court ) to reduce us to automatons; to drain us of all blood; to strip us of our heartbeat and to cauterise our tearducts with contaminants, such as lies and pettifoggery.
Onya RAR!
Good Morning All,
Last night, we launched a new video from AVM Peter Criss – ANOTHER INCOVENIENT TRUTH… to coincide with the Special Labor Caucus Meeting this weekend. It is an opportunity to gain further traction with the Fair Go Campaign which includes all military superannuation and disability pension issues.
Please read the message below, watch the video, and quickly pass on both the message and video link to your contacts and ask them to do the same.
This is another video that we believe deserves wide viral circulation around Australia, but that will only happen with the proactive support from everyone who receives it.
Regards,
Ray Gibson
——————————————————
ADSO UPDATE 12
VIDEO – ANOTHER INCONVENIENT TRUTH…
On the eve of the special Caucus meeting called by the Prime Minister, ADSO and AVM Peter Criss (Retd) have released a new video. It exposes the shameful misinformation campaign that has been waged by the current Government to deny members of the Military Family (serving and retired) and their widows their rightful entitlement to a FAIR indexed military superannuation pension. You can view the video here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-OxZUV6cYjA&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL
***CAUTION***
If you are an ADF Member, currently serving, and you prefer to believe you will be well looked after with your military superannuation when you leave – THEN DON’T WATCH THIS VIDEO!
If you are currently receiving a military superannuation pension and you prefer to believe that the Government isn’t ripping you off to the tune of thousands of dollars – THEN DON’T WATCH THIS VIDEO!
If you are an ex-Service member not in receipt of a military superannuation pension, and you no longer care about the welfare of your military mates and their widows – THEN DON’T WATCH THIS VIDEO!
If you are a member of the wider public who cares nothing for those who have served to protect Australia in uniform for twenty years or more, or the families they too often leave behind – THEN DON’T WATCH THIS VIDEO!
If you are one of the few politicians in this country who isn’t interested in being re-elected – THEN DON’T WATCH THIS VIDEO!
If you are a news editor or media producer and have no interest in genuine Pubic Interest stories – THEN DON’T WATCH THIS VIDEO!
***FOR EVERYONE ELSE, YOU WILL FIND THE VIDEO COMPELLING VIEWING.***
Please watch it as soon as possible and forward the link on to your networks and contacts, both military and civilian, and ask them to do the same.
And don’t forget to click on the like button after watching the video. This encourages others to do the same.
From the “Fair Go!” Team
Campaign Directors: Ted Chitham , Ray Gibson
Campaign National Spokesperson: David Jamison
Stay current with the Campaign at http://www.standto.org
DIGGERS VERSUS GILLARD.
JOCK TELLS SNOWDON/SENATORS HOME TRUTH BEHIND REBRANDING ANZAC DAY: –
Labor’s War on Anzac Veterans.
An open letter to ALP Senators and Members.
Responding to Warren Snowdon assertion “there are no new plans for the branding of Anzac Day on 25th April 2015”.
Political branding of Anzac together with the abuse and neglect of Diggers and Veterans commenced on 25th April 1915. Politicians of all persuasions have had nearly 100 years of riding the coat tails of the sacrifice and service of better men and women. Men and women who fought died and were wounded to make Australia and the world a better place.
In 1915 our soldiers were rowed ashore, they were armed with bolt action Lee-Enfield Mk III rifles and their wounded were evacuated on open barges. One hundred years later an army so provided for would never survive on the modern battlefield. Placing a 1915 equipped army into the field today would be an act of criminal neglect and the Australian public would not be party to such treachery.
However when it comes to today’s former servicemen and servicewomen on disability pensions and superannuation payments the government expects them and their families to survive on income levels, indexation rates and conditions of payment that belong to just such a bygone era. These income levels and conditions should have long ago been consigned to the pages of history books. To expect otherwise is also an act of criminal neglect and treachery.
For our 130,000 Defence disabled and blinded the 25th April 2015 will be like every other day living on government ascribed welfare level income with outdated attendant condition.
The current Labor policy makers have already singled them out for ‘special treatment’. As part of the 2009 budget Labor legislated* that the increase granted to all other government pensions granted from Sep ’09 would be denied to the Defence disability pensions. This has resulted in the pensions of our most disabled and blinded being behind other pensions by up to $3,200 per annum.
Government also ensures their disability compensation entitlements are reduced ** by up to 40% when the spouse contributes to society and the family by having earned income. The spouse’s income is treated by government as the disabled serviceman’s income and subject to means testing resulting in a loss of $25,000 gross per annum to the household. Effectively the spouse is forced to pay the governments costs of maintaining the disabled serviceman***. The majority of spouses of our Defence disabled are female therefore this discrimination from a current government that espouses policies of gender equality and social justice is hypocritical.
By necessity today’s Australian families need two incomes to remain an inclusive part of society. However by penalising the spouses aspiration to engage in the workforce Labor ensures these needs are not extend to the families of our Defence disabled.
Labor has further introduced legislation making our disabled pay^ for the medication required to treat their war sustained wounding, trauma and injuries.
The nation sends our soldiers into harm’s way but expects the soldier to pay for the consequences of that harm.
For our 80,000 defence retired superannuants the 25th April 2015 will also be like every other day. They have watched their income reduce in real terms year after year due to the failure of the current Labor governments to recognise that the Consumer Price Index (which their payments are indexed to) no longer offers a true reflection of movements in the nations wages, salaries or pensions. While Age and Service pensions are indexed to the average wage or pensions beneficiaries index the Defence superannuants are held to the outdated measurement that is the CPI.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics in 1998 recognised that the CPI was no longer a true reflection of living costs^^.
__________________________________
Anzac Centenary Commission
In their report^^^ members of the Anzac Centenary Commission ask:
“how should Australia commemorate the Anzac centenary”.
The Commission has one of its directive to:
“Develop and propose to the Minister any legacy initiatives including advice on feasibility, appropriateness and inclusiveness”.
Comforting accounts from the Commission. However can we except Malcolm Fraser, Bob Hawke and Admiral Doolan of the RSL and the other members whose biographies take up six pages of the report to see past pecuniary interests and the current political agenda surrounding the centenary to champion the needs of our Defence retired and disabled ?
Will the Commission members have the vision and the courage to move away from monuments and marches to leave a real living legacy for the living? A legacy to reflect current community standards and expectations of how Australians want their Australian government to treat their Australian disabled and retired former defenders of society’s values?
That is certainly feasible and would unquestionably be an appropriate legacy of inclusiveness lasting far longer than any centenary commemoration?
Unfortunately in their 98 page report the Commissioners have relegate the needs of our disabled and retired Diggers to a footnote on page 71 thus.
Veterans’ standard of living: There were also isolated concerns that there was a potential hypocrisy implied in revering our Veterans for a brief commemoration, and then allowing some of them to live in poor conditions the rest of the time.
Isolated concerns. Implausible!
The Anzac Centenary Commission members would have their collective heads in the sand not to be cognisant of the constant outcry from our defence and veteran community over the inadequacy of disability and retired income rates and conditions.
The question for today’s Honourable Labor Senators and Members is:
are you prepared to rectify the abuse and neglect of our former servicemen and servicewomen and redress the unfairness in their lives and the lives of their families by granting a just and equitable replacement income for disability and retirees and ensuring them conditions that equate to Australian society norms of the 21st century ?
Or will Labor’s answer be, back to the rowing boats with the bolt action rifles.
Labor Senators Labor Members the choice is yours.
Jock O’Neill
WA
*2009 Rudd/Griffin VEA Amendment Bill removed parity of DVA disability pensions with other pensions by exclusion clause denying the Harmer review increase.
http://www.comlaw.gov.au/Details/C2009A00081
** Means testing accounts for a reduction of 50 cent of the disabled serviceman’s entitlements for every dollar earned by the spouse. This was increased from 40 cents in the dollar by the current Labor administration.
http://factsheets.dva.gov.au/documents/IS30%20Pension%20Rates,%20Limits%20and%20Allowances%20Summary.pdf
***Government can legislated that the cost of maintaining the disabled serviceman will be borne by the working spouse however no government is able to guarantee that a spouse conforms to such a directive.
http://factsheets.dva.gov.au/documents/IS30%20Pension%20Rates,%20Limits%20and%20Allowances%20Summary.pdf
^ ”Do I need to pay for my prescriptions? Yes. You have to pay a patient contribution charge (co-payment) for each prescription”. http://factsheets.dva.gov.au/factsheets/documents/HSV60%20Using%20the%20Repatriation%20Health%20Card%20-%20For%20All%20Conditions%20(Gold).htm
^^ The Consumer Price Index (CPI) was introduced in 1960. Other government payments are indexed and benchmarked against the ABS more accurate indicators of Australian incomes i.e. Male Total Average Weekly Earnings (MTAWE) index was introduced in August 1981 while the Pensioner and Beneficiary Living Cost Index (PBLCI) were introduced in August 2009.
From ABS: in September quarter 1998. Several major changes were made to the index at that time, most notably the decision that the CPI would change from a measure of living costs of wage and salary earning households to its current form, as a general measure of price inflation for the household sector as a whole.
http://www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/abs@.nsf/Lookup/1301.0Feature+Article332005
^^^ww.anzaccentenary.gov.au/subs/2010/reports/anzac_centenary_report.pdf
The Unique Nature of Military Service.
They, the parliamentarians who control our destiny, do not take (and sign) the same oath of allegiance as those they send to war to ‘resist Her Majesty’s enemies and cause Her Majesty’s peace to be kept and maintained’ yet they deny those same servicemen and women justice in retirement.
They are not bound to keep solemn promises to those they foster, nor do they weep for them. They don’t even swear to be faithful to their constituents or their duty, only to Her Majesty! Isn’t that the truth?
The Parliamentarian’s oath of allegiance (from the Constitution of Australia):
I, (full name) do swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Her heirs and successors according to law. SO HELP ME GOD!
The Military Member’s oath of allegiance:
“I (full name) swear that I will well and truly serve our Sovereign Lady the Queen in the (Service arm) of the Commonwealth of Australia for the term of (??) years or until sooner lawfully discharged, dismissed or removed and that I will resist Her Majesty’s enemies and cause Her Majesty’s peace to be kept and maintained and that I will in all matters appertaining to my service faithfully discharge my duty according to law. SO HELP ME GOD”
POLLIES:OATH TO QUEEN NOT THE PEOPLE.
Thanks BILL ARDEN for reminding us about this. I think most of us have forgotten – or didn’t even know about this.
I hope when they redact our Constitution that they rewrite this section to include an oath to
we the people.
Dear RAY GIBSON,congratulations to the FAIR GO Team for ANOTHER INCONVENIENT TRUTH. This is a powerful part of your brilliant campaign and congratulations to you all and PETER CRISS.
You are a credit to the men and women for whom you advocate and champion. They too. Champions
one and all.
Hi Tess, just an update on my battle with prostate cancer. It is good news for me as my latest PSA ( blood test] is down from 7.20 to 0.23. the hormone needle is doing its job. I start getting nuked in march everyday for 7 weeks. so my message to all men is to have your blood test every 3 months like i do and you will get the cancer in time. there is nothing too it.
Dear JOHN LAWRENCE, yippppeeeeeeee!!!!
Thanks for this update and what a marvellous role model you are to other men and family members and friends. Because you’ve written about it here, it gives us another chance to discuss it all with Cobbers. That happened last time too.
And again, putting in those time frames John is such a big help. I realise that we’re all different but it helps to demystify some of the types of treatment that are available.
I really believe that the more men who are manly enough to discuss this issue – the better.
We ought not to be shy about such things and by insisting on it being a taboo subject we
are only ensuring fewer men will discuss it – and/or have regular checkups.
Not only is this about men supporting men, it’s also about women supporting men; supporting one another really, regardless of gender.
Here is a response from Senator Kate Lundy’s office to Peter Grimmer, posted with Peter’s approval:
From: Hutchins, Annika (Sen K. Lundy)
Date: Wed, Feb 1, 2012 at 7:33 PM
Subject: Indexation of Military Superannuation
To: “stallion36@gmail.com”
Dear Mr Grimmer,
Thank you for writing to Senator Lundy concerning the indexation of military superannuation. The Senator appreciates the time you have taken to write, and she has asked that I respond on her behalf.
Senator Lundy remains committed to continuing the campaign to improve the indexation methods applying to military and civilian Commonwealth pensions. Senator Lundy believes that the CPI no longer provides the kind of indexation that responds to the cost-of-living needs of this group of superannuants and pensioners, and has been seeking the development of new analytical living cost index which would reflect more accurately the cost of living needs of military civilian superannuants.
Senator Lundy will continue to post details of the campaign on her website at http://www.katelundy.com.au
Thank you again for your comments.
Yours sincerely
Annika Hutchins
Office of Senator Lundy
Obviously there is division within the ALP’s ranks as the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, the Hon Warren Snowdon, MP has stated that there is no better indexation than the CPI!!! Yet Senator Lundy, Dr the Hon. Mike Kelly, MP, Senator Xenophon, Senator Brown and others have agreed in various ways and in various fora, that the CPI is no longer appropriate or relevant as an indexation of our miloitary superannuation pensions.
Thanks, and thanks again, to all the hundreds of members who wrote to, or emailed, our ALP politicians on the indexation issue, and other related matters, as a lead up to the ALP’s “Buthcher’s Paper and Textas” Conference last Sunday. It has been reported to me that the ACT Branch of the DFWA, just its members, sent in over 200 letters or emails. If you extrapolate this, over the wider veteran and DFRB/DFRDB/MSBS/DP network, we probably had several thousand pieces of correspondence hitting the offices of the ALP politicians. (If you use Senator Wong’s extrapolation calculator we probably had 6.8 Billion pieces of correspondence!!!!
I do not know, as yet and we might never know, if our concerns were raised and/or discussed at this gabfest, however I do know that the Politicians know for certain that we are still here and that we have a large, well-coordinated and united group that will have its say at the next election.
Please keep up your letters. We are now becoming professional at this and we should be able to respond at relatively short notice, again, if a suitable opportunity presents itself. Keep your powder dry and your muskets ready.
Thanks again.
Dear NEIL WEEKES, the response from SENATOR KATE LUNDY’s minion is banal and insulting.
Entirely in keeping with her attitude towards Diggers.
Dear NEIL WEEKES, spot on, the division between the ALP ranks is palpable and given that they are on the verge of imploding, I feel they are more interested in ensuring THEIR super and pensions et al, are intact, before they are booted out.
What do you think ?
Dear NEIL WEEKES – congrats on the letter campaign – and does anyone know if MS GAI BRODTMANN raised the subject as promised ?
Here’s another interesting response to Peter Grimmer (posted with his approval) from Senator Xenophon’s office – it’s other term in lieu of a response is “How to weazle your way out of a corner:
From: Xenophon, Nick (Senator)
Date: Thu, Feb 2, 2012 at 8:15 PM
Subject: RE: DFRDB Indexation – Fair Go
To: Stallion36 Black
Dear Peter,
Thank you for your further emails regarding the Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits Amendment (Fair Indexation) Bill 2010. Nick has asked me to respond on his behalf.
Nick understands that his decision not to support the Private Members’ Bill last year has disappointed many in the defence community. There is no question that aspects of this legislation were very admirable, but there were concerns over quantifying the costs of this reform and finding long term savings from defence procurement programs.
Nick is aware there was disputes over exact funding requirements, but on any event, without the support of the government of the day, there are legal arguments that legislation that involves the expenditure of funds is not constitutional. Nick wants to reach an outcome that is achievable.
At the time, he met with the National RSL to discuss these concerns. From the outset, he was very clear that he did not feel it was fiscally responsible to support this legislation but expressed his concerns with the way in which the Defence Budget was allocated, particularly defence procurement.
Nick’s view is that by ‘cutting the fat’ in Defence, fairer indexation can and should be achieved.
Nick is committed to finding savings within the Defence budget which can be used to increase pensions paid to servicemen and servicewomen. Accordingly, he has been participating in the Senate Inquiry into Defence procurement which is assessing, among other things, the effectiveness of the Defence Material Organisation, its processes, management and staffing.
Nick has undertaken to reconsider this issue pending the outcome of the Committee Inquiry. He genuinely believes savings can be found to fund this and other worth initiatives and expects an opportunity for another vote on this issue early this year.
Thank you for taking the time to write to Nick on this issue.
Kind regards,
Danielle Forsyth | Correspondence Officer | Office of Nick Xenophon, Independent Senator for South Australia
Lvl 2/31 Ebenezer Place, Adelaide | TEL: 08 8232 1144 | F: 08 8232 3744 | http://www.nickxenophon.com.au
So, Senator Xenophon, how goes the review of Defence spending, in particular the Defence Material Organisation (DMO)? I recall that, in your speech to the Senate on the Fair Indexation Bill on 16 June 2011 (you will recall that your “yes” vote cou;ld have passed that Bill!!!), you stated emphatically that these savings must be identified within 12 months. Four months to go Senator.
And, what pray tell, has the National President and the National Executive of the RSL done about this? The President will undoubtedly reassure us that he is working very hard behind the scenes to achieve the same goals but I wish he would tell his membership. Or are we still viewed as that “yapping” mob who are making a lot of noise on the internet but we do not represent the vast majority of the RSL membership?
I think that the National Executive of the RSL should become involved in this fight, publicly, and that they should be transparent in their dealings with the Government so that we, the members, can support our National President.
Here is a copy of an email, sent by Bert Donovan (and posted with his approval) to Mr Andrew Wilkie, MP:
Dear Mr Wilkie,
I don’t need to tell you that the ex service community is in a battle for fair indexation for DFRDB, its successors as well as disability pensions.
The government’s argument is all about costs. But that is a human side to the story and I know that i am not alone in this.
This is a note that I sent to Bill Shorten:
‘I notice that you are calling a meeting of superannuants to discuss ways of maintaining a level of income that is at least keeping up with the cost of living.
I also note that there are no ex service representatives invited.
I paid 5.5% of my income over 20 years to get a decent superannuation. We had an excellent ‘super’ fund until Gough Whitlam got his sticky fingers on our cash.
Now, because of our small numbers you think that those of us who contributed to our fund in the time when it was not the custom to contribute should see our income level drop and not have to decency to invite a representative along to state our case.
When I was a young able seaman with a family I wanted that 5.5% of my meagre income but was informed that I had no choice but to contribute.
One night I came home and found that my wife had been to the butcher’s and bought neck bones for the dog but she thought that the bones had some meat on them and made a stew for the family! That’s how we struggled without that extra bit of income.
And now you have not only taken our money but to add to the humiliation you throw us scraps again and hide behind ‘reports’ to validate your actions!
Has it occurred to you and your colleagues that your actions are immoral? Or are you all bereft of morals?
Bert Denovan (ex RAN)
Safety Bay WA’
We need an ex service man like yourself in parliament to help us get our message across.
Would you be prepared to help?
Kind Regards.,
Bert Denovan,
Safety Bay WA
Here is a copy of a letter by Jim Anderson (posted with Jim’s approval) to the Prime Minister:
J R Anderson
vk4aq@bigpond.net.au
4 February 2012
The Hon Julia Gillard MP
PO Box 6022
House of Representatives
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600
Dear Prime Minister
TRUTH ADRIFT IN STORMY SEAS
I refer to an article “Truth adrift in stormy seas” by respected journalist Des Houghton which can be found on pp 58 of the Courier Mail dated Saturday, 4 February, 2012.
Prime Minister, could you look me squarely in the eye and justify this outrageous expenditure on illegal immigrants whilst denying some 63,000 loyal and long-serving Australian DFRB/DFRDB superannuants, many of whom have put their lives on the line for this country and suffered great hardship in the line of duty, their right to fair system of indexation for their pension? We are now below that of the Aged Pension.
I do not doubt for a minute that politicians work hard and may have earned their generous retirement benefits, and sleep soundly at night in the knowledge these benefits will be updated evenly, fairly and regularly. Why is it, then, that DFRB/DFRDB superannuants cannot expect such comfort? We, too, have done it tough — much tougher than many politicians I’ll warrant.
A personal response would be welcomed and appreciated.
Yours faithfully
JR Anderson
Posted with the approval of Mike Patterson. It may be dated but it confirms the success of Operation “Butcher’s Paper Raid”
From: mike patterson [mailto:vk4mike@yahoo.com.au]
Sent: Thursday, 2 February 2012 7:54 PM
To: Kel Ryan; Neil Weekes; DFWA-QLD
Subject: Re CPI indexation issue-AGAIN!!
All,
Had a message left by Debbie, Senator Jan McLucas office, saying that they had a lot of letters and e mails to respond to on our issue and it was taking time to get it done but they were looking at sending it off this arvo.
So that’s good they are getting much mail and e mails etc so its on the agenda politically and if this is happening around Australia I feel that there will be a few worried polies !!
Things are looking up and if they go by my cranky outburst about a million people will be involved -including family/friends/servicepeople and RSL.
mike patterson
Here’s another relevant and topical poem from George Mansford:
It’s More Than a Piece of Rag
Someone with a grudge torched the Flag of our Nation
An emblem of pride and unity ever since Federation
A sacred cloth that fair dinkum Aussies proudly adore
A banner that embraces you and me for evermore
Imagine the cloth smoldering then bursting into flame
See blurred ghostly faces rising from the past again
In the Bush or Big Smoke, love of country was the same
Their belief of a fair go showed how we should play the game
Look there, young diggers who served under the flag with pride
Their bodies covered with the sacred cloth when they died
Each and every day the Flag watches over our fallen from all those wars
It is often flown in triumph in many sporting arenas on foreign shores
See the countless masses that came from distant lands
They helped forge our nation with blood, sweat and bare hands
Study pained faces from droughts, floods, bushfires and cyclones too
In such times, communities endured and helped each other through
This proud Flag shows the old world who we are and what we strive to be
A happy united people living down under in the land of the free
Of course we are in many ways a bit peculiar
Melbourne Cups, Rugby, Aussie Rules, BBQs, Blokes and Sheilas
So if you’re coming by boat or flying out to join us
Just remember, there’s set rules cos we’re travelling on the same bus
I could rave on all day about this bonzer place
Where the Flag is very much part of us during life’s great race
So regardless of some clowns’ act of arson and other abuse
Such a senseless act to pursue a cause will be of no use
Cos above many an isolated rusty shack as well as Canberra’s great Hall
Our National Flag is flying high and that sums it up and says it all
George Mansford ©January 2012
Posted with Tony’s approval:
From: tony horsington [mailto:tonyhors@yahoo.com.au]
Sent: Thursday, 2 February 2012 3:55 PM
To: undisclosed recipients:
Subject: Fwd: Indexation of Military Superannuation
G’day all,
This is the first response to my many letters to the Labor/green pollies.
I think someone more qualified than I should take up this issue of a special “Cost of living index for military superannuates ” as espoused here by Kate Lundy. ( I’ve not heard this one previously ). I think she needs to be reminded that all we want at the moment is CPI, MATWE, or the new pensioner index which ever is the greater. If we were to wait for some new fangled index we will all be in the life hereafter waiting. Its possibly also a ploy to keep the mob quiet.
Tony Horsington
From: Emerson, Marc (Sen K. Lundy)
Date: 2 February 2012 15:37
Subject: Indexation of Military Superannuation
To: tonyhors@yahoo.com.au
Dear Mr Horsington,
Thank you for writing to Senator Lundy concerning the indexation of military superannuation. The Senator appreciates the time you have taken to write, and she has asked that I respond on her behalf.
Senator Lundy remains committed to continuing the campaign to improve the indexation methods applying to military and civilian Commonwealth pensions. Senator Lundy believes that the CPI no longer provides the kind of indexation that responds to the cost-of-living needs of this group of superannuants and pensioners, and has been seeking the development of new analytical living cost index which would reflect more accurately the cost of living needs of military civilian superannuants.
Senator Lundy will continue to post details of the campaign on her website at http://www.katelundy.com.au
Thank you again for your comments.
Yours sincerely
Marc Emerson
Office of Senator Lundy
Posted with Tony’s approval:
From: tony horsington
Subject: Fw: Re: Fwd: Indexation of Military Superannuation
To: Marc.emerson@aph.gov.au
Date: Friday, 3 February, 2012, 13:17
Dear Marc,
Thank you for responding to my letter on behalf of Kate Lundy.
However, a formula for indexation that maintains purchasing power for military retirees already exists. It is what the age pensioners receive. We do not need to wait for a new formula that will clearly be designed to deliver less. Anything less than age pension indexation is unacceptable.
As elected representatives you hold a position of some authority in one form or another, given to you by a mandate of the people of Australia and in particular, buy the voting members of your respective constituencies. You should never forget that you were hired to do a job and in accepting that position, took on a great responsibility to the Australian public. I’d like to be able to look my children in the eyes and say that theirs is a future worth striving for, but that would be a lie. Every day we see more and more the effects of government decisions made in secret and based upon short-term gain, erode the very fibre of this great country. Even the structure of government has been altered to a two-party preferred system. Did you think we wouldn’t notice?
I am a retired serviceman and a 100% incapacity recipient. You should pause for a moment and take in just what that title means…the inability to work and earn a wage for the rest of your life, to be unable to provide for your family, and to be at the mercy of decision-makers whose whole life history is one of cocooned educational and workplace management. In the main, none of you have ever served your country by wearing a uniform, nor have you had to deal with the “sharp-end” realities of those decisions you and your predecessors determined to be the correct course of action.
Now to the crux of the matter. You are all aware that the Labor government sought to and indeed in 1997 did, remove the entitlement for TPI and other service disability entitlement recipients, to be allowed the equitable treatment given to every other pension payment in Australia by retaining the CPI as the measuring stick for these payments. This was not only morally reprehensible, but it was more than likely illegal. Of course the litmus test for any legislation challenge is through the legal system but, as we have seen over and over again our system is not well, and these challenges usually do not succeed anyway, for any number of reasons.
Just to remind you, the Labor Party’s promise prior to the 2007 Federal Election, that in Government it would “fix” the unfair military superannuation indexation and the indexation of disability pensions, established a bank of goodwill and voting support amongst the defence community. This no longer exists in that community. We want the Government to restore the value of Veterans’ Disability Pensions by adjusting them to reflect increased community living standards since 1997, as it has for Age and Service pensions.
I would like to know from each and every one of you, what you really think, rather than your stated position, on the treatment dished out to those of us who have served this nation in peace and in war, only to have our patriotism, pride and loyalty to this country, sorely tested by the continued political gobbledygook which is on daily display for any visitor to the grassy knoll. Therefore my questions to you are:
a. When will the Government deliver on its 2007 election promise to fix military superannuation indexation?
b. Why doesn’t the Government restore fair military superannuation indexation to its veterans?
c. When will the Government introduce legislation to restore fair military superannuation indexation to its veterans?
d. How much longer does the Government believe it can cling to its discredited position that CPI indexation alone is inadequate for age pensions but perfectly acceptable for military superannuation?
e. Is the Caucus aware that the Government’s failure to honour it pre-election commix this commitment of FAIR indexation has lost the respect and good will of the Defence Family?
My understanding is that the Federal Labor Caucus is holding a “brainstorming session” on Sunday 5 February 2012 in Canberra to formulate its policy ideas and strategies and to have its members (MPs and Senators) raise issues of concern from within their electorates. I felt it necessary to write and explain the position of many thousands of veterans who are suffering financially because of the decisions made by politicians who can find funding for their pay increases, but not for us who really need them.
Please let Kate Lundy know that I appreciate the time taken to respond, and that I’d like this information brought to the attention of the committee on Sunday next
Tony Horsington
From: Emerson, Marc (Sen K. Lundy)
Date: 2 February 2012 15:37
Subject: Indexation of Military Superannuation
To: tonyhors@yahoo.com.au
Dear Mr Horsington,
Thank you for writing to Senator Lundy concerning the indexation of military superannuation. The Senator appreciates the time you have taken to write, and she has asked that I respond on her behalf.
Senator Lundy remains committed to continuing the campaign to improve the indexation methods applying to military and civilian Commonwealth pensions. Senator Lundy believes that the CPI no longer provides the kind of indexation that responds to the cost-of-living needs of this group of superannuants and pensioners, and has been seeking the development of new analytical living cost index which would reflect more accurately the cost of living needs of military civilian superannuants.
Senator Lundy will continue to post details of the campaign on her website at http://www.katelundy.com.au
Thank you again for your comments.
Yours sincerely
Marc Emerson
Office of Senator Lundy
Brisbane Courier-Mail February 07, 2012 11:17AM
Aussies ‘don’t trust politicians’
AS Federal MPs gather in Canberra for the first parliamentary sitting of the year, a new survey has found 60 per cent of Australians don’t believe what their political leaders say.
The latest annual Trust Barometer survey, released by public relations firm Edelman, also reveals a similar proportion think the country is on the wrong track.
“There is a complete misalignment between the public’s expectations of government and what they think is actually being delivered,” Edelman chief executive Michelle Hutton said today.
The survey of 1000 general public and 200 informed public found 71 per cent of respondents believed it was important the nation’s financial affairs were managed effectively, but only 18 per cent thought this was happening.
The same proportion believed it was important governments listen and respond to voters, but only 13 per cent think that’s happening.
Obviously this poll will go in the same heap as our correspondence for fair indexation, more for shredding when they lose the next election.
Agent orange. The defoliant of choice was a mixture of two herbicides, 24-d and 245-t mixed with kerosene or diesel fuel and containing the extremely toxic substance, DIOXIN. It was known as agent orange for the orange stripe on the 55 gallon drums in which it was transported to vietnam. the chemicals were sprayed from aircraft and from huey’s ( choppers ) the govt now recognised this after 40 years of denial and are now treating vietnam veterans in their hundreds if not thousands.
Posted with Dave Gabel’s approval:
From: Dave Gabel [ mailto:daveg58@iprimus.com.au]
Sent: Wednesday, 1 February 2012 5:06 PM
To: Amanda Rishworth; Southcott, Andrew (MP); Briggs, Jamie (MP); Ellis, Kate (MP); Gallacher, Alex (Senator); Katter, Robert (MP); Bernardi, Cory (Senator); Fawcett, David (Senator); Farrell, Don (Private); Hanson-Young, Sarah (Senator); McEwen, Anne (Senator); Fisher, Mary Jo (Senator); Wong, Penelope (Senator); Edwards, Sean (Senator); Xenophon, Nick (Senator)
Cc: Allen Petersen; Bernie
Subject: AN INTERESTING PROBLEM…
Hello,
I am writing to you because each of you have a connection to South Australia.
As elected representatives you hold a position of some authority in one form or another, given to you by a mandate of the people of Australia and in particular, buy the voting members of your respective constituencies. You should never forget that you were hired to do a job and in accepting that position, took on a great responsibility to the Australian public. I’d like to be able to look my children in the eyes and say that theirs is a future worth striving for, but that would be a lie. Every day we see more and more the effects of government decisions made in secret and based upon short-term gain, erode the very fibre of this great country. Even the structure of government has been altered to a two-party preferred system. Did you think we wouldn’t notice?
I am a retired serviceman and a Totally and Permanently Incapacitated (TPI) recipient. You should pause for a moment and take in just what that title means…the inability to work and earn a wage for the rest of your life, to be unable to provide for your family, and to be at the mercy of decision-makers whose whole life history is one of cocooned educational and workplace management. In the main, none of you have ever served your country by wearing a uniform, nor have you had to deal with the “sharp-end” realities of those decisions you and your predecessors determined to be the correct course of action.
I must state categorically that I never served overseas and was fortunate to have been a part of what was termed the peacetime defence force (that is, the forces employed in general between Vietnam in 1974 and East Timor in 1999). My injuries were inflicted during my service of 29 ½ years and I was medically discharged in 2005.
Now to the crux of the matter. You are all aware that the Labor government sought to and indeed in 1997 did, remove the entitlement for TPI and other service disability entitlement recipients, to be allowed the equitable treatment given to every other pension payment in Australia by retaining the CPI as the measuring stick for these payments. This was not only morally reprehensible, but it was more than likely illegal. Of course the litmus test for any legislation challenge is through the legal system but, as we have seen over and over again our system is not well, and these challenges usually do not succeed anyway, for any number of reasons.
Just to remind you, the Labor Party’s promise prior to the 2007 Federal Election, that in Government it would “fix” the unfair military superannuation indexation and the indexation of disability pensions, established a bank of goodwill and voting support amongst the defence community. This no longer exists in that community. We want the Government to restore the value of Veterans’ Disability Pensions by adjusting them to reflect increased community living standards since 1997, as it has for Age and Service pensions.
I would like to know from each and every one of you, what you really think, rather than your stated position, on the treatment dished out to those of us who have served this nation in peace and in war, only to have our patriotism, pride and loyalty to this country, sorely tested by the continued political gobbledygook which is on daily display for any visitor to the grassy knoll. Therefore my questions to you are:
a. When will the Government deliver on its 2007 election promise to fix military superannuation indexation?
b. Why doesn’t the Government restore fair military superannuation indexation to its veterans?
c. When will the Government introduce legislation to restore fair military superannuation indexation to its veterans?
d. How much longer does the Government believe it can cling to its discredited position that CPI indexation alone is inadequate for age pensions but perfectly acceptable for military superannuation?
e. Is the Caucus aware that the Government’s failure to honour it pre-election commix this commitment of FAIR indexation has lost the respect and good will of the Defence Family?
I urge you all to speak out to your counterparts in Canberra, and to fix this deplorable situation concerning our veterans. Remember there is probably someone in my situation in every electorate in Australia. I and the other estimated 3,000,000 veterans and their families will be very interested in your considered opinions. Thanks for your time, and I’ll stay tuned…
Sincerely,
____________________
DJ (Dave) GABEL
Dear NEIL WEEKES, you are so right about SENATOR NICK XENOPHON’S second hand, third rate response.
Why on earth do they keep treating you all as Drongos ?
And they keep talking about the nebulous future – deliberately ignoring the average age of
Veterans. You need redress now. And it should be backdated.
Dear NEIL WEEKES, just read your comment directed at SENATOR NICK XENOPHON. More powertoyour words.
The reality is the amount of money involved in restoring Justice to you is such a pittance compared with the abject weekly squandering of public monies.
This is not just a monetary issue. It involves serious ethical issues.
I cannot recall a single politician referring to the latter.
BERT DENOVAN’s letter to ANDREW WILKIE that also includes comments to BILL SHORTEN cuts to the quick.
Bert, thank you for your service to this country. When I read your stories, I feel ashamed at what is being done to you by successive governments,in the name of we, the people.
This is a national disgrace.
You continue to be treated cruelly. Please let NEIL WEEKES know if you do not get a response from Andrew Wilkie within a fortnight -and also did you hear from Bill Shorten ?
TONY HORSINGTON’s powerful letter to SENATOR KATE LUNDY’s gatekeeper says it all.
It is a formidable document and Tony, I don’t think the pollies know how tough it is for you and I think it is obvious that they do not care. Otherwise they would have done something to rectify this shameful wrong.
Your country has used you and abused you.
Your letter eclipses all the feeble pathetic excuses that are constantly mouthed by a Government that is bereft of decency and deficient in intellect. Time and again, you and others expose these extraordinary discrepancies.
You have no case to answer. And they have no case at all.
Pay them the money JULIA. And backdate it. Or give back your pay increase.
Or why don’t you get the same committee that awarded you and your cohorts your payrise, to investigate the hapless lot of our ageing Diggers and their families to see if they are worthy of a pension increase too ?
Dear All,
I wrote to the Shadow Minister for Defence, David Johnston, on 7 Feb, and received the response below today. A quick turnaround for these people! The second sentence of the seciond paragraph still frustrates me. I would rather the Coalition say that they will fix the problem on assuming office, and not just simply say that the only way to fix it is to change the government – nothing but a slogan for them all now.
Dear Mr Hussell,
Thank you for contacting Senator Johnston to express your views on the indexation of military superannuation. As Parliament is currently sitting, he has asked me to respond on his behalf.
Senator Johnston is very passionate about this issue and the Coalition has been working to achieve a fairer outcome. Unfortunately, the Coalition is now convinced that the only way to improve this legislation is to change the Government.
Senator Johnston has spoken to his colleague, Mr Alby Shultz MP, who will be in contact with you directly to address your concerns, in his capacity as your local Federal Member.
Thank you again for writing and please be assured that Senator Johnston has taken your feedback on board.
Yours sincerely,
_____________________________________________________________
JENNIFER WOOLLARD
Office of Senator David Johnston
Liberal Senator for Western Australia
Shadow Minister for Defence
183 Great Eastern Highway | PO Box 531 |BELMONT WA 6104
Suite S1.101 | Parliament House | CANBERRA ACT 2600
Perth | T: 08 9478 2088 | F: 08 9478 1746
Canberra | T: 02 6277 3222 | F: 02 6277 5772
Dear KBHUSSELL, re DAVID JOHNSTON’s silly response via his gatekeeper.
This is how I’m thinking – an impotent Opposition = impotent Government.
Maybe it’s just me.
Posted with the approval of Jim Anderson.
Below is a list of Senators who voted against the DFRB/DFRDB Fair
Indexation Bill in June 2011.
Maybe every one of us who copped it in the neck by this cowardly act would
care to send a letter or email to each and every one of them just to let them
know that we haven’t gone away and we are still hurting as a result of their
treachery – having promised so much prior to election. A sample letter/email
is attached as a guide.
M. V. Arbib (ALP) C. L. Bilyk (ALP) R. Siewert (GREENS)
K.J. Carr (ALP) S. M. Conroy (ALP) R. J. Brown (GREENS)
D. Feeney (ALP) M. L. Furner (ALP) S. C. Hanson-Young (GREENS)
S. Hutchins (ALP) K. A. Lundy (ALP) S. Ludlam (GREENS)
J. McLucas (ALP) K. O”Brien (ALP) C. Milne (GREENS)
N. J. Sherry (ALP) U. Stephens (ALP) G. Sterle (ALP)
P. Wong (ALP) D.N. Cameron (ALP) J. Faulkner (ALP)
J. J. Hogg (ALP) A. McEwen (ALP) L. C. Pratt (ALP)
P. Crossin (ALP) A. Hurley(ALP) M. G. Forshaw (ALP)
D. Wortley (ALP) D. Farrell (ALP) T. M. Bishop (ALP)
R. J. Brown (ALP) G. M. Marshall (ALP) N. Xenophon (INDEP)
C. M. Moore (ALP)
____________________________________________________________________________________________
Your Name
Full Address
Date
Senator (Name)
The Senate
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600
Dear Senator(Name)
DFRB/DFRDB/MSBS SUPERANNUATION SCHEME
When I enlisted in the (Army, Navy Air Force) many years ago I was assured that if I stayed for 20 years or longer, from age 20, I would enjoy the benefits of my long service by way of the then Defence Force Retirement Benefits Scheme. I was promised that I could retire, secure in the knowledge that this pension would be regularly and fairly indexed to reflect the costs of the future.
Heartened by this promise I served faithfully for nn years. Deployments included arduous postings to ……. I did this with alacrity and without complaint, often to the detriment of and disadvantage to my family because it was expected of a serviceman and woman.
Having now become a ‘senior’ I expected to ease myself into retirement safe in the knowledge that my DFRB/DFRDB/MSBS pension would sustain me in a relaxed and casual lifestyle, satisfied that I had done my duty for my country.
How wrong I was.
I draw your attention to the website http://dfwa.org.au/images/flyer2.pdf
which graphically depicts the erosion of our pension rights over the years.
What a giant kick in the guts.
You, Senator(Name) had the opportunity to redress this scandalous degradation of the scheme
when the DFRDB/DFRDB Fair Indexation Bill went before the Senateon 16 June 2011 but you chose
to vote it down — safe in the knowledge that your pension would be adjusted in a fair and regular manner.
Could you look me squarely in the eye and tell me you have done it as tough as many who are
DFRB/DFRDB/MSBS superannuants have done, to earn your pension?
Senator(Name) I hope you have the intestinal fortitude to bring this issue before your colleagues and see that the matter is quickly tabled in the house again. Sixty three thousand DFRDB/DFRB/MSBS superannuants, their dependents, family, friends and colleagues are watching.
Yours faithfully
Your name
A very interesting and if it is factual (and I have no doubt that Tim McCombe would submit it if it were not) a very disturbing letter as it appears to be yet another act of blatant discrimination against the Defence Family by this Greens/Alp Government – just like their last minute decision not to grant that 2.7% increase to our disabled members and of course the indexation issues.
VIETNAM VETERANS’ FEDERATION
8 Mary Street Granville PO Box 170 GRANVILLE NSW 2142,
Phone (02) 9682 1788 Fax (02) 9682 6134
Incorporating
Vietnam Veterans Peacekeepers and Peacemakers Association NSW Branch
Vietnam Veterans Federation Queensland Branch
Vietnam Veterans Federation ACT Branch
Vietnam Veterans Federation Victorian Branch
Vietnam Veterans Federation South Australian Branch
Vietnam Peacekeepers Peacemakers Federation of Tasmania
Vietnam Veterans, Peacekeepers and Peacemakers Federation of Australia WA Branch
Hon Warren Snowdon MP
Minister for Veterans Affairs
Parliament House
CANBERRA ACT 2600
3 February 2012
Dear Minister,
Education Allowances
On 1 January, changes took place in Centrelink benefits available to eligible 16 -18 year olds attending high school. Those students were taken off Youth Allowance and placed on the more generous Family Tax Benefits A and B.
The Veterans Children’s Education Scheme (VCES) was not included in this change to a more generous benefit.
The question is: ‘Why not?’ The unsatisfactory answer given by the Department of Veterans Affairs is: ‘It is too administratively difficult’.
‘Administrative difficulty’ may explain a delay but not the government’s simple refusal to include the VCES in the increase. Yet denying this increase to the VCES is a betrayal of the purpose for which VCES was established. It must be remembered that to qualify for VCES benefits, the applicant must be:
‘…the child of a veteran or a present or past member of the Australian Defence Force who is receiving (or was receiving prior to their death) a disability pension:
- at the special rate (formally known as T&PI);
- at the extreme disablement adjustment (EDA) rate;
- at an increased rate because of multiple amputations, or multiple amputations and blindness; or
• the child of a veteran or a present or past member of the Australian Defence Force whose death was war-caused; or
• the child of a veteran who was an Australian prisoner of war and is now deceased.’
The benefit, and its mean-test free eligibility, is an acknowledgement that these are the children of those who have suffered most in the defence of Australia and that the children have, in turn, suffered financially and in other even more important ways because of the veterans’ service (take for instance the horrendous statistic that the children of Vietnam veterans suffer of 300% higher suicide rate than their peers in the general community).
The Department of Veterans Affairs has written to high school students receiving the VCES benefit, advising them of the change and inviting them to move over to the more generous Centrelink benefit. But this move is only possible for those who can pass the Centrelink means-test, a test made more difficult because the means-test for Family Tax Benefits counts the TPI pension as income. Those who cannot pass this test must remain on the less generous VCES benefit.
To add insult to injury to those left behind, the new Centrelink benefit is not taxed whilst their VCES benefit remains taxable.
Further, whilst an assurance has been given that those who move to Centrelink are still entitled to receive extra education assistance from DVA in the form of additional tuition, guidance and counselling, they will not be eligible for special financial assistance under the DVA education schemes. But this ‘special financial assistance’ is an important element of the care and welfare of VCES students. It might pay for a lap top, excursions, educational assessments, special glasses, specially needed computer programmes, work experience travel etc. for students in financial need.
So no matter where the students end up, they will all miss out on something substantial.
The changes are ill-thought out, messy and unfair as well as a betrayal of the purpose for which VCES was established.
Please introduce legislation to simply replicate improvements in the Centrelink benefit in the VCES.
Yours sincerely,
Tim McCombe
National President
GOVT WAR AGAINST CHILDREN OF DIGGERS. WHAT IS GOING ON ?
VIETNAM VETERANS’ FEDERATION
8 Mary Street Granville PO Box 170 GRANVILLE NSW 2142,
Phone (02) 9682 1788 Fax (02) 9682 6134
Incorporating
Vietnam Veterans Peacekeepers and Peacemakers Association NSW Branch
Vietnam Veterans Federation Queensland Branch
Vietnam Veterans Federation ACT Branch
Vietnam Veterans Federation Victorian Branch
Vietnam Veterans Federation South Australian Branch
Vietnam Peacekeepers Peacemakers Federation of Tasmania
Vietnam Veterans, Peacekeepers and Peacemakers Federation of Australia WA Branch
Hon Warren Snowdon MP
Minister for Veterans Affairs
Parliament House
CANBERRA ACT 2600
3 February 2012
Dear Minister,
Education Allowances
On 1 January, changes took place in Centrelink benefits available to eligible 16 -18 year olds attending high school. Those students were taken off Youth Allowance and placed on the more generous Family Tax Benefits A and B.
The Veterans Children’s Education Scheme (VCES) was not included in this change to a more generous benefit.
The question is: ‘Why not?’
The unsatisfactory answer given by the Department of Veterans Affairs is:
‘It is too administratively difficult’.
‘Administrative difficulty’ may explain a delay but not the government’s simple refusal to include the VCES in the increase. Yet denying this increase to the VCES is a betrayal of the purpose for which VCES was established. It must be remembered that to qualify for VCES benefits, the applicant must be:
‘…the child of a veteran or a present or past member of the Australian Defence Force who is receiving (or was receiving prior to their death) a disability pension:
- at the special rate (formally known as T&PI);
- at the extreme disablement adjustment (EDA) rate;
- at an increased rate because of multiple amputations, or multiple amputations and blindness; or
· the child of a veteran or a present or past member of the Australian Defence Force whose death was war-caused; or
· the child of a veteran who was an Australian prisoner of war and is now deceased.’
The benefit, and its mean-test free eligibility, is an acknowledgement that these are the children of those who have suffered most in the defence of Australia and that the children have, in turn, suffered financially and in other even more important ways because of the veterans’ service (take for instance the horrendous statistic that the children of Vietnam veterans suffer of 300% higher suicide rate than their peers in the general community).
The Department of Veterans Affairs has written to high school students receiving the VCES benefit, advising them of the change and inviting them to move over to the more generous Centrelink benefit. But this move is only possible for those who can pass the Centrelink means-test, a test made more difficult because the means-test for Family Tax Benefits counts the TPI pension as income. Those who cannot pass this test must remain on the less generous VCES benefit.
To add insult to injury to those left behind, the new Centrelink benefit is not taxed whilst their VCES benefit remains taxable.
Further, whilst an assurance has been given that those who move to Centrelink are still entitled to receive extra education assistance from DVA in the form of additional tuition, guidance and counselling, they will not be eligible for special financial assistance under the DVA education schemes. But this ‘special financial assistance’ is an important element of the care and welfare of VCES students. It might pay for a lap top, excursions, educational assessments, special glasses, specially needed computer programmes, work experience travel etc. for students in financial need.
So no matter where the students of a (Veteran’s family) end up, they will all miss out on something substantial.
The changes are ill-thought out, messy and unfair as well as a betrayal of the purpose for which VCES was established.
Please introduce legislation to simply replicate improvements in the Centrelink benefit in the VCES.
Yours sincerely,
Tim McCombe
National President
Gidday
All those who sit in that “pointy building” should take note of how much we revere and respect our National Flag!
I guess for those who “have not served”, they would not have one iota of what I’m talking about?
Persevere
Bernie
Gidday
All those who sit in that “pointy building” should take note of how much we revere and respect our National Flag!
I guess for those who “have not served”, they would not have one iota of what I’m talking about?
Persevere
Bernie
It’s More Than a Piece of Rag
Someone with a grudge torched the Flag of our Nation
An emblem of pride and unity ever since Federation
A sacred cloth that fair dinkum Aussies proudly adore
A banner that embraces you and me for evermore
Imagine the cloth smoldering then bursting into flame
See blurred ghostly faces rising from the past again
In the Bush or Big Smoke, love of country was the same
Their belief of a fair go showed how we should play the game
Look there, young diggers who served under the flag with pride
Their bodies covered with the sacred cloth when they died
Each and every day the Flag watches over our fallen from all those wars
It is often flown in triumph in many sporting arenas on foreign shores
See the countless masses that came from distant lands
They helped forge our nation with blood, sweat and bare hands
Study pained faces from droughts, floods, bushfires and cyclones too
In such times, communities endured and helped each other through
This proud Flag shows the old world who we are and what we strive to be
A happy united people living down under in the land of the free
Of course we are in many ways a bit peculiar
Melbourne Cups, Rugby, Aussie Rules, BBQs, Blokes and Sheilas
So if you’re coming by boat or flying out to join us
Just remember, there’s set rules cos we’re travelling on the same bus
I could rave on all day about this bonzer place
Where the Flag is very much part of us during life’s great race
So regardless of some clowns’ act of arson and other abuse
Such a senseless act to pursue a cause will be of no use
Cos above many an isolated rusty shack as well as Canberra’s great Hall
Our National Flag is flying high and that sums it up and says it all
George Mansford ©January 2012
From: Bernie [mailto:hill55@vtown.com.au]
Sent: Friday, 3 February 2012 10:05 AM
To: senator.xenophon@aph.gov.au; senator.joyce@aph.gov.au
Subject: AN INTERESTING PROBLEM…
Gidday MPs
How true!
Persevere
Bernie McGurgan (A Vietnam Veteran & Discriminated Against DFRDB superannuant since 1987)
They could begin by axing the locally built subs and buying some off the shelf that work. ASC only came into being to do a bit of local political “fixing” in SA. And why should Defence procurement be the fall guy for what is a political project?
Kind Regards,
John
John Long
50 Menin Rd
Corinda Qld 4075
Tel: 61 7 3379 7975 Mobile: 0407 669 195
Email: j.long@uq.edu.au Skype: johnclong43
From: Bernie [ mailto:hill55@vtown.com.au]
Sent: Friday, 3 February 2012 08:03
To: Danielle.Forsyth@aph.gov.au; senator.xenophon@aph.gov.au
Subject: AN INTERESTING PROBLEM…
Danielle
Tell your boss to get real!
There were ample funds available for the last 30% increase to MP wages late 2011, where exactly did that come from????
There are ample monies in the Future Fund ( $73.07 BILLION as at DEC 11 to be precise) and Costello was wise enough to establish this particular fund to meet future superannuation liabilities!!
We don’t need another “re herring” index simply the same-same as Age pension indexation, which is the greater of CPI, MTAWE or PBLCI, you are simply only confusing the bloody issue!
This matter has been dragging on for decades due to the intransience of Senators and MPs who obviously have no idea whatsoever of the history of the matter!
As long as “I’m all right Jack” who cares about ex ADF members, eh?
DFRB & DFRDB liabilities are paid for from separate allocation in each budget (consolidated revenue vote) when and as required thanks to whitlam, nothing to do with Defence budget as such????
Persevere
Bernie McGurgan (A Vietnam Veteran & Discriminated against DFRDB superannuant since 1987)
195 Redland Bay Rd
CAPALABA QLD 4157
PS It is not and never has been a “pension” as you ought to know! Each and every soldier who served 20 years plus paid 5.5 to 8% of his FN salary into consolidated revenue for the Defence schemes!!!!It is in reality a super salary or super wage once discharged from the Services after 20 years plus service, which I note very few MPs have the distinction of achieving, eh?!
From: Dave Gabel [ mailto:daveg58@iprimus.com.au]
Sent: Thursday, 2 February 2012 6:21 PM
To: ‘Xenophon, Nick (Senator)’
Subject: RE: AN INTERESTING PROBLEM…
Thanks Danielle,
My understanding is that the Federal Labor Caucus is holding a “brainstorming session” on Sunday 5 February 2012 in Canberra to formulate its policy ideas and strategies and to have its members (MPs and Senators) raise issues of concern from within their electorates. I felt it necessary to write and explain the position of many thousands of veterans who are suffering financially because of the decisions made by politicians who can find funding for their pay increases, but not for us who really need them.
Please let Senator Xenophon know that I appreciate the time taken to respond, and that I’d like this information brought to the attention of the committee on Sunday next.
Cheers,
____________________
DJ (Dave) GABEL
89 Emmerson Drive
Morphett Vale SA 5162
Tel: (08) 8325.1302
Mob: 0416 006 575
From: Forsyth, Danielle (Sen N. Xenophon) [ mailto:Danielle.Forsyth@aph.gov.au] On Behalf Of Xenophon, Nick (Senator)
Sent: Thursday, 2 February 2012 9:27 AM
To: ‘Dave Gabel’
Subject: RE: AN INTERESTING PROBLEM…
Dear Dave,
Thank you for your letter regarding the Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits Amendment (Fair Indexation) Bill 2010. Nick has asked me to respond on his behalf.
Nicks understand that my decision not to support the Private Members’ Bill earlier this year has disappointed many in the defence community. There is no question that aspects of this legislation were very admirable, but there were concerns over quantifying the costs of this reform and finding long term savings from defence procurement programs.
Nick is aware there was disputes over exact funding requirements, but on any event, without the support of the government of the day, there are legal arguments that legislation that involves the expenditure of funds is not constitutional. Nick wants to reach an outcome that is achievable.
At the time, he met with the National RSL to discuss these concerns. From the outset, he was very clear that I did not feel it was fiscally responsible to support this legislation but expressed my concerns with the way in which the Defence Budget was allocated, particularly defence procurement.
Nick’s view is that by ‘cutting the fat’ in Defence, fairer indexation can and should be achieved.
He is concerned, for example, that Australia’s Defence Material Organisation has 7500 employees, when the UK equivalent has only 2500 and the UK has a defence budget four times the size of ours.
Nick is committed to finding savings within the Defence budget which can be used to increase pensions paid to servicemen and servicewomen. Accordingly, he has been participating in the Senate Inquiry into Defence procurement which is assessing, among other things, the effectiveness of the Defence Material Organisation, its processes, management and staffing.
Nick has undertaken to reconsider this issue pending the outcome of the Committee Inquiry. He genuinely believes savings can be found to fund this and other worth initiatives and expects an opportunity for another vote on this issue early this year.
Thank you for taking the time to write to Nick on this issue.
Kind regards,
Danielle Forsyth | Correspondence Officer | Office of Nick Xenophon, Independent Senator for South Australia
Lvl 2/31 Ebenezer Place, Adelaide | TEL: 08 8232 1144 | F: 08 8232 3744 | http://www.nickxenophon.com.au
The information contained within this email may be confidential and/or legally privileged. If you are not the intended recipient, access to it is unauthorised and any disclosure, copying, distribution or action taken or omitted to be taken in reliance on it is prohibited and may be unlawful.
From: Dave Gabel [ mailto:daveg58@iprimus.com.au]
Sent: Wednesday, 1 February 2012 5:06 PM
To: Amanda Rishworth; Southcott, Andrew (MP); Briggs, Jamie (MP); Ellis, Kate (MP); Gallacher, Alex (Senator); Katter, Robert (MP); Bernardi, Cory (Senator); Fawcett, David (Senator); Farrell, Don (Private); Hanson-Young, Sarah (Senator); McEwen, Anne (Senator); Fisher, Mary Jo (Senator); Wong, Penelope (Senator); Edwards, Sean (Senator); Xenophon, Nick (Senator)
Cc: Allen Petersen; Bernie
Subject: AN INTERESTING PROBLEM…
Hello,
I am writing to you because each of you have a connection to South Australia.
As elected representatives you hold a position of some authority in one form or another, given to you by a mandate of the people of Australia and in particular, buy the voting members of your respective constituencies. You should never forget that you were hired to do a job and in accepting that position, took on a great responsibility to the Australian public. I’d like to be able to look my children in the eyes and say that theirs is a future worth striving for, but that would be a lie. Every day we see more and more the effects of government decisions made in secret and based upon short-term gain, erode the very fibre of this great country. Even the structure of government has been altered to a two-party preferred system. Did you think we wouldn’t notice?
I am a retired serviceman and a Totally and Permanently Incapacitated (TPI) recipient. You should pause for a moment and take in just what that title means…the inability to work and earn a wage for the rest of your life, to be unable to provide for your family, and to be at the mercy of decision-makers whose whole life history is one of cocooned educational and workplace management. In the main, none of you have ever served your country by wearing a uniform, nor have you had to deal with the “sharp-end” realities of those decisions you and your predecessors determined to be the correct course of action.
I must state categorically that I never served overseas and was fortunate to have been a part of what was termed the peacetime defence force (that is, the forces employed in general between Vietnam in 1974 and East Timor in 1999). My injuries were inflicted during my service of 29 ½ years and I was medically discharged in 2005.
Now to the crux of the matter. You are all aware that the Labor government sought to and indeed in 1997 did, remove the entitlement for TPI and other service disability entitlement recipients, to be allowed the equitable treatment given to every other pension payment in Australia by retaining the CPI as the measuring stick for these payments. This was not only morally reprehensible, but it was more than likely illegal. Of course the litmus test for any legislation challenge is through the legal system but, as we have seen over and over again our system is not well, and these challenges usually do not succeed anyway, for any number of reasons.
Just to remind you, the Labor Party’s promise prior to the 2007 Federal Election, that in Government it would “fix” the unfair military superannuation indexation and the indexation of disability pensions, established a bank of goodwill and voting support amongst the defence community. This no longer exists in that community. We want the Government to restore the value of Veterans’ Disability Pensions by adjusting them to reflect increased community living standards since 1997, as it has for Age and Service pensions.
I would like to know from each and every one of you, what you really think, rather than your stated position, on the treatment dished out to those of us who have served this nation in peace and in war, only to have our patriotism, pride and loyalty to this country, sorely tested by the continued political gobbledygook which is on daily display for any visitor to the grassy knoll. Therefore my questions to you are:
a. When will the Government deliver on its 2007 election promise to fix military superannuation indexation?
b. Why doesn’t the Government restore fair military superannuation indexation to its veterans?
c. When will the Government introduce legislation to restore fair military superannuation indexation to its veterans?
d. How much longer does the Government believe it can cling to its discredited position that CPI indexation alone is inadequate for age pensions but perfectly acceptable for military superannuation?
e. Is the Caucus aware that the Government’s failure to honour it pre-election commix this commitment of FAIR indexation has lost the respect and good will of the Defence Family?
I urge you all to speak out to your counterparts in Canberra, and to fix this deplorable situation concerning our veterans. Remember there is probably someone in my situation in every electorate in Australia. I and the other estimated 3,000,000 veterans and their families will be very interested in your considered opinions. Thanks for your time, and I’ll stay tuned…
Sincerely,
____________________
DJ (Dave) GABEL
89 Emmerson Drive
Morphett Vale SA 5162
Tel: (08) 8325.1302
Mob: 0416 006 575
Dear All,
I like Neil Weekes’ take on how many letters went to the pollies for last Sunday’s ALP meeting. Let’s hope he’s right, and they’re all drowning in paper! I think letters to all the Senators who voted against Fair Indexation is a good idea. I’m making a start today.
Here is some more info about DFRDB legislation over the years. There was a lot of it!!
“1. The Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits Act, 1973 (Act No 81 of 1973). This is the original enabling lesislation for the DFRDB scheme. Minister Barnard mentioned that there had been no provisions in the main Bill for automatic adjustments to benefits – that this question was still under study. It stayed “under study” for 4 years.
2. The Defence Force Retirement Benefit Act, 1973 (Act No 82 of 1973). This continued existing legislation as regards already retired DFRB pensioners’ rights and entitlements, and cleared the way for subsuming the DFRB scheme into the DRFDB scheme. It amended some DFRB dependents’ benefits to align with DFRDB provisions.
3. The Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits (Pension Increases) Act, 1974. This was the first increase in DFRDB benefits payments.
4. The Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits Amendment Act, 1976 (Act No 33 of 1976). This was a series of procedural amendments which in part defined the position of the Commissioner for Superannuation in administering DFRDB. In other words, the Public Service camel getting its nose under the tent.
5. The Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits (Pension Increases) Act, 1976 (Act No 34 of 1976). This was the second benefits increase.
6. The Defence Force (Retirement and Death Benefits Amendments) Act 1977 (Act No 13 of 1977). This is the Act that installed CPI as the indexation method. It also legislated that indexation adjustments would be calculated against the remaining pension after commuting the maximum amount (whether or not there was any commutation). The comment was that this law would mean common treatment for all Commonwealth superannuants – this despite the fact that DFRDB had been deliberately set up to be different from all the other schemes. The PS camel’s nose all the way inside here, I should say.
7. The Defence Force (Retirement and Death Benefits Amendments) Act (No 2), 1977 (Act No 161 of 1977). This amended the Act to remove the provision that a spouse’s pension ceased if she remarried (nearly all recipient spouses were women). It also corrected a few other anomalies.
8. The Defence Force (Retirement and Death Benefits Amendments) Act, 1979 (Act No 15 of 1979). This clarifies the intent of DFRDB following a court case where someone actually got something extra out of the system that he shouldn’t have had.
9. The Defence Force (Retirement and Death Benefits Amendments) Act (No 2), 1979 (Act No 135 of 1979). Amendments to pension classifications (invalidity). It extends commutation rights to some service people who previously didn’t have them.
10. The Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits Amendment Act, 1981 (Act No 144 of 1981). This amendment changed the rule to clarify the DFRDB contribution situation for people acting in temporary higher ranks
11. The Defence (Superannuation Interim Arrangement) Act, 1988 (Act No 67 of 1988). I think this changed the commutation rules so the retiree could elect to commute before actually retiring. The way it’s treated in Hansard makes its purpose obscure – and the document itself is hard to interpret.
12. The Defence Force Superannuation Legislation Amendment Act, 1991 (Act No 126 of 1991). This fiddled around with the wording of some sections in an apparent effort to clarify them. Didn’t manage that task too well.
Then, of course, there was the Military Superannuation and Benefits Scheme (MSBS) legislation, in 1991, which effectively closed off DFRDB. I don’t really know anything about MSBS, but it sounds to me like a con. I’ll be doing some research.
The two following posts (by me) are from a private source network (the word is ever spreading). A reply from an MP – Ewen Jones MP (LNP member for Herbert) QLD reveals a personal explanation from his point of view which is very revealing. I will post experts subsequently. Others in his electorate may wish to follow up with him!
The following e-mail is posted here with the approval of the author.
Noel Bowman says: (posted with his approval)
burdekin@ausparty.org.au, ewen.jones.mp@aph.gov.au, george.christensen.mp@aph.gov.au
I am going to make a point on morals without lecturing you too much. I gave 38 years of my life to the ADF when I found that I could no longer wear the uniform WITH PRIDE. I had lost faith in my Government!
It didn’t matter which party governed at the time, I could see that those in power were just giving Australia away to whomever had/has the money and was willing to spend it, and the current government is still doing it – even to the point that $12 Billion worth of Australian land was sanctioned for overseas takeover last year alone!!!!
I could not serve a Government under those auspices and please, don’t judge me harshly because I still love my country and would defend it strenuously. I spend some of my time in the Burdekin area and some of it in Townsville, the rest of the time I chill out going bush where I talk to real Australians.
The majority of those REAL Australians I meet all seem to have some link with the Australian Military, either retired diggers themselves or are children of returned servicemen, or both. The same sentiment is echoed at every camp I stop at. Australia’s servicemen and women have been SHAFTED in respect to their retirement superannuation and pay. (Compare the Military’s last increase in pay to that of Australia’s politicians and public servants, even go look at the percentage increase and that should make you concerned).
So that you can quickly review this email, and for the sake of brevity, I will itemise my issues and request that you have the decency to respond to my questions within this email.
MY ISSUES
1. Military Superannuation – Indexation. If you have attended parliament at all over the last twelve months, you would be well aware of the issue of SUPERANNUATION INDEXATION for retired Military Personnel. If you are not briefed, please, by all means contact me and I would be happy to meet with you face to face to explain what has happened.
I will assume you are aware. So, WHY HAS THERE BEEN ABSOLUTELY NO BACKLASH BY ANY POLITICAL PARTY against Senator Bob Brown for refusing to support the Military Superannuation Indexation Bill purely because he did not get what he wanted the week before? If we as Servicemen had a dummy spit like that, we would have immediately been detained for placing the safety of our nation at risk.
Where is the voice of the people? Where are the MORALS and ETHICS in not standing up in the Lower House and castigating the actions of the three Senators (Green and Independents) who misrepresented the truth and misused their voting powers for personal gain. THEIR ACTIONS WERE NOT DEMOCRATIC. THEIR ACTIONS WERE UNAUSTRALIAN.
Where are your MORALS and ETHICS in allowing promised conditions of Service to deteriorate to the point where military superannuants cannot live on their Superannuation?
Where are the MORALS and ETHICS in allowing a retrospective pay rise to MPs (past and present) which far exceeds the cost to taxpayers of bringing the military superannuants in line with the Aged Pensioners or public service pension recipients when the cost of implementation was used as a tool (and the figures falsified) to deny and defeat the Indexation Bill for Military Superannuation. That is not MORAL or ETHICAL or JUST.
QUESTION: ARE YOU GOING TO DO ANYTHING IN THE NEXT TWELVE MONTHS TO REDRESS THIS DISGRACEFUL SHAME???
2. Military Superannuation – Taxation. Military Superannuation (DFR&DB) is subject to Income Tax Instalment Deduction.
Australian Superannuation Pensions are not subject to Income Tax. Politician’s Superannuation Pensions are not subject to Income Tax.
WHY IS MILITARY SUPERANNUATION SUBJECT TO INCOME TAX DEDUCTIONS?
Given that the Superannuation pension is now so far below the MTAWE, PBCLI and the Age Pension Indexation, let alone the imbalance against Politician’s superannuation pensions, why is the DFR&DB subject to further reduction by compulsory Income Taxation application?
Not only that, under current rulings, the DFR&DB Superannuation must be deemed as the first employer therefore any paid work undertaken to try to supplement the pension is taxed at the highest rate, thereby negating half the benefit of any income.
Why again do we have one law for Australian citizens and another for military personnel which ALWAYS disadvantages the military?
I have always maintained that I would be better off if I was to go overseas for 10 years and come back in a boat as a refugee… I would be financially better off. In fact I may renounce Australian sovereignty on my land and secede from Australia. (Humour).
QUESTION: ARE YOU PREPARED TO INVESTIGATE THIS DISCREPANCY AND COMMENCE ACTION TO OVERTURN THIS INJUSTICE DURING THE NEXT TWELVE MONTHS?
3. Military Superannuation – Widows/Widowers. Widows/widowers of former military servicemen and women receiving DFR&BD benefits are entitled to receive their late partner’s DFR&DB pension.
Currently widows/widowers receive a fortnightly pension equal to 5/8ths of the amount the member was receiving upon his/her death.
Currently this is increased by the same indexation as other DFR&DB recipients.
It has been clearly acknowledged by Australian Government (both sides and independents) that the current amount of DFR&DB is insufficient.
Given that the amount is insufficient for retired members, HOW MUCH MORE INSUFFICIENT IS THE 5/8ths OF THIS PENSION FOR WIDOWS who are quite often unable to provide for themselves, or undertake domestic maintenance without having to pay for tradesmen to help them maintain their properties, if any.
OUR WIDOWS ARE BECOMING WIDOWS YOUNGER – THEY HAVE TO PROVIDE FOR THEIR CHILDREN.
And to add further insult to these widows, again the DFR&DB pension IS TAXABLE!!! Therefore, any further paid work undertaken is deemed as a second employment and taxed at the higher rate.
Public Service widows/widowers receive a higher percentage than Military Superannuants widows/widowers.
Given that currently, politician’s widows receive 75% of the pension their partner was receiving at the time of death, DO YOU NOT AGREE THAT THIS IS TOTALLY INEQUITABLE?
Also, politician’s widows DO NOT PAY TAX on their pension. Also, politicians do not have to serve for 20 years before receiving any pension as the DFR&DB recipients must.
QUESTION: WILL YOU ADDRESS THIS INEQUITY AGAINST AUSTRALIAN SERVICE WIDOWS AND WIDOWERS OVER THE NEXT TWELVE MONTHS?
4. Carbon Tax – Pensioners. This year the Carbon Tax will be introduced and pensioners will face dramatic increases in the cost of living.
The Prime Minister announced that Pensioners would be more than adequately covered for the detriment that this Carbon Tax will cause.
The Prime Minister stated that 48% of the Carbon Tax collected will be returned to Pensioners and Australian families receiving Centrelink benefits.
Pensioners will actually receive payments to the value of 1.7% of their pension to cover the cost of the Carbon Tax increases.
However, a person on DVA TPI pension will receive a payment for the Carbon Tax increases, but a DVA widow pensioner will not, unless they are receiving Income Support Supplement.
Given that a widow is receiving approximately half the pension of a TPI recipient, and is expected to survive on that, WHY ARE THEY EXCLUDED FROM THE DEFINITION OF A PENSIONER for the purposes of Carbon Tax offset?
How is a DVA widow NOT going to have higher costs of living far above the 1.7% of Income Support Pension. Insurance has already increased by 600% in the last twelve months and is expected to increase again. Food, electricity and fuel are all expected to increase. WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO TO CORRECT THIS INEQUITY? How is 1.7% of the Income Support Supplement going to come anywhere near covering the increases the government KNOWS will occur?
QUESTION: WILL YOU ESTABLISH AN EQUITABLE BLANKET PAYMENT WHICH HONESTLY REFLECTS THE ACTUAL COST OF LIVING INCREASES TO ALL PENSIONERS WHICH THIS CARBON TAX WILL CREATE?
Remember, we all watched you receive a massive pay increase to cover any effects on YOU and your family.
5. Foreign Ownership of Australian Land. Over the last year, foreign ownership of Australian land has increased from 5% to 11.6%.
Over the last year, $12 Billion worth of farming and grazing and mining land was purchased by foreign interests.
The government considers this “foreign investment”. This is NOT foreign investment – this is FOREIGN OWNERSHIP. Totally different.
The Australian government does not require registration by any overseas purchaser unless the purchase exceed $244M. Therefore, the government does not monitor these, and the extent of Australian arable land which is being swallowed up by multiple purchases by overseas corporations.
The Victorian government has recently closed off the highlands of the Snowy Mountains to the cattlemen who have worked them for over 100 years, while at the same time over 48,000 hectares of the lowlands were allowed to be sold to a Chinese cattle and sheep corporation. Will this and other overseas corporations be allowed to bring in their own employees from overseas to work the land/slaughter the cattle/and export.
I live in Australia’s largest sugar cane farming area and am watching the swallowing up of cane farms to the Singapore company which now owns the mills. What percentage of land will they be allowed to own before they demand decreased income to our farmers or deny them access to any foreign owned mills?
We have an ageing population. We have a greater burden on our young to provide for this ageing population. Selling off our land to NON-AUSTRALIAN CITIZENS means that the Australian government will receive no future benefit from this land. All profits will go overseas. No income tax will be paid by the parent companies because they are not registered Australian Companies. Local communities will not benefit because all assets (and chemicals) will be sourced from their homeland.
Look at history. This has previously occurred. Look at Toyota in USA, Canada and Australia as an example. I am not rambling, I have watched this happen over and over again.
Many nations around the world will not allow foreign ownership of their land by non-citizens or foreign investors. That means US – we can’t buy land or property in many state nations.
QUESTION: WILL YOU PUT AUSTRALIA FIRST – AUSTRALIAN CITIZENS, AUSTRALIAN LAND, AUSTRALIAN RESOURCES, AUSTRALIAN MILITARY PERSONNEL?
We are a small Country, but we are a PROUD and HONOURABLE people. STOP SELLING US OUT and START REPRESENTING US.
This applies to ALL politicians regardless of party, regardless of STATE or FEDERAL governance. We have to regain our national identity/statehood and IT BEGINS WITH YOU.
My name is Noel Bowman and I love my country. I vote accordingly and I am angry with what you… the elected representatives are doing to our great and lovely nation… DON’T IGNORE ME… RING ME…ANYTIME
The following e-mail is posted here with the approval of the author.
Steve (Snow) Cooper Ex ADF member – 27 years service, (posted with his approval) says:
I served with Noel [Bowman] towards the end of my ADF career, and I wanted to let you know that I agree with what he has written below. I felt compelled to pass this E-mail along to people from other electorates/areas, so that perhaps if they felt similarly, they could pass it onto their political representatives.
The answer to these questions really is up you – our political representatives, only your actions and your efforts can get this fixed, because this is why we vote you into (and out of) power – to get things running in the best way possible for the majority and to fix any existing problems or deficiencies for minority groups. In the main the ADF and ex ADF members are a minority, but having said that – it is a proven point that these issues concerning the pensions are both unfair and discriminatory when compared to other government pensions.
I too feel aggrieved and saddened by the way our politicians behave, but I remain hopeful that we can get some action on these important matters sooner rather than later, so please do the right thing and start looking at this and bring it up again and again until parliament starts doing something to rectify these blatantly unfair issues.
Here is Ewen Jones’ (MP for Herbert QLD) reply to the questions raised by Noel Bowman, and Steve’s responses.
“Steve,
Thank you for your email. I will address each of your issues in turn.
1. We are the only party which is proposing to, at last, bring in fair indexation. I tabled a petition last year of some 12,500 signatures from all over the world in support of this. Peter Lindsay said it was his biggest regret that during his parliamentary career he was not able to get this up. Yes, you have waited too long but we are making it good. I am part of the Election Review Committee and I can tell you it was one of the first things ticked off and kept for our next campaign.”
Response: Agreed.
“2. All superannuation is subject to taxation…”
Response: DFRDB members paid tax on the sum originally that purchased their pensions – and at full marginal rates the current discounted tax arrangement for super input was not an option for us.
“…That is the fact. There are taxation benefits when your payments are sacrificed from your pay and put into the scheme. That is the way it is for all superannuation. The big difference for you guys is that you do not have to wait until you are 65 to collect. That is a considerable advantage here. While I can see what you want and why you want it, I do not think you will get far on this.”
Response: Correct me if I am wrong, but even after age 65, DFRDB pensions are treated differently, tax wise, to other super, as other super (such as the super I am now paying into in my new career) is “tax free” after age 65. DFRDB pensions are still taxed, but some system of subsidy applies to try and relieve the tax burden, never the less as far as I know its still taxed.
“3. I simply do not have an answer here which will satisfy you. I know that if I told you it is the same for other pensions, it not satisfy you. If I said that other pensions were not transferable at all, it may sound like I am coming across as trying to say that they should be happy with their lot – which would also be untrue. The simple fact of the matter is that a line must be drawn somewhere. If it is not here, then it would hurt somewhere else. I cannot speak for the Shadow Minister, Michael Ronaldson, but I can tell you that I have heard no talk of addressing this.”
Response: Some form of equity that brings all government pensions into line here might be a good start.
“4. Under a coalition Government, we will get rid of the Carbon Tax so there will be no need for the increases in pensions. The Carbon tax is an attack on the people in our community who have no voice and no where to turn. If you turn on a light, you pay the tax. If you keep your food cold in the fridge, you will pay the tax. We will get rid of it.”
Response: OK, but lets say we end up with a Carbon Tax (as I believe that we will one day anyway) – lets again get some equity, and ensure that fair treatment applies here.
“5. Foreign ownership is an interesting one for me. I have no problem with people buying land. What are they going to do with it? Are they going to take it away? I have said a number of times that something is only bought if it is for sale. I have used the example of my farther in law who has worked his farm hard all his life. If he was to sell, should he take less to sell to an Australian? Or should the tax payer pick up the tab and subsidise property purchases. I also remember the early 1980’s where we were all going to be speaking Japanese as Joh sold off the state. The Iwasaki Corporation paid $29million for the Yeppoon site and we bought it back 12 years later for $1.2million. I am not worried about it and I think it is driven by an anti-Chinese feeling. I agree, we cannot buy land in China, but who would want to?”
Response: I disagree with foreign ownership of our land, no matter who it may be, what can and has happened in the past is inflation of the prices, great for your father in law in your example, but potentially terrible in the long term for everyone else down the line, as they could (and have at times) be priced out of the market by someone with a load of cash looking to invest elsewhere.
“I hope the answers I have given you do not disappoint too much. I am happy to meet with you to discuss anything you wish. Just contact the office and Karen will get you an appointment.”
Response: You should probably contact Noel Bowman if you haven’t already done so, as he wrote the original peice, I felt that I should send you my thoughts on it, as I stated that I agreed with what Noel had written.
“Cheers
Ewen Jones
M e m b e r f o r H e r b e r t
Phone 07 4725 2066 Fax 07 4725 2088
Web http://www.ewenjones.com.au
Email ewen.jones@aph.gov.au
Address Nathan Business Centre
Cnr Ross River Rd & Nathan St
Cranbrook QLD 4814″
Hi all
Last week I advised that Gai Brodtmann one of the Labour members in Canberra, rang and said she would the matter of FAIR INDEXATION at the “Butchers Paper” meeting. I also advised that I had sent similar requests to Andrew Leigh, the other Labour mamber, and Senator Lundy. I received a the reply posted below. Still no reply from Lundy. We will never know if the issue was raised or not. Anyway. we can only keep trying.
Dear John
Thank you for your email regarding the indexation of military pensions. I raised your concerns with the Minister for Finance and Deregulation, Senator the Hon Penny Wong, at the meeting of Caucus members yesterday.
Yours sincerely
Andrew Leigh
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Andrew Leigh
Federal Member for Fraser
web http://www.andrewleigh.com
blog http://www.andrewleigh.com/blog/
email andrew.leigh.mp@aph.gov.au
phone 02 6247 4396
address 8/1 Torrens St, Braddon ACT 2612
Subject: Fair Indexation of Military Superannuation
Mr Andrew Leigh
Federal Member for Fraser
House of Representatives
Parliament House
CANBERRA ACT
Dear Mr Leigh
I understand that your Leader, our Prime Minister, has called an urgent meeting of Caucus, including all the backbenchers, on Sunday, 5th February 2012, to discuss the most pressing issues facing your Government.
You should be aware that there are over 63,000 recipients of the Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits (DFRDB) superannuation “pension” who continue to have their military superannuation pension indexed against the Consumer Price Index (CPI) even though our old aged pensioners (who made no contributions to their pension) have their pension indexed against whichever is the greater of the CPI, or 27.5% of the Male Total Average Weekly Earnings (MTAWE) or the Pensioner and Beneficiary Coast of Living Index (PBCLI).
I ask again, as my local member, why do you, and your Government, continue to discriminate against those members of the Australian Defence Force who have served our Nation for 20 years or more, often in harm’s way?
All we want is a FAIR GO – to have our military superannuation pension indexed exactly the same way as the Nation’s old aged pensioners!!
Why did your Government decide at very late notice not to pass on the 2.7% increase to the Disability Pension to all our Military Disabled Pensioners?
Why does your Government discriminate against us? Why do we continue to pay tax even after we turn 60 years old?
There are 63,000 DFRDB recipients and 125,000 Defence disabled pensioners. Add to these numbers their families and their friends and you will readily acknowledge that we represent over 1,000,000 voters.
Rest assured we will make our votes count at the next election if these matters are not addressed by your Government, especially in those marginal seats held by ALP members.
I do not require your usual platitudes as to why FAIR Indexation cannot be achieved, when you are quite happy to accept a huge increase in your Parlimentary salary and, if you are there long enough,to accept a Superannuation Pension that is indexed out of all proportion to the paltry increases paid to DFRB and DFRDB recipents.
I strongly advise you to raise my, and others concerns, at your ALP meeting on this Sunday, 5 February 2012.
Yours truly,
John Sainsbury
29 January 2012
Clearly Ewan Jones is accarately informed about the reasons behind our super scheme – NOT.
Am I TOO cynical? I have seen comments before (including statements in Hansard and a newspaper clipping on the Stand To site) that make it rather clear that the public service vehemently opposed any benefit proposed for the military that they didn’t get and then, when they got the chance, they made sure they got better.
It is clear they opposed the DFRDB scheme for that reason.
The Matthews Report – unique nature of military service was not in the TOR. Did the PS make sure this was the case because they feared that if these were considered our indexation arrangments might change and theirs wouldn’t?
All the spin the govt peddles about cost of the scheme – this line was spun in 72 and Jess specifically addressed it, saying that in the case of the military any additional costs were justified. PS no doubt still spins and govt ministers and members uniformed – probably no more so than Mr Jones above – take it at face value as it suits their purpose.
I saw recently a review of medal entitlements (think it was on the website of the Australian Peacekeepers and Peacemakers Veterans Association) where some public servants were arguing they should have entitlement to the Australian Service and Active Service medals if they go into qualifying areas.
And today I see the post above regarding education allowances and the children of disabled vets. Is this simply another move by the PS to try and make sure ‘if we don’t get it then neither should they’? And of course if it saves the govt a few dollars what do they care – they have a long history of betraying vets.
No. I don’t think I am too cynical.
I suppose you all noticed that Senator LUNDY’s minion used exactly the same words in each of her replies to Peter Grimmer, Tony Horsington – and to Bert Denovan, who has posted his reply on the “Diggergate” site of IA.
I am so pleased (not) that someone in Government is interested in energy conservation – brain energy, that is.
Do these people think that we don’t talk to each other?
Tess, you are dead right about the ethical issue. I am going to try that on in my next approach to the pollies. But I’ll bet it goes right over their heads.
No Ken, You aren’t too cynical. That’s how it goes. It’s all a part of the mindset that, after WW2, refused to allow the payment of their husbands’accumulated leave entitlements to war widows – because their husbands weren’t on leave, they were dead. We are fighting the exact same thing here.
Bill Arden posted the link below some months ago. It’s a document prepared by the then “Regular Defence Force Welfare Association” in 1979, giving a potted history of the scheme. Worth a read. From memory,the author(s) make more than one mention of Public Service opposition to DFRDB’s provisions.
http://dfrdb.com/cms/downloads/item/how-it-all-began.html?category_id=5
Dear PETER GRIMMER, thanks so much for letting NEIL WEEKES post your correspondence here.
You are a champ – so is everyone that shares this important intel.
Dear JIM ANDERSON, thank you for letting Canberra know how you’re feeling. What does this current pathetic excuse for an Australian Government not get about what they are doing to you?
You seem to be singled out for political rendition by the GILLARD/GREENS/INDEPENDENT unholy trinity.
NAME AND SHAME
Dear JIM ANDERSON thanks for this list of the treacherous politicians who voted AGAINST the
misnamed Fair Indexation Bill last June.
We need to remember their names as we hurtle towards the next Federal Election.
Dear BMCGURGAN, thanks for posting GEORGE MANSFORD’s poem. Maybe you can encourage our Poet Laureate to publish an anthology!
SPINLESS LETTERS.SPINELESS POLLIES.
Dear BERNIE MCGURGAN, JOHN LONG and DAVE GABEL – what Champions you are – and thanks for your eloquent pull-no-punches telling it like it is, spinless letters to spineless pollies.
Dear BILL ARDEN and STEVE COOPER, how wonderful to see you back up your ADF Brother, NOEL BOWMAN. Such loyalty and camaraderie would be totally foreign to the pollies.
Noel, you’ve made your point so beautifully – and once again – as with many of your letters to pollies, your intellect and reasoning far outstrips there.
And of course,in terms of a moral argument. There’s no contest. What do they care. They have just voted themselves bucketloads of cash. If the allegedly independent committee that voted them the payrise is truly independent – then let the same committee look at this sordid ADF pension travesty.
Dear JOHN SAINSBURY, cop the disgraceful response from ANDREW LEIGH. It is outrageous.
How do they get asway with it ? Because we let them. Thank you for posting this John since it is a great advertisement to assist in how to vote, for the nearing Federal Election.
I’ve just read it again. It is utterly insulting to you and your Brethren and your intelligence.
Dear KEN MARSH, like others, EWEN JONES is incapable of original political thought on this matter.
Dear KEN MARSH, you are being remarkably restrained.
Dear BARNEY WARD, that is why it is critical intel for us to share and post their responses. They tell us so much. Even the fact that they are replicated.
It is clear that so many of them are acting unquestioningly upon orders from the GILLARD bunker.
Posted with John Wilson’s approval.
From: John & Audra Wilson [mailto:john.aud@bigpond.com]
Sent: Monday, 6 February 2012 5:06 PM
To: ‘Leigh, Andrew (MP)’
Cc: sealure2@bigpond.net.au; ‘Harris, Amelia (J. Briggs, MP)’
Subject: RE: Indexation of military pensions
Dear Andrew,
Thank you very much for raising this matter with the Minister for Finance. Your effort is greatly appreciated as to date indifference or no response at all has largely been the result of approaches to government members.
I appreciate that we are not members of your electorate, but in the face of government refusal to even consider our situation seriously, we must press our needs in any and every way we can.
The time for talking is long over. It is now well over 20 years since I retired from the Army and my DFRDB pension is steadily losing purchasing power every year. My wife is in en even worse situation. She suffers chronic illness and has not been able to work since 1994. She retired in 1991 on a DFRDB pension of around $9,000 and is not a veteran. After 10 years indexation to the discredited CPI, Audra’s pension is a whole $12,000. Although I am 70 years of age next birthday, I have to continue to work full-time so that we can afford to pay for her medications and treatment. It is becoming very difficult to continue to do this as the need to constantly care for her means that I cannot be in two places at once.
We were promised way back when we both joined the Regular Army that our pensions would be adequately indexed. That has not been the case now since the basis of the CPI was emasculated by the then Labor government in the 1980s. Of course the government reacted when aged-care pensioners protested and politicians ensured that their pensions didn’t languish and both bodies’ pensions were indexed to the MAMWE. For some reason, ex-service pensioners don’t warrant the same treatment. I cannot reconcile Labor’s often claimed social conscience with this treatment of ex-service men and women who were prepared to put their lives on the line for our country.
Believe me when I say that we take every opportunity to discuss this with our friends and families and anyone with whom we come into contact. They are appalled that your government continues to treat ex-service men and women with contempt. I do hope that you have a social conscience and that you will one of a growing number of government members who stand up for ex-service pensioners and help to ensure that we receive what we were promised all those years ago.
Sincerely,
John & Audra Wilson
What an excellent lot of letters. The more I read, the more I am convinced that you guys and gals should be the ones leading this country. How the heck did we elect these jerks currently running the country. Good luck to us all and bring on the revolution!!
JULIA GILLARD ARE YOU FINE WITH THIS ?
Dear JOHN and AUDRA WILSON, thank you both for being so frank about your personal situation and sacrificing your privacy to contribute to the fight for Justice for Diggers and Families.
My heart goes out to you both. But that is not good enough. The rest of us cannot just stand by and let the Australian Government continue to behave in what I describe as a shameful and shameless conduct – and in the name of the Australian people too.
But it is not in my name Julia. Nor I suspect, in the names of other Australians.
And how can Canberra allow John and Audra to endure such cruelty. This is Elder abuse. No question.
If anyone ever wondered what the campaign for a Fair Go is about, then John and Audra’s predicament says it all. Writ large.
We cannot wave a magic wand,but we can wave a magic vote in the Federal Election. Including in the Prime Minister’s own electorate of Lalor.
This is disgusting. If this is how we treat our Diggers and Families, I want no part of it.
The sooner we march to Canberra the better.
* Thanks NEIL WEEKES for posting John and Audra’s honest letter to ANDREW LEIGH.
If he doesn’t respond within 7 days, could you let us know ?
Dear PAUL, you are so right. Dozens of people have said the same thing to me.
When we read the calibre of your hearts as well as your minds – you are all streets ahead of the pollies in both.
Compare their inane and insulting responses to you with your letters to them. No contest.
This comments section will always bear historical and political testimony to this.
Let’s see if we can find a politician who is prepared to table this entire document in Federal Parliament.
Copy of an email from Gil Deem, posted with his approval:
Hi Neil,
In our efforts to claim A Fair Go relative to the purchasing power of our
meagre pensions it would seem largely that our voices have not been heard
since our letter raid. I have received only one reply to the three letters I
sent by registered mail. The Prime Minister saw fit to be one of the no replyers.
The hypocrisy of her treatment of us is exacerbated by her double
standards in attending funerals of soldiers who died in Afghanistan.
She is accepting of the duties,commitments and service of soldiers played
out in the current war theatre and thanks the soldiers and families for their
sacrifices given for their country. Gillard is quite happy to kick sand in
the faces of old and retired soldiers who sacriced more in the wars in Vietnam,
Korea, etc., given the treatment dished out by pollies and the public at the time.
The ‘welcome home’ march in 1987 went a long way in recovering lost ground.
That lost ground ground is nowhere near being fully recovered. The hands of
the politicians and their dismissive attempts at giving us our fair and just
compensation by way of our pensions are being eroded gradually over
time. It is time for adequate compensation to be paid.
I could go on….
What, indeed, can we do that is effective in getting recognition and our
compensatory dues? Letter writing highlights the problem areas
but does nothing more. Letter writing does not bring about the
changes we desire.
To me, we need to mount a strong and united campaign with
a coordinated effort to march through the streets
to government offices in each of the capital cities.
(It won’t work just to march to Canberra).
This certainly will attract media attention, not only in Australia
but also overseas. Politicians need to be named and shamed
especially those who voted against any increase for service pensioners.
Any action would need a coordination effort and meticulous planning.
Soldiers are good at this. But it must be peaceful.
Gillard is quite happy to espouse the ideal of a carbon tax being
good for all Australians and posture on the world stage as a
leader in the field. Yet, she is reluctant to look after those who have come
before and who have contributed to the wealth and welfare
of the nation through personal sacrifices to government and country, that is, by
way of service in the Defence Forces. Gillard is also saying that the budget will
be back in the black by 2013. So, funding the $20 million or so
required per year is not a problem at all for the government.
Any campaign should function around SHAMING and NAMING.
It has gone past being nice to the pollies as they are not being nice to us.
They are treating us with contempt. Not that we should treat them
with contempt. They are supposed to be HONOURABLE yet treating us DISHONOURABLY.
Perhaps a look to Gandhi’s methods might help us find
strategies to bring about the changes we desire
and have earned and entitled to.
A FAIR GO we ask for! No, A FAIR GO is what is our due.
Best Wishes… Gilbert Deem (Gil)
WO2, RASigs (retired)
P.S. Please send on as you desire.
G’day Gil,
Mate, well said and I assure you that the ADSO is looking at some of these possible actions as we speak. I receive dozens of emails each day and many of them are becoming more strident in their demands for positive action.
Having said that, please do not underestimate the success and impact of our two letter writing and email “raids”. Operation LETTER RAID forced the Government to produce that stupid “FACT SHEET” so that individual ALP Ministers, Senators and Backbenchers could simply enclose a copy with their responses. The fact that this “FACT SHEET” was not signed, not dated, not attributable to any Minister or Department and was full of incorrect data, has simply outraged the Defence Family even more. It did prove that our letters and emails hit home.
Then with our “BUTCHER’s PAPER” RAID, we have again forced the Government to respond – again stupidly. I do not know if you heard the news last night but the Government is attempting to redirect our anger and spleen against the Opposition. The Government announced that if the LNP win government, they intend to slash veterans’ entitlements, pensions, etc, etc. Naturally the Opposition refuted these ALP claims. The point is that the Greens/ALP Government is feeling our breath on the napes of their necks.
But you are right. We need to ramp up our actions. Suffice to say I will not support any action on ANZAC Day but we, the ADSO, are looking at a series of coordinated actions during the week leading up to ANZAC Day. These will take some organising and some strong (mentally) people to carry them out – all legally of course.
I have found that, while there is much talk about taking some action, very few will actually turn up. Whatever we do we must not turn the public against us.
As far as the “march” to Canberra is concerned, that would be our last course of action. I have given this a great deal of thought and I already have about 20 blokes in Canberra who are prepared to set up a permanent tent embassy for us. There is also a growing demand that I actually go ahead and carry out our March to Canberra (although it would be a drive/fly march). In fact I have done a fair amount of planning for this but the question is when? If we do it too early we lose its impact. We need to organise it just before the election if this has not been resolved by then. We could only do this once. It would be most embarrassing if we went ahead and did it and only 100 fellows turned up. We will have to get members to fill in a commitment form and to pay into an organising fund up front. The fees will cover the required licences, garbage removal, portaloos, etc. By paying up front members commit to participating. We need their families and friends, in wheelchairs. We would have a family concert. It would be a great reunion but this time organised by us. Every day we would march to Parliament House, wearing medals. All in military order. We would line the road entrance to Parliament House, both sides, at both entrances. As the Politicians arrive we will about turn and turn our backs on them.
Just some of the planning. We would have organised groups arriving at Canberra all at the same time but from different directions.
I will post a copy of your email and my response to Tess Lawrence’s webpage.
Gil, stay tuned. Follow the updates on these links:
http://www.justafairgo.net
http://www.standto.org
Cheers and thanks for your support.
Neil Weekes
Copy of an email from Malcolm Turnbull:
From: Turnbull, Malcolm (MP)
Sent: Thursday, February 09, 2012 7:31 AM
To:
Subject: RE: WHY THE ALP HAS LOST ADF & VETERAN VOTE…
Dear Steve,
Thank you for your email in relation to the indexation of military superannuation pensions.
The Coalition is committed to delivering fair indexation of DFRDB and DFRB military superannuation pensions. That is why the Coalition made a commitment at the 2010 election to deliver this reform. Despite losing the election, the Coalition introduced legislation into the Senate on 18 November 2010 to deliver this important reform.
This legislation fully reflects the Coalition’s stated policy position of indexing DFRDB and DFRB pensions of members aged 55 and over to the higher of the Consumer Price Index (CPI), Male Total Average Weekly Earnings (MTAWE) or the Pensioner and Beneficiary Living Cost Index (PBLCI).
Despite both the Gillard Labor Government and The Greens making election promises to fix military superannuation indexation, the Labor-Greens alliance combined to use their numbers in the Senate to defeat the Coalition’s legislation.
As a direct result of the Labor-Greens decision, DFRDB and DFRB members will be left to battle rising living costs with a military pension that fails to keep pace with the cost of living.
I can assure you the Coalition fully appreciates the unique nature of military service and remains absolutely committed to this reform. The Coalition will pursue it swiftly and with vigour at the next election, and beyond.
With your support, and that of the wider Australian community, the Coalition will deliver a fair, just and fiscally responsible military superannuation system for Australia’s 57,000 DFRDB and DFRB military superannuants, and their families.
Thank you again for your email, and please let me know if you receive a response from the Government.
Kind regards,
Malcolm
DFWA has made an excellent submission to the Joint Senate Committee on the 2010 – 2011 Defence Annual Report.
I would encourage everyone to read it. It is comprehensive and covers the superannuation issue in some detail. It also has an excellent paper on the Uniqueness of Military Service, which we all should use when speaking with Politicians and our friends.
The link to the DFWA Submission is:
http://www.aph.gov.au/house/committee/jfadt/defenceannualreport_2010_2011/submissions/sub1.pdf
Cheers,
Neil
It is good to see that we are all still ‘on the case’. Our politicians seem to continue to miss the point, their concern for veterans’ welfare being clouded by spin and obfuscation from the bureaucracy. They continue to disregard the reality of the situation. With that in mind, I have asked the Nationals for help, as in my letter below:
9 February 2012
The Hon. Warren Truss, MP
Leader of the Nationals
Senator the Hon. Barnaby Joyce
Leader of the Nationals in the Senate
Mr Michael McCormack, MP
Member for the Riverina
Indexation of Military Superannuation Pensions
Dear Mr Truss, Senator Joyce and Mr McCormack
I write to once again ask you to use the Nationals’ influence with your Liberal colleagues to achieve a complete, just and fair resolution in the matter of indexation of military superannuation pensions.
Last year’s support of the House of Representatives, without dissent, of the Coalition’s policy to fairly index the military superannuation pensions for members of the DFRDB and DFRB over 55, was a significant acknowledgement of the merits of the case. However, the policy failed to address the indexation of MSBS superannuation, or that of under 55 disabled veterans.
Although the Bill was stated to be but a ‘first step’, it is frankly just poor public policy to introduce a partial solution to acknowledged unjust discrimination – discrimination that would still condemn some veterans to face ever-depreciating purchasing power, reducing standards of living and continuing dismissal by the Government (people) they served . That is un-Australian, and not good enough.
The question of affordability has been raised in defence of this partial approach, not only by the Coalition, as it is also used by the government to block any progress on the matter; as well as by the Greens and Senator Xenophon, to obstruct and to attack the government on other, totally unrelated, policy. How disgraceful to make our veterans the object of games of political football.
Affordability is a red herring in two respects. Firstly, and most importantly, it shows a fundamental lack of understanding, let alone acknowledgment, of the point made so eloquently by the ADSO and AVM Peter Criss (Retd) : the nub of the matter is that a condition of service is being breached. This condition provides for ‘retirement pay’ (a superannuation pension – now offensively termed a ‘benefit’ by CentreLink) that maintains its purchasing power. We (the Nation) are bound to honour that employment condition, and ipso facto, the budget MUST provide for fair indexation as a non-discretionary item, before other, discretionary, items.
Secondly, both the Coalition and the government seem to have fallen under the spell of the spin doctors in Finance, who say that fair indexation would be ‘new’ benefit, and that conditions cannot be retrospectively ‘improved’. What utter balderdash. Worse, they state that it would cost ‘billions and billions’ to implement. That cost argument has been comprehensively demolished by the work of Peter Thornton, who has demonstrated convincingly that the cost would be in the order of some $20-30 million per annum. Thornton’s work , which has been made available to Senate Inquiries, the Coalition and the government, has not been rebutted by the very officials who keep making the outrageous claims of cost, and despite this, still seem to hold sway. That is unprofessional, to say the least. Given what Thornton said in his recent email to Members of Parliament and Senators , including you, it would be folly to trust any bureaucratic advice underpinned by rubbery data that includes deceased people, those who joined superannuation schemes before they were born, and several aged over 120 years.
To sum up, it is disappointing that the Nation’s obligation to honour enlistment conditions (contract / vested property) still seems to get lost in argument about affordability, even by those who support the case, and despite evidence showing that this measure of fairness is affordable.
Our current and future veterans serve their country selflessly, at the risk of their very lives, as we know all too well. In retirement they, and their families, deserve to be shown that the Australian people appreciate the unique nature of their service, and to have their conditions of service honoured. None of them, irrespective of the superannuation scheme under which they served, should be treated as second-class Australians. Surely that would be unjust, illogical, as well as unfair and discriminatory.
In a country like ours where the ‘fair go’ lies as one of the cornerstones of our culture, just things like this are always affordable. Furthermore, in this case it is not discretionary, and is long overdue.
Will you please help to achieve a fair and equitable, and importantly, a complete and comprehensive outcome on this? Ideally, the Coalition could shame the government into action on this, this year, in a spirit of bi-partisanship in support of veterans. If that fails, then I urge you to convince your Coalition partners to review their present policy, and make an appropriate announcement before the next election.
Dear Neil Weeks. Regarding your comments on the Independent Australia site and the march to Canberra, a few comments.
1. Many of our vets are doing it tough. Canberra for most would involve travel and accomodation costs which could rule out a lot.
2. While we talk about vets we must remember this is about the fair indexation of all military super, not just DFRDB. I think we all see the Fair Indexation Bill as just the first step – one that stops further erosion of those most severely affected – on the way to fixing the whole.
3. It is also about the fair indexation of DVA disability pensions.
4. Recently you circulated an email demonstrating that those affected by DFRDB, including friends and family, could reach 1 million. What if you added in serving members? I know that the members are bound by military law and cannot speak out or demonstrate etc, but I have never understood that to mean partners, parents, children, friends etc. What is the full extent of the military family?
5. There are places where the military presence – both serving and former – is concentrated and while those like myself don’t live in these places some would be much more readily accessible to those like me.
6. What is the possibility of a march on the local pollies office in these places? Also, in those places where vets and current members are a lesser force there may be enough for a small scale march.
7. Perhaps a coordinated day of action across Australia may be an option. If it was widespread enough it would have to get national and local media attention and perhaps get our message out and gain the support of more people.
8. I know this issue is not the only one that is causing discontent among veterans. There are issues with access to compensation and I am aware that there are other issues affecting the younger veteran community.
9. Perhaps, if we play this right, we, the military family, can announce ourself to the Australian community, and especially to our elected members on both sides – including Greens and Independents – as a real political force.
Senator the Hon. Michael Ronaldson
Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Affairs
Shadow Minister Assisting the Leader of the Opposition on the Centenary of ANZAC
Liberal Senator for Victoria
M E D I A R E L E A S E
Thursday, 9 February 2012
Labor fears the truth on its record for veterans
Warren Snowdon’s press release on 7 February commenting on an opinion article in the Financial Review by Liberal MP Jamie Briggs scored 10 out of 10 for a political beat-up and zero for the truth.
The veteran and ex-service community knows that the only party standing in the way of improved entitlements for veterans and their families is the present Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, and senior Gillard supporter, Warren Snowdon.
Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Senator the Hon. Michael Ronaldson, said Minister Snowdon’s false claims about the Coalition were further proof of a Government with no agenda for veterans’ affairs.
“Warren Snowdon should stop defending Julia Gillard and start standing up for veterans and their families. Labor is divided and directionless. They have no plan for the future and are only interested in protecting themselves rather than the people they are supposed to represent”, Senator Ronaldson said.
“After all, it is the Labor Party which opposed the Coalition’s Fair Indexation legislation last year, denying 57,000 veterans and their families’ fair, just and equitable indexation of their pensions.”
“It is the Labor Party which has promised to exclude 1,500 of our most disabled veterans from the Veterans’ Pharmaceutical Reimbursement Scheme, which has still not been legislated through Parliament.”
“It is the Labor Party which slashed $8 million in funding to volunteer veterans’ pension and welfare officers in our community, and which may force the closure of Veterans’ Welfare Centres across Australia.”
“It is the Labor Party which will force up the cost of living for veterans and their families by the imposition of a toxic carbon tax, one they promised never to introduce.”
“And it was the Australian Labor Party which forced the Australian War Memorial to consider closing one day per week because of funding cuts and the Efficiency Dividend.”
“Warren Snowdon is wrong to criticise the Coalition when his own record is so shambolic.”
Senator Ronaldson reconfirmed the Coalition’s commitments to veterans and their families.
“The Coalition is committed to a stand-alone Department of Veterans’ Affairs and to the maintenance of all entitlements. We are also absolutely committed to providing fair, just and equitable indexation for DFRB and DFRDB superannuation pensions.”
“Frankly, the person with the explaining to do is the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Warren Snowdon.”
______________________________
Robert Hardie
Adviser
Office of Senator the Hon. Michael Ronaldson
Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Affairs | Liberal Senator for Victoria
Shadow Minister Assisting the Leader of the Opposition on the Centenary of ANZAC
Suite S1.32 | Parliament House | CANBERRA ACT 2600
02 6277 3582 | 02 6277 5761
G’day all. Finally got off my bum and donated to STAND TO. I note that Senator Xenophon’s correspondance officer is finally back from holiday, or was I the only one they didn’t reply to. I also note that good old Nick is committed to finding savings in the defence budget to pay for pension increases. I suggest he looks at pollie’s wages to find savings first!! “Let’s take more resources from serving members to pay for their pre-decessors!” How bloody idiotic Mr Xenophon! You and all the rest of your compatriots didn’t blink when it came to lining your own pockets.
I’m ready to march to Canberra the minute Neil calls me. I have had a gutful of continually being ignored by our polititions. Fair indexation , if it ever happens will be far too late for many of us to ever catch up. Even if implemented most are going to be way behind where we should be. Let’s go to Canberra, write lots of letters, and dump the bloody lot on their doorstep in public and challenge the bastards to personally answer them, in view of the press. That would make life interesting.
Cheers, Maurie
G’day Ken (Marsh, above),
Thanks, mate, all good points.
I appreciate that many veterans may not be able to make it to Canberra. That’s why we would have to get members to make a financial contribution – albeit a small one- to confirm their participation.
With a little bit of organisation and cooperation in each area and along the way, there are those who could collect others who would not be able to travel by themselves.
Accommodation is a real concern but again there are those who have already offered bed spaces, and room in caravans. If we set up camp in the showgrounds we could share. This is not insurmountable but it will demand very careful coordination and cooperation, something we ex-military pride ourselves on.
Mate, I am well aware that we are now fighting for all military superannuation “pensions” DFRB/DFRDB/MSBS. We agreed on this at the RAR Council meeting in Canberra at the end of last year. However, the Opposition has made it very clear to date, through Senator Humphries, that they will be reluctant to consider all groups in a single policy. The DFRDB Fair Indexation Bill (FIB) which was defeated by one vote in the Senate on 16 June last year, concentrated only on the DFRB/DFRDB recipients over 55 years and the Senator has recently confirmed that that will be the Opposition’s position – “We will bite this elephant only one bite at a time” or words to that effect. That does not mean we should not continue to pester the Opposition to have a rethink. However, we might just have to have a rethink ourselves as it might be our only option to win one step at a time. In other words we may have to push for a timed program with the Opposition to be implemented within the first two terms of their government. Otherwise we may get nothing. The ADSO is aware of this and we are working out some strategies. However rest assured our fight will continue, irrespective of which political party is in Government, until a fair indexation for all military superannuation pensioners is achieved – to have our “pensions” indexed exactly the same way as the Old Age Pension so as to maintain parity with the actual increases to the cost of living.
I hope that, recently, you have also noticed my inclusion of the disabled military personnel in my ramblings. We have not, and will not, forget these members.
As far as numbers go, how long is a piece of string? I have over 500 currently serving members, from all three Services, from PTE to COLONEL (and their Service equivalents) registered on my website. They are really cheesed off and they are supporting us because they know that if we do not win this, in 20 years time they will be fighting the same political battles. However someone has calculated that if we include all the DFRB/DFRDB/MSBS recipients as well as all serving members and their eligible voting family members and friends we could muster about 3,000,000 voters. This means that our votes will be critical in some seats at the next election, particularly in the ALP marginal seats.
Ken, the ADSO is actually looking at a number of days of coordinated action. This may include marches in selected marginal seats or in major cities but nothing has been decided yet. We will certainly be distributing “flyers” and we will be hitting the radios and TV stations. In fact I was on Radio ABC here in Townsville this morning. They gave me a great hearing, especially as we are in a “garrison” town/city.
Despite some objections from some of our own people I remain apolitical on these matters and I continue to hound Mr Abbott as much as I attack the Greens/ALP Government
I like the idea of a “Red Shirt Day” every Friday to remind the general community of the sacrifice made by our Service personnel and maybe we could really push this.
Rest assured mate we are looking to up the ante and we will keep everyone posted as soon as our plans are crystallised because we will never succeed without support from blokes like you. We must stay the fight. We must clearly demonstrate that we are a large, coordinated and united force that will not go away. We must reinforce that our votes will have a significant impact at the next election, especially in the marginal seats. And we must never turn the public opinion against us.
Cheers,
Neil
Dear Ken Marsh,
An excellent effort old soldier, it does my heart good to read your words. All good and valid points.
And 10 Sumpy. I sense and share your frustrations, we have all had a gut full of being ignored but we WILL have our day. As Neil says, we only have one shot at the march and the timing – and the target – has to be spot on. In the mean time, the words of a lovely melody still ring true, “United We Stand”.
MELBOURNE-VOYAGER DISASTER. A quiet moment for the horrendous collision 48 years ago today.
It seems much of the media have forgotten. Would love to hear what you think.
Here’s a snip from Wikipedia: –
The Melbourne-Voyager collision, also referred to as the “Melbourne-Voyager incident” or simply the “Voyager incident”, was a collision between two warships of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN); the aircraft carrier HMAS Melbourne (R21) and the destroyer HMAS Voyager (D04). On the evening of 10 February 1964, the two ships were performing manoeuvres off Jervis Bay, when Voyager sailed under Melbourne’s bow. She was cut in two and sunk, and 82 of her crew killed.
Two Royal Commissions were held to investigate the incident. The first studied the circumstances of the collision, while the second focused on claims by a former Voyager senior officer that the destroyer’s captain was unfit for command. It is the only time in Australian history that two Royal Commissions have been held for a single incident.
* Thank you WIKIPEDIA.
GILLARD KICKS SAND IN THE FACES OF OUR DIGGERS.
Dear GILBERT DEEM, so good to read your strong letter. Thank you for pointing out the hypocrisy
of our Prime Minister and others.
I feel a great sadness that you even have to concern yourself with such issues at this time of your life.
Thank you for your services to this country Gil, and for the continuing service threaded within your fine words.
You care. Our Government doesn’t.
Dear NEIL WEEKES, thanks for posting GIL’s letter – and the other letters. They show us all that the campaign is very much alive and kicking. The wider public can read these compelling comments and judge for themselves. Plus, they contain so much info that we can share and they are vital in helpful us to compile our own letters.
The sheer relentless firepower of the letters and emails that you bombard on Canberra and politicians is formidable.
You are all Champions and your energy aqnd intellect far outstrips those who are abusing you and treating you with such contempt and intent on ensuring you present your begging bowls for them to use as spittoons.
I am looking forward to the March on Canberra. This Veteran activism is exciting. You are great role models for younger generations that no matter one’s age, the fight for Justice is
honourable. Not to fight at all brings it’s own dishonour.
Also, those of us who can, must fight for those who are too frail and sick, to do so themselves.
It is such a privilege reading your comments.
KBH – thanks mate.
Neil, thanks for your response and words of wisdom. Totally agree that we need to remain united on this and take it one step at a time. And as to the apolitical bit, agree. I’ll trust Abbott after he delivers – and the same applies to all the others.
Tess – I was 13 when the Voyager sank and as such took no interest in it at the time. I heard a survivor on the radio last year some time telling how as cold and frightened 18 and 19 year olds they had forms shoved under their noses getting them to sign away their right to sue. A sad, but not the only sad, moment in Australian peacetime military history. Two that come immediately to mind being the nuclear tests at Maralinga (which, if memory is correct, showed more concern for cattle in the area than the local aboringal population) and the F-111 fuel tank maintenance program.
It would be good, IMO, if as part of the Centenary of ANZAC thing that these peace time trajedys were also given some recognition, along with training and other peacetime activities that have resulted in the deaths of military personnel.
http://minister.dva.gov.au/media_releases/2012/feb/va007.htm
TURNBULL PLEDGES SWIFT AND VIGOROUS PURSUIT.
Dear NEIL WEEKES, thanks for posting MALCOLM TURNBULL’s response to STEVE.
We ought not forget that the HOWARD Governments had long years in which to do nothing for your plight. Ironic, given that Government’s role in despatching our Defence personnel to Iraq and elsewhere on the basis of known lies and unknown lies.
But given that he will most likely lead the Opposition to Government, he has at least put himself publicly on notice here. But it is not enough.
Steve should ask Mr Turnbull if he is prepared to march with us to Canberra. In fact ALL politiciansshould be asked if they will walk with us – and if they will visit the Tent Embassy for Diggers that I understand is planned.
Dear KEN MARSH, a co-ordinated Day of Action sounds brilliant – good to toss things into the mix, after all, we won’t be invited to a brainstorming BBQ at the Lodge.
What about a Petition to the Governor General Quentin Bryce, as Her Majesty’s representative ?
That would be interesting – and quite in order.
Perhaps during this, her Jubilee Year, Queen Elizabeth might see fit to increase your pensions by Royal Decree!
Neil and Tess
I think I got the exact same letter from Malcom Turnbull last August.
When I get back home I will look it up and confirm it is the same.
I have sent emails to Hockey he can’t even reply both sides of Government are as slack as each other.
This new story by John Ward may be of interest:
http://www.independentaustralia.net/2012/australian-history/national-service-for-menzies-and-the-queen/
Cheers,
DD
Dear BOB IHLEIN, if MALCOLM TURNBULL is indeed sending out pro-forma letters in response to yours, then this ought to be documented here.
Do let us know Bob, and good sleuthing too. This is one of the many benefits of us sharing everything on this transparent basis.
It is rude and political discourtesy of JOE HOCKEY not to respond to you.
You can continue the one-way conversation in the ballot box in the impending Federal Election.
What was the aim of the DFRDB legislation?
It seems clear from the Hansard that Whitlam, perhaps more than any other parliamentarian at the time, was keen to address the problems with the old DFRB Act. Whitlam also envisaged a purely volunteer military service, pledging to do away with conscription.
While we can talk about the unique nature of military service in terms of the oath we swore, the fact that we came under military law, could be sent to war etc, I don’t believe these were the key conditions that the DFRDB Act was designed to address. This was the Vietnam era and anyone who signed the dotted line must have realised that Vietnam was a real possibility with all that that entailed.
I believe the key factors were the impact of military life on the family and the fact that a long term commitment to the military carried significant financial cost to the member and his family, both while the member was in the service and beyond.
The following quotes from the Hansard help paint a picture. First, the military was bleeding with a high number of officers resigning annually and a re-engagement rate of 40% with the other ranks. You will see from the quote below that Whitlam had done his sums and worked out that the improvements envisaged in the Jess report, rather than being a cost to Government, constituted a worthwhile investment – one that would save the Government money. It would be interesting to work out those costs in today’s terms and compare that to the cost of implementing the Fair Indexation Bill (ADSOs figures, not Wong’s Wrongs).
It is also clear from the last quote that this was more than a condition of service. It was a deliberate policy move to induce men and women to join the services and to stay for at least 20 years.
I am not a lawyer but I have done a unit on law. One thing I recall is that when it comes to interpreting the legislation courts will look at the legislation itself, legal precedence, and speeches made in the parliament. I don’t know how relevant that would be to a potential class action, but the intent of the Parliament in this matter seems quite clear.
‘Last year there were 80 resignations of officers from the Army alone. It takes $66,500 to train an officer at Duntroon. Therefore if we are to get 80 officers from Duntroon to make up for the resignations during the last financial year we would be involved in an expenditure of $5,320,000. Last year 49 male officers in the Air Force resigned and 24 male officers in the Navy resigned. The cost of training an officer in the Air Force varies between $36,000 and $92,000. Millions of dollars are required to train replacements for officers whose resignations were accepted last financial year.’
‘… In 1970-71 there were 917 re-engagements in the Army. Since it costs more than $4,000 to train a recruit in the Army to the stage where he can join his unit, one can see that a very considerable saving is achieved if soldiers re-engage. Only 40% re-engage at this stage, but if there was a 100% re-engagement it will be seen that we would in fact save more than $5m. So it is shortsighted in the extreme to begrudge one of those things which will encourage other ranks to reengage and which will deter officers from resigning. Improvements in the DFRB scheme would be a very good investment in financial terms.’
‘If we are to get people to serve in an essential occupation like the armed Services during peacetime we must ensure at the time they go back to civilian life and set up a new career they will not be disadvantaged compared with their contemporaries in age. One of the means by which we can ensure that they are not disadvantaged is by the DFRB scheme. If we equate the DFRB scheme to the Commonwealth Public Service Superannuation Fund or Provident Fund we are disadvantaging the armed forces as a whole … I am putting it purely in material terms. We must also consider that we are unfair to the men and their families who choose to serve voluntarily during some of the prime years of their life in this essential occupation. There are very great disadvantages for people in the armed forces, particularly for their families, and we should not be grudging to see that our Commonwealth institutions, schemes and funds are promptly adapted to encourage people to enlist and re-engage and to serve in the armed forces. The DFRB scheme has been the subject of investigation by one of the most high powered joint committees that this Parliament has ever set up, and … has never been criticised in the Parliament …’ (Whitlam, Hansard, 26 Oct 1972.
‘Finally, let me say that the scheme [DFRDB] … reflects not only the needs expressed by the services themselves for the provision of a modern retirement benefits structure that takes account of their particular career patterns, but is also comprehensible to them. It is a tangible application of the Government’s policy to provide all volunteer forces. Taken together with the series of other measures we have introduced in the area of financial conditions of service generally, there is clearly substantial inducement to become and remain a member of the Armed Force’. DFRDB Bill 1973 Second Reading, 31 May 1973.
MARSH MULLS DFRDB MESS. WE’RE LIVING IN THE SEVENTIES!
Plus ca change, plus c’est la meme chose.
Ken, what gems you have unearthed in Hansard. This is gripping stuff. Especially about the resignation rate of officers – and ‘ re-engagement.’
Thanks for putting it out there – here!
Absolutely spot on Ken Marsh, that is exactly the way I also think we should be going. Research the background to establish the INTENT of the DFRDB, in this case the intent of indexation (as I am also doing). There were three (3) governments of different politics in power during the debate and introduction of the DFRDB scheme, those of McMahon, Whitlam, and Fraser. I am trying to establish whether anyone in Parliament disagreed with the need for fair indexation, on both sides – I haven’t found one yet! That would at least establish the intent of Parliament at the time, with respect to fair indexation. Note also that Whitlam was speaking from the opposition when he said that about a debate introduced by the Liberals!
We should also be funding FOI (Freedom of Information) requests to go through the files of those departments involved, especially the Commonwealth Actuary, the Department of the Treasury, and Department of Defence to see just what the margin notes were saying! This should really not cost us as it is relevant to a grievance which affects us. They are records affecting each individual military person.
ARDEN BY NAME. ARDENT BY NATURE.
Dear BILL ARDEN. Good points all!
IS MS BRODTMANN THE ONLY GAI IN THE LABOR VILLAGE ?
Does anyone know if GAI BRODTMANN brought up the Fair Go matter last Sunday, as she promised ?
Reading the recent comments on the March to Canberra, I agree with Neil Weekes recommendation to hold it as close to the next election as possible. However I don’t feel that the general public would be happy with us having a “Tent Embassy”. That term came to a head recently when the occupants had their own Embassy torn dowm. If we erect a tent let it be called “The Military Superannuation Indexation Campaign Booth”. where members of the public or the media would be welcome to discuss our super indexation with our appointed spokespersons. A small portable generaotor could be playing the various videos ADSO has produced such as those by Peter Criss and various leaflets and handouts could be made available for visitors to take and read. I would not see our booth being a long term proposition. We don’t want to get the general public offside. Our objective is to get a clear message to our politicians that they need to fix our without further delay and cnovince them that the current indexation formula does not constitute a “Fair Go”. Any media interest generated by the March and assembly of our numbers will highlight our plight to the people of Australia and hopefully force our pollies to do something for us. And we must never accept the simple addition of the PBLCI formula to the existing CPI only. We want the further additional inclusion of MTAWE, to make our formula exactly the same as Aged pensioners
Be aware that the Labor pollies from the Canberra region have only proposed PBLCI to be added to the CPI for us. That remains a cheap, inadequate and nasty solution which should never be accepted by us.
Well said John Griffiths. I agree that we do not need a “tent embassy”. However we would have to be there for more than one day to have any impact. It could be planned as a reunion, with a concert and a “family fair”. As part of that we could establish an information booth and still have our daily parades outside Parliament House. Whatever we do we must not turn public opinion against us.
Here is a reply by Tony Horsington to Senator Ludlam’s office, posted with Tony’s approval:
Dear Ms Blair,
Thank you for responding on behalf of Senator Ludlam.
I sincerely hope Senator Blair actually read my email and not relied upon a secretary to vet incoming mail.
You state, that Greens policy position is, that Military Superannuation as currently administered is unfair. Why then, did the Greens vote ‘on mass’ with Labor, to deny the Private Members’ Military Fair Indexation Bill presented to parliament last year. You will know, that the bill was lost by just two votes. If the Greens MP’s and Senators correctly believe retired military superannuates have been progressively penalised by faulty government legislation, why did not some or all Greens not vote with their conscience, but be dictated by their blind loyalty to Labor.?
The Liberals under John Howard set up the Future Fund, solely with the intent of funding the government’s superannuation liability to employees, which strangely enough, include the Military forces. There is currently $73 billion in the Fund and the conservative estimate by independent actuaries is that to fix the correct indexation to Military super is between $20 – $25 million – before clawback by way of taxes, adjustments for centrelink and other payments. The net effect is expected to be around $15 – 20 million. To pontificate about the budget not having capacity to fund this, is a mockery of peoples intelligence. I note that the current budget figures, according to some economists yesterday, have blown out by $50 billion in the past 3 months. And Labor cannot find $15 million ???
I note that since Labor has been in government, they have not contributed any further funding to the Future Fund and that the return on investment since Rudd was elected, has been a paltry 1.2% after inflation. Far short of the stated 4.5%
I firmly believe the Greens lost a golden opportunity to strengthen the support of their constituents when voting against the Fair Indexation Bill.
Please ensure this email is made available to as many Green Senators and MP’s as possible
Yours Sincerely,
Tony Horsington
M. 0412299331
DFRB Recipient
———- Forwarded message ———-
From: Blair, Marion (Sen S. Ludlam)
Dear TONY HORSINGTON. Congratulations. SENATOR SCOTT LUDLAM will undoubtedly know he’s got mail. And this time, I feel he will read it for himself. Onya Tony.
Another poem from George Mansford:
Those Magnificent Bastards
See the ghosts of warriors from yesterday pass by
Hear familiar commands delivered in loud sharp cries
Bellowed by those mentors from so many years ago
Our beloved Sarmajors such as Ossie, Jack, Blue and old Joe
How well I recall their clever acts
Causing hearts to race at the drop of a hat
Knees trembling and dry mouth as they checked you up and down
So slowly, so carefully and always with a serious frown
Woe behold the soldier if there was a speck of dirt
Loose thread or button undone on a shirt
Lust was forbidden so pinups ended in the bin
The tiniest suggestion of rust on a weapon was terrible sin
They always had the last word like “you horrible soldier, you”
“Of all the misfits on earth, I won you”
“I bet your mother paid the recruiting sergeant to get rid of you”
For an idle officer it was “Sir, I need a few words with you”
Long before we even thought of what mischief we would do
The Sarmajor was prepared cos he already knew
By all that’s holy I swear it’s true
At the scene of the intended crime he was often waiting for you
Yet in the field our strict mentor too carried a rifle and pack
He was always there with the weary column on some muddy track
A smile or a pat on the back during a long Stand To
Comforting stirring words such as “Stand fast” or “we’ll see it through”
Forget political correctness cos the ultimate test of soldiering is war
Where teamwork, pride, confidence and discipline come to the fore
These strong leaders played a critical role in teaching us such assets
So we could confront the demanding trials of war and survive the test
In the comfort of my bed I don’t miss their screams and shouts
Nor the dreaded question “what’s going on here?” when suddenly caught out
They were relentless and tough soldiers but we came to love them so
All those magnificent bastards such as Ossie, Jack, Blue and Old Joe
George Mansford ©February 2012
Dear All,
It is not a happy black duck that sits at the keyboard today. Nonetheless, I will continue.
I wrote to the Liberal Federal Member for Hume, Alby Schultz, on 6 Jan 12. I delivered my letter to his office safe hand the same day.
On 7 Jan 12, I received a letter from Mr. Abbott’s office, a cut and paste job. I put a covering letter over this and took that to Mr. Schultz’s office as well.
I received a reply to my first letter dated 6 Jan 12 from Mr. Schultz, his reply was dated 16 Jan 12. In part, this response states:
“It must be noted that I take great issue with your generalised comments regarding a perceived lack of sincerity from politicians when paying their respects to those who have fought and died for this country”.
He goes on to say:
“To suggest that I hold these servicemen and women, particularly those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice, in contempt is an insult given my own father served in World War Two and an uncle whom I loved very dearly died on the Kokoda track”.
All very emotional but he did not address any of the issues I raised.
I wrote back to Mr. Schultz on 30 Jan 12 and apologised for any hurt or discomfort my generalised comments caused him personally but I did repeat my concerns and asked him to address these matters.
I received a reply today, 13 Feb and the reply was signed on 9 Feb 12. His reply was in fact a covering letter over a letter signed by Michael Ronaldson, Shadow Minister for veterans’ Affairs. The letter from Mr. Ronaldson states:
“Dear Alby,
Thank you for your letter of 20 January 2011 (!!!) on behalf of your constituent, Ken Hussell.
Since the Senate’s decision on 16 June 2011 to oppose the Coalition’s legislation for fair indexation, I have been regularly asked to confirm, and re-confirm, the Coalition’s commitment to this policy. I would like to take this opportunity to once again re-state the Coalition’s policy regarding fair indexation.
At the last election, the Coalition committed to improving the indexation of DFRB and DFRDB military superannuation pensions for pensioners aged 55 and over. This policy committed the Coalition to indexing these pensions by the better of movements in CPI, MTAWE and PBLCI, the same method used in the calculation of indexation for aged and service pensions. More than half of the 57,000 current recipients of the DFRB and DFRDB superannuation pensions would have immediately benefited from this change, set to begin on 1 July 2011.
Despite losing the election, the Coalition introduced legislation into the Senate on 18 November 2010 to deliver on this election commitment. The Labor Party and the Greens demanded yet another Senate Enquiry investigate the merits of fair indexation, and a short Inquiry was held in 2011. Despite the avalanche of correspondence supporting the Coalition’s legislation, the Labor – Green dominated committee recommended the Senate oppose the legislation. On 16 June 2011, the Senate defeated the Coalition’s Bill, denying fair, just and equitable indexation to DFRB and DFRDB military superannuants.
When he addressed the RSL National Congress in Melbourne on 20 September 2011, the Leader of the Opposition, the Hon Tony Abbott MHR, reconfirmed the Coalition’s position on fair indexation. During his speech, Mr. Abbott said:
I want to say to you that just as our serving soldiers must be respected and supported those who have served our country in the Queen’s uniform deserve to be appropriately looked after by a grateful nation. It has long been to me and my colleagues in the Coalition, verging on the scandalous that defence retirees do not enjoy the same indexation arrangements as other people who have retired. (…) The Coalition committed to addressing the indexation arrangements going into the 2010 election. Sadly, we were not able to form a government after that election but we didn’t let that stop us. We brought private members legislation into the parliament for decent indexation for defence force retirees and I regret to say that that legislation was not supported”.
The Coalition’s commitment to addressing the presently unjust, unfair and inequitable situation is clear. We will deliver this vital reform in government. It is clear that the only way to deliver this improvement is to change the government.
You can assure Mr. Hussell that the Coalition’s commitment to fair indexation of superannuation pensions is locked in, is affordable and the costs can be met from within already identified savings.
Thank you for for bringing Mr. Hussell’s concerns to my attention.
yours sincerely,
signed Senator The Hon Michael Ronaldson”
Mr. Schultz put a covering letter over this letter from Mr. Ronaldson to me and having signed it, he then added in long hand, “……………I now consider this issue closed”.
Tess
I can’t find the letter from Malcom Turnbull.
It was a email so I will have to go back to my posts on this site in Aug/ Sep last year.
Bob
I Found The Reply from Malcom Turnbull dated 29 August, 2011 at 3:47 pm
My replay from Malcom Turnbull.
Cheers
Bob Ihlein
Dear Mr Ihlein
Thank you for your letter regarding the indexation of military superannuation pensions.
Contrary to your assertions, I can assure you the Coalition fully appreciates the unique nature of military service and remains resolutely committed to this reform. The Coalition will pursue it at the next election, and beyond.
The Coalition is committed to delivering fair indexation of DFRDB and DFRB military superannuation pensions. That is why the Coalition made a commitment at the 2010 election to deliver this reform.
Despite losing the election, the Coalition introduced legislation into the Senate on 18 November 2010 to deliver this important reform. This legislation fully reflects the Coalition’s stated policy position of indexing DFRDB and DFRB pensions of members aged 55 and over to the higher of the Consumer Price Index (CPI), Male Total Average Weekly Earnings (MTAWE), or the Pensioner and Beneficiary Living Cost Index (PBLCI).
Disappointingly, the Labor-Greens alliance combined to use their numbers in the Senate to defeat the Coalition’s legislation, despite both parties making election promises to fix military superannuation indexation. It is now clear that the only way for fair indexation to be delivered is for the Government to change.
With your support, and that of the wider Australian community, the Coalition will deliver a fair, just and fiscally responsible military superannuation system for Australia’s 57,000 DFRDB and DFRB military superannuants, and their families.
Regards,
Malcolm
In my letter to him I gave him a serve for the Coalition doing nothing, that is his bit about my assertions.
The rest is very simular to the letter Neil posted last week.
Bob
How simular are they written five months apart.
Bob
Copy of an email from Malcolm Turnbull:
From: Turnbull, Malcolm (MP)
Sent: Thursday, February 09, 2012 7:31 AM
To:
Subject: RE: WHY THE ALP HAS LOST ADF & VETERAN VOTE…
Dear Steve,
Thank you for your email in relation to the indexation of military superannuation pensions.
The Coalition is committed to delivering fair indexation of DFRDB and DFRB military superannuation pensions. That is why the Coalition made a commitment at the 2010 election to deliver this reform. Despite losing the election, the Coalition introduced legislation into the Senate on 18 November 2010 to deliver this important reform.
This legislation fully reflects the Coalition’s stated policy position of indexing DFRDB and DFRB pensions of members aged 55 and over to the higher of the Consumer Price Index (CPI), Male Total Average Weekly Earnings (MTAWE) or the Pensioner and Beneficiary Living Cost Index (PBLCI).
Despite both the Gillard Labor Government and The Greens making election promises to fix military superannuation indexation, the Labor-Greens alliance combined to use their numbers in the Senate to defeat the Coalition’s legislation.
As a direct result of the Labor-Greens decision, DFRDB and DFRB members will be left to battle rising living costs with a military pension that fails to keep pace with the cost of living.
I can assure you the Coalition fully appreciates the unique nature of military service and remains absolutely committed to this reform. The Coalition will pursue it swiftly and with vigour at the next election, and beyond.
With your support, and that of the wider Australian community, the Coalition will deliver a fair, just and fiscally responsible military superannuation system for Australia’s 57,000 DFRDB and DFRB military superannuants, and their families.
Thank you again for your email, and please let me know if you receive a response from the Government.
Kind regards,
Malcolm
DARLING DIGGERS.HAPPY ST VALENTINE’S DAY.
Only because it is you Tess I will refraim from my normally cynical comments about this being the day on which the sheep get fleeced by vested commercial interests who have convinced the gullible that being programed to pay a lot more than you would otherwise do so is romance as opposed to the do it any other day when it is not expected.
So I will not say that and wish you a happy valentines day
_________________________
I added cool smileys to this message… if you don’t see them go to: http://s.exps.me
Dear KBHussell.
The arrogance of the likes of Mr Schultz is just amazing! How dare he make a comment like that. These people need to be reminded that they work for us.
It’s surely annoying that the Coalition, which claims to have our interests at heart on this issue, is so dismissive as to issue low-quality rote replies, just like the Labor people. Most of these self-important people can’t be bothered to give us a little more individual attention. The sole exception I’ve found was Bob Baldwin; who even though he no longer holds shadow Defence responsibilities, found the time to write me a warm and personally signed letter. A very pleasant change from the usual dross we get.
How old is Schultz? I am 63 born well after the WW11 So he must be near 70 to have loved an uncle that was KIA at Kokoda.
If he is that old maybe he should retire and get his well paid super.
We don’t need his type in our fight.
Bob
Dear KEN MARSH, I haven’t bought s single card, and like Christmas, and other celebratory commercial days, I do my own eccentric thing and do not succumb to such commercialism, and frankly, if I have a chesse sandwich with those I care about – that is a banquet for me.
If there’s a glass of cheap bubbly, I’m up for that too.
I csn’t bear all that goo – and I think it is quite fun if there is a special day that acknowledges specific things.
So, I’m with you Dear Ken. I have always remained a soppy romantic and been in love with the world, generally.
It is a privilege to be loved. And a privilege to love. Few things are more precious to me.
Dear BOB IHLEIN, about MALCOLM TURNBULL, so disappointing to read of this.
Dear Barney Ward and Bob Ihlein,
I am particularly disappointed with the reply I received from Mr. Alby Schultz.
I thought he could have started his letter by saying something like:
“Thank you for your apology, I appreciate it and accept it”.
Equally, I thought he could have finished his letter with something like:
“If I can be of further assistance in helping the Veterans’ cause for Fair Indexation, please do not hesitate to contact me”. Anyhow…………….
Mr. Schultz was born in 1939 and will be 73 in May. If his Uncle was killed on the LAST day of the war, he would have been six years old.
For him to say, “………..I now consider this issue closed”, before we have even begun to fight is the sort of reply I would expect from Labor. This does not look good for the support we might be hoping for from the Coalition I’m afraid.
Because servicemen and women have a cut off date for their service career, which does NOT apply to Politicians, Mr. Schultz and others, can serve until they are 75 or later. In the case of Mr. Schultz, I assume his ongoing career can only be for total love of country. I could not possibly believe his continuing career is for the purpose of getting a bigger golden hand shake and a better pension. Heaven forbid!.
KBHussell
I agree with you Mr. Schultz seems like a greumpy old man. He can do more for his party by sitting his front verrandah with a cupper and letting somone a lot younger have the seat in his electorate and get on with the job supporting the Country.
Bob
ALBY SCHULTZ you are an abject disgrace and a political coward.
How dare you insult hallowed KBHUSSELL with your preposterous and ludicrous pronouncement that you ” now consider this issue closed.” Where do you get off ? The only thing closed Mr Schultz is your impaired intellect. You have absolutely no power whatsoever to declare the issue closed, you buffoon.
How dare you even pretend to represent your constituents. You are the servant of the people. You are not our Master.
Start clearing out your desk now.
Dear BOB IHLEIN, I think that ALBY SCHULTZ is an insult to both younger and older politicians alike – and he is so obviously a hypocrite.
He does not represent the people. He represents himself. And his vested interests: they being his bloated parliamentary pension and superannuation payout.
He should indeed make way. For almost everyone. What a loser. These political hoons have suckled on the public teat for decades. They are rarely challenged. They are rarely held to public accountability and transparency.
Dear All,
How can any Australian, let alone a Politician watching the SBS and ABC news tonight, NOT shed a tear for those magnificent diggers who suffered so brutally at the hands of the Japanese following the fall of Singapore. Thousands died of starvation, bashings and neglect by a cruel, heartless enemy.
The face of every man I saw tonight showed a strength, and a love for this country that cannot be matched. The sufferings of these wonderful people to Mr. and Mrs Average can only be an estimation. Yet every one of these magnificent diggers and their families have suffered immeasurably due to lack of recognition, respect and honesty by every government since those dreadful days. As has every digger who has served this country since.
What in God’s name is wrong with this country? What is wrong with the incompetent idiots who are supposed to be “moving this country forward”. I think the time for the people to start calling the shots is long overdue.
Yes, I am getting emotional because enough is enough. Please Lord give me the strength to overcome a situation in this beautiful country that is clearly beyond the comprehension of ALL politicians.
Dearest KBHUSSELL, I feel so ashamed on behalf of our country that your wonderful service to this fab country and to our well being has been trashed in this heartless way.
I trust my fellow Australians and hold them in such affection that I feel that once they are in full knowledge of the facts, they will be both shocked and dismayed at the way you continue to be treated.
Hi Tess, this is a bit off topic but i was talking too the ppl that moved in next door and they are refugees from africa. whilst i was chatting away with them about their time here so far a furniture truck pulled up. I commented that would have cost a bucket load of money but they’re said that the govt gave them a check for $10000 to buy household goods. dont get me wrong they are very nice ppl and are no trouble at all. I just think it is wrong that the govt keeps saying they have no money for indexation of pensions for the widows and such but can come up with this sort of money for refugees. it is a bloody disgrace in my opinion.
Feedback from Ms Gai Brodtmann MP.
I emailed Ms Gai Brodtmann late on Wed 15 Feb asking if she had any feedback as a result of the meeting with the PM and the rest of the Labor Party on Sun 5 Feb. You will recall many of us asked our local members to raise the Fair Indexation matter with the PM.
Ms Brodtmann phoned me early Thu 16 Feb thanking me for my email and advised that indeed she had raised the Fair Indexation matter as had quite a number of other MPs from around the country (she said she was the first one to do so). She advised that she has written her response but had to run it by other MPs before she would make it available. So to those of us who wrote, phone or emailed Ms Brodtmann, we can expect a reply soon (?).
On the positive side, I take my hat off to Ms Brodtmann – so far she has always phoned me promptly to acknowledge my emails and letter – which is more than I can say for the likes of Penny Wong, Stephen Smith, Bob Brown et al.
Dear JOHN LAWRENCE, as you know I am very much concerned with such issues. I feel we are all refugees of some sort in this world. Some of us run to. Some of us run from.
I need to know much more about this situation. Are you saying they got $10,000 ? Is that what they said ? What Government Department ? How did they get the 100 points to set up a bankaccount ? How many in the family ? More than one family ? Refugees ? Asylum seekers ? For whitegoods ? Furniture ? There is so much racist and malicious propaganda about new settlers.
How do indigenous Australians feel about foreign settlers getting weekly pensions and benefits and tax rebates and mining profits – from their land that was illegally acquired by foreign invaders and boat people – who lied and said nobody occupied Terra Australis ?
My over-riding philosophy in all of this embraces the following: – I am not comfortable about seeking justice for one group, by denying it to others.
I more or less believe in an ‘ as well as, rather than instead of ‘ attitude.
It is not a disgrace that refugees get support.
It is a disgrace that your government puts Veterans who once stood on the frontline – at the end of what is burgeoning into a long line of have-nots. Why ?
I think it is offensive in the extreme that you are treated so shabbily. It is repugnant and
unworthy. Let us vent our anger and disappointment towards ‘ the Government ‘ and those incompetents who govern us with such ineptitude and who exhibit such a strange malice towards you.
Look at how successive governments have lied and cheated you for decades. This gives us a clue to their machinations in other spheres – including that of newcomers to this country.
Look at what this Government does to ‘ it’s own people.’ Look at how we treat our own returned veterans.
BRODTMANN ONLY GAI IN THE PILLAGE. Dear PAUL, thanks for this update. I am putting to one side
my analyses of this for the time being – on the basis that Ms Brodtmann is entitled to the courtesy she has extended to you – unlike some of her colleagues.
Please keep us posted. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if she was dinky di and not being used as a political placebo for the beleaguered Labor Party, that has come to realise how powerful your
electoral bloc will be in the looming Federal Election.
Hi Tess, there is two children and two parents. the lady said that the govt gave them money into their bank account for furniture and smallgoods, i know the ppl that own the house and they just took the furniture away as there would not have been enough room for the new goods. I think they came by boat and the wife and kiddies had to wait until their father was cleared by the govt.
Dear JOHN LAWRENCE, Just got this from DAVID DONOVAN from today’s COURIER MAIL, written by EMMA JONES, who has also written about the turfing of the (UN)FAIR INDEXATION BILL!
http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/national/asylum-seekers-made-to-feel-at-home-thanks-to-a-10000-welcome-pack/story-e6freooo-1226273251317
Accuse me of being a bleeding heart liberal if you like but I have a lot of sympathy for people around the world who live in extreme poverty or under vile oppression. For me, we as a nation should reach out within our means to look after these. Arguments over the nature of our refugee policy (boat arrivals v other arrivals are another matter I won’t go in to on this thread). I do believe that a lot of ‘facts’ about the financial support some of these get being in the ‘urban myth’ category.
If the govt of the day really wanted to it would have the resources to provide fair recompense to veterans and extend a reasonable level of assistance to others in need around the world.
All it needs is some principled leadership from Canberra – one that can give us a vision for a fair and decent future for this country other than getting bogged down in short-sighted, fear mongering, playing the envy card, vested self interest that we see at the moment. We used to be the country of the battler, the fair go, and the one who backed the under dog.
Dear KEN MARSH,it is true. If this excuse for a Government had the will – and the moral fortitude – to give you all a decent pension – it unquestionably could.
Look at the collective millions of dollars it has wasted waging war against your case.
THE PUNCH SHAPES UP. Dear JOHN LAWRENCE, here’s an article from The Punch: –
http://www.thepunch.com.au/articles/we-need-to-help-asylum-seekers-help-themselves/?from=scroller&pos=2&referrer=home&link=text
Dear JOHN LAWRENCE you have started something. This article about Fraser was sent to me by a Digger. http://www.theaustralian.com.au/in-depth/cabinet-papers/fraser-no-to-detention/story-e6frgd9o-1111118449731
ON THE 70TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ATTACKS ON DARWIN:-in today’s AGE, MICHAEL SWEET’s fine article:-
http://www.theage.com.au/national/how-darwin-was-betrayed-20120217-1tej1.html
Hi Tess, back in 2005 a new parcel of land was opened up in ellenbrook wa. My son could not attend the ballot of 20 blocks on offer so i went in his place. This was a sham as our names were pulled from the hat so we could pick our block of land the first four pulled out were four afgan migrants who picked blocks next to each other. the other ppl at the ballot complained about this and we were told by a govt official that these blocks were earmarked for these ppl. after paying $193,000 for my sons block i was doing the paper work with the rep who i new from vietnam, he was involved at LONG TAN. I asked him what was going as i thought the ballot was a joke. He told me that the govt of the day arranged this sort of thing all over australia. there is alot of things that aussies are not aware of and too talk about these things is not being racist, i am not racist and never will but it makes you wonder.
A few spelling mistakes sorry about that.
Dear JOHN LAWRENCE, I believe in transparency and public accountability – regardless of
the ethnicity of those involved.
But, you’ve just highlighted the brutal consequences of people knowing that the system is shonky – and yet doing nothing about it.
You’ve pointed out that the Vietnam Vet knew about it – and went along with it. It says it all. Did you lodge any complaint ? Or were you reluctant to rock the boat because the rep was a Vet ?
Circumstances can bear down upon us in life, and we sometimes let things slide. And yet, we would make things so much easier for society if, as collective individuals, we insisted on transparency and accountability from our Governments and institutions, including the Judiciary.
Can you recall how much the Afghanis paid for the blocks ? How long ago was this John ?
Hi Tess, firstly the vet was only there to fill in the paperwork as there was 20 ppl who had purchased blocks, he had no idea about the way the ballot was conducted until a few of the other buyers complained to the real estate agents. this all happened after the ballot was completed. I had no problem with the new migrants getting first crack of the blocks. I just thought it was stupid of the agents to even include the migrants in the ballot in the first place. as for the govt rep i was told by the vet and office lady that he was from the dept of finance and housing.
Dear JOHN LAWRENCE, Re the 2005 land sales ballot – I’m confused – so who was the Vet working for ?
And also, were the migrants actually in the ballot ? Or, was there a queue of people lining up to draw out a number from a hat ? Let us know. It may be I’m misreading the situation, but are you saying that their names were drawn out four successive times in a row in a ballot ? Before any other names were drawn out ?
And you didn’t say how much they paid for their blocks ?
Were the blocks auctioned – or were they all priced differently ?
If things are shonky, we should all know about it and I look forward to your observations.
If there are special concessions made to newcomers in these situations, the Government – and the Real Estate Agents – should be upfront and open and transparent about them. Why should there be secrecy ?
Hi Tess, the veteran was working only for the morning to help fill in the forms, there were other ppl as well who helped out, they were paid by the owner of the real estate. the migrants were in the ballot of twenty ppl and yes their name was the first four drawn from a hat. i only know what my son paid for his block which was $193,000 all the blocks were much the same price. there was a afghan fella who was with the govt official and he did all picking of the blocks which were all in a row. we also had to pay $1000 up front before the ballot took place. this is nothing new as this happens here in wa. I don’t know who paid for the land but it wouldn’t surprised me if the govt did. i hope that cleared things up a bit for you.
Dear JOHN LAWRENCE, thanks for this, it does sound suss, from what you’ve said.
But who was paying the Veteran ?
Let me know.
And who was the Real Estate Agent? You’ve rightly posed some questions and I think we all
deserve some answers. If this is going on around the nation, our Government – and everyone connected – should be open and accountable about it.
After all, if it’s true and being done according to the Law, what’s the problem with
it being put in the public domain ? And if it ain’t, we need to know that too!
Onya John!
PM’S COMMENTS ABOUT DARWIN BOMBING: –
A link to THE AGE online: –
http://www.theage.com.au/national/darwin-bombing-was-our-pearl-harbour-gillard-20120219-1tgr1.html
This is the crux of the matter – the unique conditions of military service that the DFRDB legislation was designed to address. I have copied this from the Jess report.
This was never meant to be about retirement in the normally accepted understanding of that word. It was to support the man who, at some point in time on or after 20 years wanted to transition to civilian life and seek to establish a new career at any time up to the age of 55 when service would automatically be terminated. And at that point if the man (70s language) could not find other employment, which may well have been the case in the 70s, 80s and even today his ability to accrue additional retirement funds came to an end. Ten years before the public service and many in private employment.
The Jess Committee recognised the unique nature of military life and sought to address that. Whitlam acknowledged in the Parliament that military service bought significant disadvantage to service families. Despite the good intent of Jess and the good spirit in which it seems to have been accepted by the Parliament, it has been white anted. That disadvantage for too many has become entrenched.
50. The provision of retirement benefits for members of the Defence Forces cannot be equated with the provision of similar kinds of benefits in civilian schemes …
[Still at 50] Because of the short careers that the Defence Forces can offer, many of the traditional justifications for funding a method of financing benefits are nullified and in the Committee’s view make it inherently unsuitable as a means of financing benefits for the Defence Forces, given the particular circumstances that apply to them.
51. In our view, confusion can only result and has resulted in the attempt to maintain a link between the D.F.R.B. scheme and the Commonwealth Public Service Superannuation Scheme.The Committee does not quarrel with the attempt made by the Commonwealth as an employer to relate the benefits it provides for its own employees (public servants) with those generally available in the community. The Commonwealth, as an employer may see itself as primus inter pares in the community. It may see itself as duty bound to set conditions of employment for its own employees that are not too generous in comparison to those elsewhere available. As tax gatherer it may see itself as having a duty not to subsidise too heavily its own employees out of general revenue. But the Committee does not consider that in the provision it makes for members of the Defence Forces it should allow itself to be affected by the provision it makes for public servants or the conditions which apply elsewhere in the community. There are a number of reasons for this:
50(a) In civilian employment retirement takes place at a defined age, usually 60 and 65, whilst in the Defence Force few members of the Service can serve beyond 55. Compulsory retirement for officers can take place from age 45. Officers’ retiring ages vary throughout the service, depending on rank and appointment.
[My comments. Under the DFRB scheme, as I understand it, officers who failed to gain promotion before a prescribed aged were forced to resign. Other ranks could serve to 60. This changed under DFRDB so that all ranks, other than officers of star rank, were forced to retire at 55. Star officers, depending on rank, could serve to a maximum of 60.]
50 (b). Because retirement can occur for officers at a much earlier age than is customary elsewhere in the community, different considerations apply. The benefit may provide a supplement to civilian earnings. But the extent to which it will be a sufficient supplement will depend on the kind of work the retired officer can get. Very little information is available on the kind of work available on the kind of work available or the experience of retired officers in obtaining employment. It is clear that luck must play a large part. Some retirees may succeed in obtaining well paid employment on retirement whilst others may either be forced into low paid, unattractive work, or not be able to find employment at all. Much will depend on the general economic climate at the time the man retires. As retirement age is compulsory the man can have little control in choosing an opportune time to retire.
50 (c). Other rank members engage for specific short engagements usually of six to twelve years duration. To qualify for pension the member must complete successive engagements totally at least twenty years continual service from age 20. Pension is payable only at the completion of the last of these engagements and there can by no guarantee that at the completion of any particular engagement the member will be re-engaged.
50 (d). The fitness requirements of the Defence Force lead to a higher incidence of retirement due to invalidity, in comparison with civilian employees, without the possibility of re-employment on recovery.
50 (e). The needs of the member once retired are different from those of civilian employees in that:
50 (e) (i). many servicemen do not have the chance during service to establish a permanent home, and if they succeed in so doing there is no guarantee that upon retirement they will be able to find suitable civilian employment where the home is established;
50 (e) (ii). retirement can occur at ages when family responsibilities are high with children at school and university; and
50 (e) (iii). a man retired from the Defence Force may have to seek further additional occupational training in order to qualify himself for civilian employment which may mean a relatively long period when he is not able to earn.
50 (f). Apart from the special hazards attributable to active service which fall into a special category covered by the Repatriation legislation, normal service in the Defence Forces can be a hazardous occupation.
52. It seems to the Committee that these circumstances are so different from those applicable to retirement from civilian employment that they require a totally different approach. From the serviceman’s point of view a retirement benefit scheme that does not recognise and meet these special needs is of little value. From the point of view of the Commonwealth as an employer it is essential to provide a scheme which recognises these special requirements, if it is to maintain recruitment at a planned level to maintain quality. In order to meet the interests of both parties the Committee considers that a different kind of scheme to that applying at present [the DFRB Scheme] is necessary.
Well Done Ken
Can I forward this on to my contacts plus some Senators and MP’s.
Cheers
Bob
Bob, this is public domain. I hope that by sharing this stuff others will evaluate it and, if they so feel, share it with whoever they believe appropriate.
I think the reality of the situation at the moment is that any labour member in Canberra is so engrossed in the Julia/Kevin show that nothing else will matter to them.
Why don’t they let the people of Australia vote on the leadership of the nation?
Dear KEN MARSH and BOB IHLEIN, great team and info sharing. So inspiring against the backdrop of the current political climate.
G’day all. As usual, some great sleuthing from Ken Marsh (should be made a member of “The Royal Society of Sumpology”!!). With all of this info re the Jess report and E.G. Whitlam’s then stance, would it be worth seeking Mr Whitlam’s current take on this? If in the positive, might be another weapon in our arsenal for this battle. A brilliant investigative journalist such as your good self Tess might be the one to approach the elder statesman?
Cheers, Maurie
JOCK JACKS UP ON SNOWDON VET PHARMA REBATE: -
From: “fjoneill”, “Prime Minister” , “ALP Vic” , “ALP Tas” , “ALP SA” , “ALP Qld” , “ALP NSW” , “ALP Jenny McAllister” , “ALP ACT”
Date: 21 February 2012
To: “Prime Minister”
Cc: “ALP WA”
Subject: Warren Snowdons Office Wastes Taxpayers Funds on Pharmaceutical Reimbursement Scheme
Warren Snowdons Office Wastes Taxpayers Funds on Pharmaceutical Reimbursement Scheme
All Ranks
The Keating Labor government introduced the cost to veterans for their own pharmaceuticals to treat war caused injuries. Before then pharmaceuticals were classed as the continuance of the price of war.
The primary reason for Labor introducing the payment in the early ’90s was give as discouraging aged veterans from overprescribing/hoarding/overdosing on medication.
The advances in information technology in the intervening 20 years with the ability to track prescriptions at every stage from doctors pad to mouth and measure scripts against dosage and time has made that argument redundant.
Both doctors and the department are linked and either can monitor the rate of prescription usage for every veteran at the touch of a key.
The continuation of the payment for medication to alleviate war caused wound, injury and trauma is nothing less than a revenue collection/tax device imposed upon that section of the population who have arguably given the most already to the nation, our disabled.
The scheme of payments/reimbursements and its associated staff positions is an unnecessary, inefficient and wasteful utilisation of human resources.
This particularly when Shadow Minister Senator Ronaldson has recently ascertained that DVA Minister Snowdon has directed the Department to make cuts to its budget of $11.8 million in the forthcoming financial year, 2012/13.
Jock O’Neill
WA
Dear 10SUMPY, MAURIE, you are a cheeky stinker you know. I’ve got a Court hearing re the NAB for Friday (24th) so may I regroup with you about this ? I will contact The Whitlam Institute
and YOU can go through them. How does that sound ?
I can assure you that YOU Dear Maurie have far more clout than I will ever have.
Is that okay with you Brother ?
Hi all
Log on to, and have a look at to-days (22 Feb 2012) Canberra Times headline!
Retired Federal Pollies (led by a retired Labor polly) are threatening legal action to protect entilements to pensions and other perks. Pity they dont have as much concern for retired members of the Defence Force.
Maybe someone can download it from the Canberra times website and post it here, to once again expose the hyprocity of politcions.
Perhaps someone could remind them that in Keating’s day they legislated to prevent the full flow on from the CPI increases flow on to military superannuants.
This is the link
http://www.canberratimes.com.au/opinion/political-news/retired-pollies-fight-for-perks-20120221-1tm6h.html
Thank you John Sainsbury for the alert (22 February 2012 at 9:10 am).
I have been searching for another recent mention of politicians claiming rights to their pension increases as ‘property rights’ because there is a legal right under the Constitution for ‘just compensation for acquisition of property’. I suspect this could be the course they are taking.
Right to just compensation – Section 51(xxxi) of the Constitution creates a right to compensation “on just terms” for “acquisition of property” by the Commonwealth from any state or person. The “acquisition of property”, itself, is not restricted, but the High Court has understood the expression broadly so as to give a broad entitlement to compensation.
I would not make a fuss about this – let them use their money to pursue the legalities to the High Court if necessary because this could mean we, the military (and PS) superannuates, have a just claim for the reduced (acquired property) CPI adjustments instigated by Keating during 1986-89.
It may also mean we could have a just claim for lost (acquired property) maintenance of our superannuation payments through inadequate indexation for cost of living increases.
Hi all
I sent this to the Canberra Times to0day. Wiil be interestring if they print it.
I refer to the headlines in the CT of 22 Feb 12 regarding the poor “ Retired pollies fight for pensions and perks”.
I must congratulate the CT in supporting and publicising, such a worthy cause!
It is a great pity that the CT cannot see fit to support the plight of retired members of the Australian Defence Force in the fight for a ‘ FAIR GO’
IN THE INDEXATION of Military Superannuation pensions.
In the same vein, I and other Military pensioners, are heartily sick and tired of local labour politicians, especially, the Greens, and other federal politicians throughout Australia
who give platitudes in support of Indexation, but will do absolutely nothing about the problem.
Before the recent “Butchers Paper” picnic meeting of labour pollies, all the local labour pollies were contacted by a great number of military pensioners in relation to a FAIR GO to
indexation of military superannuation pensions. The replies varied, from return phone calls, e-mails or letters.
All responses were the usual platitudes, that they would keep up the fight for indexation, that they had raised the matter at the “Butchers Paper” picnic with Penny Wong, etc, etc. Who’s to know if they did, or not.
I would remind all that this fight for Fair Indexation will not go away.
I will also remind, retired and current public servants in the ACT and surrounds, that you may be in the same boat regarding indexation of you pensions sometime in the future.
I would urge everyone to visit the StandTo website to find out more information regarding the fight for Fair Indexation of Military Superannuation Pensions.
John Sainsbury
Former federal politicians have threatened to launch court action to prevent the federal government from reining in their taxpayer-funded travel entitlements and from blocking ”windfall” pension increases to retired MPs and senators.
The Association of Former Members of the Parliament of Australia has attacked plans to impose new limits on the number of free air and rail journeys taken by former politicians and their spouses.
The association is angry that retired MPs and senators will be deprived of a pension increase fully indexed to a pay hike that serving parliamentarians are set to be granted. It also claims that former politicians may have been receiving lower superannuation payments than they were entitled to under law
Read more: http://www.canberratimes.com.au/opinion/political-news/retired-pollies-fight-for-perks-20120221-1tm6h.html#ixzz1n4xBY9pZ
Sorry I left this part out of the Above.They have got a hide haven’t they.
Bob
Former MPs association president Barry Cunningham said the consequences of a bill being considered by Parliament would be, ”the perpetration by the Remuneration Tribunal of a giant ‘con’ directly and unfairly detrimental to the welfare of retirees under the 1948 Act”.
The federal government wants to reduce the maximum number of free trips former politicians and their spouses can take under the gold pass scheme from 25 to 10 each financial year. MPs and senators elected at future elections will not be able to qualify for the scheme at all.
Eligible former backbench MPs can claim an annual pension of between 50 and 75 per cent of the base pay of a sitting backbencher.
The Remuneration Tribunal plans to increase backbench MPs salaries from $140,910 to $185,000 and scrap some travel entitlements.
But for the purposes of determining pension increases for former parliamentarians, the tribunal only wants to base determinations on a salary of $146,380.
In a submission to a Senate committee, Mr Cunningham said his association had legal advice that de-linking pension calculations from an MP’s full salary could breach the constitutional requirement that property only be acquired under just terms.
”The only logical conclusion is that there is no moral, ethical, or legal justification for any of the Remuneration Tribunal’s proposed $45,000 salary increase determination to be ‘de-linked from the calculation of the 1948 Act retirees’ superannuation”, the former Labor member for the Victorian electorate of McMillan said.
Mr Cunningham also said the reduction of travel entitlements could be found to result in the acquisition of property under the Constitution.
”The association believes this acquisition to be the case, potentially prompting a legal claim for compensation, if this drastic reduction in entitlement is implemented,” he said.
As a compromise, the association suggested that gold pass return trips be reduced to 17 per year. Or, 10 trips could be made in accordance with existing guidelines and up to 10 more could be taken if the user identified a specific purpose relating to a community benefit.
The Remuneration Tribunal last year put substantial pay rises for MPs and senators on hold until Parliament could pass amendments preventing the changes from boosting superannuation payouts.
Read more: http://www.canberratimes.com.au/opinion/political-news/retired-pollies-fight-for-perks-20120221-1tm6h.html#ixzz1n4xrEnSc
Hi All,
If you haven’t done so, I encourage you to leave a comment about the Pollies Super article on the Canberra Times Web Blog.
http://www.canberratimes.com.au/opinion/political-news/retired-pollies-fight-for-perks-20120221-1tm6h.html
It is another good hook to help promote awareness of our issue outside of the Defence family. We need to do this at every opportunity, and the more responses the CT receives from the military community, the louder the message is to the Media generally about our strong support base.
Whilst I agree with Bill’s point above, I don’t think there is anything we can say that will dissuade the retired pollies association from taking legal action if they choose to do so.
We don’t need to comment on whether they should or should not have their pensions curtailed with a changed indexation method. If you wish, your remarks can simply be confined to the incredible gall of this lot of retired Pollies, many of whom actively worked against fair indexation for us while in Parliament.
Regards,
Ray Gibson
And if you haven’t picked up this comment on another IA link relevant to our issue:
http://www.independentaustralia.net/2011/defence/exclusive-diggergate-continues-the-march-for-justice/#comment-56902
Dear JOHN SAINSBURY, why am I not surprised ?
It might be worth asking ex Foreign Minister KEVIN RUDD what he would do about pensions for Vets IF he became Prime Minister ? Yes, No ?
Dear KEN MARSH, thanks for putting this ‘ out there ‘ for us all to share. Onya.
Dear BOB IHLEIN, they do have a hide. And a cheek! Hide and Cheek, that’s what they have!
Dear RAY GIBSON, Onya to you AND the entire FAIR GO TEAM!
I copied this from the other web site.
Bob
Bert Denovan says:
22 February, 2012 at 3:39 pm
Printed today in the Sound Telegraph, Rockingham WA.
This is the location of Fleet Base West. Perhaps if it was submitted to other local papers close to military bases it might get a few more current serving boys and girls aware of what’s going on.
Cheers!
Bert
‘Senator Penny Wright’s latest press release as Green’s defence spokesperson paints a glowing picture of a woman who is a true friend of the armed forces.
The final sentence states ‘“As a society we send people off to serve on our behalf. We must then ensure that we look after them properly when they return,”!!
Senator Wright supported the Labor Party’s rejection of fair indexation for service superannuation, led by Senator Wong, and has stood by or supported the failure of this same Labor Party to index the disability support for service personnel, who, in her own words, ‘served on our behalf’, as well as overlooking an increase in indexation for the Veterans’ Childrens Education scheme. The civilian equivalent of these benefits all received higher indexation in one way or another.
It is obvious that the Labor/Green group, for all its spin and rhetoric, has its sights on service people (who are in the minority compared to the broader population,) as a way of making savings to reach their politically necessary budget surplus in 2013.
If I was still serving I would be wondering what my financial future would be with these people saying one thing and doing another.
Bert Denovan’
Dear BOB IHLEIN and BERT DENOVAN, it is essential that hypocrisy be exposed whenever it
rears its ugly, two-faced heads.
The POOR politicians really deserve our sympathy. It must be difficult to cut down on their free flights and their Gold Pass. On a more serious note we need to support this FAIR GO Campaign and do we have a similar claim regarding “Acquired Property” or in our case “Condition Of Service” whether implied or not. Would there be enough to convince a Law Firm that a Pro Bono Case would be successful or a no win no fee case (Slater & Gordon). I don’t think Mr Rudd even if he regained the leadership would care about this issue. In the meantime I will support this fight by belonging to the DFWA and by keeping in contact with my Federal MP.
Will
Bill Shorten become the new Prime Minister good chance for him with Kevin and Julia fighting.
Bob
Good Morning All,
Below is a letter by the DFWA Executive Director, published in the Canberra Times this morning.
For Richard, re your comment above, ADSO/DFWA are actively exploring ALL options. At this stage, nothing has been taken off the table as far as future action is concerned.
Regards,
Ray Gibson
Co-Director
Fair Go Campaign
———————————–
POOR EFFORT
The hypocrisy of retired federal parliamentarians crying poor because their generous superannuation pensions may not benefit from a windfall increase (Canberra Times 22 February) is breathtaking.
Where are their calls for supporting the fair indexation of military superannuation pensions ? For too long military superannuants have seen the purchasing power of their pensions – and therefore their standard of living – deteriorate because of inadequate indexation arrangements that were changed for other government pensions decades ago – but not for military superannuants.
Our parliamentarians laud the sacrifices made by our military and their families at photo opportunities and commemorative activities such as Anzac Day and proudly state “they shall not be forgotten”: .. but then do exactly that. Military pensions have increased 33% in the last ten years ….… pre 2004 federal parliamentarians’ pensions have increased 91% in the same period.
Lest We Forget ?… our Governments certainly have.
Les Bienkiewicz
Executive Director
Defence Force Welfare Association
Upon reading Ray’s comments (22 February, 2012 at 3:04 pm) I hope my earlier comments (22 February, 2012 at 1:27 pm) haven’t been misinterpreted.
I think we should encourage the retired politicians to spend THEIR money to make a legal challenge to entitlement to indexation (and other things) based on the Constitutional right to compensation “on just terms” for “acquisition of property” by the Commonwealth from any state or person. If successful, the judgment would set a legal precedent for all such claims – ours in particular!
In other words, if retirement payments are legally defined as property we should have a case under the Constitution as well.
Bill,
We are on the same wavelength.
The defeated Fair Indexation Bill needs to be amended to include ALL DFRB/DFRDB members as there are members who are under 55 years of age and we qualified for our retirement pay the same as everyone else. This will create a 2 tier retirement pay system and surely It wouldn’t cost much more in the big scheme of things. I am glad ADSO and DFWA are looking at all options and I like the idea of a booth near Parliament House. I also agree with Bill Arden’s comment that we let let the retired Politicians Association make a legal challenge and when they win this will create a legal precedent we can use. FAIR GO FOR ALL.
Radar, I agree with you. At least the Fair Indexaton Bill prevents further errosion of those who have been ripped of the most by govt. neglect. I have copied below the rationale for the Fair Indexation legislation. From the ‘Review into Military Superannuation Arrangements’ 2007. It could have been worse.
From the Review:
DFRDB Pensions. The Review Team considers that there is an in-principle case for changing the indexation arrangement of DFRDB pensions:
• The original DFRDB scheme contained a wage-based indexation element which was removed in the mid-1970s when the Government decided to apply the CPI to a wide range of social security and superannuation pensions.
• In recent years the Government has changed indexation arrangements for social security pensions to include a wage-based index.
• While CPI indexation does maintain the purchasing power of pensions, it does not maintain relativity with community incomes.
• DFRDB members have limited choice between pensions and lump sums, which is confined to the once-only commutation election at the point of separation from the ADF.
On the other hand:
• The DFRDB is already a particularly generous scheme for those in receipt of pensions.
• CPI indexation does maintain purchasing power, and is generous when compared to most contemporary superannuation schemes that may only provide account-based pensions at the member’s risk.
• Changing the DFRDB indexation arrangements would also add pressure for a similar change to the Commonwealth Superannuation Scheme (CSS) indexation provisions, at considerably higher cost, given that the CSS has a similar history to the DFRDB.
• Most importantly, changing the indexation method would be expensive, and the additional expense could not be absorbed within the envelope of the costs of current arrangements, which the Review Team has aimed to achieve with its recommendations.
Given government policy on preservation arrangements, the Review Team considers there is no case to increase the generosity of benefits payable prior to age 55, but there is a case for older DFRDB pensioners.
In light of the above, the Review Team recommends that, only if the Government is willing to go beyond the envelope of current costs, it should consider indexing DFRDB pensions on a similar basis to that applying to age pensions. Any such improvement should be limited to pensions paid from age 55. An alternative option with a lower cost, which the Government could consider, is to limit this improvement to pensions paid from age 65, in line with age pension arrangements.
60
This also was said in 2007. What Jess said in 1972 has, in essence, been reiterated. What the Govt – or is it currently the non-govt – says is that its perfectly OK for men and women who commit to serving the country until they can serve no more are then financially left behing in comparison to other Australians.
IMPACT OF THE UNIQUE NATURE OF MILITARY SERVICE
There is a requirement for any military superannuation scheme to recognise the unique and special features of military service (detailed in the Terms of Reference). The requirement to accept being placed in life-threatening circumstances not covered by contemporary insurance arrangements, demands that there be superior death and invalidity benefits for members and dependants. The case for such benefits goes beyond service-related death or disability, as military service requires a level of physical and mental fitness that can be undermined by non-service incidents and lead to medical discharge.
Military service is also a special form of endeavour that places considerable stress on members and dependants, and posts them regularly to different locations disrupting family arrangements including spouse careers. There is therefore a justified expectation in the ADF that the employer should be somewhat paternalistic in taking extra care of members and their families so that members can focus their attention on military duties. The consultation process, both with ADF members and with other stakeholders (particularly the Defence Families of Australia), confirmed the importance of supporting family members as well as the ADF members in the superannuation arrangements.
For those who choose a full career in the ADF, notwithstanding compulsory retirement at age 60, the Review Team has been advised that the vast majority will retire by age 55; many of these individuals may then have limited opportunities to embark on a new career. The Review Team examined the practice of some of our allies in this regard, as outlined in Chapter 3. Canada and the US provide some benefits based on years of service (25 and 20 years, respectively) that are payable before normal retirement age, while the UK restricts retirement benefits to age 55. The Review Team is not persuaded of the justification to provide 20 or 25 year pensions, but notes that good international practice does seem to recognise that some form of benefit for the military should be available from a younger age than the community norm. It is a matter for judgement what that age should be. The Review Team considers the MSBS (and UK) age 55 standard is reasonable, particularly with the Australian preservation age increasing to 60.
The unique nature of military service and employment suggests that an appropriate military superannuation scheme would provide:
• benefits beyond community standards to members and their dependants where the member dies, is disabled or medically discharged;
• retirement benefits that are sufficient for a career ADF member to finance a pension from age 55 that broadly maintains his or her pre-retirement standard of living;
• preserved benefits for those who separate to embark on a different career, that represent a fair contribution towards an adequate retirement income (from the usual retirement age of 60 to 65), and not just the statutory minimum Superannuation Guarantee employer contribution; and
• a scheme designed to facilitate the preferences not only of members but also of their families, and of members who move in and out of the ADF.
Well researched, Ken Marsh. Of course many of us didn’t have the option of serving ’til 60 anyway; when I got out it was 55 at most, unless you reached star rank. And the most common reason many of us went at younger ages was lack of promotion opportunity.
Anyway, I thought you might be interested to know that I got a reply (dated 21 February to one of the several letters and emails I sent to various Labor parliamentarians about their 5 February meeting. This one was to my local member, Greg Combet. The reply said:
“Dear Mr Ward,
The Minister for Industry and Innovation, the Hon Greg Combet AM MP, has asked me to thank you for your letter of 31 January 2012 concerning the Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits (DFRDB)Amendment (Fair Indexation) Bill.
As this matter lies within the portfolio responsibilities of the Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, I have forwarded your correspondence to the Hon Warren Snowdon for consideration.”
Since I got the original of my letter back with this charming missive, I doubt Minister Snowdon has in truth seen it.
The following has gone to Mr Combet in response – and I’m not done with him yet!!
“On 12 December 2011, I wrote to you answering some comments (that you had received from Minister Snowdon) about the rejection of the above Bill. On 31 January this year, I wrote again, urging you to bring the “Fair Indexation” matter up at the Parliamentary Party’s 5 February meeting. Copies of that letter were sent to your Ministerial office, and to your electoral office in Cardiff. I note the Ministerial office copy was received on 2 February 2012.
I am disgusted to have received a reply, over the illegible signature of someone purporting to be from your Ministerial Liaison Office, Corporate Division, and dated 21 February 2012; enclosing the original of my letter, and advising the matter had been referred to the Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, the Hon Warren Snowdon, MP; the subject being part of his ministerial responsibilities.
Minister, I wrote to you, as my local member, asking you to table a matter which many of your electors think is important, at a meeting of your parliamentary colleagues which was called to consider important matters. I did not want or expect, two weeks after the event, to be told that my letter had been flick-passed to Minister Snowdon. (No doubt he will hand it to his staff to prepare a reply, which I am willing to bet will be word for word the same as several obfuscatory letters I have already seen from his Department. I can do without any more.)
I realise that the “small concerns” of retired and disabled military persons such as myself are as the dust beneath the wheels of the momentous events currently taking place in the Parliamentary Labor Party. But I am disturbed to think that those small concerns don’t rate at least some more timely response than seems to have been the case in this instance. I suppose all I can hope for is that the matter was, in the end, tabled in response to one of my colleagues’ letters.
Perhaps you didn’t see my letter personally. In that case I hope you will have appropriate words with your Ministerial Liaison Office, Corporate Division person. But if you did see it, then it is my duty, as one of the electors that you represent, to tell you that you are not doing your job.
In courtesy I advise that I will circulate this letter to Defence Force Welfare and other interested parties.”
Just in passing it’s interesting to note that these people haven’t the common courtesy to address their letters properly, or use the proper form of salutation in a formal letter.
Good Afternoon All,
I am pleased to report that the Inconvenient Truth video that we released just three weeks ago has reached over 3100 hits – and still rising at about 30 hits per day.
This is by far the best viral circulation result we have ever achieved with the Fair Go Campaign. So whatever you are doing, please keep doing it!
I’m sure you would all like a little distraction from the political soap opera that is currently unfolding. So here it is!
ADSO has released a new video by Peter Criss where he tackles the shortcomings in the current MSBS Super Scheme. This is the first in a short series of videos on the MSBS Scheme. See the link in the Update message that follows.
I can do little more than repeat the message below. You may not be personally concerned with the MSBS inadequacies, but the great majority of serving ADF members are affected.
Please use ALL of the contacts you have, be it through Military Associations, friends and colleagues or indirectly by using facebook pages etc to help get this important information out to our currently serving brothers and sisters.
They deserve to see these videos, if for no other reason than to help them avoid falling into the same complacency trap that many of us did with our DFRDB Scheme.
As always, thanks for your support.
Regards,
Ray Gibson
Co-Director
Fair Go Campaign
MILITARY SUPERANNUATION BENEFITS SCHEME (MSBS)
This is the first in a new series of videos that addresses the shortcomings of the current military superannuation scheme – MSBS.
To view the video click here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VvgoL2INeWI
We understand that many of our supporters are not MSBS members and that most of the issues raised in these videos do not directly affect them. But they do affect some 50,000 members of the ADF who are still serving as well as others who have already left the ADF. Details of MSBS can be seen at http://www.militarysuper.gov.au/_lib/pdf/milsuperbook.pdf
Unfortunately, many of those still serving are unaware of the shortcomings of the MSBS superannuation scheme. We must do all we can to overcome that lack of knowledge by spreading the word to all of our supporters by all means including email contacts, facebook etc. You may not personally know anyone who is serving today, but one of your ex-military or civilian contacts might.
Please don’t assume that someone else or some other group will pass this email and video link on to other individuals and groups.
ASSUME THEY WON’T!
It is better to have multiple emails arriving at inboxes than none at all.
None of us want to see the current generation of ADF Diggers fighting the same superannuation battles as us in 20 years time!
MSBS problems need to be fixed NOW.
The solution starts with getting the facts to all of those affected.
You can help us do that.
This is our challenge:
Starting here with this email,
let’s see if we can virally reach
50,000 inboxes of those MSBS members
now serving.
Don’t forget to click on the like button after watching the video. This encourages others to do the same.
From the “Fair Go!” Team
Campaign Directors: Ted Chitham , Ray Gibson
Campaign National Spokesperson: David Jamison
Stay current with the Campaign at http://www.standto.org
Delete
So, an emotional Albanese tells the Nation he has devoted his life to advancing the cause of the Labor party?
If I were Mrs. Albanese, or an off spring, I would deposit him in the middle of the Ocean, 2000 kms from the nearest dry land, without flippers or goggles and certainly without a TV camera. What lengths will these heartless people go to in order to get attention?
Roll on Monday, as the red head has said, enough is enough and is it ever!
KB Hussell,
I could not agree more. This is the same joker sneering at downtrodden Australians with his “Convoy of no consequence” remarks. A guy who puts his precious Labor party above all else, including fellow Australians who are being and have been dudded by labor governments. I would love to see a massive turnout of veterans in Canberra to serve him up some crow. Whilst I would be quite happy to see “The Witch” burnt at the stake, it would probably be better in the long run if she survives, so that even the drover’s dog party will wipe the floor with Labor at the next election. This government has proved that they CANNOT be trusted, but we must still maintain the blowtorch on the other mob, so they don’t forget us again.
Cheers Maurie
Dear All,
Have just received a note from a dear old non-Army friend:
“I have just read an article about one of the most humble and finest Australians around, Cpl Ben Roberts-Smith, our latest Victoria Cross recipient. What a man! Then I turn the news on to see politician Anthony Albanese crying because he had to make a decision!!!! All I can say is “toughen up princess”…….what a pity all politicians didn’t have to do a stint in one of the services before entering politics…..we might get a better class of people running the place”
That about sums it up eh?
Dear BARNEY WARD, onya for outing GREG COMBET. How pathetic, rude and arrogant of him.
And what political and moral cowardice.
Thank you for reminding these politicians that they are the servants of the people.
Dear RAY GIBSON, what fab news about the INCONVENIENT TRUTH video – and thanks for posting the link again for those of us who might have missed it the first time.
What a credit it is to the Fair Go campaign – and to you all. You are such Champions and such
an inspiration to the rest of us.
You really put our politicians to shame – and what laughingly poses as the Australian Government.
IAN MCMANUS ON OUR KIA IN AFGHANISTAN WHO ARE MIA IN THE GILLARD GOVERNMENT POLITICAL CONSCIOUSNESS. ( Sen to SENATOR KATE LUNDY, DEFENCE MINISTER STEPHEN SMITH AND OTHERS ).
Subject: FW: Spare a few minutes?
> Spare a few minutes to think about what is really important.
>
> With Regret
>
>
>
> Whitney Houston’s death, while a sad thing, was the direct result of very
> unwise life choices. It dominates the news.
>
>
>
> Charlie Sheen is 45 and his story is all over the news because he is a
> substance abuser, an adulterer, sexually promiscuous and obnoxious.
>
> Lindsay Lohan is 24 and her story is all over the news because she is a
> celebrity drug addict and thief.
>
> Paris Hilton is famous for not wearing underwear.
>
> Something as frivolous as Kim Kardashian’s celebrity wedding [and
> short-lived marriage] was shoved down our throat.
>
>
>
> While……..
>
>
> Andrew Russell, 33.
>
> David Pearce, 41.
>
> Matthew Locke, MG, 33.
>
> Luke Worsley, 26.
>
> Jason Marks, 27.
>
> Sean McCarthy, 25.
>
> Michael Fussell, 25.
>
> Gregory Michael Sher, 30.
>
> Mathew Hopkins, 21.
>
> Brett Till, 31.
>
> Benjamin Ranaudo, 22.
>
> Jacob Moerland, 21.
>
> Darren Smith, 25.
>
> Scott Palmer, 27.
>
> Timothy Aplin, 38.
>
> Benjamin Chuck, 27.
>
> Nathan Bewes, 23.
>
> Jason Brown, 29.
>
> Grant Kirby, 35.
>
> Thomas Dale, 21.
>
> Jared MacKinney , 28.
>
> Richard Atkinson, 22.
>
> Jamie Larcombe, 21.
>
> Brett Wood, MG, 32.
>
> Andrew Jones, 25.
>
> Marcus Sean Case, 27.
>
> Rowan Robinson, 23.
>
> Todd Langley, 35.
>
> Matthew Lambert, 26.
>
> Bryce Duffy, 26.
>
> Ashley Birt, 22.
>
> Luke Gavin, 27.
>
> Stuart Nash, 21. (Aust serving in Brit Army)
>
>
> Are all Australians who have given their lives for you in Afghanistan.
>
>
There is little media for them once the politicians have finished with
> their grandstanding and photo opportunities.
>
Ministers and concerned Senators of the Federal Government
Perhaps it is time some fairness for the veteran community was appropriate by your government re the DFRDB scheme.
Please feel free to send a copy to your colleague Penny Wong after the ALP debacle has been “resolved”. because this is the home truths from the people you proport to represent
regards
Ian McManus (MP retired)
Vietnam Veteran
>
>
>
>
Wasn’t it great to see CPL Ben Roberts-Smith VC on the TV last night what a Gentleman pitty there are not men and women half his calibre in the Federal Parliament today.
Bob
And for anyone who missed the interview or would like to see it again, it can be watched here:
http://au.news.yahoo.com/sunday-night/video/watch/28428868
Ray
Dear BOB IHLEIN and RAY, thanks to both of you for reminding us – and posting the link to the
interview. Might be a good idea to include the link when next you write to those political poseurs in Canberra.
Yesterday at 1000, 28 Feb 2012, I attended a wreath laying ceremony at the AWM with 7 returned crew and POW men, representatives of the USN and hundreds of others to commemorate and celebrate the 70th anniversay of the sinking of HMAS Perth and USS Houston in the Sunda Strait. What a wonderful reunion and made more important to be there with 7 of the survivors of the sinking and their internment in the Japanese POW camps. Having just read the book ‘The Cruiser: The life and loss of HMAS Perth and her crew’ by Mike Carlton, really gave me a better appreciation of what these 7 brave Australians went through – from the night action, adrift at sea, imprisonment for years in brual conditions and eventual repatriation home to Australia.
The only thing that spoiled it was the presence of Warren Snowden.
What has happened to the Australia we all grew up in?
Cpl Ben Roberts-Smith VC is insulted on Channel 10′s The Circle by two idiot hosts. Yumi Stynes accuses our VC winner of not having a brain and George Negus backs it up by stating that our VC winner probably can’t get it up ( presumably because he and his wife resorted to IVF fertilisation to have their children.
Firstly Yumi. the SAS soldiers are the smartest, toughest and most gallant of all opur diggers. Out of those who apply only 10% succeed in selection. They operate in the most dangerous areas and constantly risk their life on behalf of our nation. Tell us this Yumi, looking at you and hearing your comments, I would guess that have never had any relation of yours as a member of the ADF, let alone go to a war zone wearing the uniform of this nation. Yet you are happy to take the benefits of the thousands of men and women who have died and been injured serving their country, to make it a better place for all who live here.
And as for you George Negus, I’d suggest that you are past your use by date as a TV presenter, and are probably at the age where you have problems getting it up. Or is it jealousy to see a man as such that you could never aspire to be.
Channel 10 should fire the both of you. You may as well finish what you started and go and desecrate all the war memeorials while you are at it.
Cpl Ben Roberts-Smith was the only person to respond with grace and dignity, when you offered him your suspect and probably cooerced apologies,
Then tonight on the ABC at 7.30 I hear the “experts” commenting on the need for change, discrimination and bastardisation within the Defence Force with ADFA, Training Institutions and 3RAR being singled out. Apparently “esprit de corps” within the military contributes to the problem ( according to the experts I should add). Regardless of your gender, the military is not a place for sissies, timid and insular people. The service requires patriots who are committed, courageous and willing to sacrifice their human rights, embrace the uniqueness of military service and put themselves in harms way if so directed.They have to be able to rely on their commanders and every person they stand and fight besides. It requires mateship, devotion and trust The Military employs thousands of people in uniform, working under two sets of law, in a work environment requiring long hours, separation from families, poor living and work conditions. And they do this in a country where politicians, and many Australians just could not care less about them.
Diggers who go to war and come back as veterans bring back mental baggage with them that will remain with them for the rest of their lives, And that is on top of those who are wounded or killed in action. Yes many soldiers who go to ear bring back visible and invisible scars. And yet they keep doing their job without complaint or demand.
For those that make the Army a life long career, they leave the services with superannuation which falls short of community standards. As an example indexation for military superannuants for the last 10 years has gone up 31% Aged pensioners for the same period has gone up 91 %. Politicians pensions likewise have gone up 90%. Soldiers have to serve 20 years to get their pensions. Politicians only have to serve two full terms of parliament(six years). Politicians receive 50-75% of their salaries when they retired linked to current rates of pay ( pre 2004 pollies scheme only). Pollies widows/de factos etc get 84% when their partner polly dies. Army widows/wodowers get 62%. Soldiers pay taxation on their super payments as the Government deems our super as unfunded. Private super funds are excluded from taxation.
What chance do old soldiers have when people in the public eye and the media, insult a living Victoria Cross winner on live TV
As I said earlier. What has happened to the country we grew up in and served for more than 20 years.
Dear PAUL, this is a very moving account and I can quite understand your antipathy towards the likes of MINISTER WARREN SNOWDON who has proved to be no friend to Veterans and your families.
Thank you for reminding us of this important and tragic episode – and the sacrifice paid by these men – and how successive Australian Governments have continued to treat them – and you all – with utter contempt.
Dear JOHN GRIFFITHS, I know you are a much respected Elder within the Defence Family and I salute your courage and nobility for defending your younger Brethren and for your comments.
I have read various accounts of what transpired, but have yet to view the segment and your account has prompted me to do so.
Dear John Griffiths,
Well said old mate, your words speak for many thousands both in and out of the Defence family.
I hope Channel 10 terminates the “services” of both these idiots as a matter of urgency. If they fail to do this then they are no better than Negus and his idiot mate.
Ben, continue to walk tall with your head held high. The likes of Negus could never walk in your shoes; in fact you are miles ahead of him before you even get out of bed. The entire Defence force respects you for the man you are and that was before you earned the right to wear this Nation’s highest award for bravery. Well done that man.
Dear KBHUSSELL, those of you who have experienced the madness of war know best of its cruel consequences, and I include civilians in this as well.
You Diggers (land,air and sea ) make a formal compact with your nation.
And yet you veterans and your families have been trashed and devalued as human beings and as Australians by successive governments upon your return or retirement, or if you are disabled in mind or body ( or both ) or returned to sender in a coffin; that’s if there are any body parts left or not MIA.
It really would take such a paltry amount of money to make and backdate financial restitution and parity ( at least ).
A Fair Go for Diggers is too long overdue.
<!– .
Have just finished reading "Red Haze", Australians and New Zealanders in Vietnam by Leon Davidson, ISBN 1 876372 95 8. This book states in part:
"After a year in Vietnam, Australian and New Zealand soldiers arrived back in their countries after an eight hour flight and were told by the Army that they had better get out of their uniforms and not tell anyone where they had been, as people might confront them. Even more upsetting for the men was that some World War veterans dismissed them, telling them they didn't know what it was like to fight in a "real war". For most, it was a bewildering experience. Australian Michael Scrase said: "One minute I was in Vietnam and the next minute I was home and I was totally lost. Cars backfiring scared you. You were on edge the whole time. There was no debriefing, no time to melt back in".
After they returned, some of the men desperately wanted to talk to someone about what they'd been through, but they were seldom asked. Those that were, often struggled to find the words. How could anyone who hadn't been there understand what they'd seen and felt? Jeff Scully found he couldn't relate to his old friends; they all seemed childish, asking questions like, "How many did you kill mate?" Peter Molloy had a similar experience with people: "I don't think they'd changed. I think it must have been us Vietnam blokes that had changed, but there was nobody to tell us these things". Returning First and Second World War veterans had felt the same way – no one seemed to care and no one could understand.
Families and wives no longer had to fear a knock at the door from uniformed men with bad news. But for some of the soldiers, and soon their families, the Vietnam conflict never ended. Years later, Ray Stock woke up thinking, "Where did my 20's and 30's go? As far as enjoying my life I felt that it stopped at 22, when I came back from Vietnam."
While many men soon found their feet again, others struggled to hold down jobs. They became withdrawn and were quick to anger. They drank heavily and some lashed out violently at the people that loved them. Some even killed themselves.
Many of the men had gone to Vietnam believing they were fighting to defend their country and doing a job their government had asked them to do; others had gone because they had been conscripted. They had killed people and seen people – friends and enemies – killed. Many had been injured and all had lived in fear of dying, but in most cases they returned home to people who either didn't care or who believed they should never have been in Vietnam. The veterans felt they had done the job the government asked them to do and now they, not the government, were taking the blame for it."
Nothing has changed, has it? Vietnam was never and will never be a "popular" war. We were treated with indifference whilst overseas, lepers when we returned and despite the years that have gone by, the diggers are still being blamed for our involvement while politicians pursue their own careers with a total lack of concern for the men and women who carried the burden and rose to the occasion when needed.
If Kevin Rudd can say three beautiful words, "I am sorry" to the stolen generation, why can't our Prime Minister say to all veterans, "I am sorry" for the burden you have had to carry all these years and for the burden your families have had to carry. "I am sorry" for the lack of respect shown to you all by all politicians who have not had the decency or the courage to respond to your letters and emails personally. And "I am sorry" that all governments, for too long, have not had the courage to give you all a fair go when it comes to your well deserved pensions, and
I WILL rectify this situation this day and all entitlements will be retrospective. I thank you all for your service to this country.
Surely, to say "I am sorry" cannot be all that difficult for a Prime Minister with the courage to tackle the difficult issues? It is within her power to fix the wrongs and give us a fair go. Why is this so difficult?
SORRY DAY FOR OUR VETS. WHEN ? OVER THEIR CORPSES ? Where are you JULIA ? Where are you KEVIN ?
Perhaps now that Kevin is on the backbench and Julia is on the backfoot,Kevin can champion the cause for Vets. I think you’re onto something here KB!
Your posting is very chastening – and thanks for drawing our attention to LEON DAVIDSON’s book, ‘RED HAZE.’ You’ve made me want to read it.
KB,calling for a SORRY DAY for Vets, is a worthy consideration – great idea – grand slogan too, for when we all march on Canberra to a single drumbeat.
Our vets have had a lot of sad and sorry days, particularly Vietnam vets. But none of the politicians seem to be apologising….
But regardless, well said KB Hussell, and Tess. Wouldn’t it be good?
On a lighter? note, like many others I wrote to numerous Labor politicians about the 5 February meeting, asking them to put forward Fair Indexation as a matter of importance. Among them was Senator Kate Lundy. This is what I said to her:
“I understand that the Prime Minister has called what will amount to a “General Meeting” of Labor parliamentarians for this Sunday, 5 February 2012; to discuss matters of primary concern for the next year, and formulate policies and strategies. I have a suggestion for your discussion.
Successive Australian Governments have breached a Condition of Military Service that military retirement benefits would be indexed to maintain relativity with salaries, to maintain their purchasing power. That commitment has been ignored for some time, arguably since the DFRDB scheme was introduced – and certainly since 1997, when the Government finally abandoned Consumer Price Index (CPI) as the adjustment mechanism for Age pensions, because it could no longer claim that CPI truly reflected living cost increases. But the Government kept CPI as the indexation criterion for military retirement benefits and military disability payments.
Labor’s 2007 election promise to fix these “unfair” (Labor’s description) indexation arrangements was much appreciated by the Defence Family and, I’m sure, attracted the majority of its votes to Labor. However, the store of goodwill that was engendered by that promise has been dissipated by the failure of your Government to live up to it. We in the Defence Family, which numbers more than 3 million people, are unhappy with that failure. You are aware of our “Fair Go” campaign, which is gaining support from the general public. That campaign asks for the establishment of equitable indexation arrangements for Military retirement benefits (DFRB, DFRDB and MSBS) schemes, and military disability pensions. It also seeks redress of the 2009 decision which specifically excluded Service disability pensions from a one-off adjustment to disability pensions generally.
I believe this issue is so important that it will cause the Defence Family to reconsider its political preferences. There are several marginal Labor seats which will fall if the Defence Family’s vote is directed away from the Party. I have suggested, to the holders of some of those seats, that the indexation issue accordingly deserves headline status at Sunday’s meeting. I make that same respectful suggestion to you, and I know from your previous correspondence with fellow Fair Go campaigners that we can count on your support in putting these matters up for discussion.
Please note that I am sending a similar message to all NSW and ACT Labor Senators.
Thank you for your attention and Best Wishes,”
Surprise, surprise, she replied. Here’s the text of her letter:
“Thank you for your recent email correspondence on the issue of the indexation of military superannuation. I appreciate the time you have take (sic) to write to me.
I certainly do acknowledge the unique nature of military service and our debt to our servicemen and women.
The Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits Amendment (Fair Indexation) Bill 2010 was referred to the Senate Finance and Public Administration Legislation Committee. The Committee found problems with the Bill and in their final report advised against passing it. For more information on th Committee report please see the following link: http://www.aph.gov.au/Senate/committee/fapa_ctte/defence_retirement_benefits/index.htm.
Of particular note, this Bill applied to only a section of the Defence superannuants, and unfairly overlooked 7,200 current Military Superannuation Benefits Scheme superannuants, as well as the future beneficiaries of the MSBS, and, of course, all other Commonwealth superannuants including those employed in the Department of Defence.
I remain committed to continuing the campaign to improve the indexation methods applying to military and Commonwealth pensions, and will continue to work closely with the representative organisations such as DFWA, SCOA and ACPSRO. I am, of course, convinced that the CPI no longer provides the kind of indexation that responds to the cost-of-living needs of this group of superannuants and pensioners, and I have been seeking the development of the new analytical living cost index which would reflect more accurately the cost of living needs of military and civilian superannuants. I have recently written to my Parliamentary colleagues on this issueand have recommended a range of options for the government to consider in resloving this matter.
I will continue to post details of the campaign on my website at http://www.katelundy.com.au
Thank you again for your comments.”
Talk about missing the point! And doesn’t some of the wording sound familiar?
It’s just as well I like writing letters. This deserves a reply.
Dear BARNEY WARD,indeed the wording does sound familiar. How yesterday is that SENATOR KATE LUNDY ?
I was just reflecting on the Fair Go campaign and considering how resolute, steadfast, energetic and passionate you all are; how unafraid to voice opinion; your honesty in sharing personal circumstance.
And how you encourage and support one another – a real esprit de corps. To say nothing of your various websites, including your home here – and the fab videos, the poetry, and the strength and lucidity of your argument. And the moral imperative of your argument.
You broke through the membrane of media indifference to your plight and have now secured hundreds of articles and mentions in both electronic and print media and created a greater public awareness about your mistreatment by successive Australian Governments and the paltry pensions you receive.
Compare this with the Gillard Government’s imcompetent political management during the same period – and its gradual decay, disarray and decline into farce.
I rest my case.
Thanks again Tess, for your kind comments. We do what we can.
By the way, I couldn’t get the good Senator’s link to the Finance and Public Administration Committee report to work properly (neither could Peter Criss). Eventually got a copy of the report by working through the aph.gov.au site, to Senate Committees, to Completed Inquiries. Haven’t had time to read it yet but I’ll bet it’s nothing good.
I begin to see evidence of malign influences in our current situation that have been there from the start of the original DFRB scheme, or maybe even before. Tell me I’m having a conspiracy theory attack! but I don’t think I am. A 1979 report by the then Regular Defence Force Welfare Association detailed vehement opposition to the whole issue of DFRDB from some sectors. Someone in these pages put me onto it. I couldn’t find the reference in older comments here. So I Googled it using “Regular Defence Force Welfare Association – How it all Began” – and up it came. Worth reading. From the tenor of the briefing paper on the Fair Indexation Bill, I reckon nothing has changed since 1979 except the date.
How about Bob Carr? Reflex denials that he’d even consider returning to politics, and then the turnabout! Couldn’t he have just said he was thinking about it? Bah Humbug!!!
Dear BARNEY WARD – does ANYTHING work in this patchwork Gillard Government ? I feel the missing link is just that. A ploy. Crikey, they don’t actually want to communicate with their constituents you know – their play group is called The Caucus.
As for your conspiracy theory, you go for it Barney. And if it’s met with an instant denial, then that’s a clue that your onto something.
I can’t recall a single investigation I’ve done that wasn’t first met with a denial.
WHY IS LABOR TRASHING CHILDREN OF VETS ?
Centrelink Students get an Increase – DVA Students miss out.
Veterans’ Children’s Education Schemes Undermined by Labor
“BUT IT SEEMS the government has lost respect for the sacrifice of these veterans”.
“This (loss) is particularly important (damaging) for Iraq and Afghanistan veterans whose young children will soon be eligible for VCES/MRCAETS help”.
All Ranks
One more example of Labors socialist ideology born of a narrow life experience driving policy makers to dismantle piece by piece Fabians’ style Veterans Entitlements that have been hard won by diggers for their families over the past 100 years.
Let those who sit behind closed doors in comfort of air conditioned offices and make decisions that degrade the living standards of soldiers, sailors and airmen go to the deserts, the jungles, the oceans and defend our nation.
Time for Labor to throw out the bigotry grounded in yesteryear hypocrisy and replaces it with enlightened understanding, honesty and truth.
Little do they recognise a soldier is a worker who carries a rifle for a time. While they respect hard fought for workers rights for their families they look down on and loath the hard fought for soldier’s rights for theirs……………..
Jock O’Neill, Perth
This article by Grahame Walker, National Research Officer, Canberra will appear in the next edition of the Vietnam Veterans Peacekeepers and Peacemakers Journal.
Sheldon Maher OAM
Secretary & Senior Advocate Vietnam Veterans Assoc Far North Coast (NSW)
State Vice President NSW Branch VVPPA
Deputy Chair DVA VCES Board NSW
PO Box 7350
Lismore Heights NSW 2480
Phone: 02 6624 4486
Fax: 02 6625 2895
email: smaher@bigpond.net.au
The Article
On 1 January 2012, Centrelink benefits for eligible 16 to 19 year old students at secondary school were increased. However, payments for the
children of veterans receiving the same benefits under Veterans Affairs assistance schemes received no increase.
This failure was surprising, even astounding. Why would this increase to Centrelink payments not be duplicated to children in the same
position being assisted by the Veterans’ Children’s Education Scheme (VCES) and the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act Education and Training Scheme (MRCAETS)?
So far there have been no satisfactory answers. Indeed there has been a wall of silence. SO WHAT are these education assistance schemes?
The schemes were set up to help the children of those most adversely affected by their war service. Presently these include TPI pensioners,. EDA pensioners, certain amputees, the blind, War Widows, deceased prisoners of war and those in receipt of the SRDP safety net payment1.
Most of these are veterans suffering from the traumatic effects of their war service. And we know this trauma is often passed on to the families (for instance, we know that the children of Vietnam veterans have a 300% higher suicide rate that their peers in the general community).
In acknowledgement of this service-caused suffering of both veterans and their children , the schemes were not means-tested.
To assist the children further, State boards were set up to monitor and care for these often disadvantaged students.
Boards are typically made up of education experts from the State and Catholic systems, representatives of Universities and TAFE, representatives of ex-service organisations and a departmental representative. They carefully monitor each student’s progress, scrutinizing 6 monthly reports from schools and consulting with teachers when problems arise. They also organize tutoring, guidance and counselling where warranted.
The boards also disperse special funding for those in need for such things as special glasses, travel costs for distant work experience, software and aids for the severely disabled. They care for VCES/ MRCAETS in a very personal way.
THE DEPARTMENT has reacted to this change by writing to VCES/MRCAETS students and their parents advising them of the change and suggesting they might like to switch to Centrelink if it would make them better off.
But its not as simple as it seems. The more generous Centrelink payment (Family Tax Benefit) is means-tested. For those with an income support payment such as the Service Pension or Income Support Supplement this may not be a problem. For those without an income support pension, their TPI,
EDA, War Widows etc pensions will be counted as income. Be warned that meanstesting is a rather complicated issue and parents would have to finally establish their particular situation directly with Centrelink.
And there is another snag. Those who cross to Centrelink will not automatically be looked after by the State boards. And whilst Centrelink can provide some tutoring,guidance and counselling, its care cannot be anything like the intense personal care provided by the boards. (we are currently encouraging the Department to devise a way students who cross to Centrelink can be cared for by the State boards but there is no way for them to be eligible for the special funding.) The large number left behind will be on a significantly inferior VCES/MRCAETS payments. But that’s not all.
To add insult to injury, the new, more generous Centrelink payment is not taxed whilst the VCES/MRCAETS payment remains taxable. WHAT a mess.
SO THE QUESTION must be asked again: “Why would this increase to Centrelink payments not be duplicated for children in a similar position being assisted by the VCES/
MRCAETS? Why would the government so badly undermine this special education assistance to the children of those most badly effected by their service?”
After all the additional cost of duplicating the payment increases in the VCES/ MRCAETS would be only a tiny fraction to the total cost of the Centrelink increases.
Is it that the government wants to eventually dismantle this special assistance and put everyone on Centrelink welfare?
Of course, we hope this is not so and that the failure is an oversight, an administrative bungle that can be fixed by quickly introducing rectifying legislation.
BUT IT SEEMS the government has lost respect for the sacrifice of these veterans and the consequent suffering of their children and now undermines this valued education scheme by increasing Centrelink payments without making corresponding increases in payments to VCES/MRCAETS students.
WE ASK that the Minister for Veterans Affairs, Hon Warren Snowdon MP, intervene to remedy this mess and, in so doing, acknowledge the special nature of war and military service. This is particularly important for Iraq and Afghanistan veterans whose young children will soon be eligible for VCES/MRCAETS help.
Additional information on this matter can be found in the Senate Estimates Committee Hansard 15 February 2012 Pages 115/116
1 a complete list can be found on a factsheet on the Department of Veterans
Affairs web-site http://factsheets.dva.gov.au/factsheets/ .
* COMMENT POSTED FOR JOCK O’NEILL.
Following for information and action (especially Canberra Folks). Bill has amended dress code to a bit more relaxed neat. Jackets and tie not necessary.
FGC OPERATION “SWAN’S SONG”
MONDAY – 5 MARCH 2012
NOTICE
The Fair Go Campaign asks for your support by attending our assembly at the National Press Club Canberra (Cnr Darling St and National Cct) where Wayne Swan will be speaking on the Labor Government’s determination to advance the concept of the fair go. He says that
“Labor has always been the Party of the fair go and the primary guardian of Australia’s egalitarian tradition”.
Our assembly’s purpose is twofold: firstly, to remind the Treasurer that the Government’s application of a Fair Go has been denied to military superannuation pension indexation and DVA disability payments, and secondly to increase the public and media awareness through flyer handouts and possible TV/radio coverage of the event.
To that end we will stand at the entrance to the NPC prior to, during and after the Lunch. We will carry placards and hand out the Why? flyer to all persons entering the NPC.
Our MO is to be peaceful, neither threatening nor abusive. We will not interfere with pedestrian or road movement and will comply with the law. Rain is no barrier to our activity.
Timings:
1. Be in the Assembly Area (see below) by 11.15 am for briefing and distribution of hand out flyers and authorised placards.
2. Be in position by 11.30 am
3. NPC Lunch (12.00 – 1.30 pm)
4. Depart after lunch
5. Post activity/brew/debrief/report
Dress. Smart casual: no offensive clothing or slogans. No medals. Please wear some military apparel such as a lapel badge, cap etc.
Placards. We will provide the authorised placards.
Co-ordinator. Les Bienkiewicz and his Assistant Bill Murray (0433524493). Please call Bill if required.
This is a great opportunity to promote the Campaign. If you live in the ACT or nearby please join us on Monday.
If you do not live in the ACT or nearby, please distribute this Notice to your network of family and friends who do live there.
Thanks for your continuing support
Campaign Directors: Ted Chitham tchitham@bigpond.com
Ray Gibson storyweaver@internode.on.net
Stay current with the Campaign at http://www.standto.org
DIGGERS TO RALLY AT NATIONAL PRESS CLUB FOR WAYNE’S SWANN SONG.
Dear PAUL, this is fabulous news. Well done you Men!
STOP PRESS: DIGGERS AT NATIONAL PRESS CLUB.
A HERALD SUN journalist referred to the Vets outside the Press Club – and WAYNE SWANN answered
by recounting his family’s personal saga – but nonetheless, basically trashed the notion of
an increase using the same old same old.
More later and look forward to anyone at the rally leaving comments.
I watched theaddress by Wayne Swann (or was it his twin brother R< SOUL Swann), give his address on a Fair Go at the National Press Club today.
Congratulation to the ADSO members who stood outside with their placards and handouts. It succeeded in getting one journalist to ask a question about military super.
Swan did what was expected in saying we don't deserve it.
Regardless of that, ADSO have kept our plight out there in the real world.
Have a look at the ABC telecast if you can and draw your own conclusions about Labor
Dear JOHN GRIFFITHS, if the ADSO members hadn’t been potesting, the subject wouldn’t have been mentioned.
Clearly, SWANN’a apin revealed he was well primed for the answer.
What his response indicates is, that despite the various veiled references to improving the unhappy lot of Diggers and families, it’s all a load of cobblers.
Swann had the chance to redeem the Labor Party’s despicable record on this. And didn’t.
It is clear that the Government has no intention of increasing your pensions.
Once again, they have underestimated your capabilities and resolve. That will prove to be their undoing.
Yes, yes, yes! Brilliant campaign effort by the ADSO team, I hope Ray is able to publish their names here for all of us to appreciate. What an effort to be mentioned in the National forum and have the Treasurer explain the ALP policy, and at a much greater length of reply than to some other questions.
He referred to those with ‘vested interests’ in part of his address without having a clue that he was referring to himself – the Treasurer – who’s vested interest is keeping the military superannuates poorer by withholding their due entitlement to protection of their superannuation from erosion due to increases in the cost of living; all to preserve funds in the treasury!
He also referred to the military super as ‘generous’ by comparison with other defined benefits schemes. His definition of ‘generous’ needs some revision; the average DFRDB pension is around $23,000 per year so how does that compare in generosity to the increase in parliamentary salaries, which may have well seen $23,000 increase per year in some cases?
He later slipped by making the statement that New Start allowances were slipping away to only half of the pensioners rate because they were indexed to CPI and not wage-related based indexation thereby implying that the strategy (and ALP policy) was to ‘force’ them to go to work (for a better deal!). How then does this comparison compare to CPI for military superannuates?
Where can one get a transcript of this address and questions and answers?
While Wayne is sticking to the same old line, it seems Tony is sticking to his.
http://twitter.com/#!/TonyAbbottMHR/status/176524778662920192/photo/1
Now this is better than the twitter link I dropped in above.
Audio of what Tony said at the Bendigo RSL today.
http://www.abc.net.au/local/audio/2012/03/05/3445977.htm
Dear BILL ARDEN, thanks so much for this update – feel sure there will be a transcript
and ADSO will have a copy by now.
Onya KEN MARSH!
THIEF,LIKE GOVT,STEALS FROM 91 YEAR OLD WAR VET
From today’s Herald Sun: –
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/breaking-news/man-charged-with-stealing-from-war-vet-91/story-e6frf7jx-1226290037229
Mr Swan says the nation cannot afford the cost of the Fair Indexation legislation, that it will leave a big hole in the budget. Now I get lost in all the big figures so I did my own sum – and a mathematician can no doubt tell me where I am wrong.
Assume the average DFRDB ‘pension’ is $22,000 and there are 63,000 DFRDB ‘pensioners’. CPI rises 2% in the coming year.
22,000 X .02 X 63,000 = $27.72m
Assume the average wage increases 4%. That means the government needs to find another $27.72 m if our super is increased in line with wage increases. And, as we all know, we will pay tax on that, or have our Centre Link pensions adjusted,or both, so it won’t cost the government the full $27.72 m.
Going forward from here, in 10 years’ time there will not be 63,000 DFRDB ‘pensioners’ – we are a dying breed. So in real terms it will cost less. Yet the government says these changes will lead to a blowout in the years ahead.
Maybe I’ve missed something. After all, Wayne is, so we have been told recently, the world’s greatest treasurer. And if my sums are right, and if Wayne is the world’s greatest treasurer, then perhaps I can understand why the world’s economy appears to be in the mess it is.
Ken
Where would Wyane be if the out going Treasurer hadn’t left him a surplus to squander away? He wouldn’t be the worlds best Treasurer then would he. I read what he said in the Telegfraph today he is a slug.
Bob
To take my above a little further, if every DFRDB superannuant paid 15% tax on the extra 2%, that would reduce the cost to the govt. to $23.56m. If every superannuant was on the aged/vets pension, that $27.72m cost to govt. would be reduced to $13.86m. Now there have been some high profile CEOs recieved sums in that vicinity as bonus payments in recent years. While the figures may be a bit rough and the true cost will be somewhere in between what I have calculated, it at least gives some perspective.
Bob, unfortunately I couldn’t find the Telegaph article.
IS THE GOVT WAITING FOR OUR VETS TO DIE OUT ?
Dear KEN MARSH,Governments and Corporations alike have been known to deliberately stall matters in the certain knowledge and hope that human beings will die and alleviate them from responsibility and cost.
It is clear that this obscene attrition ratio is being applied to Vets. That’s really what SWANN’s pathetic and deceptive spin was all about.
Dear BOB IHLEIN, can you possibly put a link to the article Sir ? Can’t find it either.
ABBOTT VOWS ON VET PENSIONS. From Today’s Tele, by GEMMA JONES.
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/veterans-pension-vow-from-tony-abbott/story-e6freuy9-1226289892039
THE DYING SWANN. Remember PHILLIP HUDSON ? He’s from the HERALD SUN, and was the reporter who asked The World’s Meanest Treasurer, WAYNE SWANN about Vet pensions at the National Press Club.
Here’s a report from ‘ The HUD ‘ in today’s paper: –
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/more-news/liberal-opposition-leader-tony-abbott-promises-to-increase-military-pension/story-fn7x8me2-1226289830238
Ken and Tess
Page 9 of yesterday’s Telegraph
1. Veterans pension vow from Tony Abbott | thetelegraph.com.au
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/…/veterans-pension-vow…abbott/story-e...
12 hours ago – The change would index almost 60000 former service personnel’s military pensions to the same rate as the aged pension, rather than against …
Veterans pension vow from Tony Abbott
0
MILITARY superannuation pensions would be indexed more generously under a Coalition government, Opposition Leader Tony Abbott promised.
The change would index almost 60,000 former service personnel’s military pensions to the same rate as the aged pension, rather than against CPI.
Wage indexation increased the aged pension 4.1 per cent last year while the outdated CPI indexation lifted the military pension just 3.3 per cent.
Treasurer Wayne Swan yesterday rejected any change, claiming the current scheme, which delivers military pensioners an average $22,000 a year which is taxable and from a combination of their own contributions and government input, was generous.
Mr Abbott described the indexation disparity as “unfinished business” of the Howard government and said he would give all pensioners aged over 55 wage-based indexation.
“I think the public would be shocked to know that old-age pensioners are getting a fairer deal when it comes to indexation than our ex-service personnel,” Mr Abbott said after a visit to Bendigo RSL.
“This is an anomaly. This is an injustice. The Coalition will fix this. We will definitely do it if we are in government after the next election. This is an absolute commitment.
“Our ex-service personnel deserve appropriate recognition from a grateful nation and the Coalition will give it to them.”
About 25 retired service personnel protested outside the National Press Club in Canberra where Mr Swan rejected an increase in pensions.
“If he wants a fair go for workers, it is about time he started as the employer of a whole bunch of military people to look after his employees and live up to what he is saying,” retired RAAF pilot Peter Criss said.
Mr Swan said it was an emotional issue for him because his father was a war veteran and his grandfather was gassed on the Western Front during World War I and died of his injuries.
He dismissed calls for pension rises and dismissed Mr Abbott’s promise, saying he could not afford to fund his pledge.
“Firstly we said we’d have an inquiry in 2007, we did have an inquiry into indexation, that inquiry knocked it back and it knocked it back on very sound grounds,” he said.
“Essentially what you’re dealing with here is a group of people, particularly military veterans many of whom have made very big sacrifices for our country, they do have a very good defined benefit superannuation scheme for which there is a very big public contribution.”
He said the aged pension could not be compared to the military pension.
Bob
Dear Me. The Ugly Duckling (read SWANN) is a bigger fibber than Juliar isn’t he. He told the national press club that we have a very very generous super scheme which costs the taxpayers plenty.
As treasuruer he is prepared to use bogus costs to justify knocking us back.
Well Ducko me boy, whst about the Billions and billions the taxpayer lays out for retired politicians. The genorosity of your scheme makes military pension costs and increases, pale by comparison.
Your lies might fool some of the people some of the time, but truth eventually finds a way to come through. Then you will be branded for what you are “An unmitigated liar”. Your grandfather and father served their country in war. You are a coward who hides behing his lies.
And congratulation to Tony Abbott, who is prepared to honour his promises to veterans and acknowledge their contributions to this country. Roll on the next election.
Dear BOB IHLEIN, Onya Brother.
THE LYING SWANN. Dear JOHN GRIFFITHS, thank you for voicing the thoughts of many.
WAYNE SWANN’s response to the question about your pensions was a squalid and personal attention-seeking exercise in abject hypocrisy, designed to take the investigative spotlight off the
ambiguous resignation of the CIA’s MAN IN AUSTRALIA, SENATOR MARK ARBIB, the CRAIG THOMSON
affair and Prime Minister JULIA GILLARD’s sub-contracting out of cabinet posts to
‘MINISTERS R US’loiterers like BOB CARR.
Wyane Swan Should be Proud of his Father and Grandfather for their service to our fine Country. That cannot be said the other way. They could not be proud of the back stabbing lying S.. O. A B…. who is their son and grandson.
Bob
For those regular IA readers, the RSL Presidents Message at http://www.rsl.org.au/ has a response from Minister Snowden (dated 13 Feb 2012) to RSL President Admiral Ken Doolan’s 2010 letter about Fair Indexation. I don’t think Minister Snowden has the intelect to have composed this 2 year old response but rather one of his public servants working full time! I am sure those IA subscribers who are aware of the history of DFRB and DFRDB and various inquiries will be able to pick up the errors in Minister Snowden’s response. Please let us all know where the mistakes are.
It never ceases to amaze me that politicians like Swan and Schultz, my Local Member, always fall back on the service deeds of their fathers, grandfathers and uncles when they paint themselves into a corner. If they had a collective backbone they would say, “I am proud of the service deeds of my relatives in times of War. Because I have some idea of what they went through, I will support the diggers in every way possible as that is what my service relatives would expect of me”.
I am expecting too much of course. These puppets just “follow the leader”, because they cannot think and speak for themselves. To listen to the PM rave on about the destruction of the headstones in the Commonwealth War cemetery in Benghazi was enough to put me off my evening meal last night. Moreso since she has no idea of the sacrifices these magnificent men made BEFORE they were sadly KIA.
If she and her “followers” had any idea, they would get on their knees every night and thank God for the sacrifices so many magnificent men and women have made so that we may live in this great country the way we do. Lest We Forget.
KB – as an avowed atheist and military ignoramus who would Juliar pray to?
Now that the RSL has another letter from our Claytons Veterans Affairs Minister, will we see them respond to him, pointing out the inaccuracies and deliberate lies. Based on the RSL’s contribution to date, I don’t think so.
Why is it that so many of our senior leaders appear to lose their courage and forget those they served with, when they leave the services. Is an OAM or an Australian honour for service to the RSL, worth betraying the veterans who served their country for many years.What has happened to “mateship”. All RSL members pay their dues and expect to see the RSL as awhole supporting them.
It’s time for the heirarchy in the RSL to do what they are supposed to do or, step aside and leave the hard yards to those who still have a ticker. Peter Criss or Neil Weekes are the types of leaders we should have on the RSL National executive.
Another copy of the Swan saga.
The following is an extract from the National Press Club today 5/3/12.
(He seems to be confusing DFRDB with TPI) just another who gets a cushy pension and stuff the rest and our armed forces.
Swan rejects military pension changes
AAPMarch 5, 2012, 12:15 pm
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Treasurer Wayne Swan has rejected calls to index military superannuation pensions to wage rises instead of the cost-of-living index.
Mr Swan was greeted outside the National Press Club in Canberra on Monday by protesters calling for a boost to the government contribution to military pensions.
The Defence Force Retirement Benefit and the Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefit military superannuation pensions are linked to the consumer price index, and rise twice a year, but veterans and the federal opposition say it should be indexed to the more generous system used for the aged pension.
Mr Swan, who noted his father and grandfather were war veterans, said an inquiry in 2007 rejected the change “on sound grounds” and the system was appropriate as it stood.
“This is a group of people, particularly military veterans, who have made very big sacrifices for our country,” he said.
“They do have a very good defined benefit superannuation scheme for which there is a very big public contribution.
“It is a far bigger public contribution than any other scheme in the country.”
Mr Swan said Opposition Leader Tony Abbott, who has called for a more generous scheme, was not in a position to fund his policy because it would be “unsustainable” for the federal budget.
Mr Abbott said in a statement on Monday a coalition government would introduce “fair indexation” for the military pensions.
“The coalition’s signed pledge will keep faith with the 57,000 recipients of military superannuation pensions by providing fair indexation,” he said.
Under the proposal, members of both schemes aged 55 and over would have their superannuation pensions indexed in the same way as aged and service pensions.
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It is hard to beleive someone so stupid could get elected to Government.
Dear PAUL,thanks for the RSL link and I see that in July it will be the 70th Anniversary of the Australian Women’s Land Army.
Dear KBHUSSELL, I could not help thinking the same thing.
Dear PAUL, why, those Archangels of the Caucus of course, the FACELESS MEN!
Dear BOB IHLEIN, why stop with WAYNE SWANN ? Was it AMANDA VANSTONE who said that when JULIA GILLARD appointed BOB CARR as Foreign Minister elect, the collective intellect of Caucus doubled ? Something like that.
I agree with my old mate Ken Hussell. Too many of our pollies proudly state they had a relative in some war. Some people have relatives who are in prison or murderers.That doesn,t make them bad as well.Pollies don,t have anything to be personally proud about because a relative served in the military. It is what they do personally, which will show what type of person they are.
Pre 2004 pollies have the “best” super scheme in Australia and for those currently serving, their pay and future pensions just went up by 25%. On that basis alone it is reasonable to dub all pollies greedy, self centred, narcisistic, dishonest, two faced, and for the Labor Group especially, liars and cowards, who are afraid to tell the real truth in regards to military super indexation. To do so would expose them for what they really are. Roll on the 2013 election.
Dear JOHN GRIFFITHS,wouldn’t it have been wonderful if, after WAYNE SWANN gave his pro forma and offensive answer, he had been lobbed another question that would have exposed such hypocrisy and turgid spin.
Morning all
When the minders in public service work out how many billions it will cost to fund our Fair Indexation do they take into account that more than half of us 57,000 would be on the service pension. We get an in crease of aprox $12.00 then our service is reduced by aprox $2.50 so it is only costing $9.50.
Bob
Dear Bob Ihlein
Actually for every additional dollar of extra income we get, our part aged pension is reduced by 50 cents. It used to be 40 cents in the dollar, but the current Government increased it to 50 cents a couple of years ago. That means as most of us on part aged pensions, any mil super increases represent a minimum 50% clawback . And that doesn’t include things like GST etc. That is why ADSO/DFWA keeps telling the pollies, the gross cost of military super index aligned to the Aged pension formula costs @20(mill) in year one before clawback, which reults in a net figure year one of $12(mill(I have a feeling that the clawback figore ADSO uses may have been done when the 40 cents in the dollar figure applied to any income increases).Therefore, the ADSO current percentage is the figure we need to keep pushing at all politicians. I personally think that the 40% clawback is a bit underdone, but we need to speak with one consistent voice. If we go out with different figures, that allows our opposition to say we don’t know what we are talking about.
SWAN SONG MORE A POLITICAL DEATH RATTLE
Dear BOB IHLEIN and JOHN GRIFFITHS, reading your comments and the value attributed to a few cents extra in your pensions really emphasises to me how well-rehearsed was Treasuerer WAYNE SWAN’s answer at the National Press Club luncheon.
He knew that Diggers would be protesting outside – and he knew he would be hit with a question from the Press about your paltry and insulting pensions.
His answer was designed to give Australians the impression that the matter had been fairly considered by the Government and that you were beneficiaries of the generous expense of the
public’s diminishing purse.
How dare he. How dare they.
Since the LABOR FATWA against KEVIN RUDD installed JULIA GILLARD as Prime Minister ( the Australian people have never unanimously voted for GILLARD ) it is arguable whether our Federal Parliament has truly earned its daily ( monetary ) bread – or their recent obscene pay increase.
I wish just one of the politicians had to courage to trade places with a Veteran, for two weeks.
Maybe I’ll produce a reality TV show that does just that. Do you think I’d have any takers ?
I’d ask WAYNE SWAN first. It should be no sweat for him, given his personal background that
he was moved to recount at the NPC. SENATOR KATE LUNDY’s a goer, surely. SENATOR BOB BROWN another. SENATOR NICK XENOPHON, MIKE KELLY, BOB CARR, JULIA GILLARD, among others – and the entire of the OPPOSITION!
Check out the following link (which was posted yesterday or the day before) and do the sums:
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/veterans-pension-vow-from-tony-abbott/story-e6freuy9-1226289892039
Pension increase 4.1%
DFRDB retired pay increase 3.3%
Difference – 0.8%
Average DFRDB income $22,000 for say 63,000 recipients (ball park figures).
On these figures it would have cost Mr Swan $10.9m with Fair Indexation in the last 12 months – before all the ‘claw backs’. I wonder how many CEOs earn this much pa.
BTW, I notice the ‘right honorable’ Steven Smith has acted in a most honourable way in response to the exoneration of Bruce Kafer.
Dear KEN MARSH, thanks for the link and figures – and in relation to your mentio of Defence Minister STEPHEN SMITH, do you mean because he said he doesn’t resile from what he originally said ?
The only honourable thing that the ‘right honourable’ Smith could do is to apologise to Commodore Kafer for the disgraceful outburst he made 12 months ago and has since not had the courage to admit he made a mistake. Uniformed people must be seething about the way Smith is micro managing the ADF.
Dear PAUL, the full story has yet to be told. Did you see Channel Ten last night ?
Here’s a link to a story in today’s Age: –
http://www.theage.com.au/national/defence-minister-thrown-report-lifeline-20120308-1un8b.html
Dear All,
On 7 March I put a note together talking about politicians falling back to the deeds of their relatives in War. I also said that the PM has no idea of the sacrifices these magnificent men made BEFORE they were sadly KIA.
Sacrifices? Think back to the very day you kissed a wife, babies and family goodbye before leaving Australia for a war zone. That was a long time ago but it might as well be last week, true? As you walked away you immediately knew you would not see them for at least twelve months, maybe never.
Sacrifices? Those who wait also serve? Ask your wife, babies and family how they felt as you walked away, thinking the exact same thoughts as you were.
How do you put your thoughts, the anguish and heavy heart you experienced at that time into words? You cannot.
And because you cannot, how can we ever explain to a politician the shattering feeling of farewelling a wife, babies and family, the total feeling of helplessness as your immediate family union is shattered – perhaps forever? And all of this BEFORE you leave Australia!
I have just finished reading probably the most compelling book I have ever read:
The Strength of a Nation – Six years of Australians fighting for the nation and defending the homefront in WW11. Written by Dr. Michael McKernan. ISBN 978 1 74114 714 8. ( I worked with Michael during my two years at the Australian War Memorial in 1983 – 4 and he is a very talented man)
This book relates the stories of two exceptional men, Albert Moore and one Doctor.
” One of my heroes in the second AIF is Salvationist Albert Moore. I met him in the last years of his life when he came to the Australian War Memorial to donate his letters and diaries from his time at war. Albert Moore had served in the war first as a “comforts” man, trying to make the military bearable for the troops with hot coffee and cocoa, writing materials in Salvation Army clubrooms, that type of thing. Later he served as a Salvation Army chaplain on the Kokoda track…………….”
“It was the entry for 14 December 1940 that shocked me: “It was the last night at home with Vi and Kelvin perhaps for a long time”. Albert was going to Sydney the next day with the troops, to the troopships and to war. “so [the] three of us slept together. Could feel Kelvin cling to my arm whilst in bed. He’s a great boy”. The next entry, the next day, was of terrible pain:
This is the day I have dreaded for many months in fact ever since war started. Today I leave those whom I love……Most trying experience of my life, and loved ones clung to me and refused to let go. Finally farewelled Vi and my bonnie boy who to my surprise clung to me like a leech & cried bitterly, this is the last straw. God alone knows my love for this child, the sacrifice is great, almost too much to bear. The whistle goes and still he is clinging, the train moves out and I have to tear him away. My God be Thou our sufficiency. I sunk into carriage seat feeling that the bottom had fallen out of my world. Vi, Boy,Gone”.
“When I was describing for a radio audience the terrible plight of the “man in the bath” who had lost his outer skin cover in a gas attack in France, I took a call from a listener off – air. She had been deeply moved by the story but in her turn she wanted to tell me her father’s story. He had been a young Doctor in Papua New Guinea in the second part of 1942. Perhaps he had seen some of the awful sights at Gona and smelt the fearful smell of death and excrement all wrapped in one. Perhaps he had seen what had happened to those Japanese soldiers who had walked into the sea, their defeat certain, holding hand grenades above their heads which they would detonate rather than be taken captive. Whatever this young Doctor had seen at war deeply affected him. “He had lost his psychological skin cover”, his daughter told me. It was a compelling phrase that she had used; terrible, truly terrible to lose your physical skin, but just as damaging, though unseen, was the loss of the psychological skin cover. Several times in the 1950′s, and even later, this suburban Doctor had tried to commit suicide, so badly had his war affected him”.
“He had lost his psychological skin cover”…………..How powerful is that statement?
Go back in your mind to the time you had to say your goodbyes. Think back to the apprehension you felt on arriving in country. Think also of the day you left to RTA. Think of how you felt on arrival back in Australia and the feelings you experienced when seeing your family and loved ones for the first time in so long. Think also of the frustration you experienced when trying to settle back in at home, without any debrief. Think about the heartaches you have had since as a result of your war service. What other “skin covers” have you lost?
Try explaining any of the above to a politician, explain how you feel when you see or hear a chopper, explain the lump in your throat and the tear in your eye when you learn of another KIA/WIA in Afghanistan or when you see another ramp ceremony. Explain the feeling of pride and sadness when the “Last Post” is sounded at a funeral or on that special day.
We cannot explain any of that can we. At least not to a politician, someone who, by comparison, has been nowhere and done nothing. Someone who is in the busines of “running the country”, for personal gain and glory, without so much as a thought for the diggers and their families, who have risen to the challenge and shouldered the burden whenever needed. Rather, they hide behind lies and broken promises, as cowards always do.
A great article Ken. It’s a sad inditement of the lack of understanding of our politicians to turn up for photo opportunites, but then forget about the fallen and those who served in war and returned. It is our politicians who send us to war. Ken, most of us went to Vietnam for one 12 months tour, although some did several tours. Think of our current soldiers who are on their third or forth rotation, with some up to sixrotations, for six monthsa at a time in the Middle East. There is evidence of increased domestic violence/ problems with our current soldiers and their families. No wonder. What has this current Labor Government done to help them? And for those seeking compensation and acknowledgement/treatment for war caused disabilities, the Government has just halved the amount of financial support for RSL’s and other ESO’s assiting veterans with their claims. Plus, they have further reduced the staffing levels at DVA, which will in turn increase claims processing times. Those veterans have the Senior Ministry in this Government to thank and in particular our Claytons Minister for Veterans Affairs, who also claimed he had a relative who went to war, as did Senator Feeney (Defence Procurement), who spoke out against Senator Ronaldson’s Fair Go Bill for Military Super Indexation last year. Senator Wong also spoke against that Bill, but I doubt she had any relatives go to war on behalf of Australia. Like the Prime Minister, she was not even born in Australia.
The Prime Minister refuses to meet personally with ESO representatives about military super indexation. The Minister for Veteran Affairs has used the same old tired and pre scripted objections to stop us getting a fair go (of ccourse he willingly accepts every overseas freebie to attend commemoration activities overseas). And now we have Swan also saying his grandfather and father went to war.If that was the case, these posers didn’t learn anything about war from their identified relatives.
I saw an article from Ryde RSL the other day which stated that the increases to parliamentary pensions for current serving MP’s will cost $20(mill) in year one.You may recall that $20(mill) is the figure calculated by DFWA and Adso, to give 57,000 DFRB/DFRDB military superannuants the same index formula as aged pensions in Year one (before clawback). How come ours would cost Billions and Billions, but the pollies increase won’t. What method was used to calculate their increased super cost. Obviously, it was a different calculation to ours. Someone should ask the Department of Finance and Administration to do their sums on the pollies super increase using exactly the same criteria as they did for military super indexation increases.
At least the coalition has finally got it. Roll on the next election. And anyone from the military family who votes for Labor or Greens at the next Federal Election, deserves a good clip over the ear from every one of us.
Just read another fine article by AVM Criss.
http://www.thepunch.com.au/articles/military-superannuation-pensions-need-protection/
Hi all, we need a little more support over on the punch site about the Peter Criss article.
Dear KHUSSELL, once again,your extraordinary humanity and ability to resurrect both the dead – and the living, is such an inspiration to us all. This is so very, very moving and emphasises our common humanity – that extends to the bond of history.
I think this is another one of your cherished postings that we can send out to our merciless politicians. They are stealing your rightful pensions to pay for their pay increase !
Just to brighten up your day, I thought I would post this letter from Dr Andrew Leigh MP Canberra and my response.
quote
Dear Andrew,
Really????? $6.2 billion?? you have to be joking. Is this figure projected over 500 years?? Come on – you have to be smarter than that. The Alliance of Defence Service Organisations (ADSO) composed of eminent groups such Defence Force Welfare Association, The Royal Australian Regiment Association, The Naval Association of Australia, The Royal Australian Air Force Association and The Special Air Service Regiment Association, has calculated that it is would be less than $20 million per year – and that’s just to increase the INDEXATION from CPI to what the aged pensioners get. Not what politicians are getting.
I urge you to look at our website http://www.justafairgo.net then go to ‘issues’ and ‘military super indexation’ . All will be revealed. We are not asking for much – just a fair go to keep up with the cost of living the same as aged pensioners. CPI has been discredited as a measure of the cost of living and your government knows and acknowledges this.
You have been fed a lot of baloney by Senator Wong and Ministers Snowden and Smith. Treasurer Swan in his latest rant at the NPC doesn’t have a clue and reckons $22,000 per year for a veterans is ‘GENEROUS’ – words fail me . Don’t fall for it – have one of your staff do your own research after you have our looked at our website and spoken to ADSO people who are knowledgeable about this issue.
I assure you Andrew – this matter will not go away. Retired servicemen and women nationwide are bloody angry with your government and governments before you. We are sick of being treated like second class citizens after having given the best years of our life (and in some cases our lives) for Australia.
We will hound you about this matter until election day. The NPC rally the other day was only the start. It has already started in Qld and WA and will get noisier as we get closer to election day.
Let me know what you think after looking at our website.
Thank you
Paul Threlfall
Lieutenant Commander RAN (Retd)
DFRDB Recipient and Vietnam and Indonesian-Malaysia Confrontation
—– Original Message —–
From: Leigh, Andrew (MP)
To: ‘threlfall@grapevine.com.au’
Sent: Friday, March 09, 2012 2:33 PM
Subject: RE: Indexation of military pensions
Dear Paul
Thank you for your email regarding the indexation of military pensions.
This is an issue that I have been involved in since before my election as the Member for Fraser.
I have also made representations to Government, along with my parliamentary colleagues Senator Kate Lundy, Dr Mike Kelly MP (Federal Member for Eden-Monaro) and Gai Brodtmann MP (Federal Member for Canberra).
The most recent to Senator the Hon Penny Wong, Minister for Finance and Deregulation at the Caucus meeting on 5 February 2012.
I am committed to seeing fair and sustainable indexation of military pensions.
Recent advice from the Australian Government Actuary indicated that changing indexation arrangements from 1 July 2011 for recipients of Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits and Defence Force Retirement Benefits pensions over 55 years, alone, would immediately increase the unfunded liability by $6.2 billion. The increase in unfunded liability would be even greater if the changed indexation arrangements were applied to all superannuation pensions. These are significant costs and as responsible economic managers for the nation, the Government believes now is not the time to be considering changes to indexation methodology.
However, as the Federal member for Fraser, I am continuing to work with my parliamentary colleagues for an indexation of Commonwealth and military pensions that is fair and sustainable.
Yours sincerely
Andrew Leigh
Federal Member for Fraser
KB and John, I took the liberty of copying both your articles and sent them to Andrew Leigh MP. I hope he reads them and has a better appreciation of what diggers go through. I’ll keep you posted if he responds to my emails.
Hi all
I would urge everyone to log on to Peter Criss’s article in the Punch, submit your comments and forward the link to all and sundry.
Hi all, i have been on the punch for a few hours and i do need some help with some of the comments being made.
Dear PAUL, they just don’t get it, do they – why do they keep treating you all in this patronising and facile way. Yet more Pro Forma swill from ANDREW LEIGH!
Dear PAUL, good one! Perhaps ANDREW LEIGH might learn to understand that behind the statistics he so earnestly parrots, there are human beings. And when you cut them, they do bleed.
Dear JOHN SAINSBURY and JOHN LAWRENCE, haven’t checked PETER CRISS’s article, but will – do I gather from your comments that the political spinners are at work stacking the comments with fibs??
Hi Tess, yeah it has been fun though. the usual govt lackies on the punch site, they just try to discredit Peters article. most people on the site are on our side on this and are seeing the govts lies. I see that Rob oakshot has publicly said that he agrees with Tony Abbott and will be putting a bill forward to help our cause. JULIARS govt are slowly losing all their firepower. We have only 18m0nths to go before the election and after waiting decades to right this wrong 18 mths is not that long. I cant wait to see this govt get smashed at the election. I went to my dentist the other day and all that work there are aware of this national disgrace and i left some flyers there to hand out to the patients, things here in WA are starting to really heat up. also sorry to hear Tess that you are still getting stuffed around by the NOT A BANKS. Cheers for now.
Current serving members cannot comment on political issues, but have a look at an recently retired senior officer has to say about our “Honorable” Minister for Defence, Steven Smith:
Retired major-general John Cantwell has written an article in Fairfax Media in which we accuses Mr Smith of having disregard for the military based on his experience of accompanying him on a visit to Afghanistan.
“Reflecting on Smith’s visit, the abiding impression I was left with was that he merely tolerated people like me and the troops I commanded…” he wrote.
“Then I had it: respect. Smith had no respect for those who chose to serve in uniform for their country.
“It was an uncomfortable insight.”
Asked about Major-General Cantwell’s comments, Mr Abbott said that it showed Mr Smith had a serious problem.
“It seems increasingly obvious that the defence department, defence personnel don’t want him as their minister,” he said.
Extracted from today’s Weekend Australian.
Hope Juliar & Snowjob take note, and have that in the back of their minds when next having a photo op with current serving members.
Dear JOHN LAWRENCE, you are a legend , distributing those flyers. Definitely more people know about the injustice now – full credit to you all. It is so true that EVERY bit helps. Not many politicians know that.
Re the NAB – I get much of my inspiration from the great support I get from many of you. You stand up’ve to injustice everyday and I realise if you do it for one, you do it for all.
Already I’ve been contacted by people in tears because this happened to them. For some of them, it happened years ago, but it might as well have been yesterday. I think that is something many of us experience.
So when I think about what so many of you experienced decades ago – as well as more recently – the challenges that confront me are mere hiccups. I am still determined to set up that remedial crisis management/PTSD/communications centre. That’s what I’ve been working for, for decades. Our safe houses/emergency accom. group has sadly been suspended, for obvious reasons and I am really gutted about this. So many people hang like limpets off an uncaring system, as well you know.
Sorry to hear of your troubles Tess. Let us know if we can do anything for you.
Talking of a Fair Go, I came across this article the other day in the Defence Force Welfare Association magazine ‘Camaraderie’ and thought it worth sharing. With all the negative press the ADF gets regarding poor behaviour it is good to see a well-written defence.
http://www.canberratimes.com.au/opinion/editorial/defence-force-behaviour-is-better-than-you-think-20120129-1t7t3.html
Hi all
Yes Tess, you are right. To my mind, a lot of the comments in Punch in response to Peter Criss’s article, are ill-informed, by ignorate people who know nothing about the fight for Fair Indexation and will not under any circumstances, admit they are following the Labor li8ne hook, line and sinker. I am quite convinced that a lot of the anti comments are by Labor stooges.
Hi all
Me again.
Tess. In relation to your post concerning PTSD, there is an organistion here in Canberra called Picking Up The Pieces (PUTUP)started by the wife of a Federal Police Officer who served with the Military overseas
The organisation supports, with the assistance of the Vietnam Veterans and Veterans Federation here in Canberra, members/retired members of the Defence Force, Police, Ambulance, Firefighters and other emergancy workers suffering PTSD. The lady in question has just been awarded a Churchill Fellowship to travel overseas to gain information from other bodies etc, and lecture on the way it is set up here, in how to assist the above people. She has also been requested to address State organisations in setting up similar programs for their people.
Keep up the good work.
Dear PAUL, thanks, I promise I will. Save the best till last. Just knowing this gives me great mental backup.
Dear KEN MARSH, thanks for the link – have just read the Op Ed by Neil James.
By the way, did the Canberra Times cover the Rally at the National Press Club ?
Dear JOHN SAINSBURY, really, they all do it. Armies of spin drones whose sad duty it is to
ring talkback, post comments et al, that tow the party line.
Dear JOHN SAINSBURY, to quote Jimmy Barnes, too much ain’t enough!
Do you know the Lady in question ? She might consider writing an article for us ? What do you think ? Let’s get it all out there. I can’t bear to think of people alone and isolated – and the more the rest of us talk about it,hopefully, we can help to take away some of the sting on self-esteem and all the other stuff that many of us know about.
* It was Jimmy Barnes, wasn’t it ?
Hi Tess
In response to your question in relation to PTSD, the ladies name is Kate Tonacia, who is the founder of PTUP.
I am shore she would be only to happy to contribute an article for you.
In the meantime. there is a website at: pickingupthepeaces.org.au which outlines the aims of the group, and is very informative. I think people would be interested in this.
Thanks for any support you can give.
Hi ALL, I HAVE JUST SENT AN EMAIL TO ROB OAKSHOT ABOUT WITHDRAWING HIS SUPPORT FOR THIS GOVT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. WE SHALL SEE IF HE REPLIES TO THE EMAIL.
Thanks JOHN SAINSBURY, and for posting the additional info about the website – haven’t checked it out yet, but will.
Dear JOHN LAWRENCE, please post ROB OAKESHOTT’s reply here as soon as you get it.
John Sainsbury, these people are called, in the idiom, “astroturfers”. I’m not quite sure of the word’s origins in this context, but there you go. They are often employed by industry groups and others, to trawl red herrings and nugatory comment across the pages of online sites such as the “Punch”. They were highly in evidence, for instance, on a couple of Getup! strings dealing with coal seam gas that I followed for a while. The Fair Indexation cause is ready-made for them, because there are thousands of myths and furphies about life in the ADF for them to fasten onto, as well as a goodly number of people that are against the military on ideological grounds. So the astroturfer’s rubbish comment finds a good deal of support from the ignorant and malicious in the community.
Dear BARNEY WARD, re your comment #JOHN SAINSBURY, spot on, these astroturfers, very much in evidence in terms of environmental issues and exposed so well by our brilliant SANDI KEANE,indeed spend their times trawling the net, insidiously trying to supplant real and earnest comunity debate and discussion with spin and the party line.
It’s good to ‘out’ them wherever possible. No doubt many of them would be very close to the Minister’s office, from where they so often take their orders.
After all, that’s what so many of the politicians in today’s cabinet should be called – astroturfers. They are not allowed to think, feel, or speak, as individuals and on pain of
political death must parrot the leader. And they call it Australia.
On 10 January 2012, I wrote to the Minister for Defence. My letter stated in part:
“Australia was not prepared for war. The politicians had been warned by our military leaders but they had done very little……..”
“It is now generally agreed that the Australian defence policy between the wars and until the fall of Singapore was at best, naively optimistic, and at worst, some might say, close to treason”.
We could have paid a much bigger price for our lack of preparation then and nothing has changed since that time. Our politicians continue to ignore our most essential ingredient in a sound defence policy, the men and women who make up that defence force AND the immediate family who support them in their chosen career.
The article that follows makes me feel quite ill. That the defence force could treat the deceased and the family in such a way is unforgiveable. The officer who said that the family said you are not welcome to attend should be discharged. The fact that Minister Smith has let this go on this way should also be sacked. The time for the PM to stand up and be counted is long overdue!.
‘What happened on day of my son’s death?’
By Ian McPhedran
The Advertiser
March 12, 201212:00AM
Leading aircraftsman responsible for own death in 2009
Official report into Jamie’s death completed in July last year
Family will not receive the official report until next month
PETER “Gus” Angus has been waiting 1035 days for the official Defence report into the death of his son Jamie, 23, at an Australian air force base.
Mr Angus, a 31-year veteran army veteran, said the young leading aircraftsman was responsible for his own death, but he could not believe the dreadful way Defence and the air force had treated his family in the aftermath of the tragedy.
It began on May 11, 2009 – the day of Jamie’s death at RAAF Base Amberley in Queensland – when he received a phone call on the other side of the country but little useful information.
Three days later he went to the base to meet Jamie’s workmates and share their grief, but they had all been given the day off.
Mr Angus could not understand why so few of Jamie’s workmates were at his funeral in Townsville, only to find out later that they were told by an officer that the family had said they were “not welcome” to attend.
Two months after the death, Mr Angus received a condolence card from then air force chief and current vice-chief of Defence Air Marshal Mark Binskin.
Then he discovered that a memorial service had been conducted at Amberley but neither family nor Jamie’s partner had been invited.
The official report into Jamie’s death was completed in July last year but the family will not receive it until next month.
It is understood that the Defence Minister signed off on the report late last year, but it was still not given to the family.
“They tried to blame the minister, but the RAAF was sitting on it,” Mr Angus said.
Finally last week, following News Limited’s revelations about a delayed report into the accidental shooting of Sapper Lazarus Louis in Afghanistan, Mr Angus received an email with a release date of April 3 this year.
This is one month before the third anniversary of Jamie’s death. “The whole thing has been disgusting,” Mr Angus said.
“Nobody from the RAAF has ever sat me down and told me what happened on the day of my son’s death.”
In addition to the minister’s office, Defence also has cited “family circumstances” for the delay. Mr Angus said his family status had nothing to do with it.
Final copies of the report were produced in January and February this year. “The preparation of these materials was a complex task,” Defence said.
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Read more: http://www.news.com.au/national/a-fathers-pain-what-happened-on-day-of-my-sons-death/story-e6frfkvr-1226296481751#ixzz1os7V1h8D
Dear KB Hussell,
I was reflecting as I read your comment about military preparedness, and the accompanying very sad article about the way personnel issues have been treated under various governments. In 1988 I had the honour of attending the RAAF Staff College. It was probably the highlight of my military career. One of the exercises we did was to write a several-thousand word essay about more-or-less any military topic that took our fancy. I did mine on the development of the ADF, specifically the RAAF, from the 60s. Of course I read the Defence of Australia 1987. There was the usual platitude about how important Defence personnel were and how they were “our most valuable asset”. I was a bit sarcastic about that; with good cause, I thought. There didn’t seem to be that much care about people, really, and we used to call Kim Beazley the Minister for Boy’s Toys, because he wasn’t spending much on our pay, but plenty on shiny new gear like Collins class submarines. Hmmm. Obviously not much has changed. The 2009 White Paper treats the personnel issue like a cost-benfit sum.
OOPS. I was a bit careless in my last. Sorry. Should have been a comma after “article” in the first sentence. And the “Defence of Australia 1987″ was the Defence White Paper of that year. Talked at great length about “self-reliance” but none of it meant anything much. And good grief! talk about a bad day – it’s “benefit”, not “benfit” in the last sentence. Ah well…
Sent a letter off to Senator Lundy in reply to the one I posted a week or so back. Maybe she is trying to help us, but she’s fallen for the “unfair epithet used by Minister Snowdon and others. I hope she reads my letter and gets moving, but I’m not holding my breath. Anyway, here’s the epistle. Hope you all like it!
“Please accept my congratulations on your elevation to the Ministry.
Thank you for your welcome, though unexpected, response to my e-mail about Fair Indexation of Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits payments. I read your comments with interest and have some to offer for your consideration.
Minister, knowing your commitment to getting a better deal for retired Commonwealth employees, of course I acquit you of following the government’s “Party Line” on military pensions. But I think you may have been misled by some of the propaganda that senior ministers and advisors are pushing in their ongoing denial of Fair Indexation.
The Senate Finance and Public Administration Committee accepted, on face value, two red herrings which have been repeatedly trolled through this discussion – the “generosity” of DFRDB in comparison to other schemes, and the Department of Finance and Deregulation’s (horrifying) cost projections.
Comparisons between DFRDB and other “superannuation” schemes are invidious, inaccurate and misleading. DFRDB is not a superannuation scheme. It is a Retirement and Death Benefits scheme (there’s a difference). It isn’t so generous when you consider why it was created. The Jess report explains the reasons for its creation and structure quite succinctly. The following link provides further insight into the history of various Defence Force retirement benefits schemes:- http://dfrdb.com/cms/downloads/item/how-it-all-began.html?category_id=5 . Some of the comments therein are most interesting. I strongly recommend you read it.
I’m sure you know that cost projections from Finance were predicated on many false assumptions – including, apparently, the assumption that every current DFRDB recipient will live for another 45 years. That would make me 111. It’s a nice thought…
The Bill’s actual costs, according to independent sources, would have been less than $20 million annually. It’s interesting that $20 million a year is said to be the sum that government will have no difficulty in finding each year, to fund Federal Parliamentarians’ recent and extremely generous pay rise. Therefore, it shouldn’t be hard to find money to correct the injustice of unfair indexation.
A recurring theme in government commentary on Fair Indexation has been the “unfairness” of only seeking it for older beneficiaries. I don’t agree with that view. I think the legislation’s authors foresaw a struggle, and were concentrating their forces on a worthwhile, and limited, objective. They chose over-55s as the most disadvantaged sub-group of DFRDB recipients, because:-
Over-55s have much difficulty in finding worthwhile employment on which to build more retirement funds.
Most over-55s’ pay on retirement was relatively poor, multiplying the effect of low indexation rates.
Over-55s are closer to the point at which the retirement benefit turns into a Death Benefit, which will mostly leave their spouses struggling on an income well below the poverty line.
Younger military retirees won’t be left out. I think the appropriate cliché is “Watch This Space”. And while I sympathise with other retired Commonwealth employees, their problems are not the same as those of military retirees, and should be considered separately.
Minister, there is only one issue here. DFRDB recipients were promised, when the scheme began, that retirement (and death) benefits would be permanently indexed to maintain their relativity with prices and wages. Whether the promise was ever kept is open to question, but it certainly hasn’t been honoured for (too) many years. DFRDB recipients ask that government now make a start towards honouring that promise.
The rationale for building yet another incomprehensible statistical edifice to index Commonwealth retirement benefits, separately from everything else, is unclear. There is already a very serviceable set of criteria that works well in adjusting the Age and Disability Pensions; as you and three of your colleagues quite correctly pointed out in your joint letter to Minister Tanner on 14 September 2009. Let’s just use that! And quickly, please!
Thank you again for your letter, and I wish you well in your new Ministerial responsibilities.
In courtesy I advise that I will circulate this letter to other interested parties.
Well done Barney, I really hope that she repies to your hard work.
Dear KBHUSSELL, again, thanks for telling it raw and unadorned of spin – and citing IAN MCPHEDRAN’s extraordinary article about an extraordinary injustice. It is difficult to read this without weeping. Or getting angry. And ashamed.
This story makes it blisteringly obvious that something is seriously wrong -with the Defence Department – with the Government. Nothing, it seems, has changed. Despite all the promises, despite all the assurances; despite all the reports.
My heart goes out to the ANGUS family. They have been treated with utter contempt – as if they
were non-persons, without rights.
Who was the officer who told JAMIE’s mates that they would not be welcome at the funeral ?
Why would you say such a thing? How could you say such a thing?
I hope FOUR CORNERS or LATELINE takes a closer look at the shocking abuse perpetrated on this family in our name.
I do not wish to cause the family more grief, but how could anyone trust any report into JAMIE’s death, given the authorities are capable of such despicable conduct.
Thanks Ken, the hard issues need to be addressed.
As unpalatable as it is toacknowledge, our Governments, and institutions, are not always honest with us.
And so we must be honest with one another.
Dear BARNEY WARD, no doubt SENATOR KATE LUNDY owes her elevation to the Ministry to her aptitude for treachery toyou in voting down the Fair Indexation Bill.
She has a chance to redeem herself now – but they are all stooges to the Faceless and Graceless
Men.
At what stage will the PM outline some very clear priorities as to exactly where this country is going?
In recent times we have seen the blood spilt following the challenge to the leadership by Rudd. Instead of going the fifteen rounds like a normal world championship fight, this went for fifteen days! Of course when you throw the comments from the likes of Swan, Crean and Albanese into the mix the whole sorry mess is relegated to the gutter – where it rightfully belongs. We must be the laughing stock of our neighbours near and far.
In order to keep our eyes off the ball, we are then subjected to the parachute job done on Carr into a safe Senate seat before being appointed to the critical portfolio of Foreign Affairs. This speaks volumes when the PM does not have the confidence in any other Minister to take over this portfolio without bringing in an outsider. And again, in order to keep our eyes off the ball, they can always revert back to same sex marriages to keep us side tracked for a few more days. If in fact the PM can have supporters of same sex marriages to the Lodge for dinner to discuss the matter, why not the veterans spokespeople, Brig. Neil Weekes and AVM Peter Criss to discuss our concerns? I would suggest the concerns of Veterans takes priority over same sex marriages at this point in time. I am of the opinion that this government is looking for insects while the elephants thunder down the road. Methinks the time for some honesty is long overdue.
The country is facing far more serious issues than these at this time, hence my call for some clear priorities for a change.
Surely the time to pull our troops out of Afghanistan is now long overdue. It is another Vietnam in so many ways. In 1967 my morale went down for a period because the wharfies went on strike and defence stores were not always available in the quantity neeeded. The posties went on strike and mail was delayed hence the call to ” punch a postie” on RTA. Our diggers in Afghanistan are aware of the treatment we are getting from this government which is not good for their morale. They are worried about wounded mates. And they have every right to be. All we hear about WIA’s is that they have been airlifted to the nearest appropriate medical facilty. Where are they and how are they today? Are their needs being met?. We all remember Sue’s story to realise how widows are treated by government. All diggers in Afghanistan know they are not held in high regard by the current Minister for Defence and that should NEVER happen. God knows they have enough on their plates as it is every day.
Regardless of the number of KIA’s or WIA”s or murders, our PM still states we have clear objectives and we will stay the course. Is that our course or the US course? The recent murder of 16 Afghanistan people by a rogue US soldier, nine of whom were children is enough reason for our troops to come home I would have thought? It is a good time to pull out our troops while we still have a reputation as a reliable ally and a professional fighting force as two VC’s clearly show.
While still on the subject of Minister Smith but closer to home, he cannot find the strength to apologise to Commodore Kafer over his handling of the problems within the Defence Force Academy. He has a Defence Force Chief, Gen. David Hurley caught lying to the public to cover up the abuse of an 18 year old female. At a time in this country when unemployment is too high and our manufacturing industries are going down hill, essential parts for our Navy vessels and other essential war stores are being manufactured overseas. Surely, this “precious stone set in a silver sea” MUST have the capacity to be totally self sufficient in everything required for the defence of our nation? Clearly, Minister Smith is about as subtle as a drifting smell at a mixed formal dining in night. Like every bad smell, the sooner he goes the better.
I feel we have all written enough letters and e-mails without a positive response because politicians simply do not have the manners or honesty to offer a genuine reply to any of us. Our next step has to be action and regardless of what form that comes in, the sooner it comes the better. Just give the word Neil and we will all meet in Canberra. To say this government is ‘on the nose” is an understatement. In fact it is about par with the inside of a Japanese wrestler’s jock strap. I do not just want to see them defeated at the next election but obliterated. I hope the Coalition keeps uppermost in its mind the promises made in relation to a fair go for veterans and I will believe that when I see it – not hear about it.
Have just finished reading “Ghost Platoon”, by Frank Walker, National Library of Australia, 9780733626432 (pbk.) This book states in part:
“One of the greatest betrayals of World War One veterans has been the building of the myth that they died at Gallipoli and Flanders Fields defending our freedom, that Australia was born in the cauldron of blood of their noble sacrifice. The truth is they died in vain, fighting in horrific conditions against a force that posed no threat whatsoever to Australia. Many diggers knew this, writing home to urge younger brothers not to join up.
The same thing happened with the Vietnam war: it was started on a lie, fanned by politicians who themselves preferred the safe corridors of Parliament House, and maintained by leaders who knew the war was already lost, who then turned their backs on the damaged men returning home. Now it continues with Australian troops sent to Iraq and Afghanistan. Already hundreds have come home suffering mental wounds only to receive inadequate help from the military. History is repeating itself”.
Roll on 2013.
Dear KEN HUSSELL, what a powerful OpEd! What a champion you are. With your pen as well as your heart.
I encourage us all to copy Ken’s essay and send it to as many politicians as possible – and DFC General David Hurley as well.
What is HE doing to set things right by Veterans ?
Here is my recent letter to Wayne Swan. The Attachment was the well-known graph shown at the head of this site.
13 March 2012
The Hon. Wayne Swan, MP
Deputy Prime Minister and Treasurer
Parliament House
CANBERRA ACT 2600
Veterans’ Fair Go, or a Kick in the Guts?
Dear Minister Swan
I read with interest your recent article in The Monthly, your subsequent at the National Press Club address and your replies to questions afterwards.
The point of this letter is to tell you that I am now very confused about Labor’s commitment to any reform of military superannuation indexation. What veterans seek is this:
We want the Federal Government to adopt the same formula used for Age/Service pensions for all components of Military retirement pensions (DFRB/DFRDB/MSBS) including the total reversionary pension for partners of deceased military superannuation pensioners.
Until now, I was under the impression that there is no argument about the nature of the inequity being perpetrated upon military superannuants by successive governments, the result of which is a spiral of ever-decreasing purchasing power. The attached graph clearly demonstrates this.
Where there was argument, was about the affordability of fixing the problem. A fix, by the way, which would restore a condition of service, not give ‘more’ or ‘better’ or even ‘generous’ superannuation ‘benefits’. The only requirements for this fix are generosity of spirit and ethical treatment of these people.
Now Mr Swan, you have considerably muddied the water for me, especially when I read the headline based on your speech “Swan rejects military pension changes” (AAP March 5, 2012, 12:15 pm). You are reported to have said that ‘… they have a very good defined benefit scheme.’ Without arguing about how good the schemes are, the point is that they are defined, meaning that they are vested at enlistment. That vesting included the maintenance of purchasing power of superannuation pensions, and that, as you know, is not possible with CPI indexation only. You acknowledged as much when responding last Monday to a question from Peter Martin of The Age. Yet you continue to assert, in an offensively dismissive way, that veterans’ claims have been rejected, ‘knocked back’ even, implying that CPI indexation will remain.
Is that the ‘fair go’ you were talking about Mr Swan? Is that really the way Labor wishes veterans to understand the ‘egalitarian spirit in our national character’. Do you really believe it reflects the ‘sense of fairness and decency that is the foundation of our society’?
Any cost argument is moot, by the way. Being a condition of service, indexation that maintains superannuation pensions’ purchasing power, should be a non-discretionary item in the budget. That condition is not being met. Further, you said in response to questioning by Phillip Hudson of the Herald Sun that the ‘claim on the budget… will be simply unsustainable’. Mr Swan, the real cost is less than $20M per annum, before claw backs. Surely that price is a small one to pay to give our veterans the fair go, just like the one for which they fight so bravely on operations on behalf of the nation? If you did not yet know this, Mr Swan, it high time you read the submissions made to Government by ex-service organisations, instead of listening to the ‘faceless’ spin doctors who cannot even get their sums right.
I ask you these questions because the Coalition has now issued a media release, restating the commitment made in their Private Member’s Bill last year, in which they again commit only to reform DFRB and DFRDB indexation for over 55s. They neglect MSBS superannuants and those disabled veterans under 55 entirely. Nevertheless, the Coalition has at least made a strong statement recognising the current inequity.
I believe strongly that it would be poor public policy to fix only part of a recognised inequity that has been divisive for a long time, only to continue that divisive discrimination for some of those people into the ‘sometime’ future. I hope that Labor can recognise this, and act soon, in a similar, but more comprehensive way, ideally in concert with the Coalition.
Can you please assure me that Labor is still committed to a fair outcome for all veterans, and let me know what is todays real Labor position on it?
In anticipation of your early response.
Yours sincerely
Attachment
Dear BERT HOEBEE – SWAN surely should respond, if not out of courtesy, then to respond to the Coalition’s press release.
It is no co-incidence Bert, that the Coalition has issued their press release just at the time when DEFENCE MINISTER STEPHEN SMITH is under attack. They are going in for the kill obviously.
Why has TONY ABBOTT waited until now ?
What this indicates is that the Opposition realise what electoral power you have, especially in marginal seats, if you decide to vote in a bloc.
There are only a few weeks left in the life of this lifeless Parliament for this term, so the GILLARD/CARR Government better get a move on a do something for Veterans before ANZAC DAY.
Maybe you should consider marching with a red armband, as a protest and also to signify the blood shed by your comrades through the decades.
Its time that we showed our politicians that they can’t keep treating us like idiots without some repercussions. Now is the time to ensure that no politician is invited to any ANZAC DAY function, march or commemoration. Why should we give them favourable exposure and photo opportunites so that the general public thinks they care about us. Let ANZAC DAY just be the start. We also need to ban politicians from all future Commemorative and ESO activities and events, particularly those where our soldiers have been KIA and fallen.
To keep doing nothing in this respect, allows them to think they control us and our destiny. They see us as being able to be easily manipulated and very very gullible.
Enough is enough. Are we serious about taking them on or not. Let us put it to the test, if we have the ticker.
Dear John Griffiths,
You have my total support old mate.
We have all sent enough letters and e-mails with no result whatsoever. I for one have had enough of the mushroom treatment.
The time for a “contact front” is long overdue and the sooner this happens the better. Please talk to us Neil, we the indians are getting restless.
Dear JOHN GRIFFITHS and KEN HUSSELL, I have no doubt that politicians will try to hijack ANZAC DAY in particular this year, to try and claw back some public favour. As if.
But they can’t take this day of days away from you. It would be interesing if they found themselves locked out from photo opportunities and denied such shameless political expediency.
I am with John and Ken.’Contact Front’sounds like something matelots might call ‘Action Stations’. Enough is enough.
John Griffiths and KB Hussell, I couldn’t agree more. Also Bert Hoebee, well said mate.
I wonder how we can keep politicians away from Anzac Day. They usually hang around like flies on that day. I guess we need to talk to RSL people locally. I might try my luck.
KB, I was really exercised by your comments on Afghanistan. There’s an aphorism “the only thing we learn from history is that we don’t learn from history”. Various people have had the blame for it including George Bernard Shaw and Mark Twain; but how true. A fellow named John Masters wrote about his experiences with Pathans and other Afghani tribesment way back in the thirties. Nothing seems to have changed since then except the guns have gotten bigger..and people are still dying and suffering for no visible gain.
The one thing that’s struck me about Minister Smith is that he does the best “cat’s bum” mouth I’ve seen since the one an elderly female relative used to put on at the slightest provocation. You know the thing; disapproving frown with lips pursed, just like that. Apart from that he is pretty useless, isn’t he. Don’t expect a reply to your letter, KB. I’m still waiting for an answer to the one I sent in October 2011.
I agree with you all and if Craig Thomson is at our ANZAC Day at The Entrance I will show him the back of me. I am not in a position to stop him being invited but I will sure show him my disgust in him and his party.
Bob
Dear JOHN, KEN,PAUL, BARNEY and BOB, re ANZAC DAY,perhaps it’s worth writing to politicians
and saying they are welcome to attend and pay their respects as individuals but if they present as politicians, you will turn your backs on them.
And what about wearing ‘ Fair Go for Veterans ‘ armbands ? Also,for family,friends and supporters to wear.
And while we’re on the subject, what about T shirts with that logo on it – and maybe that
painting of Neil holding that begging tin ?
Just tossing it in the mix.
Hi All,
I’m 100% behind the above comments about barring politicians from ANZAC and other commemorations unless they are ex servicemen/women. Unfortunately our RSL leadership lacks the will to do so. I remember Springwood tri-services did just such, but at this juncture, I do not know of any others. Gee isn’t our current defence minister a lemon, just as is Snowdon. I guess if you support the leader, you do not need any talent to become a minister. What a sham our nation’s politics has become. I know that Neil, Peter, Ray, Ted and many others are working hard for us, but it would be nice to show our strength in numbers and really create some publicity. It is probably the last thing they would expect, as we have all been too quiet for too long. Polish your boots, boys and girls, and let’s stick it to ‘em!
Dear 10SUMPY, do I feel a March on Canberra coming on ?
Following received from a friend of a friend and passed for further dissemination – especially the NSW contacts – keep it going. Pardon the rough talk!
regards
Quote
Hey Junior, Just returned from Cairns RSL after meeting with Minister for veteran Affairs Snowden. What an arrogant prick he is. All the hype over fair indexation for DFRDB pensions is apparently bullshit. Snowden said straight out “It won’t happen while we are in government,we can’t afford it”. He was really agitated and threatened to walk out. Didn’t want to talk DFRDB and he lost the audience with his agressive manner. He is going to tour NSW RSL clubs starting at the Gold Coast. If anyone wants to piss him off just mention DFRDB. So if you have any contacts in the areas he is visiting warn them what is coming their way. He reckons all the promises from the LNP are crap. I think Labour just lost all ex-military votes all 60,000 and their families.
Cheers,
Unquote
I’m racking up quite a tally of replies from various politicians – nearly all of them dribbling the same nonsense. Here’s the latest, from Senator Doug Cameron, or, more accurately, one of his minions. It’s the usual rubbish, and I won’t bother including the attachment “response” to the Returned Service League – you have all seen it before.
“Thank you for recently taking the time to contact Senator Doug Cameron with your concerns about indexation arrangements for Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits Scheme; he has asked me to reply to you on his behalf.
“Senator Cameron understands that this is an emotive issue, and it’s important to recognise that caring for our retired military personnel is a priority for the Government.
“It is important to note that the DFRDB comprises one part of an overall remuneration package offered to ADF personnel which reflects the unique nature of their important work. It sits alongside competitive salaries, special funding for tertiary education and training, assistance with housing and schooling for ADF members’ families and other extraordinary arrangements. It is not however a ‘pension’, so it is difficult to compare it directly to something like the age pension.
“The Australian Government recently prepared a response to the Returned Service League on this matter – rather than try to paraphrase it and leave important information out, I have attached a copy of it with this email so that you can read the fullest available explanation of the Government’s policy.
“Last week, Tony Abbott said he would index DFRDB superannuation payments using the same methodology as aged and service pensions; however what he didn’t mention was that this would only apply to a limited number of military retirees.
“Tony Abbott’s promise would not apply to anyone that joined the services after 1991, ruling out most who have served our country in East Timor, Iraq and Afghanistan and ignoring the vast majority of current serving ADF members.
“The Opposition never committed to this indexation policy when they were in Government. In fact, the Coalition refused to release the Podger Report into Military Superannuation Arrangements prior to the 2007 election which they had commissioned.
“The Australian Government is committed to providing an equitable and fiscally responsible remuneration package for all current and retired members of the ADF that reflects the unique nature of military service.”
I will be replying, of course. But I thought I’d share this. Again I say it; they must think we’re dumb! How many times have we seen this crap already? I might make that observation to the good Senator, But I want to keep this one very short and very sharp!
When are we going to Canberra? I doubt if I can fit into the uniform any more, But I have a really nice pair of spit-polished parade shoes!
In a recent ADSO update, I became aware that there has been interest in getting some of the independents toraise a private members bill in the House of Reps. The Bill would have mirrored the failed privare members Bill submitted by Senator Ronaldson previously, to make our DFRB/DFRDB militasry super indexation, the same as that applying to aged pensioners. Peter Thornton has explained why this won’t work. With his permission, I have copied his words on this matter. See below:
Quote…..”As identified below, the only way a monet bill can be presented to the lower house is if the Government presents it (read current Labor Government).The only way it will pass through the upper house is if the Greens vote for it also.Given Bob Browns commitmentto me last year and as I have said several times already, you need an executive team to go and see Brown before they vote on the Mining Tax. The idea here is to have the Greens make the passage of the Mining Tax contingent on the Government introducing a money bill in order to fix our indexation….otherwise we will continue to spin our wheels until the next election. And after the election…..well the Greens will still hold the balance of power until 2017. No amount of fluffing around in the lower housewill work if you don’y have the Greens on board, because theyhave the balance of power in the upper house. Therefore if we can appeal to them and hold them to what they committed to then hopefully they couls apply pressure downwards to force the Government to introduce a money bill. Call Katter, Wilke or Oakshot and I am sure that they will tell you exactly the same thing. I hope this helps.” signed..Peter Thornton=UNQUOTE
I hope that Peter’s words keeps it all in perspective for us. From my own perspective. Brown has made promises but wants both military superannuants and Commonwealth public service superannuants to go onto the same super index as aged pensioners. The cost of doing that would be prohibitive at this point in time. I recall that Bob Brown was happy to reject Ronaldsons Bill recently, on the basis that the Labor Government had got their Billions and Billions of dollars right. given the comments from Smith,Swan and our laytons Vet Affairs minister, Labor is not going to reverse their continued rejection of our plight. SO the bottom line is. Only the sitting Labor Government can raise a money bill to fix military super indexation. And even if they did, then they would need the support of the Greens in the upper house. All we can do is keep up the pressure as we are doing now and hope for two things at the next election. A landslide win for the Coalition in both house of parliament at the next election, with the desire to see them control the upper house as well. That a tall order as only half the senate changes at the next election. And to achieve that we need to think and act as one and hope we get the support of the RSL and our current serving military community as well. Only then will Labor see us an electoral threat.
Dear PAUL, this is explosive stuff. So MINISTER WARREN SNOWDON threatened to spit the Dummy!!!
My,My,My.
I’d like to say he’s losing it. But he’s already lost it. And he’s certainly lost the Diggers.
His response is the manifestation of political cowardice.
Did he happen to lose a shoe in the getaway ?
Dear BARNEY WARD, thank you so much for all your contributions in these comments. This sequence of comments is a manifesto – no question. And the facile response of SENATOR DOUG CAMERON will forever be enshrined in inglorious military history in terms of this and other Australian governments turning their backs on the aftercare of Veterans.
Whenever a minion responds, it exposes the obeisance of the elected to the Faceless Men.
It is an utter nonsense that SENATOR CAMERON could not sign it himself, even with a robo signature.
You have the option of taking his contempt and putting it on that piece of paper in the ballot box. I doubt that in the next election, Australians will be so unequivocal about whom they wish to assume power.
Dear JOHN GRIFFITHS, thanks to you and PETER THORNTON, who continues to work relentlessly for all, for posting this info.
I Received these two emails recently one from a mate don’t know the origin, the second from senator Caeron’s lacky.
Update on this Governments attitude towards servicemen, serving and retired…
Thanks Mate I will pass it on
Junior
Hey Junior, Just returned from Cairns RSL after meeting with Minister for veteran Affairs Snowden. What an arrogant prick he is. All the hype over fair indexation for DFRDB pensions is apparently bullshit. Snowden said straight out “It won’t happen while we are in government,we can’t afford it”. He was really agitated and threatened to walk out. Didn’t want to talk DFRDB and he lost the audience with his agressive manner. He is going to tour NSW RSL clubs starting at the Gold Coast. If anyone wants to piss him off just mention DFRDB. So if you have any contacts in the areas he is visiting warn them what is coming their way. He reckons all the promises from the LNP are crap. I think Labour just lost all ex-military votes all 60,000 and their families.
Cheers,
Dick O’H
Dear Mr Ihlein,
Thank you for recently taking the time to contact Senator Doug Cameron with your concerns about indexation arrangements for Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits Scheme; he has asked me to reply to you on his behalf.
Senator Cameron understands that this is an emotive issue, and it’s important to recognise that caring for our retired military personnel is a priority for the Government.
It is important to note that the DFRDB comprises one part of an overall remuneration package offered to ADF personnel which reflects the unique nature of their important work. It sits alongside competitive salaries, special funding for tertiary education and training, assistance with housing and schooling for ADF members’ families and other extraordinary arrangements. It is not however a ‘pension’, so it is difficult to compare it directly to something like the age pension.
The Australian Government recently prepared a response to the Returned Service League on this matter – rather than try to paraphrase it and leave important information out, I have attached a copy of it with this email so that you can read the fullest available explanation of the Government’s policy.
Last week, Tony Abbott said he would index DFRDB superannuation payments using the same methodology as aged and service pensions; however what he didn’t mention was that this would only apply to a limited number of military retirees.
Tony Abbott’s promise would not apply to anyone that joined the services after 1991, ruling out most who have served our country in East Timor, Iraq and Afghanistan and ignoring the vast majority of current serving ADF members.
The Opposition never committed to this indexation policy when they were in Government. In fact, the Coalition refused to release the Podger Report into Military Superannuation Arrangements prior to the 2007 election which they had commissioned.
The Australian Government is committed to providing an equitable and fiscally responsible remuneration package for all current and retired members of the ADF that reflects the unique nature of military service.
Yours faithfully,
Tom Harris-Brassil
On Behalf of
Doug Cameron – Senator for New South Wales
Phone: (02) 4751 4288
Barney was your copy sent before or after mine? Can’t they write us indivual replies.
Bob
Hi Bob, Tess and everyone,
Thank you, Tess, for the great support you give to us all. And to IA for keeping this forum going. It helps to keep us all connected and on page.
Bob, I got my “Senator Cameron” email (by the same author) yesterday. I’m working on a response, with invaluable help from some of our campaigners. It’s no wonder Labor is failing in the polls. Their senior people have neither the imagination, nor the courtesy, to prepare individual responses to correspondence; or even the basic good manners to advise that they have sent a “round robin” letter. And heaven forbid that they would reply in person. Oh No, they are much too important for that!
Don’t you love the comment about “competitive salaries”? Pay was OK, but on a downhill track, when I joined up in the late 60s. But there weren’t too many competitive salaries about in the late 80s. Two of my junior people in a lower-paid mustering were actually getting salary supplements from Centrelink in 1987! And the country expected them to be prepared to go in harm’s way, all the same! What a joke. I’m willing to bet that the current “competitive salaries” won’t last any longer than they did in my day.
As for Minister Snowdon, I am not surprised at his reaction. It’s typical from someone who is out of his depth. He, like Minister Smith, is no good at his job. His conscience may be troubling him, as well. But I’m not sorry for him on any count. He has been captured by the bureaucracy. More fool he.
Barney
I had mine sent 10.07am 16/03/12 probably same time diffent reciepents.
Yeah I joined in 1968 and got out in 1988 thinking I could always rely on my DFRDB would be lost without TPI and service pension. We don’t expect to live on our super if we did we would have stayed in longer.
We were loyal to the government of the day as our condition of Service to them but there has been no return loyality I am afraid it should be a two street.
Cheers
Bob
Bob, yours beat mine by 5 minutes. I guess he’s had a few to answer and just copied the text.
Logical enough I guess, but when you do that it’s good manners to tell your recipients they are getting a circular letter.
Dear BOB IHLEIN, thanks for posting SENATOR DOUG CAMERON’S reponse via the hired gatekeepers. As with BARNEY WARD’s response, this exposes the contempt in which you are held, in that you are all undeserving of an individual response.
We must never tire of doing this, because of the historical and archival relevance of this comments section you all author.
Both the political and military significance of your campaign attests to the activism of Veterans on behalf of several generations of Diggers and Families, Friends and Supporters – fellow Australians.
Importantly,the extraordinary resilience, camaraderie, breadth of argument and intellect far eclipses the talents and compassion of our politicians and the GILLARD/CARR Government
Dear BARNEY WARD, thank you for your lovely words. I can honestly say it is a pleasure and that
I feel so strongly about your cause and am unashamedly on your side in this campaign. And I know
that DAVID DONOVAN, INDEPENDENT AUSTRALIA’s Managing Editor, from the first time we spoke, has been unstinting in his support.
Also Barney, it works both ways. There is no doubt that your cause and plight had such a profound impact on me, that it enabled me to get through particularly difficult yuk times – and still does; because it is a true cause, a just cause, and it is the right thing to do.
Ironically, this story – and the interactive comments section – was seized upon by lawyers for coporate psychopaths,NATIONAL AUSTRALIA BANK, and presented as evidence in the Supreme Court of Victoria, in my absence, as supposed proof that I could not possibly be ill, despite
written and in-person expert medical testimony to the contrary.
While it has been acknowledged in another thread I wanted to make a comment here about the passing of Margaret Whitlam. At 92 she has had a good innings, yet her death came as somewhat of a shock and I feel some sadness regarding the news. Her and Gough have been a memorable couple driven, I believe, by a desire to see a better nation and a better world. And I say that as someone who at the time definitely wasn’t sympathetic to the passing of the Whitlam government.
As I look back however I realise that many of the changes Whitlam introduced were for the good. I know that there are many vets who accuse Whitlam as the one who stole our money and I believe that we would be in a better position today if that had been invested on our behalf.
Having said that, when I read the statments in the Hansard made by Whitlam in relation to military superannuation – statements I see as sincere – I wonder if perhaps, so far as prime ministers go, he isn’t the best friend that service men and women have had. I know I was told by my RSL pensions officer that the compensation scheme available to vets is the best one to be under.
While they may never see this page, my condolences to the Whitlam family.
I am pleased that Ken Marsh has raised the topic of Whitlam’s involvement in the DFRB/DFRDB affairs.
It was Whitlam who, as leader of the opposition, first raised the issue of a need to review the DFRB fund (read scheme) on Tuesday 19 May 1970 during debate on ‘Law Reform for the Australian Capital Territory’.
Hansard – Pages 2355-2356
“I promised yesterday week that the Defence Forces Retirement Benefits Fund would be reconstituted so as to provide non-contributory pensions to all ex-servicemen and to adjust those pensions periodically in accordance with adjustments in rates of pay applicable to current servicemen. It will be recalled that on 29th May of last year [1969] the Minister assisting the Treasurer promised to bring up to date a table which he had previously given me of comparative benefits paid on retirement to servicemen in the United States, Britain and New Zealand. I reminded him of this promise in a question on the day we sat this year. I have not yet received an answer. Nevertheless, the whisper is that something is to be done about the Defence Forces Retirement Benefits Fund.”
On Tuesday 9 June 1970, during debate on the ‘Defence Forces Retirement Benefits Bill 1970’, Mr Barnard (Deputy Opposition Leader) stated:
Hansard – Page 3156
“Because of the complexity of the legislation the Opposition believes it should be scrutinised by a joint select committee of this Parliament. Examination by such a Committee should be directed towards the following areas:
1. Repealing the existing legislation and replacing it with a simpler and more lucid model.
2. Putting all contributors to the Fund on the same basis.
3. Assuring more effective administration of the Fund.
4. Providing for more frequent actuarial assessment and adjustment of the funding of the scheme.
5. Reviewing pension values more frequently to prevent erosion by inflation.”
He then moved, on behalf of the opposition that an amendment that:
“…a Joint Committee of senators and members of the House of Representatives should be appointed to investigate and report on the Defence Forces Retirement Benefits Fund”.
The amendment, though the sound intent was generally acknowledged by the Government, was defeated along party lines. The Gorton LCP Government later introduced the suggestion as its own initiative.
Where has the earlier strong ALP (statesmanlike) support for Australia’s military members gone?
Dear KEN MARSH, I know how you feel, MARGARET WHITLAM was a tour de force in her own right and it’s been interesting hearing various anecdotes about her generous heart, sense of humour and ability to make people from all walks of life feel comfortable.
GOUGH WHITLAM’s role in terms of superannuation and pensions for Vets is still a matter of contention and it’s good to hear your views Ken.
With respect to Peter Thornton’s comments published here by John Griffiths on 16 March 2012:
If the Greens retain control in the Senate after the 2013 election where does that leave us with Tony Abbot’s ‘pledge’ to pass the indexation promise? Did Tony place a caveat on the pledge that it was conditional on the LIB/Nats gaining an absolute majority in both houses? You may well ask, how good is that pledge! Or was that the back-door escape? Just as the first Bill presented in the Senate was up for legal dispute even if it was supported.
This could be a sneaky strategy to blame the Greens, knowing they will not support the Bill in the Senate without getting a deal on the Mining Tax that Tony has no intention of conceding.
Believe any politician at your peril.
Dear BILL ARDEN, great of you to dig out Hansard for us. Onya and thanks.
Hi Tess, I had my first radiotherapy today and will be having it until the 11th of May. The procedure itself was very quick and painless, all up it was only ten minutes. The hardest part was waiting for the taxi to take me home lol. I will let you know how things after a week.
Dear JOHN LAWRENCE, thanks so much for giving us this progress report. It enlightens many of us to also realise it was quick AND painless. We can show your comment to certain other people in our lives because you’ve given us an opportunity to broach the subject with them ( love your quip about the taxi, we can identify with this ).
Onya John, it takes gumption to share your journey with us and I have no doubt you will inspire
others to have check-ups and talk about it.
We can’t be with you in person, but we are with you in spirit. I reckon we’ve formed a beaut
family by sharing our comments with one another.
John, how often do you have the radiotherapy ?
Hi Tess, the treatment is five days a week until 11th of May.
Pension Increase.
Tuesday 20 March 2012
VA022
INCREASE TO VETERAN PENSION RATES ON 20 MARCH
The Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Warren Snowdon, has today announced that from 20 March 2012, around 312,000 veterans, partners, war widows and widowers will receive an increase in their pensions and income support payments.
Mr Snowdon said improvements to the bi-annual pension indexation process are part of the reforms introduced by the Australian Government in order to deliver a fairer pension system.
“The increase I have announced today as part of this indexation process will assist the veteran community by providing the extra support needed to help cope with increased living costs,” he said.
The first full pension payment at the new rates will be on the pension payday 5 April 2012.
The table below highlights the key changes to fortnightly rates.
Pension Old Rate
(per fortnight) New Rate
(per fortnight)
20 March Increase
Service Pension—single $748.80 $755.50 $6.70
Service Pension—couples $1,129.00 couple
$564.50 each $1,139.00 couple
$569.50 each $10.00
$5.00
War Widow Pension $758.70 $765.60 $6.90
Income Support Supplement $226.80 $228.90 $2.10
Special Rate (TPI) Pension $1,143.80 $1,154.20 $10.40
Intermediate Rate Disability Pension $776.30 $783.40 $7.10
Extreme Disablement Adjustment $631.50 $637.30 $5.80
100 per cent General Rate of Disability $406.40 $410.10
$3.70
Pensions are indexed twice a year in March and September by reference to the highest of three measures: the Consumer Price Index (CPI), Male Total Average Weekly Earnings (MTAWE) and the Pensioner and Beneficiary Living Cost Index (PBLCI).
“From mid-June, members of the veteran community, will receive additional assistance through the Clean Energy Future Household Assistance Package to help with the cost of living impact of the carbon price. This package includes up-front and ongoing assistance for eligible veterans and their families,” Mr Snowdon said.
Pension indexation rates and details of the Household Assistance Package are available from http://www.dva.gov.au or by calling 133 254 or 1800 555 254 for regional centres.
Media inquiries: Minister Snowdon: Lidija Ivanovski 0407 108 935
Department of Veterans’ Affairs Media: 02 6289 6203
NOTE HOW THEY INDEX THE INCREASE. If only they and their Spin Doctors could read our letters and see how they could do the same for DFRDB reciepants.
Now tax Bob Brown has his mining tax he should support Tony Abbott in our Fair Indexation.
Regards
Bob
________________________________________
Dear JOHN LAWRENCE, thanks for giving us the heads up on your treatment schedule. You’re a champion!
Dear BOB IHLEIN, thanks for posting the Press Release from MINISTER WARREN SNOWDON.
If this was on the cards, you would have thought WAYNE SWAN would have mentioned it
at the National Press Club in response to questions about the FIB ( Fair Indexation Bill ).
DISABLED DIGGERS SHAFTED AGAIN! MINISTERS AMNESIA
All Ranks
Ministers Snowdon and Ross Bain (DVA Ministers office) have selected the amnesia default setting for what transpired on 20th September 2009.
On that date all government pensions DVA and Centrelink were raised from 25% of MTAWE to 27.7% of MTAWE.
That is all pensions except the 130,000 DVA Disability Pensions which include TPI, TTI, SRDP, Blinded, Intermediate, Extreme, General rate etc.
TTI, TPI, Blinded and SRDP and their families were denied an increase of $3,200 pa i.e. 2.7% of the then MTAWE.
Mr Dobell is correct with his assertion that DVA DPs are denied the correct bi annual indexation retrospective payment for increase in wages and living costs as that indexation is not applied to the denied 2.7% of MTAWE.
Every six months all DVA DPs erode/loose further parity against other pensions and wages due to the denial one off pensions increase of the 20 Sep ’09.
Minister Snowdon’s predecessor Alan Griffin touted the Harmer/Macklin/Rudd ALP pension adjustments of ’09 as Maintaining the Purchasing Power of Your Pension.
Obviously DVA DPs were not worthy of having their purchasing power maintained.
This despite the ALP supporting the Howard/Billson VEA legislation of Oct. 2007 which assured parity of DVA DPs against other pensions and the average wage.
Snowdon/Macklin/Gillard are continuing with the same mean spirited policy towards our most wounded and traumatised veterans and their families as did Griffin/Macklin/Rudd.
“I am happy to talk to any TPI veteran any time they have a problem”.
Minister Warren Snowdon, 20 Sep 2011, TPI Federation AGM, Canberra.
Jock O’Neill
WA
* Posted on behalf of Jock.
Evening all,
Last week I posted a reply penned by one of Senator Doug Cameron’s minions, to an email I sent in reference to the Labor Party’s vaunted 5 February meeting. That meeting, by the way, seems to have vanished from the face of the earth, and the usual rubbish once more occupies the political headlines. How disappointing!
Anyway, AVM Pete Criss, AirCdre Ray Gibson, ? Ian Scott (sorry Ian, can’t recall your rank; but I think I’ve got the rest right) and my old friend WOff Frosty Williams took time out in their very busy lives to help me with many of the words for the following, which went off by registered post yesterday. Thanks again, gentlemen.
“Thank you for having your aide, Mr. Harris-Brassil, reply to my e-mail of 3 February regarding military retirement benefits. I sincerely appreciate the response; all I expected was advice that you had tabled the matter at your 5 February meeting.
Senator, I am disappointed that Mr Harris-Brassil’s reply regurgitated the same mendacious spin that I have seen so many times before. The Government keeps addressing this matter as if we Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits (DFRDB) recipients are selfishly asking for some new condition of service, to be applied retrospectively without our having earned it. That is not the case, and you should know that. We simply seek restoration of an entitlement, promised at time of engagement, which incorporated an agreement to join a compulsory defined benefit. We upheld our end of the contract; please stop abrogating your employer responsibility.
We will not ignore the situation facing younger Australian Defence Force (ADF) members, who are held hostage in their Military Superannuation and Benefits Scheme by the same specious Consumer Price Index (CPI) that affects DFRDB so adversely. On that issue I will merely say ‘Watch This Space’.
I will not comment further on your aide’s e-mail, except to say that the Coalition’s actions in the matter are irrelevant to this discussion; but at least, Mr. Abbott has committed to a partial solution.
Senator, we DFRDB recipients want an Australian government, (its political alignment doesn’t concern us), to finally honour a commitment that was made to ADF members in 1973 and repeated to every new enlistee; that DFRDB benefit payments would always be indexed to maintain living standards, as promised by Mr Whitlam. It’s arguable that DFRDB benefits have never been indexed as the Jess Report intended; however, it is proven that indexation by CPI has not maintained that relativity since the early 1990s. It has also been proven that the solution is less than $20 million per year in additional cash terms. Sadly, this is a fact that DoFD cannot bring itself to acknowledge.
It is not a question of whether the Government can afford the real cash cost of fair indexation. It is a question of priorities in Government outlays. That your Government would choose to fund a whole raft of questionable programs, ahead of honouring a commitment to those who devoted the best part of their working lives to serving the Nation, speaks volumes about the true values that underpin the Labor Party’s policy ideals.
Senator, DFRDB recipients are struggling under constant erosion of their retirement benefit by the the inadequate CPI. We seek a ‘Fair Go’, to stop that erosion.
Please note that I will circulate this letter to other interested parties.”
Dear BARNEY WARD, thank you and the beaut Three Muskateers, Peter Criss, Ray Gibson and Ian Scott, and for publishing this letter to SENATOR DOUG CAMERON. It is a big wake-up call to him,
and the moribund GILLARD/GREEN COALITION.
It is no longer a question of whether this Government can afford the piddling amount to make redress. It cannot afford NOT to. As it will learn in the Federal Election.
I also have written to Senator Cameron as follows seeing Barney and I got the same reply.
Reference your email 16 March 2012
Senator Cameron I received an email from your assistant Mr. Tom Harris-Brassil in reply to an email I had sent you in February about Fair Indexation of the DFRDB Superannuation.
Senator you and your colleagues don’t get the fact that you’re Government and previous governments are reneging on A Condition of Service afforded to us in 1973 by the Whitlam government.
We 57,000 of us still living (but fading away at a great rate of knots) honored our commitment to the Country and the Government of the day and served in our Country and Overseas as was seen fit to send us.
Now we are asking you and your Government to up hold your end of the bargain belated as it may be. As the Jess report intended.
Our condition of service that we accepted was to have our DFRDB benefit indexed to maintain living standards. The CPI has been used and we all know that it is not up to the mark and that Aged pensions etc no longer use the CPI and your colleagues have previously admitted the CPI is no longer a viable bench mark.
We have been betrayed by all political parties none in particular. We can write to a Politician from either party and get a reply from a staffer. When we take the time to write to you it is only manners to reply yourself. Note I am not getting my wife to write to you.
So please Senator read my letter and if you see fit reply but not with the standard format we have received from your colleagues that it would be unfair if we were given fair indexation and public servants, current serving members of the defence force didn’t get the same. It has been stated that fair indexation would cost over Six Billion Dollars to fund. Our estimates are that it would cost Twenty Million a year. You need to remember every year that 57,000 figure is reduced.
Regards
Robert Ihlein
My letter will also be circulated to my colleagues and the fair indexation website.
Bob
Dear BOB IHLEIN, thanks for exposing SENATOR DOUG CAMERON’s lazy and disrespectful pro forma
response and for posting how you responded to him.
Strange how the Government has found hundreds of millions of dollars for the car industry – but
nothing for returned Veterans and families!
Hi Tess and All,
I know I have been MIA from this blog for a while, but I can promise you it is not because I have been idle. There is a lot happening, even if it doesn’t always appear as if there is!
Anyway, it is time for another call to arms. We will be soon launching Operation AWARE, another National Operation and we need maximum support from ALL if it is to be a success.
I have just released the message below which many of you will no doubt receive through email contacts, but I would appreciate it if you would:
a. consider helping out wherever possible, and
b. pass this message on to all of your contacts.
Many thanks.
Regards,
Ray Gibson
***URGENT***
OPERATION AWARE
WE NEED YOU
ADSO is conducting a National operation (Operation AWARE) over the period 5-15 April to increase public and media awareness of the Fair Go Campaign. Many of those who have already registered on our volunteer list would already know of the operation.
However, to ensure the success of Operation AWARE we need to call on all our supporters to help out wherever they can.
When the Operation commences, we will be asking you to use your personal contacts and networks to circulate a new flyer with an ANZAC theme and other material virally as you have done in the past.
However, another important part of this Operation involves the physical distribution of the new flyer in selected areas around Australia.
The Action Group Leaders in each State will be coordinating this and other activities during the operation and they would love to hear from you.
Can you spare a day or two, or maybe an hour or two
over the period 5-15 April, or just before or after this period?
It could be enough to make a difference.
If you have not already agreed to help with this operation in response to a request from your State leader, now is your chance to do so.
If you can help, please contact your State Action Group Leader below and provide the following details:
First Name:
Last Name:
Federal Electorate (if Known):
Town or Suburb:
Postcode:
Contact phone Number:
Email address:
Dates/Times you are available:
Willingness to physically distribute flyers in your area – Yes/No:
Action Leaders will respond to your offer, and advise if your area is being targeted and what further assistance, if any, they require.
State Action Group Leaders:
Queensland: Kel Ryan: kel.ryan45@gmail.com;
New South Wales : Ian Scott: ian@scottadr.com;
(Excluding Eden Monaro Electorate)
Victoria: Ray Gibson (temporary): storyweaver@bigpond.on.net
South Australia: Mike Von Berg: mvb@michaelvonberg.com
ACT: Bill Murray: wrmurray@tpg.com.au
(Including Eden Monaro Electorate)
Western Australia: Richard Usher: rusher@iinet.net.au
You provided great support to Operation Letter Raid.
We now need you to go the extra distance with this Operation.
Your Mates Need You.
Please Don’t Let Them Down!
Please pass this message on to all of your contacts without delay.
Thanks for your cooperation.
Ray Gibson & Ted Chitham
Co-Directors
ADSO Fair Go Campaign
Dear RAY GIBSON and TED CHITHAM, count us in on IA in this comments section of course, and I will do my best to distribute posters and flyers.
So good to hear this step of the campaign has an ANZAC theme. The Fair Go Campaign surely acknowledges them – and the sacrifice your comrades so often made at the behest of the very Government that spurns them – and you – today.
I sent this letter to the PM the other day, asking whether her Ministers were Incompetent.
Dear Prime Minister
A Fair Go, or a Kick in the Guts?
On Monday 5 March 2012 Minister Swan addressed the National Press Club.
During question time he was offensively dismissive of veterans seeking fair
indexation of their superannuation pensions. He did this despite his talk
being focussed on a fair go, equality, mutual care, and Labor’s creed of
fairness and decency.
Now, to add insult to injury, on Monday 12 March 2012 Minister Snowdon has
similarly offended veterans at the RSL in Cairns. There he refused to even
acknowledge that military superannuation indexation was unfair and in need of
correcting! He is reported to have said: “It won’t happen while we are in
government, we can’t afford it.” That is a big ‘kick in the guts’ and
an expression of callous contempt for veterans. The fact that he said this
as the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs makes it even worse.
Can you please explain why such a combative attitude from these Ministers is
necessary when dealing with veterans? Under the terms of their employment,
the government is obliged to index veterans’ superannuation pensions in order
to maintain purchasing power. That was, and remains, a condition of service
and should be a non-discretionary obligation in the National Budget.
What is going on with Labor’s implicit support for veterans, so clearly
embodied in its National Platform stating that “… Labor will continue to
explore equitable and affordable mechanisms for the improvement of other
military pensions”? We know, of course, that it is not ‘improvement’
that veterans are seeking, just the restoration of their condition of
service. We also know that when it comes a fair go, affordability is not the
issue – it is just equity and the will of the government to do the right
thing.
Why does Minister Snowdon remain so stubbornly opposed to veterans? Surely he
of all people should express support for them and argue their case with his
colleagues in Caucus?
Dear Bob Ihlein
Good on you for taking on the pro-forma and ideologically based letter writers. We deserve better than getting those sorts of letters, instead of direct answers to our courteous questions.
I wonder whether the current tactics are exactly what you allude to – just wait till we all die out and the ‘problem’ will be gone. Oh, by the way, weeping and flag waving by callous and contemptuous politicians at the funeral of the last DFRDB veteran, of course.
They need to remember and acknowledge that MSBS retirees, and those to come, were also promised a fair level of indexation, and are not getting it either.
Lest we forget.
Dear DIGGERS,colleague historian DR GLENN DAVIES has written a fascinating article on KHE SANH and COLD CHISEL:http://www.independentaustralia.net/2012/australian-identity/cold-chisel-and-khe-sanh/
I sent the following email to all the Labour MP’s and Greens and Labour Senators I could on the 8th February
Senator Hanson- Young
The Senate
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600
Dear Senator Hanson- Young
DFRB/DFRDB/MSBS SUPERANNUATION SCHEME
When I enlisted in the Army many years ago I was assured that if I stayed for 20 years or longer, from age 20, I would enjoy the benefits of my long service by way of the then Defence Force Retirement Benefits Scheme. I was promised that I could retire, secure in the knowledge that this pension would be regularly and fairly indexed to reflect the costs of the future.
Heartened by this promise I served faithfully for 20 years. Deployments included arduous postings to South Vietnam plus the Highlands of Papua New Guinea. I did this with alacrity and without complaint, often to the detriment of and disadvantage to my family because it was expected of a serviceman and woman.
Having now become a ‘senior’ I expected to ease myself into retirement safe in the knowledge that my DFRB/DFRDB/MSBS pension would sustain me in a relaxed and casual lifestyle, satisfied that I had done my duty for my country.
How wrong I was.
I draw your attention to the website http://dfwa.org.au/images/flyer2.pdf
which graphically depicts the erosion of our pension rights over the years.
What a giant kick in the guts.
You, Senator Hanson-Young had the opportunity to redress this scandalous degradation of the scheme
when the DFRDB/DFRDB Fair Indexation Bill went before the Senate on 16 June 2011 but you chose
to vote it down — safe in the knowledge that your pension would be adjusted in a fair and regular manner.
Could you look me squarely in the eye and tell me you have done it as tough as many who are
DFRB/DFRDB/MSBS superannuates have done, to earn your pension?
Senator Hanson-Young I hope you have the intestinal fortitude to bring this issue before your colleagues and see that the matter is quickly tabled in the house again. Sixty three thousand DFRDB/DFRB/MSBS superannuates, their dependents, family, friends and colleagues are watching.
Yours faithfully
Robert Ihlein
THIS THE REPLY I GOT TODAY
Dear Bob,
Thank you for contacting Senator Hanson-Young regarding DFRB/DFRDB/MSBS Superannuation Scheme. The Senator has asked me to respond to your email on her behalf.
As Senator Penny Wright has portfolio responsibility for this issue I have forwarded your email to her office for attention.
If you wish to contact Senator Wright’s office please call (08) 8205 1060 or email senator.wright@aph.gov.au
Thank you again for bringing this issue to the Senator Hanson-Young’s attention.
Kind regards,
Josie Preiss
Electorate Officer
Office of Senator Sarah Hanson-Young
Australian Greens Senator for South Australia
Level 7/ 147 Pirie St, Adelaide, SA 5000
P: 08 8231 9911 | F: 08 8211 7533
E: josie.preiss@aph.gov.au | http://www.sarahinthesenate.com |www.GreensMPs.org.au
YOU JUST SICK OF THE DUCK SHOVING AND CRAP THEY REPLY. One day we might get an answer to the question we write.
Thanks Bert you do a good job yourself.
Bob
A FAIR GO OR A KICK IN THE GUTS? Dear BERT HOEBEE, Go for it!
Bob, where do these public servants get off?? did you give Ms Josie Preiss permission to address you as Bob. I note that, like many of us, you had the good manners to address Senator Hanson-Young by her title and that you even signed yourself off as Robert Ihlein. I would have thought it just good manners for Ms Preiss to address you as Mr Ihlein.
How bloody rude.
The last time I received mail from one of these politician’s public servant/advisers and they addressed me as Paul, I wrote back and gave her a blast! Bloody cheek!
Cheers
Hi all
Just read the response to Bob from Senator Hansen-Young’s lackey.
What a disgrace!
I agree entirely with Bob and Paul’s comments. It is about time ALL pollies gave a direct answer to questions instead of duckshoving.
The question was addressed to Senator Hanson-Young, NOT THE ELECTOATE OFFICER lackey, or Senator Wong.
This Green’s mob of idiot no hopers want to “govern” and impose there wacky ideas on the rest of the country, and the misguided electors still vote for them, and the media follows them around like lost puppies waiting for a hand out.
I remind people that Senator Brown stated the the Greens would only support indexation if the mining tax was passed. As it has now been passed, there has not been a peep from the Greens and others to support indexation now that it has.
Where are the reporters on this who are not asking Brown and others, but should, where they now stand on this issue, or will it be another backflip by the Greens like everything else.
Enough is enough!
Paul
I cannot defend the use of my name Bob as I was angry at first then I looked at my email I sent and and it has Bob Ihlein sent….. Still I should be addressed as Mr. Ihlein I agree.
We are dealing with fools leading fools so what more can we do.
I will send her and give her a bit of the way she should address members of the public.
Bob
My reply to the above email.
Ms Preiss
My name is Robert and only close friends and family may call me Bob.
When you address a member of the public especially someone more senior in age you should address them as Mr. or Mrs.
So your email to me should start with Mr. Ihlein………..
If I wanted to send my email to Senator Wright I would have and I probably did.
Your Senator is one of the Greens who voted against the Fair Indexation of our DFRDB superannuation so that is why I emailed her.
She and her colleagues should now support Mr Abbott when he becomes Prime Minister to pass the bill next time as your leader Mr. Brown would not support the last bill unless he got the mining Tax. Well he now has it so come on down Mr. Brown.
Regards
Robert Ihlein
Dear BOB IHLEIN, your letter to SENATOR HANSON YOUNG says it all. The Greens make one see red.
Such a disappointment.
Dear PAUL, they get off where they got on. The Gravy Train!
Dear JOHN SAINSBURY, BOB IHLEIN,PAUL and BERT HOEBEE,these comments are monitored by the pollies, oops their political valets.
Thank you all for being so out there and not taking it. They have so underestimated you all.
More fool them.
‘DUNGAREE DOLLS’ – wonderful exhibition: – SMH link: -
http://www.smh.com.au/national/dungaree-dolls-who-kept-the-home-fires-burning-20120323-1vpc7.html
This is related to this issue and I refer to the front page story in the Herald Sun on 26/03/2011 regarding Multiculturalism and ANZAC DAY. This again proves how much the Labor Govt hates the military. By the way thank you Tess, Bob and all other contributors to this issue. Is there a march in Canberra being planned. FAIR GO FOR ALL
Dear RICHARD FULWOOD, welcome to the ongoing discussion. A FAIR GO FOR ALL is what it’s all about. If and when the mooted march to Canberra is on, I certainly intend to be there.
Have you got a link to the Herald Sun article Richard ?
Tess I don’t have the actual website as it was the front page story on the Herald Sun. It is also on Andrew Bolts Blog at blog.news.com.au/heraldsun/andrewbolt/ I support the cause of FAIR INDEXATION and I will qualify by the time it gets through the Coalition Parliament. My only concern is still the Senate if the Coalition does not hold a majority there.
Dear RICHARD FULWOOD, thanks for the info – and support for the cause.
A YEAR TOO LATE SEN RONALDSON:
“Potential hypocrisy” really!
Dear Michael (Senator Ronaldson)
You are a year late in raising the alarm on this waste of $500,000. The “Centenary of Anzac Report” was released in March 2011
Extracts from the report: http://www.anzaccentenary.gov.au/publications.htm
“Multiculturalism: Commemorating our military history in a multi-cultural society is something of a double-edged sword. While the 100th anniversaries are thought to provide some opportunity for creating a greater sense of unity, it is also recognised as a potential area of divisiveness. There are strong views either way in terms of how to recognise any ‘non-Australian’ military service of those who now live here, and this lack of consensus is well known. It was clear that erring by making commemorations ‘overly politically correct’ would generate more negative reactions from the general public and in particular from ADF personnel and their families, but that the community does not know what recently arrived Australians think about the whole idea”
Commission Members: Eight pages devoted to their biographies.
And as a footnote Veterans get this:
“Veterans’ standard of living: There were also isolated concerns that there was a potential hypocrisy implied in revering our Veterans for a brief commemoration, and then allowing some of them to live in poor conditions the rest of the time”.
Jock O’Neill, Perth.
* Posted for Jock.
DEAR DIGGERS, we’re closing down for website ‘ renovations ‘ and we’ll be
back on deck on Sunday after some online botox!
Hi tess
Like the new format, much eaiser to read for us old fellas. Keep up the good work.
Yippeeeee Dear JOHN SAINSBURY, you cheeky Possum, you beat me to it – it looks fab doesn’t it?
Onya John for being First off the Mark.
Congratulations David Donovan! You Done Good!
WW1 DIGGERS IDENTIFIED:
http://www.theage.com.au/national/world-war-1-diggers-named-20120331-1w4ny.html
Oowhaa! Not you IA. Check your new Logo – you’ve put Tassie outside the wire!
That could be considered a new meaning for ‘Independent Australia’. Hurry up and change it before the Taswegians find out.
Look a bit closer Bill – Tassie is most certainly there. It’s true that it doesn’t have the gold outline – simply because we couldn’t fit three colours on that space, so instead it is outlined in green. Like the rest of the nation, it has a black centre.
Onya BILL ARDEN, for keeping us on our toes. Actually, you have raised one of my fave raves – so often Tassie IS left off maps – amazingly on things extolling Australia, that Taswegians refer to as
‘ The Mainland.’
Hi Tess, I started my third week of radiotherapy today and the only setback is that it makes me pretty tired. Apart from that it is a breeze. Well done David on the new site, it looks great.
Dear JOHN LAWRENCE, so good to hear from you – been wondering how you’re going and I know I’m not the only one but we all understand you have to pace yourself, so you just check in if and when you feel like it.
Thanks for letting us know how you’re reacting to radiotherapy – and I’ve got another couple of Cobbers who are also experiencing extreme tiredness, and that frustrates them.
I know your reports John, answer a few questions people have about treatment, so Onya for sharing the Journey.
Re the site, yep, David deserves it – he’s worked so hard – and I know he’ll get a big kick out of reading what you said John.
Please don’t feel under any pressure to give updates on your treatment John – only if you feel like it – okay ?
Thanks John, really appreciate those kind words. Good luck with the radiotherapy.
All the best,
Dave
Latest Peter Kriss effort on Punch, well done to a true fighter!!
http://www.thepunch.com.au/articles/Vets-need-super-not-a-war-with-the-government/
Yes well done Sir, just had a look and didn’t see any govt lackies so far, mainly acrotel, st michaels, tc chong.
This is my comment on Peter Criss’s article on The Punch:
Neil Weekes says:11:15am | 03/04/12
Congratulations Peter Criss for continuing this fight for a “Fair Go”. We all know that previous Governments have failed to address this blatant discrimination against those who serve our Nation, often in very dangerous situations, despite numerous Senate inquiries, reviews most of which clearly state that military superannuation should no longer be indexed against the CPI. The current Government promised to fix this back in 2007 before the election but only commissioned yet another review. This Matthews Review acknowledged that the CPI was inappropriate and went on to say that until a more robust indexation was introduced the CPI should remain the indexation base. Some two days later the Government introduced this more robust indexation for the Old Aged Pensioners as the CPI was not maintaining parity with the increases to the cost of living. However, this more robust indexation, the Pensioner and Beneficiary Living Cost Index (PBLCI) was not applied to the military superannuation pensioners!!! Why not? Has this Labor Government still got a hangup about the Vietnam War when Cameron, Crean and Cairns (the three “Cs”) were dealing with North Vietnam and providing funds while our soldiers were still being killed by the North Vietnamese Army? Why does this ALP Government discriminate against us? Why did not the latest increases to the disability pension flow on to our disabled military personnel? Again blatant discrimination!! No wonder Warren Snowdon does not want to answer these questions. No wonder he threatens to walk out on veterans if they ask these questions. This is a national disgrace and we have had a gutful of this Government ignoring those who put their lives on the line to do our Government’s bidding. You cannot hide forever Mr Snowdon. We will see you at the next election!!!
Dear COLROE, I’ve just read Peter’s brilliant article, from your link – and also read the comments and want to thank you so much for
putting a link to this story on The Punch.
Keep it going lads. We won’t stop until you get Justice.
Dear JOHN LAWRENCE, probably gone for brunch.
Dear NEIL WEEKES, well said about Peter.
Has MINISTER WARRENS SNOWDON threatened to walk out on Veterans that ask him questions ? I think you should walk out on him if he DOESN’T answer your questions !
This is disgusting of Snowdon and nothing more than political cowardice. He has forgotten that he is a servant of the people – and not the other way around.
I posted this in The Punch but would like it here for the record. BTW, what happened to our link to the older comments?
========================================================
Thank you to the editor of The Punch for recognising and supporting an argument of truth – and Peter Criss puts it as it is – congratulations Pete.
The Labor government should read their own Hansard history to see what the ‘Will of the Parliament of Australia’ (hence the people of Australia) was when the Defence Forces Retirement and Death Benefits scheme (DFRDB) was introduced – then hang their collective heads in shame.
Even as early as 19 May 1970 (p 2356) the doyen leader of the ALP opposition (Whitlam) said,
“I promised yesterday week that the Defence Forces Retirement Benefits Fund would be reconstituted so as to provide non-contributory pensions to all ex-servicemen and to adjust those pensions periodically in accordance with adjustments in rates of pay applicable to current servicemen.”
That was a good start. Then the Gorton LCP government agreed to a Joint Select Committee of both Houses to investigate the old DFRB scheme (a committee originally proposed by the Whitlam ALP opposition on 9 June 1970).
Following the committee’s report (known as the Jess Report) the results were debated by three (3) different governments (McMahon, Whitlam and Fraser) and all speakers, from both sides and of different political persuasion, endorsed the need to maintain the value of the pension in retirement – not one speaker spoke against this argument. The only issue was the method to be adopted – not whether it was justified or not; that was the will of the Parliament – to maintain the pension value (purchasing power).
That will was ensconced in the DFRDB Act 1973, though somewhat clumsily, by adopting the CPI in 1977 as the best method of automatic adjustment. The passing of time has changed (eroded) the relativity of the CPI to purchasing power but the will of the Parliament and people of Australia is there to read and it should be adhered to for the undisputed reasons agreed to by the Parliaments that debated the Bill in the 1970’s.
There were several mentions on both sides in Parliament about the obstruction and lack of co-operation from the Treasury.
For the Partisans:
Barnard (ALP) moved an amendment for a joint party committee review of the DFRB fund on 9 June 1970. Amendment lost on Party lines.
Gorton (LIB PM) later introduced the Joint Committee on 2 September 1970 because of pressure from dissident members in the LIB party. (p3290)
Jess (LIB) chaired the Joint Committee. 1971-72
Whitlam (ALP) 26 October 1972 – “The DFRB scheme has been the subject of investigation by one of the most high powered joint committees that this Parliament has ever set up, and now on the last day of the Parliament we find that its unanimous report, which has never been criticised in the Parliament, is to be shelved once again.” (p3292)
McMahon (LIB PM) shelved the Committee recommendations in 1972, for further review, on the eve of election (defeated).
Whitlam (ALP PM) introduced all the recommendations in 1972 except for automatic indexation (pending results of a recommendation from an ongoing committee).
Fraser (LIB PM) introduced automatic indexation to CPI in 1977 (effective in 1976).
Good question Bill.
fabulous looking new site DD and Tess. .
Great work by Air Vice-Marshal Pete Criss this morning on 4BC. Excellent coverage, and by what I could see earlier in the day, almost all positive comment on the feedback page. Maybe we are starting to get some traction.
Just a quick update – I have taken to sending letters to politicians by registered post. For a small extra fee you can get a receipt acknowledgement. I sent my (previously posted to this site) letter to Senator Cameron’s electoral office, and the Parliament, this way. I got the second receipt today. Now let’s see if we get an answer. Betting’s 10:1 against.
While scratching through some of my correspondence today, I found a copy of Minister Combet’s belated reply to the letter I sent him in July last year. In fact it was a “top and tail” of a letter written by one of our petulant Minister Snowdon’s minions, that some others of you have also received.
At one point the letter accused me of asking why the Senate Finance and Admin committee recommended rejecting Fair Indexation, a question that in fact, I didn’t ask, and then produced a whole raft of specious arguments to justify that rejection. I have been doodling with a rebuttal. When I get it finished, I might post it up here and see if any of you can relate similar experiences. Could be interesting.
Tess – the new look is great, although I miss the readily seen recent comments of the old format. Took me a while to find them with the change. Another thing I miss – maybe I’m just looking in the wrong place – is the ability to see older posts when the site decides its time to start a new page. Any chance we can get that back?
Bill – great comments above.
Thanks for your feedback. The ability to scroll through pages of stories, however, is in fact still available Ken.
Just go to the bottom of the list of stories on the front page and click on the small rectangular button labelled ‘Older entries’.
Note: on subsequent pages of entries, you can choose between “Older entries’ and ‘Newer entries’.
Dave
Dear BILL ARDEN, have just read your comment and will mention to David. I like to have all the comments available too – and often go back and check things, like we all do.
Your comments have become an important historical document and many have suggested putting them in book form as a fundraisr.
Thanks too, for reproducing your salient comment to Peter’s article on The Punch.
Dear BARNEY WARD,I note your comments re what BILL ARDEN said, and
agree – will check with DAVID to see if the web template we’re using allows for that.
Re what you say about the comments on Peter’s article in The Punch – I feel one of the reasons is because you have publicly exposed the ‘astroturfers ‘ that is, spin doctors, stooges, that the Government organised to stack the comments.
And onya Barney for spotting Greg Combet’s ‘ topping and tailing.’
You are such pros at spotting all of this tripe that they dish out
to you.
Keep it going. You are such good sleuths.
Dear KEN MARSH, yes, I miss that too – and I take it you mean seeing the comments on the fornt page, without having to click onto
‘ comments ? ‘
And I take it that the older posts you are referring to – are older comments posted ? Have I got that right ?
Right now, a new page has started, and I can’t seem to access the older comments.
* There used to be an ‘ older comments ‘ that you could click on and they would readily come up.
Will cooooeeeeee DAVID!
Dear DAVID/EDITOR, I think KEN is referring to older comments.
Is there a way that the ‘older comments ‘ could be put back on at the top of the comments section, so that we can just click on that and bring up the whole lot ?
Thanks Tess for your kind words.
I’m waiting for a text from my grandson, who is commanding a cadet catalfaque party for today’s schools’ Anzac Day service in Newcastle. His life’s ambition is to join the Army. I have to collect him at the end of the ceremony. I was just thinking how lucky this country is that it still has people who are prepared to take up the challenge of military service, even though they know from their parents’ and grandparents’ experience that it’s no bed of roses.
Below is the piece of Minister Combet’s letter that attracted most of my ire. It was obvious that he – or more likely his staffer – hadn’t read my letter properly. I hope you find some of the comments interesting, and I’ll bet older members can relate to most of them. Comments on each sub-para start at the .
In your correspondence, you questioned why the majority of the Committee recommended that the Bill did not pass. The reasons for not supporting the Bill put forward by the Committee were that:
the unique nature of military service is adequately reflected through mechanisms both during and post service;
during their period of service, members of the ADF have access to service allowances, other salary related and disability allowances, ADF specific leave, housing, health, family support and compensation arrangements;
(5) Family support – What family support we got came from other service families and volunteer welfare organisations. The system did nothing. Oh, sorry, I tell a lie – in 1987 Centrelink was helping out two of my lower paid people, who had several kids each, with family assistance payments because their wives had had to stop work for one reason or another.
(6) Compensation arrangements – if you got hurt on duty there was always the niggling fear that you would be discharged MUFS – Medically Unfit for Further Service. Not a good result. Lots of time waiting for assessments and all sorts of possible outcomes. If you got hurt playing sport the RAAF medical system definitely didn’t want to know you. Happened to me. Had my medical category downgraded and nearly got flung out. In that context, if you had to argue about compo you were likely to be stiffed. There is a whole mindset in that area of the system dedicated to saving money no matter what. It’s the same outlook that tried to deny WW2 war widows their dead husbands’ accrued leave pay because “they are not on leave, they are dead”. Fact. Look it up.>
the employer superannuation contribution rate during the service period is higher than other government employees;
DFRDB pensions provide a guaranteed lifetime level of income and indexation which is generally not available in the wider community; and
The DFRDB indexed pension is available, at any age, after 20 years of service (the majority of the rest of the community is precluded from accessing superannuation benefits until preservation age is reached, which ranges from age 55 to age 60 depending on the year of birth).
I said at the outset that MSBS was a con job and I was right. My belief is that it was formulated to save the government some money. Apparently it isn’t saving enough. I believe it’s about to be scrapped. W hat will the new scheme be like? Does anyone know?
Well, that didn’t work! sorry! Various bits and pieces got left off. Here it is again (I hope)
Below is the piece of Minister Combet’s letter that attracted most of my ire. It was obvious that he – or more likely his staffer – hadn’t read my letter properly. I hope you find some of the comments interesting, and I’ll bet older members can relate to most of them.
Combet letter – In your correspondence, you questioned why the majority of the Committee recommended that the Bill did not pass. (Didn’t ask.) The reasons for not supporting the Bill put forward by the Committee were that:
the unique nature of military service is adequately reflected through mechanisms both during and post service;
My comment – Not in my experience.
during their period of service, members of the ADF have access to service allowances, other salary related and disability allowances, ADF specific leave, housing, health, family support and compensation arrangements;
My comment – Most of these we paid for either directly or in kind. Mostly we didn’t get full value. Let’s see now:
(1) Service allowance was supposed to compensate for overtime, etc. My service allowance would have paid me about $1.60 per hour for the overtime I did in the 1970s and 1980s. And when I was promoted to Wing Commander I didn’t get Service Allowance any more. Uniform allowance didn’t even pay the dry cleaning bills! Other service-related disability allowances ? I can’t think of any that I ever got.
(2) ADF specific leave – what’s he talking about? We got 3 weeks, same as everyone else, when I joined. That increased to 4 later, and there were provisions for extra leave to compensate for huge amounts of overtime, at CO’s discretion. I never saw any of that but I averaged 500 hours overtime a year for many years.
(3) Housing – I spent most of my first few years moving from one short term lease to another, because I couldn’t get TRA. I’d been posted to my place of enlistment. Eventually I gave up and built a house. (As you all know), married quarters cost 15% of gross salary – they weren’t free as this comment implies. Many were so substandard that the States tore them down when we returned them to their jurisdiction – although we forced the poor suckers who lived in the houses to maintain them in white glove inspection order. I know. I was the Housing Officer at Williamtown for a while. Anyone else remember the “Royal Circuit” at Raymond Terrace?
(4) Health- again, we know that the member got free (grudging) medical and dental but not family,as, again, is implied here – except for certain select overseas locations. Mostly what you got was pretty second-rate, too. I vividly remember having a tooth removed without benefit of anaesthetic early in the piece. And I remember, as a junior officer, getting into dreadful strife from my CO for sending one of my troops to a local GP after he collapsed at work with the flu and a temperature of 104. The reason I did that was our SMO had declared him fit for duty. Incompetent sod.
(5) Family support – What family support we got came from other service families and volunteer welfare organisations. The system did nothing. Oh, sorry, I tell a lie – in 1987 Centrelink was helping out two of my lower paid people, who had several kids each, with family assistance payments because their wives had had to stop work for one reason or another.
(6) Compensation arrangements – if you got hurt on duty there was always the niggling fear that you would be discharged MUFS – Medically Unfit for Further Service. Not a good result. Lots of time waiting for assessments and all sorts of possible outcomes. If you got hurt playing sport the RAAF medical system definitely didn’t want to know you. Happened to me. Had my medical category downgraded and nearly got flung out. In that context, if you had to argue about compo you were likely to be stiffed. There is a whole mindset in that area of the system dedicated to saving money no matter what. It’s the same outlook that tried to deny WW2 war widows their dead husbands’ accrued leave pay because “they are not on leave, they are dead”. Fact. Look it up.
the employer superannuation contribution rate during the service period is higher than other government employees;
My Comment – Red herring. We can’t help it if the Commonwealth is generally a lousy employer. On the other hand, in my day the PS got their contributions back, in full, with interest when they retired. We had to commute to get a lump sum and then repay for the rest of our lives. If we left before 20 years we got our contributions back less an administrative fee!
DFRDB pensions provide a guaranteed lifetime level of income and indexation which is generally not available in the wider community; and
My Comment – Guaranteed to sink slowly into the west, it is – this deal would be unacceptable in the wider community. Imagine what a union member would do if he/she had to put up with this sort of treatment!
The DFRDB indexed pension is available, at any age, after 20 years of service (the majority of the rest of the community is precluded from accessing superannuation benefits until preservation age is reached, which ranges from age 55 to age 60 depending on the year of birth).
My Comment – We aren’t the rest of the community. We are the ADF. We are the stupidly loyal people who soldier on when anyone else would quit. This benefit was specifically given to us in recognition of our unique circumstances. This statement is misleading. There are stiff penalties if you go before notional retiring age. Of course, our brethren in MSBS are precluded from drawing the Commonwealth contribution until age 60?.
I said at the outset that MSBS was a con job and I was right. My belief is that it was formulated to save the government some money. Apparently it isn’t saving enough. I believe it’s about to be scrapped. W hat will the new scheme be like? Does anyone know?
Dear BARNEY WARD,you are welcome. Re your post, with catalfaque, do you mean the stand on which the coffin stands – or does it have a different meaning in this context. Please excuse me for asking, I’m a drongo, but willing to learn !
Oh Barney, I’ve just read the rest of your comment. What disgusting treatment you and your families have experienced.
And this in your comment: – “There is a whole mindset in that area of the system dedicated to saving money no matter what. It’s the same outlook that tried to deny WW2 war widows their dead husbands’ accrued leave pay because “they are not on leave, they are dead” –
is a despicable act of National shame.
Hi Tess, my father’s ship the Africa Star was sunk by the Raider Kormoran on the 29/1/1941. the Captain of the german raider picked up the survivors and took them to germany prisoner of war camp. At the time my father was a Petty Officer, upon his arrival back in aussie after 5 years of being a prisoner of war the govt of the day payed him backpay only for ordinary seaman. As Barney said this has been happening to service ppl from the second world war and is still being practiced today.
Hi Tess
In this case there wouldn’t be a coffin but the principle is the same. The guards march in to words of command from the NCO commanding, they are disposed to the 4 corners of the place or item (might be a coffin, or a memorial, or a flagstaff) to be guarded, they face outward, and perform the “rest on your arms reversed” drill movement. When “Reveille” is sounded, the party comes to attention, shoulders arms, presents arms – then when it’s all over they march off. Jem was the commander today,in his red sash; and he had to give a speech. The theme for the day was the Australian Army Training Team in Vietnam, so he was wearing the correct-era greens. I’d have liked to have stayed, but there was no room for visitors. Pity.
For all my moans, in many ways it was a great life in the RAAF, particularly in the early days. The camaraderie was unbelievable, although there were the inevitable rivalries. You never lacked for help from your neighbours and colleagues.
I just get so fed up with politicians lying about how good the system was to us, and taking credit for things we mostly did for ourselves.
I had a note from a cousin who served in the Navy; he was one of the original crew of the Hobart. He and his wife (ex-WRAN) were recently in Melbourne at a WRANS function and took a nostalgic trip to Cerberus – the Naval training base at Flinders where they both spent a fair bit of time. He said they couldn’t believe how derelict this once pristine place looked. Signed his email “yours in tears”. Apparently the Captain (base commander) is almost powerless in the areas of maintenance and housekeeping – everything has to be done through a public service committee, so (he said) not much happens.
I was the RAAF observer to a committee once, back in the 1980s. It was supposed to decide what to do about the extra married quarters we would need at Williamtown when the F18s came on line. (Base population was slated to go up considerably.) After about 20 meetings the committee decided it wouldn’t make a decision. (That’s not what the report said – but that was what it meant). “Yes Minister” had nothing on it! Pity help the poor CO Cerberus if he’s dealing with one of those committees!
Just now got a reply to my letter to Senator Lundy of 10 March. I’ll scan and post it sometime soon. I don’t know whether to laugh or cry.
Dear BARNEY WARD, I’ve just finished reading your update comment re Combet. How harrowing. It’s so unjust.
Dear JOHN LAWRENCE, I was just gripped about what you wrote about your Dad and there’s quite a bit written about it too -here’s just a snippet from Wikipedia: –
“The crew was ordered by signals from Kormoran to abandon ship, but the merchant sailors did not comply until after the raider resumed fire, having observed an attempt to man the ship’s stern gun.[40] A boarding party identified the victim as the 11,900-ton refrigerator ship Afric Star, carrying meat and butter to England.[41] The complicated configuration and damaged condition of Afric Star ruled against her capture as a prize ship; after capturing code books and other vital documents, and recovering 76 people, including two women, attempts were made to scuttle her.[42] The merchantman refused to sink, and Kormoran had to use shells and torpedoes to send her to the bottom…”
How extraordinary John. I would love to read about your Father’s story – what do you think ?
It is heartbreaking, how he was treated by his own country upon his return. Really,a Prisoner of War of another kind. Diggers still are POWs in their own country!
Oh Dear BARNEY WARD, firstly, thanks for giving me the heads up and explaining. What a pity you weren”t able to stay and see Jem and hear his speech. I imagine there would be lots of photos taken.
This is terrible news about Cerberus. It used to be spick and span.
As you would expect. There would be pots of ‘ pilgrims ‘ going to visit Cerberus. I imagine it would be so upsetting to see it in such decay. What a nonsense that committee business is. All that stuff should be under the jurisdiction of Cerberus, surely.
What is going on ? Everything seems to be disintergrating.
Surely the State Government bears some responsibility for this.
Hi Tess and John
That’s a very interesting Wikipeida entry about the Afric Star.
Cerberus is still an operational base so the State government has no say on anything that happens within its boundaries. It can complain if necessary but there’s no guarantee that the complaints will be acknowledged. i agree it’s a great shame. I have very pleasant memories of visits there in the 70s and 80s. It was a showplace!
Yesterday I threatened to post my latest reply from Senator Kate Lundy. Here it is – I won’t bother with salutations and signatories, except to say that she did sign it herself:–
“I would like to thank you for your recent letters where you have expressed your best wishes to me on my recent appointment as a Minister. I am certainly looking forward to the many challenges that lay ahead. As always, I appreciate the time you have taken to write to me.
Thank you for the additional information you have provided to me.
I remain committed to continuing the campaign to imrpove the indexation methods applying to military and civilian Commonwealth pensions, and will continue to work closely with the representative organisations such as DFWA, SCOA and ACPSRO. I am, ofo course, convinced that the CPI no longer provides thekind of indexation thatresponds to the cost of living needs of this group of superannuants and pensioners, and I have been seeking thedevelopment of the new analytical living cost index which would reflect more accurately the cost of living needs of military and civilian superannuants.
I have recently written to my Parliamentary colleagues on this issue and have recommended a range of options for the government to consider in resolving this matter.
I will continue to post details of the campaign on my website at http://www.katelundy.com.au.
Thank you again for your comments and I wish you all the best.”
Now, here is an excerpt from her letter of 27 February:–
“I remain committed to continuing the campaign to improve the indexation methods applying to military and Commonwealth pensions, and will continue to work closely with the representative organisations such as DFWA, SCOA and ACPSRO. I am, of course, convinced that the CPI no longer provides the kind of indexation that responds to the cost-of-living needs of this group of superannuants and pensioners, and I have been seeking the development of the new analytical living cost index which would reflect more accurately the cost of living needs of military and civilian superannuants. I have recently written to my Parliamentary colleagues on this issue and have recommended a range of options for the government to consider in resolving this matter.
I will continue to post details of the campaign on my website at http://www.katelundy.com.au”
My now, doesn’t that look familiar? She obviously hasn’t read my letter, because she didn’t pick me up on my comment about the “new analytical living cost index”. (I called it “another incomprehensible statistical edifice”); and to repeat verbatim something she has already said in another letter, only a month ago, to the same correspondent (me) shows how much she really cares about the issue. As I said yesterday, I don’t know whether to laugh or cry.
I begin to think we are wasting our time writing letters. We need to be standing on the lawns of that other incomprehensible pretentious edifice the politicians lurk in, with placards. I actually found the tower handy, back in the 80s. It was a great aiming point off the third tee at Fairbairn – about all it was good for!
I noticed a couple of typos – my system wouldn’t let me cut and paste this for some reason. Sorry about that! But I think it’s pretty clear all the same.
Thought I would share the email ‘gem’ from the Office Of Minister Snowden, Minister In Charge Of Getting Veterans Offside.
I am sure others have also received the same spin….
Quote
Dear Mr Threlfall
Thank you for your email to the Prime Minister concerning the ALP Caucus meeting on 5 February 2012 which has been referred to me.
The subject of military superannuation indexation was raised at the Caucus meeting. At this meeting, it was highlighted that aligning the indexation arrangements for Commonwealth superannuation schemes with those applying to the age pension would come at a significant cost. Nevertheless, the Labor Government is committed to providing an equitable and fiscally responsible competitive remuneration package for all current and retired members of the Australian Defence Force (ADF).
Recently, the Opposition said that a Coalition Government would index Defence Forces Retirement Benefits (DRFB) and Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits (DFRDB) superannuation payments the same as the age pension for those members aged 55 years and over. Their proposal would not apply to anyone who joined the services after 1991, therefore ignoring the vast majority of current ADF members. The Opposition never committed to change indexation policy during more than 11 years in Government because they knew they couldn’t afford it.
You mentioned that no increase was passed on to military disability pensioners in 2009. Pension rates can be increased through one-off changes and ongoing indexation. Over the last few years, both types of changes have occurred with respect to the disability pensions and income support payments.
With effect from 1 July 2007, the Special Rate of disability pension was increased by $50 per fortnight and intermediate rate was increased by $25 per fortnight. On 20 March 2008, other veterans’ disability pensions were increased by one-off amounts.
Also, since 20 March 2008, all disability pensions have been indexed in line with the March and September changes in age/service pension. This means that movements in the CPI and Male Total Average Weekly Earnings have been reflected in disability pension rates. Prior to this change, only the above general rate component of the special rate, intermediate rate and extreme disablement adjustment rate were indexed to changes in the age/service pension.
In May 2008, the Government announced that Dr Jeff Harmer would lead a review into measures to strengthen the financial security of seniors, carers and people with disabilities who rely on income support. The Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) disability pensions were not part of the scope of the Harmer Review as they are compensation payments, not income support payments which are means tested. Even so, around 80 per cent of DVA Special Rate disability pensioners also receive an income support payment such as the service or age pension.
A major finding of the Harmer Review was that single people living by themselves were the most disadvantaged and their pension rate was too low, relative to the combined couple rate. Therefore, the Government’s principal reform was a significant one-off increase from 20 September 2009 for the single rate of age pension, service pension, carer payment and disability support pension. Pensioners receiving the couple rate received a smaller increase.
The Government’s response also included the adoption of the Pensioner and Beneficiary Living Cost Index (PBLCI) as a new, additional indexation factor for income support pension rates. This measure was passed on automatically to disability pensions as a result of the earlier changes which took place on 20 March 2008, under which the same indexation arrangements for the age/service pension were adopted for disability pensions.
For those members who retired after 1 July 2007, the following taxation arrangements apply:
· superannuation benefits, whether paid as a lump sum or a pension, are tax free for people aged 60 and over where the contributions giving rise to those benefits have been subject to income tax in the fund; and
· a tax rebate is provided for people aged 60 and over in relation to superannuation benefits paid where the contributions which give rise to those benefits have not been subject to income tax in the fund (eg DFRB/DFRDB).
The employer superannuation contributions for the military superannuation schemes are largely unfunded, that is, the Government pays its employer contributions when the superannuation benefit falls due for payment. This has effectively been the funding arrangement for all Government superannuation schemes since their inception (and both the DFRB and DFRDB schemes relied heavily on the untaxed Consolidated Revenue Fund for paying the bulk of the benefit).
Taxation on employer contributions in the military schemes is recovered when the superannuation benefits are paid (that is, when employer contributions are made). Since 2007, no tax is applied to member funded benefits or to benefits that arise from a member’s ‘after tax’ contributions.
Finally, it is important that veterans, former members of the ADF and their families are receiving all the financial and health support for which they are entitled. If you are uncertain whether you are eligible to obtain additional assistance, or if you just want to confirm what benefits and services are available through DVA, you can call the general enquiries line on 133 254 or 1800 555 254.
WARREN SNOWDON
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs
Minister for Defence Science and Personnel
Paul, it seems that Thursday 5 April is the day Mr Snowden has set aside for getting rid of a few little annoyances. No doubt it took him so long to respond with this ‘in depth’ response.I only wish I could find the email I sent him because I am sure he has answered questions I did not ask him.
I have also received my reply from Mr Snowdon’s office. It sounds like this is the form letter going out. At least I was referred to Mr Fulwood and not by my Christian name
Dear Mr Fulwood
Thank you for your email to the Prime Minister concerning the ALP Caucus meeting on 5 February 2012 which has been referred to me.
The subject of military superannuation indexation was raised at the Caucus meeting. At this meeting, it was highlighted that aligning the indexation arrangements for Commonwealth superannuation schemes with those applying to the age pension would come at a significant cost. Nevertheless, the Labor Government is committed to providing an equitable and fiscally responsible competitive remuneration package for all current and retired members of the Australian Defence Force (ADF).
Recently, the Opposition said that a Coalition Government would index Defence Forces Retirement Benefits (DRFB) and Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits (DFRDB) superannuation payments the same as the age pension for those members aged 55 years and over. Their proposal would not apply to anyone who joined the services after 1991, therefore ignoring the vast majority of current ADF members. The Opposition never committed to change indexation policy during more than 11 years in Government because they knew they couldn’t afford it.
You mentioned that no increase was passed on to military disability pensioners in 2009. Pension rates can be increased through one-off changes and ongoing indexation. Over the last few years, both types of changes have occurred with respect to the disability pensions and income support payments.
With effect from 1 July 2007, the Special Rate of disability pension was increased by $50 per fortnight and intermediate rate was increased by $25 per fortnight. On 20 March 2008, other veterans’ disability pensions were increased by one-off amounts.
Also, since 20 March 2008, all disability pensions have been indexed in line with the March and September changes in age/service pension. This means that movements in the CPI and Male Total Average Weekly Earnings have been reflected in disability pension rates. Prior to this change, only the above general rate component of the special rate, intermediate rate and extreme disablement adjustment rate were indexed to changes in the age/service pension.
In May 2008, the Government announced that Dr Jeff Harmer would lead a review into measures to strengthen the financial security of seniors, carers and people with disabilities who rely on income support. The Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) disability pensions were not part of the scope of the Harmer Review as they are compensation payments, not income support payments which are means tested. Even so, around 80 per cent of DVA Special Rate disability pensioners also receive an income support payment such as the service or age pension.
A major finding of the Harmer Review was that single people living by themselves were the most disadvantaged and their pension rate was too low, relative to the combined couple rate. Therefore, the Government’s principal reform was a significant one-off increase from 20 September 2009 for the single rate of age pension, service pension, carer payment and disability support pension. Pensioners receiving the couple rate received a smaller increase.
The Government’s response also included the adoption of the Pensioner and Beneficiary Living Cost Index (PBLCI) as a new, additional indexation factor for income support pension rates. This measure was passed on automatically to disability pensions as a result of the earlier changes which took place on 20 March 2008, under which the same indexation arrangements for the age/service pension were adopted for disability pensions.
For those members who retired after 1 July 2007, the following taxation arrangements apply:
· superannuation benefits, whether paid as a lump sum or a pension, are tax free for people aged 60 and over where the contributions giving rise to those benefits have been subject to income tax in the fund; and
· a tax rebate is provided for people aged 60 and over in relation to superannuation benefits paid where the contributions which give rise to those benefits have not been subject to income tax in the fund (eg DFRB/DFRDB).
The employer superannuation contributions for the military superannuation schemes are largely unfunded, that is, the Government pays its employer contributions when the superannuation benefit falls due for payment. This has effectively been the funding arrangement for all Government superannuation schemes since their inception (and both the DFRB and DFRDB schemes relied heavily on the untaxed Consolidated Revenue Fund for paying the bulk of the benefit).
Taxation on employer contributions in the military schemes is recovered when the superannuation benefits are paid (that is, when employer contributions are made). Since 2007, no tax is applied to member funded benefits or to benefits that arise from a member’s ‘after tax’ contributions.
Finally, it is important that veterans, former members of the ADF and their families are receiving all the financial and health support for which they are entitled. If you are uncertain whether you are eligible to obtain additional assistance, or if you just want to confirm what benefits and services are available through DVA, you can call the general enquiries line on 133 254 or 1800 555 254.
WARREN SNOWDON
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs
Minister for Defence Science and Personnel
Hi all
Havejust read Snowdens pathetic form response to Richard Fulwood.
Correct me if I am wrong, but from memory, and a former contribitor to the DFRB Scheme and subsequently to DFRDB, I am pretty sure that contibutions to the DFRB Scheme was invested and administered by the DFRB Board, which was a Statatory body and consisted not only of Public servants, but also military appoinmets from the three arms of the ADF.
When the DFRDB Scheme was created, I believe ALL the money invested by the DFRB Board, was placed in consolidated revenue, never again to see the light of day.
I believe that Snowden’s response that DFRB was funded from consolidated revenue is wrong.
Hi John,
You are correct, except that after the $160 million or so in DFRB reserves was extracted into Government coffers any existing pensioners would have to have been paid out of Consolidated Revenue. I have all the detail on just what was done, but haven’t got time to dig it out just now. I’ll look for it later and post it up.
Dear BARNEY WARD,wouldn’t it be wonderful if SENATOR KATE LUNDY really did the right thing – I think there should be a completely different jurisdiction for Defence Force Personnel pensions.
And wasn’t it interesting what JOHN LAWRENCE wrote about his Dad and the Afric Star!
I learn such a lot from you all.
Don’t be too fussed about the typos. We get what we’re all saying to one another, that’s the important thing.
Dear PAUL, thanks for posting MINISTER SNOWDON’s prefabricated response. It tells us all we need to know about him – and his tenuous grasp on his portfolio.
Crikey, nice work if you can get it.
Dear RICHARD FULWOOD,you have been dished up with the same old same old. MINISTER SNOWDON clearly thinks you are a lot of drongos.
What a fool he looks, and is.
Dear JOHN SAINSBURY, and I believe that everything about MINISTER WARREN SNOWDON’S appointment is wrong, wrong, wrong.
How and why did he get appointed as your Minister ? He has no empathy and no sympathy. Crikey, he won’t even answer your questions. How gutless.
Dear JOHN SAINSBURY and BARNEY WARD, I’m looking forward to your next postings. Thanks for not missing a beat. It matters a lot.
Hi Tess and John,
Re Senator Lundy – a brief glance through the older posts on our site here reveals that she has been using almost exactly the same wording that she’s hit me with twice in the last month – the paragraph that starts “I remain committed…” since at least last October. Obviously it’s no use talking to her any more!
Jess’s intention was that the DFRDB scheme be administered by the Department of Defence and that the service pay authorities pay both of, as he put it “their active members and their retired members and dependants” (quoted from Hansard 18 May 1972). Just as an aside it’s interesting that over a calendar year passed before Jess’s recommendations were implemented in any way, shape or form, and then they were watered down. Administration by Defence never got a guernsey _ I wonder why?
When Lance Barnard introduced the Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits Bill on 25 May 1973, he did so in conjunction with 3 other Bills; the Defence Force Retirement Benefits Bill 1973, the Superannuation Bill (No 2.), 1973 and the Defence (Parliamentary Candidates) Bill 1973. The Superannuation Bill No. 2 deals with Commonwealth Super contributors who become liable to pay DFRDB – it effectively gave pension portability to those people (but the reverse was never available to DFRDB contributors who joined the public service). The Parliamentary Candidates Bill had no real effect on Service people except for those who wanted to resign and chance their arm in competing for a seat in Parliament. The one we are interested in is the Defence Force Retirement Benefits Bill 1973. It was enacted as Act No 82 of 1973, to enable existing benefit rights to continue under the new regime, and to enable the resumption of the existing fund ($174 million) to the government. Government didn’t finish up with quite that much. Some “surpluses” had to be distributed to exising benefit recipients, and some other outstanding items paid for. I think (haven’t found the reference yet) about $160 million finally found its way into Consolidated Revenue. It passed on some of the beneficial provisions of the new scheme to children and invalidity pensioners. Most significantly, it provided that all pensions from 1 October 1972 would be paid “by the Commonwealth”.
So there we have it. After 1 October 1972 all DFRB pensions were paid by the Commonwealth. It needs to be emphasised, however, that this wasn’t the benevolent government distributing largesse to the faithful – it was a purely pragmatic decision made for eae of administration and driven by the need to get government hands on, for the day,a very big lump of money indeed!
Sorry guys. Just how much was $174 million? According to some figures I dug up in 1988, it would have bought about 50 Mirage fighter aircraft (these were widely quoted as having a value of $3 million, usually when one crashed, but they were actually worth a bit more.)
Dear BARNEY WARD, SENATOR KATE LUNDY’s handling of the ‘ veterans pension problem ‘ after her betrayal last June, was so dismal that JULIA GILLARD went into damage control and took over handling the issue and TOLD Senator Lundy what to do.
You will see evidence of this in earlier comments.
Lundy has since been rewarded with even more portfolios. Gillard keeps her enemies close – and her inept Ministers even closer.
Hi all
Sent the latest video from the ADSO Fair Go team (The Honerable Thing To Do)to Lundy, Brodtmann and Leigh here in the ACT.
Surprise, surprise, nothing from Lundy or Brodtmann. Got an instant response from Leigh in the form of his newsletter. HooRay!
Also tried to send to Kelly in Eden Monaro, but he does not have a published e-mail adress, only a blind generated question and comment field.
Maybe someone has his e-mail and can, if it has not been already,forward it to him.
Even if this has been forwarded to politicions by the ADSO team, send again.
Hi all,
It seems this is our week for getting “form” letters from Senator Lundy and Minister Snowdon.
I can’t believe the Minister can be obtuse enough to keep mentioning the cost angle, when he knows the argument has been shot down in flames; most notably by he and his colleagues accepting the massive pay rises they were awarded for Christmas.
On that subject, as I understand it the $20 million a year estimate for that demonstration of excess only applies to Parliamentarians. There are tied rises for Federal judges and senior public servants in there as well. I seem to recall a comment from editor David Donovan that the whole bill would run into the hundreds of millions annually – but I can’t recall seeing any more on the issue. Has anybody done a full costing and does anybody know what it is?
This effort from Minister Snowdon is a wonderful example of how not to delegate a task. There was quite a lot said in our training about this very important skill. The first tenet is that you only delegate to someone who can actually carry out the task. The PM got it wrong here, didn’t she? As it would seem she has with others of her Ministerial appointments.
It’s also good manners, if you are going to hand someone off to another person to resolve an issue, to advise the person concerned that you are going to do so. Haven’t seen any good manners here!
I have to admit I’ve been guilty of the “form letter” thing this week. I sent basically the same email to all the local papers, and a radio station. But I did say the same basic communication was going to every one!
John,
Did you try this one for Mike Kelly?
Mike.Kelly.MP@aph.gov.au
Dear JOHN SAINSBURY, can you post a link to the ADSO video here, please?
Good day all.
How appropriate that in the Christian world we commemorate the crucifiction of Christ, whilst at the same time we have a government that crucifies serving and ex-serving personnel. In case anyone has not noticed, Coles are offering a 10% Easter discount for all serving, returned and retired Australian military and their families. (See the Coles website)
This was launched in response to an appeal last week om Melbourne’s Triple M Hot Breakfast show from Mick Molloy who called for all Australians to get behind our troops and their families following a visit he made to an Australian military base in Afghanistan. Coles Managing Director, Ian McLeod, heard the broadcast and decided that Coles should do something to show its support.
My congratulations to Coles for this initative, lets hope others get onboard in future. It seems like Mick Molloy may well be sympathetic to our cause and the inequities of MSBS, and might be worth approaching. Wonder if coles would allow some of our posters for Operation Aware to be displayed in their stores? Might be worth an approach.
As above, I am continually disgusted by the lame duck Veteran’s Affairs minister Snowjob who could not give a rat’s arse (pardon my french) about veterans unless we are dead and he can tour our resting place in some foreign land. What a DUD you are Snowdon! Gillard is equally contemptible for imposing this ministerial imposter upon us. The anger is growing, and I look forward making lots of noise in Canberra. The old age pensioners did it, and so should we.
Cheers, Maurie
Greetings Tess…
I am a ‘new recruit’ to the Fair Go cause. I have just spent the morning reading all the previous posts on here, including your thoughtful, considered and clearly heart felt replies to all.
Here is a letter I have written to my family friends…
I am after some support please …. For veterans and military retirees – many of whom are doing it tough.
You might not realise it but we are all part of the wider Defence Family. Without your support a major wrong cannot be righted. Many of you will have no idea that Defence retirees have been let down very badly by successive Governments.
Military superannuation is unfairly indexed against the CPI – and many former sailors, diggers and airmen are going out the door backwards financially.
I didn’t realise how bad the situation was until I went to a community briefing by ADSO recently. There are Defence retirees in Townsville and no doubt around the country, who are missing meals to make ends meet. Many are below the Henderson ‘poverty line.’ Many are in worse shape than age pensioners. Frankly it is a national disgrace that has been flying under the radar for 40 years…
An Alliance of Defence Service Organisations (ADSO) has been fighting the good fight on behalf military retirees but all sides of Parliament have fobbed off the issue. Both sides have made promises – that have so far led to nowhere.
You can’t buy your third meal of the day on a promise.
To assist ADSO I have produced my first YouTube video….. Called The Honourable Thing…. (It is clearly my First, has NO rap music and is very unlikely to win a Tropfest award!) It takes about 6 minutes to watch. (And if you are not a fan of classical music turn the volume down!)
This is where we need your support… After you have had a look, I request that you please pass it on to your friends, family and wider networks – in the end it may well take the Australian people to shame the 43rd Parliament into doing the Honourable Thing.
This is not about politics – it’s about a Fair Go for Veterans….
Thank you
Ray
You can find the Honourable Thing at http://www.standto.org/
P.S
Tess – thank you for your incredible support to the current and past members of the ADF and for casting light on this dark space.
Hi Tess and all
Tess, In relation to your request to post the video link to ADSO,I do not have the expertise to do so.
However, Ray Martin has provided the link in his post to the Stand To Site of 7 Apr 12.
Dear MAURIE, thanks for drawing our attention to this – I wouldn’t have know about it otherwise – and I’m sure I’m not the only one.
Onya MICK MOLLOY and COLES MD IAN MCLEOD – and both deserve the PR benefits of their quick thinking and decision making.
It’s a mere blip on profits and does not excuse other practices of Coles – but it is also a kindly gesture to Veterans and serving personnel.
It is a great idea to ask Ian McLeod if you can put up the OPERATION AWARE posters up in Coles.
I think they used to stock ANZAC biscuits didn’t they – although unsure whether they are still being produced.
Go MAURIE, I reckon you should give it a go.
And also, what about approaching GET UP! to see if they will mount a campaign on behalf of Veterans. That would really put the wind up PRIME MINISTER JULIA GILLARD and MINISTER WARREN SNOWJOB.
Dear RAY MARTIN, what a wonderful letter you’ve sent to Family and Friends.
It is morally and politically repugnant how Veteran and ADF families have been blatantly abused by successive Australian Governments, and in particular by the GILLARD GOVERNMENT and those who provide the shakey political scaffolding upon which it so uneasily squats.
We should not forget that the OPPOSITION did zilch for you during its long term in office – despite the ironical and bloody fact that the HOWARD GOVERNMENT reduced us to unquestioning lackeys to the
lying ravings of GEORGE DUBYA BUSH, CHENEY and RUMSFELD and escalated the involvement of the ADF in totally unwinnable wars, to say nothing of the death and injury we have caused in other countries and the death and injury caused to our military personnel.
The stench of hypocrisy is becoming too putrid to bear. I do not want to hear PRIME MINISTER GILLARD or military apologists mouth platitudes on ANZAC DAY in an attempt to bathe themselves in what they hope will be the vote catching glint of patriotism.
Ray, congratulations on your magnificent and poignant video, THE HONOURABLE THING. It brought tears to my eyes and shame upon our nation.
Thank you Ray, for your service to this country. I am horrified that you have all been treated this way in the name of We the People.
And thank you for your kind words. None of this could take place without us walking together and holding the line.
Dear JOHN SAINSBURY, RAY MARTIN has posted a link to his brilliant video, with his comment.
Last time I looked, it already had more than 2000 viewings – that is amazing!
I’m going to have another squizzy.
Hi Tess, i contacted Getup with a email some months ago about this very subject and i didn’t even get a reply. I then sent an email to Simon Sheik ( i think that is his name ) and once again i never recieved a reply. I haven’t been back on that site since. Not to worry though as i have been very active in spreading this national disgrace to my family and friends and they are shocked at the treatment we have been subjected to. Gizzard Gillard is in their eyes nothing more than an evil person, i cant beleive the majority are women that think she has put back the womens cause back 20 years or so. I have twenty treatments to go for my cancer and i will become alot more active in letter box drops. I will download about 2000 flyers and with the help of my son will get that done.
Dear JOHN LAWRENCE, how extraordinary, and thanks for letting us know this. Interesting, isn’t it, what battles people choose to fight. And why.
I must say, in relation to JULIA GILLARD, I get similar feedback.
Her bum looks really big dressed in injustice and deceit.
Dear JOHN LAWRENCE, how extraordinary, and thanks for letting us know this. Interesting, isn’t it, what battles people choose to fight. And why.
I must say, in relation to JULIA GILLARD, I get similar feedback.
Her bum looks really big dressed in injustice and deceit.
Crikey John, if you’re like this with still 20 treatments for cancer to go – you are going to be like Speedy Gonzales on steroids afterwards!!!!!
* Are they those flyers with that fabulous painting of NEIL WEEKES ?
Hello All
It seems that we are all receiving the same form letter form the Office of the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs as the one received by Richard Fulwood – irrespective of what we had actually sent him.
I am flabbergasted by the gall of the people in the Minister’s office! And I am outraged to think that he, as MINISTER for VETERANS’ Affairs, should direct them to do this.
My exact same email as others I have seen is totally off the point of anything I had written to him.
I, like others I know, had NOT emailed him about the ALP Caucus meeting at all.
What an affront to my intelligence, and a patent demonstration of the competence of the people serving our Minister, and their total disdain for Australian veterans, and their families.
I am sure that he will be snowed under by similar responses to mine, but does anyone there care? As Neil Weekes says, only the ballot box will speak clearly to these callous people and their nasty, perfidious activities – on behalf of what or whom, one asks?
The final statement is in clear contradiction of the facts: ” … former members of the ADF and their families are receiving all the financial … support for (sic) which they are entitled”.
In the case of superannuation at least, the evidence is overwhelming: servicemen and women’s conditions of service incude the provision that in retirement, their superannuation pensions will be fully indexed to ensure: ” … that $1 in 2011 will be equivalent to $1 in 2028″. That condition is NOT being honoured by government as faithfully as those in the services honoured their obligation to do their duty for the nation.
What an offensively demeaning, dismissive and totally irrelevant statement at the end of the email, inviting us to call a 133 or 1800 number for assistance!!
We, and the Australian people, deserve better than this.
Hi all
I don’t know if you saw the Weekend Today Show on Channel9 this morning (8Apr12).
Major General Jim Moylan was being interviewed in relation to American troops in Darwin and right at the end, he slipped in the unfairness of indexation.
The commentator said “we get a lot of mail “ on this and invited Jim back at a later date to discuss and talk about it. We will see. It was only a few comments but is worthwhile.
I don’t have the expertise to download the interview from the Channel 9 Today Show, but maybe someone can.
At least we got some mainstream coverage.
Keep up the good work.
Dear BERT HOEBEE, I am with you in sentiment and fact.
Dear JOHN SAINSBURY, this is fantastic news, then we must contact the TODAY SHOW and follow up. Well done you men.
G’day Minister Snowdon,
Thank you for your email, however I do not recall having sent you either an email or a letter regarding the ALP Caucus meeting on 5 February 2012. So I assume that this is a “scatter-gun” email distributed to all those who have communicated with your office in relation to the matters listed in your email.
Nevertheless your email provides an opportunity to make some comments on your Government’s position regarding the indexation of DFRB and DFRDB superannuation and military disability compensation payments.
Unfortunately your email is simply a repetition of previous correspondence and contains all the previous lies and political hyperbole while obfuscating the real facts.
Why does your Government continue to discriminate against those who have served our Nation for 20 years or more, often in dangerous situations both in Australia and overseas. Is this a hangover from the Vietnam days when the likes of Cairns, Crean and Cameron were collaborating with and were funding North Vietnam while our men were still being killed by the North Vietnam Army?
You criticise the Opposition for stating that they will fix the indexation issue for all DFRB and DFRDB superannuants who are over 55 years old for two reasons: cost and because it does not include those under 55 as well as failing to include the MSBS members. You know as well as I do that the estimates provided by the Department of Finance and Deregulation are exaggerated to the extreme. You know that they have been extrapolated out to 45 years to scare the general public. You know that any government costings extrapolated over that period (including your recent generous salary increases) will result in an exorbitant amount. You know that the figure is more like $20 million a year after clawback. You know that veterans are dying at an increasing number so the amount the Government pays out continues to decrease. You know that it is a decreasing liability. You know that, if the Government had made a co-contribution to our superannuation scheme and then invested the combined sum, the Government may not have had to contribute any amount to the DFRB/DFRDB superannuants.
You know that the Matthews Review stated that the CPI was inadequate but that it should be retained until a more robust index was available. You know that this “more robust” indexation was implemented two days later in the form of the PBLCI as the CPI was no longer maintaining parity with the increases to the cost of living and that our Old Aged Pensioners were suffering. Why was the PBLCI not applied to the military superannuation pensioners?
You know that your Government refused to pass on the 2.7% increase, given to all disabled pensioners, to our military disabled members. Sure we know that they received an initial “catch up” payment but why did your Government deliberately refuse, at the last moment, to pass on this 2.7% increase? You say that these disabled members have access to a Service Pension or Old Age Pension. So what you are saying is that if a soldier is disabled while serving our Nation and then receives a disabled pension, he/she should be ineligible for any general disabled pensioner increases because he/she may be eligible for the Old Aged Pension? What about those who are not eligible to receive the Old Aged Pension? And why should any compensation payment be affected by the Old Aged Pension.
Do other normal civilian disabled pensioners also receive the Old Aged Pension? Do they receive these increases to their disabled pension. Is there consistency here?
At least the Opposition has agreed to commence to fix this National disgrace with the indexation, this ongoing terrible injustice. We all accept that this is just the start and we will continue to pressure all Governments to fix the remaining issues.
Rest assured Minister, you and your Government intransigence on these matters will be remembered at the polling booths at the next election. Do not underestimate our numbers especially in the marginal seats.
Your Government’s failure to carry out your 2007 pre-election commitment to fix the indexation matter is just another lie in the whole list of lies and deceit that the public will hold you to account.
Cheers,
Neil Weekes
From: Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs [mailto:officeofminister@dva.gov.au]
Sent: Thursday, 5 April 2012 2:03 PM
To: sealure2@bigpond.net.au
Subject: Caucus Meeting – 5 February 2012 [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED]
Dear Brid Weekes (Ret’d)
Thank you for your email concerning the ALP Caucus meeting on 5 February 2012.
The subject of military superannuation indexation was raised at the Caucus meeting. At this meeting, it was highlighted that aligning the indexation arrangements for Commonwealth superannuation schemes with those applying to the age pension would come at a significant cost. Nevertheless, the Labor Government is committed to providing an equitable and fiscally responsible competitive remuneration package for all current and retired members of the Australian Defence Force (ADF).
Recently, the Opposition said that a Coalition Government would index Defence Forces Retirement Benefits (DRFB) and Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits (DFRDB) superannuation payments the same as the age pension for those members aged 55 years and over. Their proposal would not apply to anyone who joined the services after 1991, therefore ignoring the vast majority of current ADF members. The Opposition never committed to change indexation policy during more than 11 years in Government because they knew they couldn’t afford it.
You mentioned that no increase was passed on to military disability pensioners in 2009. Pension rates can be increased through one-off changes and ongoing indexation. Over the last few years, both types of changes have occurred with respect to the disability pensions and income support payments.
With effect from 1 July 2007, the Special Rate of disability pension was increased by $50 per fortnight and intermediate rate was increased by $25 per fortnight. On 20 March 2008, other veterans’ disability pensions were increased by one-off amounts.
Also, since 20 March 2008, all disability pensions have been indexed in line with the March and September changes in age/service pension. This means that movements in the CPI and Male Total Average Weekly Earnings have been reflected in disability pension rates. Prior to this change, only the above general rate component of the special rate, intermediate rate and extreme disablement adjustment rate were indexed to changes in the age/service pension.
In May 2008, the Government announced that Dr Jeff Harmer would lead a review into measures to strengthen the financial security of seniors, carers and people with disabilities who rely on income support. The Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) disability pensions were not part of the scope of the Harmer Review as they are compensation payments, not income support payments which are means tested. Even so, around 80 per cent of DVA Special Rate disability pensioners also receive an income support payment such as the service or age pension.
A major finding of the Harmer Review was that single people living by themselves were the most disadvantaged and their pension rate was too low, relative to the combined couple rate. Therefore, the Government’s principal reform was a significant one-off increase from 20 September 2009 for the single rate of age pension, service pension, carer payment and disability support pension. Pensioners receiving the couple rate received a smaller increase.
The Government’s response also included the adoption of the Pensioner and Beneficiary Living Cost Index (PBLCI) as a new, additional indexation factor for income support pension rates. This measure was passed on automatically to disability pensions as a result of the earlier changes which took place on 20 March 2008, under which the same indexation arrangements for the age/service pension were adopted for disability pensions.
For those members who retired after 1 July 2007, the following taxation arrangements apply:
• superannuation benefits, whether paid as a lump sum or a pension, are tax free for people aged 60 and over where the contributions giving rise to those benefits have been subject to income tax in the fund; and
• a tax rebate is provided for people aged 60 and over in relation to superannuation benefits paid where the contributions which give rise to those benefits have not been subject to income tax in the fund (eg DFRB/DFRDB).
The employer superannuation contributions for the military superannuation schemes are largely unfunded, that is, the Government pays its employer contributions when the superannuation benefit falls due for payment. This has effectively been the funding arrangement for all Government superannuation schemes since their inception (and both the DFRB and DFRDB schemes relied heavily on the untaxed Consolidated Revenue Fund for paying the bulk of the benefit).
Taxation on employer contributions in the military schemes is recovered when the superannuation benefits are paid (that is, when employer contributions are made). Since 2007, no tax is applied to member funded benefits or to benefits that arise from a member’s ‘after tax’ contributions.
Finally, it is important that veterans, former members of the ADF and their families are receiving all the financial and health support for which they are entitled. If you are uncertain whether you are eligible to obtain additional assistance, or if you just want to confirm what benefits and services are available through DVA, you can call the general enquiries line on 133 254 or 1800 555 254.
WARREN SNOWDON
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs
Minister for Defence Science and Personnel
Dear NEIL WEEKES, thank you for taking on MINISTER SNOWDON, the MINISTER for IGNORING VETERAN AFFAIRS. How he has the galling audacity to continue to peddle his incorrect tripe to you, is a gross insult.
Snowdon knows his silly case has NO legs. The Campaign has proved this time and time and time again.
Snowdon will pay for this insult and his indifference to you, when
the votes are counted in the next Federal ballot.
G’day Neil Weekes
Your letter to Neil Weekes is right on the money. What a “Claytons” Veterans Affairs Minister we have. At least Alan Griffin answered every letter and Email that came across his desk and was also prepared to answer our phone calls personally. Griffin was required to toe the party line when it came to Matthews and our super, but he was a hard working minister that did his best for veterans. This clown Snowdon is an abject failure in all respects. I see that he declared in his register of interests that he has his own consultancy business (run by his wife, who is a schoolteacher). If he treated his clients the way he treats veterans, no wonder he relies on his parliamentery salary to put food on the table. I also presume his consultancy business is not a conflict of interest for him with his parliamentary responsibilities and code of conduct. One thing for sure. His consultancy wouldn’t have been about how to improve communications. If that had been the case, it wouldn’t have got off the ground.
Dear Neil Weekes
Sorry about the typo. I obviously meant your leeter to Minister Snowdon.
Dear JOHN GRIFFITHS, I didn’t know this about MINISTER SNOWDON. He must be joking! He hasn’t got a clue about communications! And neither has his beleaguered leader, MS GILLARD, or his colleagues in the Trialition.
OMG and to think that WAYNE in-the-BLACK SWAN is running the country in her absence ( that will not make the heart grow fonder in her case.
Gawd help us.
Hi all,
Re John Sainsbury’s comment on Channel 9, I’m indebted to Ted Chitham and Ian Scott for this link: today.ninemas.com.au. If you go to that page, select the Video heading in the list down the left hand side, then select the one labelled US Marines in Darwin and dated 8 April 2012. As John says. it’s only a few words, but it’s on national TV. I went to today’s ninemsn Facebook page after I watched the video. There are a number of supportive comments.
Dear JOHN SAINSBURY, thanks for the heads up. If anyone finds the link to the actual video, it would be fab too.
Dear All,
Have not been AWOL this last month, rather an R and R breather.
Our youngest and most disabled foster son who has been with us for 14 years has struck a rough patch. Born with Sotos syndrome, he can now add to his long list of medical problems a hole in the the heart. We found this out a few weeks back and it took the wind out of our sails. We are up and at it again – never let the bastards get you down and all that.
Of late, I have been thinking of one word that really sets the scene for all diggers and that word is RESPECT.
With these thoughts in my mind I recently watched the ABC news at 7 pm. Yet again I saw many diggers returning home from Afghanistan and being met by family, children and loved ones. This brought back many sad memories for me and as I watched the news, I knew that these wonderful people, who have done so much for this country are about to embark on the very same road we have all been walking down for far too many years. They and their efforts are not respected by politicians especially the Ministers for Defence and Veterans’ Affairs, as was evidenced by their absence. Yet the Minister for Defence can make himself available in Darwin to shake the hands of some 200 US marines who are in Australia for training. Where are your priorities Minister?. What else must diggers suffer before a grateful nation says, “Thank you – welcome home. You have done your bit now it is our turn to care for you and yours.”
Because we have a service background, we understand that RESPECT is not something that is handed out every pay day. RESPECT is something you have to earn and it is a two way traffic. It is as much a part of us as putting a uniform on every morning.
Politicians of course will never understand this and for this reason I believe it is time we put the biros and keyboards away. Following on from Op Aware I believe we need to meet in Canberra and march on Parliament House, all 57,000 of us plus family and every friend/relative we can muster. Perhaps we could also carry a small Australian flag reflecting every Australian life lost in war for the last fifty years?
There will come a day when we need to stand up and be counted……yet again. I believe that time is now.
As John Griffiths said on 14 March, “Enough is enough. Are we serious about taking them on or not. Let us put it to the test, if we have the ticker”.
Dear Ken,
Your’e a good man Ken. You have hit the right chord with your latest entry. Respect is a small simple word, but in the case of veterans, it is probably one of the most important. Hold your head high old mate.
Hi All.
Wow. KB Hussell, you really hit the nail on the head. As you so eloquently put it, one word, RESPECT. We have a defence minister and veterans affairs minister who are both completely and utterly devoid of any respect for both the current and former service men and women of this country. I share your seething anger and frustration, and am ready to drop everything and go to Canberra. I doubt anyone could summarise better than your words “RESPECT is something you have to earn and it is a two way traffic”. Messers Smith and Snowdon have earned only derision and antipathy from us for their lack of attention to both their portfolios and zero moral standards. How they can face the us and blatantly lie is beyond me. Do they honestly believe any of their spin or think that we are dumb enough to believe the bullshit that readily rolls from their lips? This pair of bastards should be shown up to the Australian people and their electorates for what they are. You can lump in Gillard, Swan, Rudd, Wong, Tanner, plus the traitors Kelly, Xenophon and Lundy with this lot also. They are beneath contempt. If we betrayed our country or brothres-in-arms, we would face the most severe of consequences. This lot reward their traitors with ministerial portfolios. How bloody sick is that? Bring on the march!!
On a personal note, KB, you are to be much admired for giving to the next generation as a foster parent. I wish you and your foster son all the best.
Cheers, Maurie
Dear KEN HUSSELL, thinking about you and your family – and this new challenge that I’m sure you will meet with your extraordinary personal courage and compassion. You remain an inspiration and role model.
I agree with you. I still think we should continue writing and challenging the idiotic pro forma and facile responses – but more strident action should be contemplated I feel – and the March on
Canberra is a good start.
I share your thoughts about the pollies and the photo opportunities
they greedily fought over, in welcoming the US marines.
And here we are with our MINISTER for VETERAN AFFAIRS, WARREN SNOWDON, and PRIME MINISTER JULIA GILLARD and DEFENCE MINISTER STEPHEN SMITH, all refusing to speak with their own Diggers.
Maybe we’d be better off addressing Veteran concerns to PRESIDENT OBAMA. He seems to be our Commander in Chief.
Dear Tess, John and 10sumpy,
If our son could speak he would say, “thank you, we are humbled by your support”.
Hi,all,
Couldn’t agree more, Tess,Maurie, John Griffiths. Thinking of you, and your son and family, KB Hussell.
I had to laugh at some of the Marines just walking past the whole lot of them until they got to the troops on the end of the line. Those guys had their priorities right.
When are we going to Canberra? Looks as if we’ll need our winter woolies.
Like your comment about President Obama, Tess.
I’ve been having trouble getting posts to “take” here. Maybe this one will stay “up”.
Dear JOHN GRIFFITHS and MAURIE, you are wonderful the way you have jumped in to give your great support, admiration and embrace to
KBHUSSELL and his family.
What moving compassion and understanding and empathy you all have for one another.
And loyalty and R.E.S.P.E.C.T!
The two latter attributes are foreign to PRIME MINISTER GILLARD’s
decaying regime.
This will be the last ANZAC DAY JULIA GILLARD will attend in her diminishing capacity as Prime Minister.
If the ABBOTT Opposition was not held ransom to being
‘ risk averse ‘it would show a bit of political moral courage and fight for a tri-partisan increase for pensions and death payments for past and serving ADF members and families BEFORE ANZAC DAY!
Throw down the gauntlet/kid gloves you’re wearing TONY and get into the ring with GILLARD over this.
Show some respect for the Diggers who are still alive and wounded, as well as those who are dead!
Dear BARNEY,Onya for your support for KBHUSSELL too – it’s good to let one another know we’re not alone in some of the yuk things that
happen in life.
Thanks for your remark about The Prez. Actually, there’s nothing to
stop us writing to the PRESIDENT OBAMA – we should shame our ruddy rudderless Government and also, we should also send a letter to
our real COMMANDER IN CHIEF, the QUEEN, as well.
Re the March to Canberra – the tricky part is finding a day when Parliament sits. Or in the case of our Australian Parliament, reclines.
* Barney, about trouble posting comments, I notice that they take a while to come up and have to wait a fair bit after I press
‘ submit. ‘
For sure DAVID the DONOVAN will read this. Revamped websites take a bit of ‘ bedding in ‘ sometimes.
Hi
I saw the video interview on Channel 9 with Major Jim Moylan and the presenter did ask him to return to discuss the issue in more detail. I am hoping Channel 9 keep their promise and do a more in depth interview. I have tried to copy the link but it doesn’t seem to work.
I tried twice yesterday to post the same link with the same result.
If this is a successful post the link below will be of interest to some. It has been well advertised on the ABC ‘All the Way’, a look at the Vietnam war. And if it works the problem may have been with a specific link.
http://www.abc.net.au/tv/guide/abc1/201204/programs/DO1017H001D2012-04-12T213000.htm?program=All%20The%20Way
Hello
My apologies to Major General Jim Moylan. I’m sorry I referred to you as Major Moylan. Canberra is still looking good.
Dear RICHARD FULWOOD,do you mean Major General Jim Molan ? I’m only asking in case I’ve got my wires crossed.
We should bombard Channel Nine with emails and phone calls and requests to follow up their promise!
Merci for this extra info Richard.
Dear KEN MARSH, thanks for the heads up about the program. Can you post the date it will be shown, just in case for some, the link doesn’t work.
And love to know what you think of the program afterwards.
Tess – this Thursday, April 12, 2130 hrs ABC 1. I hope to watch it but I may not be home in time.
Hello
Sorry it is Major General Molan as per the Today Show caption. The point is he brought up the case for Military Superannuants which in itself is more than many other senior officers.
Dear KEN MARSH, Onya for this info.
I’m sure it will be available online – amd we should be able to put a link to it in due course – and feel sure some of our Cobbers within these comments will record it.
Dear God,
Is it possible in this country to make tonights 7.30 report essential viewing for all politicians?
Diggers interviewed after service in Iraq and Afghanistan talked of suicide, PTSD, domestic violence, total lack of support from DVA and the list goes on. All of this we have heard before because it is true and we have all lived with it!!
One wife said her “man” will never come back!
Has anyone in this organisation got the guts to take these mongrels on? Where are you David Jamieson? I have never seen you respond to any letter posted by the old and bolds in our fight for a fair go. It is always left to those of us who are fair dinkum supported by the wonderful, gutsy Tess. If you cannot stand the heat in the kitchen and make a worthwhile contribution, then get out.
This little black duck has had enough. If I have to, I will march in Canberra with those diggers who are serious enough to stand up and be counted and I will go tomorrow. Come on Neil, time to move forward.
KB – I too saw the 7:30 report this evening. Following the program I emailed them the following. Hope the DFWA doesn’t mind me dobbing them in.
Tonight I noted with interest your story on PTSD and those military personnel that have served in Afghanistan and Iraq. Thank you for bringing this story in front of the public. I believe this is an issue not only for these veterans, but also for others who have been exposed to traumatic incidents while deployed on peace keeping operations.
The public should also be aware of other matters affecting veterans and the shabby way they are treated by government. Specifically related to this matter is that of disability payments. Veterans’ disability pensions are indexed to increases in the CPI which means their value erodes over time. Some years back the government changed the indexation formulae used for aged and other social security payments to one that better maintains their recipients living standards.
The Government also recently made changes in benefits available to eligible 16-18 year old high school students that took them off Youth Allowance and placed on the more generous Tax Benefits A and B.
This generosity was not passed on to those on the Veterans Children’s Education Scheme (VCES). This scheme was designed to support the children of veterans who have been disadvantaged as a result of their service. These latest changes have been to the disadvantage of these children.
I would encourage you to contact the Defence Force Welfare Association. They will be able to help you with appropriate contacts. national@dfwa.org.au or 02 6265 9530.
The link if you missed the story
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WVYM37h60IE&feature=youtu.be
Dear Ken Marsh,
By the time I finished watching the 7.30 report, I had the shakes, hence my outburst.
Scott Gardiner, bless his heart, used the word RESPECT, something I posted a note on recently.
How can this Government, who put our young men and women in harms way in the first place, ignore their pleas for help? How can they turn their backs on Australia’s best?. It is more than Un – Australian, it is sickening.
Tonight was the tip of the ice-berg – these magnificent people we have heard about are the ones asking for help. How many more are there too proud to ask?.
Why cannot the system monitor such hidden injuries BEFORE the diggers return home and why cannot the system provide ongoing care for as long as it takes? This is one debt this pathetic bunch in Canberra needs to address, and now.
Dear Ken Hussell
Your comments about David Jamison are unfair Ken. If it hadn’t of been for him and his DFWA, the whole matter of nilitary super indexation would never have got off the ground. It is David and members of the DFWA and later ADSO, who have met with Tony Abbott and his Shadow Ministers and likewise those Labor Ministers who are prepared to talk to them ( this excludes the Red Witch). The DFWA has been going for many years and has been fighting for the rights of serving servicemen and their families since conception. Hop onto the DFWA site at “dfwa@national.org” and while you are there join up for a thirty dollars membership. It is money well spent. If we are to have a go at any organisation or person from the Ex Service community, it should be the RSL. With all their money for welfare they are not doing enough to help our cause. And they refuse to work in cooperation with and alongside ADSO. I’m not having a go at you mate but please don’t shoot the messenger.
The ABC show was extremely well put together. However, it didn’t pick up the fact that many serving soldiers don’t report their problems because of the impact it could have on their careers and future postings. And after 7 years as a pensions officer, many of those suffering the symptons don’t connect the dots to know they are suffering from PTSD. I’ve got a feeling that many GP’s treat PTSD as generalised anxiety and depressive disorders and do not correctly link it to wartime experiences.
And it is true that DVA has tightened up approving service related conditions as the cause of illnesses and injuries. The Governments of the day have put pressure on DVA to harden up on approvals. They have also used groups consultancy groups made up of ex serving military historians and senior officers to refute veterans claims( read Riteway). Over the years this has cost the Government millions of dollars for these turncoats services. During TOP training for pensions and welfare officers, we were continually told by DVA representatives that the claims process had got harder. There are still some good staff at DVA who are there to look after us and do their best. But there were an increasing number of “a…holes” creeping into DVA as assessing officers and supervisors. Often they are younger career minded people with little knowledge of anything to do with the military wqith the result that they are unsympathetic to the extreme. If there was a way to interpret the relevant acts against the veterans then they would pick it, in order to dismiss or reduce the claim. The Veterans Entitlement Act was intended as a beneficial Act. As I have siad, there were still a lot of good people in DVA. The Government continues to shrink DVA numbers using the death rate of WW11 soldiers as justification. They have been a little too enthusiastic about this, as claims processing times continue to be unacceptable.
All of us must continue to get behind ADSO and DFWA if we want to see some fairness in the treatment of military super indexation.
Dear John Griffiths,
Thank you for your comments, I have taken them on board.
I hope we can discuss this further over a beer, sooner rather than later. Or my e-mail address is kbhussell@hotmail.com
Take care,
Dear Ken Hussell. Email sent plus my home phone number. Look forward to catching up with you after many years. Regards.
Dear RICHARD FULWOOD, spot on, how many times have we seen retiring or retired personnel who remain silent on this issue – and in this roll call of shame I include past Defence Chiefs.
I just don’t get it. If you can’t fight for pension increases for Veterans, then you can’t fight for anything.
What could possibly be ‘wrong’ with supporting Vets ?
It is nothing short of elder abuse.
I think we should start taking cameras into the homes of some of our Brethren who are living in intolerable conditions – and below the breadcrumbs line.
I sent the email below to all MP’s. Also the Senator’s who voted our indexation down. This is my third reply others only telling me I should send my letters to my Local MP Craig Thomson. Been there done that and no use.
I have also been interviewed and a article is in our local Central Coast Express Advocate out tomorrow I haven’t seen it yet but a friend has and said it is a good story will see tomorrow.
Cheers
Bob
From: Ruddock, Philip (MP) [mailto:philip.ruddock.mp@aph.gov.au]
Sent: Thursday, 12 April 2012 3:47 PM
To: ‘robert.ihlein@optusnet.com.au’
Subject: RE: Contact form – new enquiry philip.ruddock.MP@aph.gov.au
Dear Mr Ihlein,
Thank you for your note and updating me on Operation AWARE; it is a cause I have been monitoring with interest.
You’ll be aware of the Coalition’s commitment to ensure DFRB and DFRDB superannuants aged 55 and over will have their superannuation pensions indexed in the same way as aged and service pensions; and that Tony Abbott has signed a pledge to that effect.
Philip
From: webmaster@aph.gov.au [mailto:webmaster@aph.gov.au]
Sent: Sunday, 8 April 2012 9:57 AM
To: Ruddock, Philip (MP)
Subject: Contact form – new enquiry philip.ruddock.MP@aph.gov.au
Parliamentarian The Hon Philip Ruddock MP
Name Mr. Robert Ihlein
Long Jetty
NSW
2261
Australia
Question Operation Aware Dear Member Of Parliament Veterans are once again engaged in battle, but this time they are not fighting on behalf of the Australian Government – they are fighting against it. Serving military personnel and veterans continue to be seriously financially disadvantaged by poor Government policy and understandably, they are fed up. Armed with flyers and posters, they are engaging with the general public in Operation AWARE to explain their grievances and increase awareness and support for change in Federal Government policy; a policy that callously refuses to acknowledge the Government’s financial obligations to current and former Diggers, their widows and those who are on invalid and disabled pensions. The Operation will comprise a number of activities around Australia over the period 5-15 April. Operation AWARE is part of the ongoing Fair Go Campaign by the Alliance of Defence Service Organisations (ADSO). The Campaign is aimed at restoring purchasing power in the benefits promised to servicemen and women when they joined the ADF. Quite simply, they would like their military superannuation and disability pensions indexed using the same percentage increase as the age pension. It is a sad day when Veterans must take to the streets to get a Fair Go in their own Country. ADSO has tried all other avenues over many years, and now believes the only effective way of getting the Government to see reason is through public support. The Government may continue to thumb their nose at Veterans, but with one eye on the next ballot box, they may just start listening to the public. I am asking you to stand up for the serving and former members of the Australian Defence Force in your electorate and do something to right this wrong. Please visit http://www.standto.org for more information on this Veterans’ issue. Regards Robert Ihlein
Dear BOB IHLEIN, thsnks for your post and please put a link to the
article tomorrow. Good work, Bob.
Good morning all this is the link to the my local newspaper.
Ready for Canberra anytime.
Bob
http://express-advocate-wyong.whereilive.com.au/news/story/central-coast-vietnam-veterans-campaign-for-a-fair-deal/
Dear Bob Ihlein
Well done that man!Great article.
Dear John Griffiths, KB Hussell,KenMarsh, Tess and all,
Re VetAffairs and the belt tightening that’s going on. An old RAAF mate rang yesterday. He’s been doing some voluntary work with the Viet vets and others, helping people fill out claims and so on (he’s done the course, he said. There’s a course?? I suppose there would have to be). He told me that the Department intends to cut funding for the programme he is involved with, apparently because they believe the programme must now have helped all the Vietnam vets(even more question marks signifying puzzlement?????). It seems they are out to save something like $4 million over the next 4 years. His final comment on the matter was that the proposal ignores the fact that Afghanistan and Iraq vets are now coming forward for help under the programme. I’m not surprised, but isn’t it a reflection of this government’s whole attitude to past and present ADF people? A $4 million saving is worth dislocating who knows how many peoples’ lives. There are a few false priorities here.
Wasn’t it good to see on tonight’s news Bob Brown has resigned with effect June this year. I will be proud to be a Bob after he has gone. We have his kind in the green’s and Wong’s kind in the ALP hope the coalition are normal.
Bring on Canberra
Bob
Dear BOB IHLEIN, congratulations on the fab article in the Express Advocate. I’ve left a comment on their site too.
You are a Champion. And what is the name of your Darling Pooch ?
I want to endorse BARNEY WARD’s words. Well done that man!
Dear BARNEY WARD, this is horrendous news, thanks for keeping your ear to the ground – and letting us all know about this.
How can they do this? It can’t be allowed to happen. We have to stop this.
Next they’ll be siphoning your blood.
Thanks Barney and Tess but it would not have happened without Denice Barnes and her photograper Sue Graham. The Dog’s name is Buster he decided to jump up on the bed and get in the shot.
Bob
Dear BOB INHLEIN, well then,specific thanks to DENICE BARNES and photographer SUE GRAHAM here – we often forget to acknowledge the role that photographers play in news/feature articles. And it is a teamwork thing.
And Woof Woof to that handsome Buster. And so she should be in the photo. It’s a great shot as well as article.
And local and community papers are so very important. Not just for this campaign.
Dear BOB INHLEIN, well then,specific thanks to DENICE BARNES and photographer SUE GRAHAM here – we often forget to acknowledge the role that photographers play in news/feature articles. And it is a teamwork thing.
And Woof Woof to that handsome Buster. And so he should be in the photo! Glad he took the initiative. It’s a great shot as well as article.
And local and community papers are so very important. Not just for this campaign.
Dear Bob Inlein
Well done mate, to you and Buster! Keep up the good fight
Cheers from Townsville.
I tried twice last night to post information on Peter Chris appearing on Channel 10 this morning to no avail.
Bob
Great interview by Peter Chris this morning. Interviewed earlier at 0710 than advertised but like a good matelot I got ‘fell in previous’. Managed to get the notification out to my mailing list last night a few minutes after receipt.
Peter exposed the government and especially Labor ministers Wong, Snowden and Smith for what they are – evil manipulators of language and finance. Damn disgrace that we have to put up with this government for at least another 12 months. Roll on the march to Canberra and the next election.
Well done and many thanks to Peter Chris for getting the message out to the Australian people.
Forgot a dis-honourable mention to Minister Swan and ex minister Tanner to add to the list of evil manipulators of language and finance – how could I have done that? Swan is the co-leader of the bunch with Wong.
Hi all
Great interview with Peter Criss on Channel 10 this morning, told it like it is and the interviwer let him say it without the usual interuptions put in by the usual other labour aplogist interviewers.
As an aside, the Assistant Treasurer Bardbury was asked a question (dont know who), in relation to a fair go for Veterans Super on ABC 24 Hr News at a press conference at about 1030 this morning, 16 Apr. Gave the usual drivel about a $2 Billion cost but when pushed, did concede it was over 4 years, not the usual garbage expouse by Swann, Wong et of 12 months.
Here is link for AVM Peter Criss Interview on Channel 10.
http://tenbreakfast.com.au/video.htm?movideo_m=178361
Dear RAY MARTIN, quite right! BOB and BUSTER are a hot team!
When we march on Canberra,Bob, will Buster be coming along ?
Hi Tess, John Sainsbury, Paul, Bob, Ray, KB and everyone
Great efforet from AVM Pete Criss this morning. Congratulations to Ch10 for giving us some airtime. When I last looked at the site there were lots of supportive comments too. Good stuff!
Re the ongoing stuffing about of veterans by the system, I’ve just finished a book called Spoken from thr Front. It’s about British Forces’ experiences in Afghanistan. Edited by Andy McNab, who you’ll recognise as a highly decorated Brit SAS veteran who has parlayed his experiences into best-selling authorship. He reports that in late 2008 he had a shot at his government about the way their vets are treated. His closing comments were “What we have at the moment is a time-bomb of post-traumatic stress disorder that will go off in the next ten to fifteen years in people who have experienced the horrors of current conflicts. It annoys me that we contiually get politicians of all persuasions jumping on the back of military success only for the same politicians not to back them (servicemen) when they leave.”
Sound familiar? On topic, news report this morning said the PM is going to Gallipoli for Anzac Day.
Changing the subject, I got so mad, looking at all the times she has repeated her claims about commitment to finding a new indexation method for Comsuper pensions, that I just had to write another letter to Senator Lundy. I sent it express post inside an envelope marked “personal and confidential”. If I got a letter marked that way, I would open and read it myself our of good manners to the sender, if not for my own preservation. I wonder if the same rules of behaviour apply to politicians. Probably not. But we’ll see. If I get another load of the same inanity back, I’ll know a minion is dealing with it. I may also have hysterics!! Anyway, here’s the text for your amusement.
“Defence Force Retirement Benefit and Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits (DFRDB) Pension Indexation
Thank you for your reply to my letter of 5 March 2012.
It is relatively unusual for Ministers in your government to reply to letters from Fair Go campaigners. From this, I deduced that you were sincere in your desire to adjust retirement pay indexation so that military recipients will have some of their lost equity restored.
However, I have spent some time lately reviewing what has become our de facto historical log, in the on-line newspaper Independent Australia. In the course of that review, I discovered that your first letter to me is almost word for word the same as one that you wrote to another correspondent in August last year; and your second reply repeated verbatim a paragraph that has, it seems, appeared in all your correspondence since at least then. In fact, most of your letters reported on the log appear to repeat, phrase by phrase, statements that were first made shortly after the Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits Amendment Bill, 2010, was “negatived”, as some Ministerial adviser quaintly put it, in June 2011.
This is very disappointing. It casts doubt on your actual intentions in regard to this very important and urgent matter.
How recent is recent? When was the letter you so often refer to actually written?
I say again that there is no need to construct yet another ”incomprehensible statistical edifice”, as I previously described the proposed “analytical living cost index”, to measure adjustments to Commonwealth retirement benefits, in isolation from every other “superannuation” or “pension” payment in the nation. There is, as I have said before, a “robust” (the government’s word) indexation measure already in existence.
While DFRDB and DFRB beneficiaries wish that government had kept its word on what we were told in 1973 – that our then new scheme would be administered and adjusted completely separately from all other schemes, in permanent relativity to either average weekly earnings or to our salaries on retirement – we are happy to have our retirement pay indexed by reference to the measure used to adjust Age pension payments, for two reasons. First, we think it’s a fair measure; and second, it will be protected from subsequent adverse “adjustments” such as CPI has undergone, because amending it adversely would create a political time bomb for any government that did so.
Minister, enough time has been wasted in blame games with the Coalition, obscure and condescending philosophical arguments about the “three pillars of retirement income” (a concept worthy in its pomposity of a “Yes Minister” script), futile verbose defence of government’s untenable position in this matter, and quixotic quests for yet another review or some new hypothetical statistical device. People are sinking further into poverty while these delaying tactics continue. An early favourable resolution of the issue is of paramount importance, not only for military retirees, but also, in my opinion, for the future of your Government. There are enough Defence Family members in marginal New South Wales seats, for instance, to unseat every sitting member if they vote as a bloc. I assure you they are trending that way. As well, the issue is gaining traction among the wider populace.
Please use your influence now to get the Fair Indexation of military retirement benefits enacted and applied.
In courtesy I advise that I will circulate this letter widely.”
OOPS. Left the words “with money (when they leave)” out of the end of Andy McNab’s comment. Sorry.
John Sainsbury, thanks for the comment re. the assistant treasurer on ABC 24 hr news this morning. His figure of $2 billion over 4 years is still highly inflated. If Fair Indexation costs $20 million a year (and that is high) that ammounts to something over $80 m over four years. And that would apply to all DFRDB members, not just those over 55. Add on the cost of MSBS members and maybe even public servants and we get $500,000,000 per year over 4 years? Or maybe he got confused with the cost of Pollies pensions
Dear BOB IHLEIN, just to clarify please, where did you ty to post information – on our site,do you mean ?
Dear Barney Ward,
I refer to your note of 13 April.
My thanks to your RAAF mate who has been doing work with Vietnam Vets.
Recently, I posted a note on “respect”. It is not handed out on pay days, it has to be earned and it is a two way traffic. AVM Peter Criss made the same comment in his excellent interview, using the word “loyalty”.
It was January 1958 when I took the oath/affirmation and as a lot of water has gone under the bridge since then, I decided to refresh my memory. My wife pushed the buttons and printed off a copy of “Defence (Personnel) Regulations 2002 – Schedule 2″. This document did bring back memories and it states:
“I……………………swear that I will well and truly serve Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second, Her Heirs and successors according to law, as a member of the (Navy – Army or Air Force) for the period of (number of years), and any extension of that period, or until retiring age, and that I will resist Her enemies and faithfully discharge my duty according to law. SO HELP ME GOD.”
This oath/ affirmation is from me to the Commonwealth and as there is nothing suggesting an oath/affirmation to me from the Commonwealth, then like respect, loyalty and let us add truth, this document is not “two way traffic” either. Perhaps this document has been deliberately written this way so there is no comeback?
There is no doubt that the Fair Go Campaign is hurting the Government and hopefully it will hit them ten times harder next election day. (The reponse I have had from this Shire of 12,000 people in response to Op Aware flyers has been first class). If in fact they cannot show respect and loyalty to current veterans, what will their position be with the younger Veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan. My mind goes back to the recent 7.30 Report where these magnificent diggers were pouring their hearts out on National Television in an effort to gain support. I have always been passionate in my concerns for WIA’s and these men are WIA’s. Sadly, it is the wounds that you cannot see that cause the most pain and heartache.
But what about the longer term? This country by virtue of its geographic isolation MUST always have a capable Defence Force. If the Government cannot honour commitments now, show loyalty and respect to former diggers then how will they recruit and retain suitable Defence members in the years ahead? This problem is here and now and to think that the Government will not resolve this issue in favour of the veterans with the stroke of a pen and expenditure of $20M – and reducing- and done this year, is beyond comprehension.
It is perhaps a good time to reflect on the words of James D. Miles, who said:
“You can easily judge the character of a man by how he treats those who can do nothing for him”.
By changing just three words, you come up with the following:
“You can easily judge the character of a prime minister by how she treats those who can do nothing for her”.
Getting closer to the truth now eh?
Dear BARNEY WARD,thanks for the heads up about PETER’s appearance on CHANNEL 10. We should be able to find a link to the interview, wiht a bit of luck. Peter might have already sorted that out.
It doesn’t suprise me that the PM will be out of Oz for ANZAC DAY, under the guise of official national representation.
At least that way,the bugle of loud hypocrisy may be somewhat lessened.
Hi Tess I tried on this site I logged in cut and pasted the email with the info for this morning twice but it didn’t work.
But not too worry the woird got out and the interview was great. Peter was able to speak. Without being cut off like channel 9 did on the weekend before.
I will ask Buster if he would like to go to Canberra have to do it before it gets to cold.
Bob
Dear KB Hussell,
The oath was a bit of a one-way street, wasn’t it? Hasn’t changed much, if at all, since I signed up.
Couldn’t agree more with your sentiments about loyalty. It has to work both ways or else any hierarchical structure like the ADF’s relationship with the government will eventually collapse. I can see it happening in a big way, if our politicians don’t start to come to terms with the requirement for loyalty down as well as up.
There are still people around whose only ambition is to join the Navy, or the Army, or the Air Force. You might have noticed my comments the other day about my grandson. He has a father and a grandfather who were long-term military, and even with his knowledge (passed down from us) that the recruiting posters don’t tell very much of the story, he won’t be happy until he is in the Army. And he’ll probably stick to it for 20 years or more. He’s that sort of boy.
But in this modern age I don’t think there are too many like him. Kids are pretty sophisticated and a common attitude seems to be that the job needs them more than they need it. If they aren’t happy, they tend to up sticks and go. If government doesn’t live up to its recruiting posters in the first instance with most modern young people, and do the loyalty both ways thing, there will be a lot “snatching their time” after 6 years, or the short-service commission, or whatever. On top of that it will get progressively more difficult to recruit people as the word gets out.
As far as the vets thing goes, the saving my mate’s talking about is only $4 million over 4 years!!. The programme helps hundreds of people for a very low cost per head, but that doesn’t matter if you can save $1 million a year. Maybe this is where Treasurer Swan is getting his surplus. It makes my blood boil.
Speaking of Swan, I’m following up Bert Hoebee’s letter. That was a good one Bert.
Dear KEN HUSSELL,please thank your Dear Lady for pressing the right buttons! I am astounded that the Oath/Affirmation does not mention
Australia. It might as well be an Oath of Allegiance to England!
I’m so shocked.
What is the Oath/Affirmation that is sworn today ? Does it mention Australia ?
Thank you, the HOT HUSSELLS, for sharing this info with the wider community.
Dear Tess and Team …..impress your friends on Wednesday night at the pub…..
Trivia Night Question.
Category: General Knowledge.
How many reviews, inquiries, reports, submissions, parliamentary statements, promises, pledges, commitments, failed bills, and assurances have there been since the ‘Jess Review’ in 1972, to fix Military Pensions / Superannuation, and for a bonus point – what have they all led to….so far??
PS…I would actually like to know the answer to the first part!
Cheers
Ray
Dear Tess,
The buttons Trish pushed gave me the oath/affirmation as it is today. Nothing about Australia and very much an allegiance to England which has always been the case.
Perhaps we should not spread this info too far in case the red head rewrites it with much emphasis on the Stars and Stripes!
Hi Ray Martin, Tess, KB Hussell and all,
Good point, KB. Let’s not make too much noise about the Oath of Allegiance. Another go at “all the way…” with whoever, after LBJ, George Bush SNR and George Dubya… could be more than the country could stand.
Ray Martin, can’t answer the question, but there have been at least 12 pieces of legislation on DFRDB (that I could find) since its inception. There was a fellow named Pollard who did a review of Commonwealth Public Service pension indexing in I think, 1973 – this got tangled up with DFRDB. Aside from that, there must have been some sort of review associated with each piece of legislation. The thirteenth Bill gave birth to the MSBS scheme – as a result of the Cole Committee Review of the Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits Scheme, which was completed in 1990. There’s a post on this site dated 8 February where I listed each Bill I found plus a brief comment about what it did. Much of it was obscure to say the least.
This link sent to me by a retired Navy Warrent Officer who is very active up Qld way and reads this IA site. Have a go at it and see how much you have lost over the years. Thanks Jim. I am sure the troops will appreciate whoever in SCOA worked out how we have been and still are, being disadvantaged(ripped off).
http://scoatas.info/indexation.php
Does anyone have first hand information and purpose about the aboriginal march participants who are following the main Anzac day parade in Canberra?
Reference the PM’s attendance on ANZAC Day:
Sydney Morning Herald – Tuesday 17APR2012
The Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, announced yesterday that she will visit Gallipoli for the first time next week to commemorate Anzac Day.
‘I will be there as Prime Minister, representing the nation, but I will also be there as a grateful citizen – a citizen grateful for all of the things that have been achieved by the men and women who fought for this country across the ages.’
On her way to Turkey, Ms Gillard will stop in Singapore, where she will commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Singapore, in which more than 1000 Australians were killed or went missing and another 15,000 were captured by the Japanese.
I personally find her statement “I will also be there as a grateful citizen – a citizen grateful for all of the things that have been achieved by the men and women who fought for this country across the ages” hypocritical and offensive.
Pity her “gratefulness” does not extend to compassion for the living ex service men and women whose pensions are indexed unfairly, and could have been rectified by her Government. They rejected the Defence Force Retirement & Death Benefits Amendment (Fair Indexation) Bill 2010 but accepted their own massive pay increases without hesitation.
Bet she does an unannounced trip into Afghanistan on the way there or back to show her “support” for the great job our troops are doing over there.
Dear RAY MARTIN, I reckon the fab PETER THORNTON would be my bet!
Dear All,
In my note of 16 Apr, I said, “there is no doubt the Fair Go Campaign is hurting the government”.
I went on to say, “the response I have had from this Shire of 12,000 people in response to “Op Aware” flyers, has been first class”.
But, to have our diggers brought home early from Afghanistan???. Hey, hey!!
I realise of course that this just so happens to coincide with our election day and the plans of the Prez of the US of A, but to know there IS an exit date for our diggers is a tremendous relief for me as it must be to them. God bless you for your service to this country, we hope by the time you arrive home safely, you will not have to fight for a “Fair Go”.
If now is not the right time to march on/in Canberra, then I will eat grass.
I reckon you are right, Tess. Peter Thornton would very likely have all that at his fingertips.
But now I’m curious. I’ll try to make time to troll back through my earlier investigations and count up all the speeches and how many promises there were in each of them. It’ll take a while, though. The Hansard search facility isn’t up to that sort of effort, in my experience. You have to work through all the dailies.
There was only one failed Bill that I recall, that being the 2010 amendment commonly known as Fair Indexation that we are all on about. But I am probably wrong.
Colin Coyne, I’m with you. Hypocritical and offensive is a mild description if anything. Just by the way, I thought I heard some mention of her going to Afghanistan – or was that just one of the media having a guess?
Dear KEN HUSSELL, it is wonderful for families to hear this news of an end date and I appreciate the plexus of emotions of such an announcement – and the impact upon those families who have lost loved ones and who have relatives returned to us injured in body and mind.
Dear KEN HUSSELL – big hug to TRISH – and all partners and families supporting the greater DEFENCE FORCE FAMILY in the fight for a FAIR GO and JUSTICE.
You are CHAMPIONS!
Dear Everyone
You may have seen Senator Ronaldson on Ten Breakfsats yesterday: http://tenbreakfast.com.au/video.htm?movideo_m=178643
Senator Ronaldson was being interviewd in respons e to Peter Criss interview the day before: http://tenbreakfast.com.au/video.htm?movideo_m=178361
His statements consisted of disingenuous half truths in the true style of Kevin Rudd’s promise before Labor came into power. SHAME!! SPIN101 direct from Lindsay Tanner’s book. SHAME!
And all said with a serious tone of indignation about the unfairness and a serious tone that the Coalition will fix it. Not forgetting of course to continue making the issue [read veterans] a political football, instead of agreeing to fix it in cooperation with Labor.
And that in the lead up to Anzac Day, and the day after announcements about withdrawal from Afghanistan.
The very service people [those on MSBS] to be withdrawn are the ones left out [unstated] in the promise. SHAME!
I am deeply disappointed that these statements can be made, straight after the presentation The Honourable Thing was sent to all members of the Parliament.
We MUST get them to be open and honest, and preferably bi-partisan, as encouraged in the presentation!
That said – less vehemently than my first reaction to his appearance yesterday – I have to acknowledge that they are trying, as a ‘first step’. Can we trust our politicians, given their track record on this – both sides? Should we really need to wait any longer??
Our indexed super is DEFINED, and maintaining its purchasing power over time was and remains a condition of service, which imposes an non-discretionary obligation on government. The question of cost is therefore moot; but in any case, this just measure IS well affordable, as shown by Thornton’s work. Surely it is just what we have the Future Fund for?
My personal view – reached after long reflection on the sorry history of military superannuation indexation.
On my part, I will do all I can to convince the Coalition, ideally in partnership with Labor, to take this out of the political arena once and for all, before the election.
I also watched the Sen interview on Channel 10 and I would like to know why can’t the Future Fund be used. Is there some legislation in the act that prevents this. It is not only those on MSBS who miss out but those who are less than 55 years of age. I still want Fair Indexation and I am willing to wait until I am 55. It would make a Memorable ANZAC DAY if this was fixed NOW.
As a side issue ACOSS (Australian Council Of Social Services) wants the Govt to increase a range of welfare payments including Newstart, Abstudy and Youth Allowance by $100 per fortnight in this years budget. Now how much will that cost. Cost: $600 million ($1,200 million in 2013-2014) as per ACOSS Budget Submission.(ACOSS Paper 179) A little higher than FAIR INDEXATION.
Dear BERT HOEBEE, Onya for posting your comment with links in relation to SENATOR RONALDSON’s statements in the media.
He has been quoted a number of times in these comments and you have exposed his politicial duplicity.
These comments are important evidence in terms of the political profiling of politicians who continually fail you and have no
political courage to tell the truth, and to confront it, and to
make redress.
Thanks Bert. The fight for a FAIR GO is a non-partisan matter and
politicians of all hue, should support it.
Hi all
Big thank you to Jason Morrison and Peter Criss on 2UE and again to Channel 10 in highlighting the plight of DFRB/DFRDB Superannuation pension recipates.
A pity other mainstream media TV and press, did not take up the issue with the same verve put into other (to mine and other minds) issues of minor importance.
Or dont they want to upset certain pollies?
Agree with the comment from Colin Coyne that it is an odds on bet that Gillard will make an unannounced visit to our troops on or after, her “Tour” of Gallipoli, with all the attending media for another shot to her self promption of support to the troops.
Dear JOHN SAINSBURY, I think that COLIN COYNE and you have got it right about the PM – especially after the withdrawal announcement.
JULIA GILLARD should make a public announcement about the withdrawal of Justice to Veteran former and serving troops!
Dear Prime Minister,
At my age, I do not get many ideas at all, but when I do, they are brilliant!
Please allow me to share my “gem” with you tonight.
This Anzac Day, please do NOT go to Gallipoli. You have nothing in your heart for the magnificent “diggers” of this country who have given their everything for you and yours for far too long, without thanks or recognition of any kind. Without loyalty or respect.
Have a barby at The Lodge instead and throw a prawn on the plate and drink some champagne – at our expense of course – and smile at the likes of Smith and Snowdon because they should not go to Gallipoli either. At your barby, please entertain all the leeches who usually accompany you on such trips because they have no right to be there either.
I know in my heart that you will not take any notice of my request because to you, walking the world stage with your throw away lines whilst looking at the cameras is more important to you than anything I could ever say. How sad is that?.
Stay clear of Afghanistan, the diggers know you for what you are.
For once, why not send your aircraft to Gallipoli, via Townsville. Collect the 100 or so diggers who have just returned home after their tour in Afghanistan and let them represent OUR country. After all, they have EARNED the right to do that.
For once in your life, why not say YES!……………………….Prime Minister?.
Dear KEN HUSSELL, thank you for telling it like it is.
The hurt and sense of betrayal is palpable. As is the stench of the corpses of hypocrisy from PRIME MINISTER GILLARD and all politicians who deny you Justice and a Fair Go.
That works out to the lot of them, does it not ? What a sad and ignoble country we are, to treat you thus – for decades.
Hi Richard Fulwood – I am sure the Future Fund is slated to take over all Commonwealth superannuation liabilities wef 2020. There’s supposedly $75 billion in it, too. Should make a fair dent in the job. From memory, last year one of the suggestions made about funding the 2010 Amendment Bill (after DoFD started moaning about the cost) was to use the Future Fund. If I recall correctly there were howls of outrage from Finance and others, but I don’t know whether these howls had any legal basis. Wouldn’t have thought so. In any case you’d think a stroke of the Parliamentary pen would fix any such problem, given enough support for the Bill.
KB Hussell, what a great suggestion. Wish I’d thought of it.
Dear RICHARD FULWOOD, thanks so much for the heads up.
KB Hussell what a great idea. To amplify that I would include the NOK of the 32 ADF members who died in Afghanistan. Wouldn’t happen as the most dangerous place in the world is between a Pollie and a Press Conference or a trough. Can we trust the coalition to carry out Fair Indexation as there may be no money available and that is why we need it ASAP. The idea does appear to be gaining traction.
Congratulations to PETER CRISS and the FAIR GO team – and all who have been fighting for Justice- for this morning’s interview on ABC’s AM program this morning.
DEAR ALL, HERE IS A LINK TO THE STORY AND PHOTOS IN THE LA TIMES THAT
SHOWS US TROOPS POSING WITH BODY PARTS – THESE ARE VERY GRAPHIC AND DISTRESSING PHOTOS, SO PLEASE BE MINDFUL OF THIS BEFORE YOU OPEN THE LINK: –
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-afghan-photos-20120418,0,5032601.story?track=rss&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+MostEmailed+(L.A.+Times+-+Most+E-mailed+Stories)
Thanks Tess for alerting us to the AM interview. I missed it but have now taken the liberty of posting a link to the transcript.
http://www.abc.net.au/am/content/2012/s3480718.htm
I also thought it rather ironic that Peter had his 2UE interview on the day the Government announced its incentive to encourage employers to take on workers over the age of 50. On one hand it says ‘Yes, its difficult to find work when you are over 50 and we need to do something to help these older workers’. Then it turns around to military retirees, people who if they served long enough, were forced to retire at 55 and may not have had skills readily transferrable to civilian employment, and says ‘But they have the opportunity to accumulate additional superannuation benefits.’
Dear KEN MARSH, they don’t know whether they are Arthur or Martha, and neither do we. This is feral politics writ large.
Dear KEN MARSH, they don’t know whether they are Arthur or Martha, and neither do we. This is feral politics writ large.
Thanks for posting the link. How good is that! Thanks AM! Thanks PETER. Thanks to everyone who has left a comment here.
As DAVID has pointed out, we are close to posting a record 2000 comments on Independent Australia on this DIGGERS story. This says a lot about Veteran activism and mutual commitment.
It is a credit to you all.
ANZAC Day is the occasion for Australia to honour its war dead. This Anzac Day veterans on military superannuation pensions will remind the Australian government it should pay more respect to the living.
Operation Aware is an ongoing campaign by the Alliance of Defence Service Organisations representing military superannuants to make the Australian public aware of the shabby way successive federal governments have treated them.
Because military pensions are indexed biannually in line with Consumer Price Index, their purchasing power has been gradually eroded in comparison to other pensions, which are indexed to whichever is the higher increase of the CPI, the Pensioner and Beneficiary Living Cost Index or increases in Male Total Average Weekly Earnings. ADSO’s argument is simple.
When the Whitlam government introduced changes to military superannuation in 1973, ADF members were guaranteed a “defined benefit”, which would protect the purchasing power of their pensions derived from compulsory employee deductions without any employer contributions.
Military superannuants are not seeking retrospective changes to their pension entitlements.
They are seeking restoration of the defined benefit, which was “vested” as a condition of their service at the time of their enlistment.
Their argument is about equity with other Australian pensions.
Military superannuants have been continually frustrated by weasel-word responses from ministers and bureaucrats who have simply fobbed off their appeals for a fair go.
To make matters worse, the Minister for Veterans Affairs Warren Snowdon at Cairns RSL on March 12 this year refused even to acknowledge that military superannuation indexation was either unfair or in need of correction.
He further angered veterans by threatening to leave the function if they persisted pressing the issue.
Military superannuants vote but they are sufficiently diluted across the electoral spectrum not to be able to influence the outcome of the next federal election in most electorates.
Politically they tend to reflect party allegiances along similar lines to the general community so there will still be those, no matter how aggrieved they are about pension inequity, who will not be motivated to vote differently.
What they sense and what emboldens them is their perception that there is an overwhelming mood for change.
While veterans’ affairs and military pensions are federal issues, there is an opportunity for the Newman LNP State Government to tap into veterans’ dissatisfaction for federal political gain.
Both Campbell Newman and Police Minister David Gibson are Duntroon graduates.
The only new ALP member in Queensland Parliament is Rockhampton MP Bill Byrne, who made much of his 20-year army career when campaigning.
Newman should follow the lead of other states and give one of his ministers the additional role of Premier’s assistant for veterans’ affairs. It is a role the former army engineer could even absorb into his own portfolios.
It would certainly not pass unnoticed as ADSO wages its Anzac Day offensive if the only State Premier with serious military credentials indicated strong support for veterans’ battle with the Federal Government for a fair go in their retirement.
This is from the Stand To website from the Townsville Bulleton.
Bob
The post above was written by Ross Eastgate.
@Paul 17/04/12
I used the link you included and found it VERY Interesting
http://scoatas.info/indexation.php
When I plugged in my figures the difference was $203 Per Fortnight. This is $5278 per year which would take me to $22178 per year which is quite an increase.
Dear BOB IHLEIN, thanks so much for posting the contribution by ROSS EASTGATE, from the STAND TO website on the TOWNSVILLE BULLETIN.
Sharing intel like this is very important and congrats to all concerned.
It is also important intel to know that NEWMAN and GIBSON are DUNTROON graduates and that BILL BYRNE made use of his military background background in his campaign.
My word Richard. Enough to make some serious financial decisions. Whether the budget can now stretch to lash out on some home comforts. Let’s hope the recent ADSO press release concerning Bob Carr’s support for Brit serviemen’s pension gains some govt support. Bill Murray reports “ADSO was pleasantly surprised to find that Minister Bob Carr is offering his unsolicited support to Operation Aware through his call for the British government to correct unfair indexation of pensions for British veterans living in Australia. Since Minister Carr was hand picked by the PM we can assume that she has absolute confidence in the advice she receives from Mr Carr. Of course we agree with Mr Carr that not to offer a uniform method of indexation is unfair and discriminatory. The question now is whether the Prime Minister still retains confidence in the advice she receives from Minister Carr.”
I have the ADSO press release but can’t copy and paste here. Also doesn’t seem to be on their web page just yet.
JUST NOT FOR AUSTRALIAN EX SERVICE MEN AND WOMEN
Australian Ex Service men and women in receipt of military superannuation pensions could not have
been more surprised to read headlines on Monday announcing in bold print that ‘Bob Carr to
Push for UK Pension Indexation’.
The Labor Foreign Minister made it known that he supported indexation to ‘some 25,000 UK
pensioners living in Australia’, none of whom were seemingly indexed to the same level as that
applying to UK residents. Mr Carr clearly felt that this was not only unfair on the individuals
involved but ‘discriminatory’ as well.
Mr Carr’s concern for the welfare of UK pensioners living in Australia is admirable. So why can’t he
and his Labor Government show similar compassion for the welfare of Australian Ex-Service men
and women and their families living on military superannuation pensions. Their retirement, widows
and invalidity pensions have been denied fair indexation at the same level as Age pensions for too
many years. The reduced buying power of these pensions is now causing real hardships to so many.
Those who have given long and loyal service in the Australian Defence Force rightfully question the
double standards of the Government. If there is enough concern to lobby the UK Government about
indexing UK pensioners living in Australia, then there should be similar concern for Australian
military superannuation pensioners who at least deserve their pensions to be indexed in the same
way as Age pensioners.
Australian Ex-Service men and women only ask for equity and fairness, nothing more and certainly
nothing less.
Paul
the above is a copy of the ADSO press realease.
Bob
Dear PAUL and BOB IHLEIN, FOREIGN MINISTER BOB CARR is treating his own pensioner and superannuant Veterans as the least amongst supposed equals.
And yet you – and Britain – share the same Commander in Chief, do we not ? – The QUEEN.
I think you should write to her and see if she can do for you what
BOB-A-JOB and Prime Minister-in-Waiting Bob Carr is doing for UK
pensioners.
Dear RICHARD FULWOOD, thanks for working out the sums !
DEAR PRIME MINISTER JULIA GILLARD.MINISTER SNOWDON AND MINISTER SMITH, ISN’T THIS WHAT THE DIGGERS HAVE BEEN TELLING YOU ALL!
http://www.theage.com.au/national/forgotten-diggers-lone-battle-20120420-1xcpn.html
This is a sad story I would like to share with you.
We all know what the Salvos have contributed to our cause be it in the desert in WW11, New Guinea and most other places where we have been involved in conflict.
My Army career started at the Army Apprentice School, Balcombe, Vic in January 1958. My father had signed me up for eight years and I had no say in it. I was to attend the Army School of Music.
I graduated in December 1959 winning two major awards, one of which was the Gullidge Memorial Medal. The story that follows is about the Bandmaster of the 2/22 Battalion Band, Sergeant Arthur Gullidge who perished along with his entire Band. This is his story.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=MgZW_Vhq-SY
A poignant article by PAUL DALEY in today’s AGE that also refers to injustice to Diggers: –
http://www.theage.com.au/opinion/society-and-culture/victims-owed-a-national-inquiry-20120421-1xdmy.html
Dear KEN HUSSELL, thank you for posting a link to this brilliant program by the ABC’s COMPASS.
It is crushing and gut wrenching and worth all of us noting that this tragedy was supressed by our own Government. What else has been supressed ?
How strange it is,that tales of heroism of our Generals and Top Brass are not.
Keep sharing the Truth. The power is in the telling of it.
Thanks Ken, and on ANZAC DAY, I will think of you and your service to this country, and of the Salvo Band – and all of us who have lost and continue to lose loved ones in the folly of War through the ages and why it is we human beings can’t come up with a better of way of dealing with conflict and aggression.
And ANZAC DAY is not the only day I think of such things, and I know from these shared comments, that for so many of you, the experience of past and present War is a shadow that walks with you, even after the setting of the sun.
And they can’t find $20 million for veterans?
http://www.news.com.au/business/australia-gives-7b-to-europe-bailout-fund/story-e6frfm1i-1226335084303
Dear KEN HUSSELL, I was astounded at the amount of monies we have squandered in this bailout to Europe, especially given out daily borrowings and accrued debt as a nation.
This Government keeps boasting about its economic prowess in steering us through the GFC, when like it or no, it inherited a fat purse from the Coalition and a debt-free slate. Yes ?
It beggars belief that the few paltry dollars needed to redress pensions and super for Diggers past and present, is consistently denied, and yet our Government has put the welfare of soldiers and pensioners of European countries, before all of you – and this on the eve of ANZAC DAY, to boot.
Remember this, before the going down of the sun on the impending Federal Election Day.
From The Stand To site
Watch CH 10 Breakfast Show on Monday 23rd April at 8.10 am
when Peter Criss will be interviewed on the Fair Go Campaign
Have your say and leave a comment
################ ALERT ################
Stand To is the public voice for ADSO’s “Fair Go!” Campaign. Its purpose is to make known to all Australians the major issues that adversely affect their Defence Family’s well being.
Bob
Dear BOB IHLEIN, thanks for the heads up about the PETER CRISS TV appearance on CHANNEL TEN’s BREAKFAS SHOW tomorrow morning at 8.10AM.
It would be fabulous, if that could be followed up with THE PROJECT later in the day.
Dear BOB IHLEIN, thanks for the heads up about the PETER CRISS TV appearance on CHANNEL TEN’s BREAKFAST SHOW tomorrow morning at 8.10AM.
It would be fabulous, if that could be followed up with THE PROJECT later in the day.
The interview with AVN Peter Criss was held at 0710 hrs and it was a good interview. He used a Union analogy to explain the point which made sense. The couple who were on also were very good. The point being it appears we are all being shortchanged at least $200 per fortnight. AVM Criss also mentioned the prospect of a legal challenge as the Govt case has so many holes and again Minister Snowden was invited and didn’t appear.
Dear RICHARD FULWOOD, I wasn’t able to watch the PETER CRISS interview but so glad to hear it went so well. Hope we can find a link and post it here.
Re MINISTER SNOWDON, why on earth doesn’t he stand down! He won’t even speak with you! He’s threatened to walk out of meetings if you dare ask him any questions! What is this ?
Personally, I think the legal challenge is a great idea and agree with Peter.
Good evening, all
Sorry I didn’t get home in time to post the link, but AVM Pete Criss has just done an interview on the 6PR Drive programme with Howard Sattler. Gary Gray (MP for Brand) was on there too, spouting the standard line about how CPI was what the government signed up to and so on – how he can stand there with his bare face hanging out… But I digress.
I felt remiss for being too slow to let you know about this in advance, so I rang the station to see if the segment would be replayed later. It will be up on the website later this evening. If you go to http://www.6pr.com.au/shows/drive you should get a list of topics, which you click on to play. The producer said she would use a photo of a bunch of ex-service people with medals as the segment’s marker. If you can’t get the above to work just Google the station and work through. It’s reasonably straightforward. You can also leave comments. I left mine with the producer. She’s on our side.
Again, sorry for being so slack.
Ray Martin, I was trying to follow up on my intention of finding all the promises the pollies made us about DFRB and DFRDB. There must have been about 20 who said we’d get a retirement pay that always kept place with inflation, just before they turned around and changed the rules. Still looking. The trouble is they show up in the oddest places. I found one from Gough Whitlam that went further than anyone else ever did. I quote:
“I promised yesterday week that the Defence Forces Retirement Benefits Fund would be reconstituted so as to provide non-contributory pensions to all ex-servicemen and to adjust those pensions periodically in accordance with adjustments in rates of pay applicable to current servicemen.”
This was in Hansard for 19 May 1970, in the middle of a speech about law reform in the ACT>?? I couldn’t find the “yesterday week” context. It probably was part of a campaign speech for by-elections in the ACT which were on at the same time.
Pity Gough’s idea didn’t get up.
Dear BARNEY WARD, you are not slack! You are a champion. Thanks for all of this intel. It is so valuable to us all. Thanks for working so hard. You are an inspiration, like your Brethren.
Dear Barney Ward and Tessites…..
NO – not slack at all Barney! Don’t spend another minute on the history please – we will look forward!
8000 views now of the Vid The Honourable Thing – I will provide feedback in some form in a couple of weeks or so. Some interesting but not surprising comment from a number of quarters.
The best place to get links to all the Media attention at the moment 9much of it as a result of OP AWARE from the FAIR GO team) is at http://www.standto.org If you havn’t joined it to receive updates – you should!
Time to pause for ANZAC Day – to remember them.
Cheers
Ray
I just spoke to Robert who is one of Sen Ronaldson’s advisers about the Future Fund. They can’t use the FF to pay our “Unfunded Liabilities” as it may drain the fund. I asked about getting this bill through the Senate even if they have a majority in the House of Reps and he indicated they would do what ever it takes. He also advised me the total liabilities for ALL Superannuation is $4,500,000,000 over the next 50 years.
The following is for AVM Peter Criss Interview 23/04/12
http://tenbreakfast.com.au/video.htm?movideo_m=181455
Thanks Ray and Tess,
I will now drop my search for promises and legislation. But just as a final word, I looked up the COMLAW site and found 74 items referring to the Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits scheme, including all the various amendments to the act, and other regulations and legislative instruments promulgated right up to 2011. Trying to interpret and sort out the reasons behind some of these things is mindbending. So I gave up. But you can bet, Ray, that there will have been plenty of high-sounding phraseology surrounding most of them.
That’s a great result for the video, Ray. It was a very good display which made a deep impression on everyone I referred to it.
As you say, a pause to remember absent friends and departed comrades tomorrow.
Cheers
Dear RAY MARTIN and BARNEY WARD, thank you both for your invaluable contributions that make this comments section an important historical and research document.
One of the more common observations made about the comments is the calibre of political and financial argument that has demolished the facile excuses made by the GILLARD and previous governments.
Also this background information is an enormous help in terms of response by Diggers to letters/emails from politicians who are invariably ignorant of the facts and simply mouthing from pro forma texts.
It is also an enormous help in terms of discussions with media and
the wider community.
Thanks for the standto link Ray. Onya.
INCREASE THE PENSIONS FOR DIGGERS, JULIA – AND BACKDATE THEM AS WELL!
http://www.theage.com.au/opinion/political-news/83m-for-anzac-centenary-20120423-1xhez.html
Dear RICHARD FULWOOD, thanks for the CHANNEL TEN link for the PETER CRISS interview and for the heads up re SENATOR RONALDSON’s staff and FF Fund.
Doesn’t some of that money in the FF belong to you anyway ? Didn’t a percentage of your super go into the fund ?
HI Tess, Richard Fulwood, and everyone,
The Future fund was established in 2006. Treasurer Costello said: “The Future Fund will be invested with the aim of accumulating financial assets sufficient to offset the government’s unfunded superannuation liabilities by 2020.”
The liability was estimated to be $140 Billion by 2020. Sounds like an awful lot! Senator Ronaldson’s office is probably underestimating, though. You have to wonder what Mr Costello included in the estimate… Age pensions, perhaps, or Parliamentary pensions… If the latter are in there, then it’s obvious why they don’t want to “drain” it. But the Fund was established to provide for superannuation payments, so why not use it? It’s only a bit premature, as these things go (usage was supposed to start in 2020).
The reasoning behind Senator Ronaldson’s staffer’s comment sounds to me like the bloke in the clothing store who won’t let you have the last pair of size 10 boots because someone else might want them.
Tess, it would be impossible to find out where our DFRDB and MSBS contributions went. They disappeared into the great churning gut of Consolidated Revenue. There was no mention of using super contributions as seed money in Treasurer Costello’s speech.
The government seeded the Future Fund with $18 billion, and money from budget surpluses and asset sales (Telstra?) was invested as well. It’s now got $70-odd billion. I haven’t checked what has been fed in over the last couple of years, but I will. Not much, I believe.
I agree, Tess, that politicians are usually ignorant of the facts. Look at Treasurer Swan’s responses to questions at the National Press Club. Listen to Gary Gray on last evening’s radio discussions in WA with Pete Criss. By the way, I wrote the Treasurer three pages of letter the other day, following up on Bert Hoebee’s letter last month as I said I would.
Hi
Just a heads up, that stellar paragon of current affairs ACA on Channel 9 is having another celebrity trying to live on the pension for a week. This time it is Brian Wenzel from “A Country Practice” and what he indicates is that the AGE pension should be the same level as the minimum wage. Maybe Brian should live on a DFRB/DFRDB pension for a week.
As an update the National minimum wage is $589.30 per week, calculated on the basis of a week of 38 ordinary hours, or $15.51 per hour. This was as of 01/07/2011 from FWA web site. This will put our case into context. The average DFRDB pension is approx $23,000 pa and the minimum wage is approx $30643 pa.
Hi all,
Re Pete Criss’s interview with 6PR (Perth) yesterday, here is a better link:
http://www.6pr.com.au/blogs/6pr-perth-blog/defence-fight-for-fair-go/20120423-1xh7q.html
Courtesy of email from Ray Gibson tonight. He attached a mp3 file of some talkback calls, notably from Peter Thornton and Richard Usher (Pres of DFWA Western Australia). I don’t know how to upload that link here – but you can probably get it from 6PR.
Sorry, should have said the interview is really good and really worth listening to.. As Ray said, Pete was in full afterburner for most of it and he was brilliant.
Dear BARNEY WARD, you’re such an unstoppable sleuth. Onya, too, for all the info in your comment.
What was the forerunner of the Future Fund, Barney? I know we’ve discussed it here in the comments – that’s what I was thinking of.
My understanding of what happened to your super contributions ( 5%?)
is this – you didn’t get them back.
My ANZAC Day tribute, which also mentions your campaign and this story.
http://www.independentaustralia.net/2012/australian-identity/the-anzac-day-debt/
All the best,
Dave
OPERATION UPDATE REPORT
Issue #18 Dated: 24 April 2012
Operation AWARE is drawing to a close as far as the involvement of our supporters in the major activities is concerned, and already we can say it has been a major success. Our activities have generated a “frenzy of interest” in radio and print media and national TV coverage, and this interest continues in the lead up to ANZAC Day.
AVM Peter Criss’s appearance on TV Channel 10 Breakfast Show on 16 April generated an item on their evening National News and his radio interview on 2UE’s Jason Morrison Show, as well as his interview on the ABC AM Program on 19 April.
Peter was again interviewed by Greg Carey on 4BC on Friday 20 April.
Peter was also interviewed for 3AW news broadcast in Melbourne. Other radio stations are also expressing interest in wanting to find out more about the Fair Go Campaign.
Concurrently on the TV front, Major General Jim Molan gave a “plug” for the Campaign at the end of a Channel Nine interview on Afghanistan. He was invited to re-appear on the Channel Nine Today Program on Sunday 22 April to specifically talk about the indexation issue. With the aid of a new comparison graph Jim was able to clearly present the indexation injustice. We are waiting for the Channel 9 podcast to be posted on their website.
Note: In this graph Male Total Average Weekly Earnings (MTAWE) are the base constant against which are shown the relative cumulative percentage increases or decreases, over time, of the several classes of Commonwealth pensions.
Peter Criss appeared on the Channel 10 Breakfast program today Monday 23 April. No video podcast has yet been posted. When posted watch it here and leave a comment : The tab “My Breakfast” offers a Have Your Say:
Pete Criss was again in action on Howard Sattler’s Drive Time on radio 6 PR this afternoon. Now this was rivetting thanks to Howard allowing suitable time for both Pete and MP Gary Grey to discuss the military superannuation indexation matter in some detail. This is a must listen to hear the Government’s rationale for not accepting our claim. After the interview, listen to the radio talk back comments here.
Please understand that many of the media opportunities are fleeting and we receive too little notice to alert you by email. Therefore, we will post media alerts on http://www.standto.org Home page. Please keep in touch here. Note that many media activities are planned events and subject to the fluidity of the TV world of news and current affairs.
Your support for the OP AWARE media exposure has been excellent, thank you. The 2UE Website in particular, was inundated with comments from our supporters after the Jason Morrison interview with Peter Criss. Your continued support for these media events is critical to the ongoing campaign. Please go to the 4BC link now and leave a comment after listening to Friday’s interview with Greg Carey.
As a standing operational task please support all our media appearances by listening/viewing or reading them and having your say by adding your comments on the website.
We are encouraged by the number of print media reports, opinion pieces and letters to the editors. They can be seen on our website home page http://www.standto.org under News.
As at today the video “The Honourable Thing to Do” by Colonel Ray Martin has generated 7,743 hits. Watch the video here. Let’s keep this going by relay to your family and friends
Senator Xenophon’s Action
The Senator has reacted to our Op AWARE Campaign with a Media Release calling for an independent investigation into the Government’s costs of Fair Indexation. See it here
Bumper stickers are now on sale. Order at http://www.standto.org
From the “Fair Go!” Team
Campaign Directors: Ted Chitham , Ray Gibson
Campaign National Spokesperson: David Jamison
Stay current with the Campaign at http://www.standto.org
Lest We Forget
Dear RICHARD FULWOOD, I think MINISTER WARREN SNOWDON, THE MINISTER FOR VETERAN AFFAIRS and the career politician who won’t answer your questions, should be invited to try to live on a Vet’s pension – for three months.
Dear BARNEY WARD, thanks for posting the link to the 6PR interview with the fab PETER CRISS.
Hi all, especially Bob Ihlein, Tess and David Donovan,
You people are worse insomniacs than I am. 1.15am, 1.23am, 3.42am and then here you are at 8.49 again Tess.
Bob, great job posting the latest update from ADSO. Should have thought of that myself. And DD, thanks for your Anzac Day tribute. Greatly appreciated.
Operation Aware was truly a huge success. And we have finally got some sustained interest from the rest of the media, apart from Independent Australia, 4BC and local newspapers in Queensland who have been so stalwart.
Tess, about the only thing I can think of that could be called a forerunner of the future fund was the DFRB reserves, which also got subsumed into Consolidated revenue way back in the 70s. I’m pretty sure there was an invested fund as a part of the old Comsuper scheme which was traded in in 1976. I guess that probably disappeared into Consolidated Revenue as well, because the current scheme is unfunded, as far as I know. There would have been a fair amount there.
Tess, if Minister Snowdon had to live on a DFRDB benefit for three months – well – he couldn’t. We might get a better reaction from him afterwards, though.
“They shall grow not old…”
I’m off to talk to my daughter about her leaking pool, and my grandson about the Dawn Service he went to this morning.
Dear DAVID DONOVAN, thank you so much for your ANZAC DAY OpEd and acknowledgement of the collective effort of various individuals and groups who have worked so hard in this continuing common cause for a Fair Go for our Veterans and serving Defence Force personnel and families.
Thank you and INDEPENDENT AUSTRALIA for giving us a voice – and a space – in which to present different facets of this disgraceful injustice and to expose the political hypocrisy of the GILLARD GOVERNMENT – as well as previous Governments.
Is there a video link to the Maj Gen Molan interview on the 22/04/12 available as yet and Mr Donovan’s OpEd was also very well done. The feedback coming from the Fair Go campaign is all positive from radio talkback and most blogs. Thank you and keep up the pressure.
Dear BARNEY WARD – do you know I hadn;t noticed Barney, and in between I’ve been to a Dawn Service and Gunfire Breakfast!
It got to the stage where I was working so late into this morning, that I was too scared to sleep in case I didn’t wake in time for the Dawn Service!
Hi Richard,
I haven’t seen a link, and looking at ch9 Today show I can’t find the video, although the topic is mentioned in the list for last Sunday. I’ll ask some questions tomorrow.
Hi Richard,
I haven’t seen a link, and looking at ch9 Today show I can’t find the video, although the topic is mentioned in the list for last Sunday. I’ll ask some questions tomorrow if possible
Dear David,
Thank you for your thoughtful article, “Your Anzac Day tribute”.
Your efforts and the efforts of all your staff are most appreciated.
Thanks KBHussell, much appreciated.
Thanks Tess, much appreciated.
Thanks Barney, good on you!
Hi all
Just got back from the Anzac march and ceremony here in Canberra.
What a pleasant suprise.
No Labor pollies sprouting the usual guff about supporting the troops etc, strictly a ceromony commemorating the Australian and New Zealand troops in all wars and conflicts.
First, I would like to thank David for his excellent article and his and Tess’s continued and wecome support in the fight for fair indexation of Military Super.
Secondly, I would urge everyone to listern to the podcast from 6PR in perth with Howard Sattler, Peter Criss and the latest apologist from the labor party, would not call him honourable in any sense of the word, the one and only, Gary Grey!
What a despicable response from Grey.
Pass it on to all your contacts.
Thanks Barney
Only reason I was up so early was that I was getting ready to go to the Dawn Service at The Entrance.
It was so good to see so many young Children and both the Dawn and Main Service. I was very impressed.
Dear BOB IHLEIN, thanks for the OPERATION AWARE posting. Onya!
A couple of articles from the Border Mail in Albury/Wodonga are highlighting our case. The first is a letter from Jim Hislop dated 17/04/12 http://www.bordermail.com.au/news/opinion/letters/general/defence-super-rules-are-wrong/2523609.aspx
The second is an article dated 26/04/12 on Page 9 entitled CPI index ‘rips off serviceman’ and is from the President of the Tasmanian RSL Bill Kaine which sums up the position of Fair Indexation and he states the RSL has submitted papers to the Govt.
I can’t scan the article unfortunately.
David Donovan in his book, “Once a Warrior King” ( ISBN 0 297 78889 2 ) talks about his feelings on his return home to America, from Vietnam, where he had served for a tour in Infantry in a MAT team. He states:
” The ingratitude wasn’t a problem with the Army, it was a problem with the country. I felt my country didn’t give a damn about me or the sacrifice I and thousands of others were making in their name. I found I didn’t like being shot at for low pay and less thanks. When men and women were in the Army – or the Airforce, or the Navy – they were in the SERVICE, that is, the SERVICE of their country. They performed that service at some sacrifice to themselves. They sacrificed their time, their efforts, their freedom, their families and maybe even their lives. It was not unreasonable for a man to figure that his country owed him at least a little respect, a little thanks for the trouble, a little pat on the back for the effort. But thanks and respect were not available, not this time around. A Vietnam returnee had to go a long way to find anything like respect and as for thanks, he could forget that altogether”.
They are sentiments we can all relate to.
All of that is bad enough but then this?
What follows are extracts from an article produced in The New York Times – Sunday Review on 14 April, 2012 by Nicholas D. Kristof. The article is headed “A VETERANS’ DEATH, A NATION’S SHAME”.
“An American soldier dies every day and a half, on average, in Iraq or Afghanistan. Veterans kill themselves at a rate of one every 80 minutes. More than 6500 veteran suicides are logged every year – more than the total number of soldiers killed in Iraq or Afghanistan combined, since the wars began”.
“One reason for veteran suicides (or crime which gets far more attention) may be PTSD along with a related condition, traumatic brain injury”.
“Preliminary figures suggest that being a veteran now roughly doubles ones risk of suicide. For young men aged 17 to 24, being a veteran almost quadruples the risk of suicide”.
“To its credit, the VA has established a suicide hot line and appointed suicide prevention co-ordinators. It is also chipping away at a warrior culture in which mental health concerns are considered sissy. Still, veterans slip through the cracks. Last year, the US Court of Appeals in San Francisco excoriated the VA for “unchecked incompetence” in dealing with veterans’ mental health”.
“There are going to be one million new veterans in the next five years. VA are already having trouble coping with the population they have now so I don’t know what they’re going to do”.
” Last month, the VA’s own Inspector General reported on a 26 year old veteran who was found wandering naked through traffic in California. The Police tried to get care for him, but a VA hospital reportedly said it couldn’t accept him until morning. The young man didn’t go in and after a series of other missed opportunities to get treatment, he stepped in front of a train and killed himself”.
“We refurbish tanks after time in combat but don’t much help men and women exorcise the demons of war. Presidents commit troops to distant battle fields, but don’t commit enough dollars to veterans’ services afterwards. We enlist soldiers to protect us, but when they come home, we don’t protect them”.
The rates of suicides are lower in Australia but that is to be expected, given the size of our forces compared to that of America. Nonetheless, 112 suicides since 1996 is 112 too many. The time is long overdue for some serious questions to be asked:
* Are there mechanisms in place – in theatre – to identify soldiers who are showing signs of PTSD?
* If yes, are the soldiers removed from the area as soon as practicable?
*Where are they relocated to get treatment and is the treatment adequate?
* If all soldiers are trained to identify the early symptoms of PTSD then your mate could really be your saving grace. Is this the case?
* Are counsellors available on Force HQ?
* At what stage are they RTA and are they encouraged to overcome the problem and continue on with a service career or are they discharged on medical grounds?
* If discharged, do DVA step in immediately to ensure swift passage of paper work so that access to pensions and on going care is readily available?
* Is ongoing involvement by DVA always there and is it adequate?
* Is there a suicide hot line available in Australia to soldiers experiencing difficulties – or to their families who will no doubt see the signs first?
* What services are available to assist family members when a digger is suffering from PTSD?
This list barely scratches the surface but it should be the basis of SOP’s.
God did not give me the ability to put into words the feelings of disappointment, disillusionment, frustration and anger that wells up in us all when we realise what the politicians are doing/not doing for us. That they can go about their daily activities of trying to better their positions on the greasy pole, trying to squeeze that extra month or year out of the system so that they can gather a better retirement deal and at the same time, believing the pure diarrhea that comes from their mouths, boggles the mind. And they treat us with contempt?
Hopefully, we can respond in kind to the current government at the next election. Their defeat across the Nation should far exceed the loss by labor in Queensland during their recent election and their despatch to the wilderness should be “for the term of their natural lives”. Roll on 2013 and let’s hope it may even be earlier than that?
Dear RICHARD FULWOOD, thanks for the important link – stories in
community and regional media are invaluable in this information campaign and exchange and emphasise behidn the statistics are human beings and their families.
Dear KEN HUSSELL, sadly, DAVID DONOVAN’s words about his US Vietnam Vet experience, mirrors that of the Australian Vietnam Vet.
Thank you too, for the reference to the New York Times article and the horrendous information it recounts – that US Vets suicide at the rate of one every 80 minutes.
There is more in the article that should send a chill up the spineless body politic in this country.
Given Australia’s military past and more more recent shared experience with US and other Forces in the Gulf, Iraq and Afghanistan killing fields, we should be on notice that the horror discussed in this article already have – and will continue to visit our own defence personnel, families and impact on the wider community.
I urge everyone to read your post Ken – and all the questions you rightly pose.
Some stories are starting to bleed out – but given the Government’s mishandling of defence and pension matters – we would be forgiven
for mistrusting it to assume any duty of care or responsibility.
We already know it has no compassion for Veterans. One only has to read the words of politicians on Anzac Day to know the extent of their hypocrisy.
Thanks Ken, for making this hard call.
I had no idea that 112 of our Australian Veteran Brothers have suicided since 1996.
* Please remember that there is no shame in asking for help, either for yourself or a Cobber.
Here’s the number for LIFELINE: 13 11 14
Ken Hussell,
Your words “God did not give me the ability to put into words the feeling of disappointment, disillusionment, frustration and anger that wells in us all when we realise what the polititions are doing/not doing for us” could not have been worded any better in my opinion. I think they believe that many of us are not smart enough to see through them, yet many who are contributing here are so much more articulate than the spin doctors (Hired guns?) who we indirectly pay to formulate sentences for these uncaring bastards who purport to have our best interests at heart. Put them on their own and they dodge all the questions and profer the same tired lines. Gary Grey’s response to Peter Criss was appalling. He kept trotting out the word “honourable”, yet not one of the buggers seem to act with honour. I’d go further to say that if honour was a ten foot tall purple monster with green dots, and jumped up and bit them on the arse, they still would not know what it was! The appalling behaviour of Messers Thompson and Slipper (innocent until proven guilty) has not drawn condemnation from a government so desperate to cling to power. I did not see that same latitude afforded to the head of the Defence Force Acadamy by minister Smith. Yes Smith, you twerp, that’s called double standards. How they can lump the likes of Smith and Snowdon on us is beyond me. Ken you are still fighting the good fight, as are many others. Well done Cobber.
Cheers, Maurie
Here is another piece from the Geelong Advertiser I came accross on a facebook feed. The Salvos are finding an inordinate number of veterans in need of their support.
http://www.geelongadvertiser.com.au/article/2012/04/24/321911_opinion.html
Well said Maurie and the regular contributors to this website. You are absolutely correct in identifying Smith and Gray as incompetents. By geez, they’d last about two minutes in uniform. It’s about time we geared up for the march to Canberra and let the buggers know how disappointed we are in their decision making.
Evening all,
KB Hussell, that is a very incisive indictment of the US veteran care system.
With regard to our own system, I’m sorry to say that I would be surprised if any of the questions you ask had a really positive answer, (except maybe from incidental unit-based programmes); even today, when PTSD and other stress-induced mental problems suffered by veterans are far better understood than they were years ago, and ought to be accepted as wounds in exactly the same way as is physical damage.
I don’t think DVA ever steps in proactively. I gather from the troops at our local Viet Vets organisation (they do all the VetAffairs pension work locally) that there has to be an application for assistance, from the person affected or someone empowered to act for him/her, before anything can happen. I got the impression that PTSD and similar issues are still a bit harder to get through the system than physical injuries. But whatever assistance you apply for, it’s practically essential to have a case manager following up and managing the paperwork, which one might cynically believe is designed to discourage people from actually applying for anything.
On a lighter(?) note, I promised to see what I could find out about contributions to the Future Fund. Here’s what I got:
5 May 2006 Initial Seed Capital $18.0 Billion
22 January 2007 2005-06 Budget Surplus and first instalment of Telstra 3 sale proceeds $18.639 billion
16 February 2007 The remainder of the 2005-06 Budget Surplus $3.638 billion
28 February 2007 2,104,657,933 Telstra shares $8.966 billion (value at time of transfer)
22 June 2007 Telstra 3 sale proceeds (prepayments of the second instalment received in the period February to April 2007) $0.151 billion
28 June 2007 21,894,459 Telstra shares $0.102 billion (value at time of transfer)
24 August 2007 2006-07 Budget Surplus $7.0 billion
25 June 2008 Telstra 3 sale proceeds (second instalment receipts) $3.9 billion
21 November 2008 35,361,956 Telstra shares $0.141 billion(value at time of transfer)
Total Transfers $60.537 billion (value at time of transfer)
21 November 2008 seems to have been the last transfer in. I suppose that’s logical – we haven’t had a budget surplus since, nor any asset sales. But despite a bad year in 2011, the Funds managers haven’t done too badly to get its worth up to $73.07 billion as of December 2011.
I couldn’t find a link for Jim Molan’s interview last Sunday. Can only suggest you keep an eye on standto.org, Richard. It may come up there.
Dear MAURIE, spot on. The pollies constantly treat you as if you are as dopey as they are.
Time and again in these comments, Veterans have exposed their adversaries as being little more than political stooges and apologists who have no grasp of the financial logistics.
Evening all,
I was very impressed by a letter that Bert Hoebee wrote to our esteemed Treasurer last month, and thought I’d follow up. Got the receipt confirmation back today, so I’ll post the text now. It’s a bit long-winded – sorry about that:
“17 April 2012
The Honourable Wayne Swan, MP
Treasurer and Deputy Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Australia
Parliament House,
Suite MG41
Canberra ACT 2600
Dear Minister,
The Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits (DFRDB) Amendment (Fair Indexation) Bill 2010
Like a colleague who wrote to you on 13 March 2012, I am puzzled by your comments last month about reform of military retirement pay. Perhaps your advisors have allowed you to be beguiled by some of the many red herrings that have been trawled through the debate on Fair Indexation since last June. I have critiqued some of the more commonly encountered of these fishy arguments, and hope my commentary clarifies the issues.
Cost has, of course, been a major talking point. Recent correspondence from one of your Ministerial colleagues referred to a report by the Senate Finance and Public Administration Legislation Committee. I have read the report. The Committee was particularly impressed by the Bill’s projected cost over the next 45 years,, as calculated by the Department of Finance and Deregulation (DoFD). That projection does not accurately represent the facts. It ignores the existence of the Future Fund, which supposedly will take over all ComSuper liabilities in 2020 and is reported to have reserves of $75 billion or more. Even if the Future Fund wasn’t there, I am sure you realise that the DoFD cost projections are vastly inflated and stem from some dubious assumptions; for instance, that all current recipients will be around for the next 45 years. If I survived that long, I would be 111. It’s a nice thought….
The government has shot itself in the foot over the cost argument, anyway. The real annual cost of Fair Indexation is no more than estimated costs for the recent very generous Parliamentary pay rises. If there’s no spare money around, why haven’t you, as Treasurer, refused to fund those increases?
Those concerned with maintaining the Government’s position in this debate have also made great play of the “unfair exclusion” of Military Superannuation Benefits Scheme (MSBS) recipients, younger DFRDB recipients, and other Commonwealth superannuants from Fair Indexation consideration. (The occasionally mentioned corollary that all remaining DFRB pensioners were being completely left out is a furphy. DFRDB legislation was amended long ago to ensure that beneficial changes were automatically extended to DFRB pensioners. The Fair Indexation Bill’s provisions should therefore have covered them automatically.) The Amendment Bill as presented did indeed exclude MSBS, some DFRDB, and ComSuper recipients, but it addressed the parlous situation of the most needy group, the over-55s, and was thus considered a workable interim step by the Alliance of Defence Service Organisations.
In that context, DFRDB and MSBS retirees now depart the Services from a much better monetary position than did those who left in the 80s and 90s; retirement pay calculations are currently based on the maximum pay for rank and pay level, including any service allowance or recognised environmental allowance. Older retirees’ benefits were calculated solely on the basic pay they were actually receiving on retirement. Here is a comparison: a Warrant Officer Class 2 who retires today, at age 45, after 23 years’ service will get a retirement pay of approximately 34.5% (after commutation) of an annual salary, including Service Allowance, between $76,696 and $110,039 depending on pay grade; a commencing retirement pay of between $26,460 and $37,963 per annum. On the other hand, a Lieutenant-Colonel leaving the Regular Army in 1990, after 23 years, at age 45 would have received a residual retirement pay of $16,860, which will have risen to only $29,800 per annum after nearly 22 years – although it must be said he or she is far, far better off than most of his/her cohort.
The previous Coalition Government’s generous changes to salaries and calculation criteria thus ensured that younger DFRDB and MSBS recipients and contributors are not in such urgent need as older members. But the point is moot; we are now pressing for all military retirement pay, including the “preserved benefit” from the much-praised, but to my mind dreadfully inadequate MSBS, to be Fairly Indexed forthwith.
Fair Go campaigners sympathise with Commonwealth Public Service superannuants (the usual third leg of the “unfair” allegation). But as I have said previously, although it’s not surprising that government spokespeople continually seek to make us somehow complicit in responsibility for unfair Commonwealth Public Service Superannuation indexation, we have no control over indexation criteria – therefore, we are not responsible for government’s generally appalling record as an employer in this matter. We believe that the Commonwealth Super issue is a separate problem needing a unique solution; which it behoves the government, as the aforementioned employer, to address.
The other favourite ploy, that our claim seeks the retrospective application of an unearned Condition of Service, is absolute bunkum. Whoever is pushing that barrow is telling a barefaced lie.
Minister, it is historical fact that the Joint Select Committee headed by the Hon. John Jess, CDE, MP, in its blueprint for the DFRDB Scheme, specifically recommended in May 1972 that benefits be indexed to maintain relativity with Average Weekly Earnings, so they would always maintain their purchasing power. The Committee’s favoured method of achieving this goal was to establish a nexus between pay for rank on retirement and retirement pay itself. Thus someone who retired with a 35% retirement benefit in 1980 would still be receiving 35% of today’s same-rank pay.
The Jess Committee’s scheme was never applied as formulated. There was bitter resistance to the whole concept from various quarters, on several grounds. The link :-
http://dfrdb.com/cms/downloads/item/how-it-all-began.html?category_id=5
will take you to a downloadable paper written in 1979, which covers the history of military retirement benefits until then and explains, in part, the nature of the resistance. Suffice to say here that opposition to Jess’ scheme was serious enough for then Prime Minister McMahon, on 26 October 1972, to try shuffling the matter off to another special investigation and a second report from the Commonwealth Actuary – a delaying tactic which I note is still gainfully employed by government to this day, to avoid acting on Fair Indexation. In McMahon’s case the tactic didn’t work because he lost the “It’s Time” election in December 1972.
The effects of objections to Jess’ concepts were still obvious when Defence Minister Lance Barnard finally introduced DFRDB legislation to Parliament, in May 1973. In particular, there was no good operational reason to discount Jess’ very clear recommendations about “pension updating” (indexation). But that’s what Barnard did. He said that he wanted “developments on pension updating in other Commonwealth pension schemes”… “carefully investigated and assessed in relation to the new DFRB scheme”.
It must have been a very careful investigation and assessment. It took four years, all but a few weeks. Even so, the only reason that any form of automatic indexation was ever enabled for DFRDB was that Consumer Price Index (CPI) was the approved measure for the new (1976) Commonwealth Superannuation scheme, and became a precedent. Otherwise DFRDB recipients would probably still be struggling, in even worse case than we now are, hoping forlornly that someone might remember, every few years, to adjust DFRDB dollar rates by amending the Act.
Whatever the political exercises undertaken when DFRDB was introduced, serving members were promised in 1973 that their retirement pay would always maintain relativity with prices and wages. This Condition of Service was extended to every new enlistee. The Fraser Government’s choice of CPI as the index may have been an attempt to honour it – or maybe not. There is a view that Fraser’s Treasurer knew of its already existing drawbacks as a cost of living measure, (some of these were recognised and elucidated by the Jess Committee in rejecting it) and used CPI as a subtle method of limiting both DFRDB’s and ComSuper’s liabilities, as it slowly fell behind community living standards.
Whatever the Fraser Government’s motives, CPI was applied in 1977, and predictably, slowly lost relativity to prices and wages. Its disadvantages were exacerbated when later governments changed the the calculation “basket” to accord with international standards for inflation measurement. By 1990, CPI was completely useless as a living costs index, although government didn’t admit it until 1997. The result, for most older DFRDB recipients, is that their retirement pay is now worth only about 60% of its relative starting value.
Minister, no government has ever lived up to the promise made to ADF members in 1973, that DFRB/ DFRDB benefits would always maintain their purchasing power.
All Federal governments since 1972 share responsibility for the debacle that DFRB and DFRDB have become (and that will extend to MSBS). However, the degree of culpability of one government or another is no reason to continue the denial of natural justice that was perpetrated in the Senate last June. No-one expects retirement pay to be fully and retrospectively restored according to the 1973 promise. If that was on the cards I’d be owed over $110,000 in back pay as well as at least $15,000 extra per year – and the DoFD cost estimates might be somewhat more accurate. But military retirees do expect any future adjustments to be indexed by the same criteria as are used for the Age Pension. In other words, we want the Condition of Service, to which we contributed financially and otherwise at sometimes painful cost, to be restored so it operates as promised. And quickly please!
As I recently wrote to one of your colleagues: “enough time has been wasted in blame games with the Coalition, obscure and condescending philosophical arguments about the “three pillars of retirement income” (a concept worthy in its pomposity of a “Yes Minister” script), futile verbose defence of government’s untenable position in this matter, and quixotic quests for yet another review or some new hypothetical statistical device. People are sinking further into poverty while these delaying tactics continue. An early favourable resolution of the issue is of paramount importance, not only for military retirees, but also, in my opinion, for the future of your Government. There are enough Defence Family members in marginal New South Wales seats, for instance, to unseat every sitting member if they vote as a bloc. I assure you they are trending that way. As well, the issue is gaining traction among the wider populace.”
Minister, all we military retirees want is a Fair Go, in exactly the terms you so stridently proclaimed at the National Press Club and elsewhere; and from which we hope that your government’s past, present and future employees will not be excluded; though your recent comments seem to express the opposite intention.
In courtesy I advise that I will circulate this letter widely to my colleagues and others.”
Dear BARNEY WARD, what a powerful and well written document to TREASURER WAYNE SWAN.
You have left him with nowhere to go; except to hang his head in shame and to immediately rectify this longstanding injustice.
If he had a shred of political courage, he would make an adjustment to the Budget now.
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Thank you David, as well as Tess, for continuing to support a just cause. Your sixth paragraph sheets home the essence of our argument – “the very act of being a soldier, sailor, airman, or other serviceman or woman, is that your very life is at the mercy of the state. You have no veto over policy.” The Commonwealth has a duty of care for its service personnel because the Commonwealth (in whatever form) controls their destiny. The Commonwealth has failed in this duty of care.
Your article is timely and pertinent, and well written. The support you have given to this endeavor is unparalleled, and will not be forgotten by those of us who believe in truth and justice.
Whether one is entitled to medals or not is not a measure of one’s commitment to defending our Nation and it’s principals – you both demonstrate that, and all of us appreciate your contribution.
Dear BILL ARDEN, thank you for your kind words to David and myself but this is a two way street to Justice, and that is the beauty of the fine contribution you have all made to the campaign and for increasing public awareness.
It has also been a joy to witness your fearless activism and you have inspired many of us to revisit earlier aspirations that may have been trampled on by the vicissitudes of life.
Together we can and have made a difference. It is important that we stand up against political bullies. Promises were made to you.
You agreed to go to War on a promise. You kept your side of the bargain. You country did not.
Justice for one, is Justice for all.
Thank you all for doing what you do.
And thank you for your service to this country. Then and now.
Dear BILL ARDEN, thank you for your kind words to David and myself but this is a two way street to Justice, and that is the beauty of the fine contribution you have all made to the campaign and for increasing public awareness.
It has also been a joy to witness your fearless activism and you have inspired many of us to revisit earlier aspirations that may have been trampled on by the vicissitudes of life.
Together we can and have made a difference. It is important that we stand up against political bullies. Promises were made to you.
You agreed to go to War on a promise. You kept your side of the bargain. Your country did not.
Justice for one, is Justice for all.
Thank you all for doing what you do.
And thank you for your service to this country. Then and now.
Hi all
Thanks Barney Ward for your letter to Swann. It makes a powerful statement and should be posted on Stand To, and sent to every newspaper and media outlet in Australia.
It will be interesting if you even get a response from Swann and if you do, I bet it will the usual waffle, mistruths, and misrepresentation of the facts from the same song sheet.
For the life of me, I can not see why Public Servants have not seen the fact that they are affected by the same rules, but then again, THEY the ones on high salaries who from time immorial, have opposed any changes to DFRB/DFRDB.
Anyway, keep up the fight.
Dear JOHN SAINSBURY, spot on re BARNEY WARD’s letter to MINISTER WAYNE SWAN.
Re the intertia from Public Servants, I think it’s a poor show that you have received no support from the Unions. Am I right in thinking this ?
Tess
There’s NO chance of gaining Union Support IMHO as the ADF has no Union and therefore no table at the ACTU. The Public Sector Unions could offer some support but they treat the ADF as the enemy. This is all my own opinion having worked in Russell Offices a few years ago.
Thank you Tess and everyone for your kind words. I only wish the letter would finish up on the Treasurer’s desk instead of in the hands of a minion; or even more likely, in the bin! I’ll send it to the papers and TV over the weekend but I have no great hope that they’ll pick it up.
Bill Arden made a post on 13 December last which explains why we get no assistance from the unions – aside from the fact that, as Richard Fulwood so rightly says, we have no clout with the ACTU.
Bill’s post, and the following link,(which he also posted and which I quoted in my letter to Mr Swan) says it all.
http://dfrdb.com/cms/downloads/item/how-it-all-began.html?category_id=5
Please read Bill’s post, read the link, and form your own conclusions, but I believe the little “green-eyed god envy” was and is somewhere in the mix. Please tell me what you think.
[WORDPRESS HASHCASH] The poster sent us ’0 which is not a hashcash value.
Nick Xenophon Gets it Wrong.
Independent MP Nick Xenophon published a public statement dated 19 April 2012, titled AUDITOR-GENERAL SHOULD UMPIRE ON VETERANS’ PENSIONS.
I am concerned with part of his statement:
“We need an accurate, independent costing for this scheme,” Nick said. “The Minister should refer this to the Auditor-General so we can make an informed decision.”
This implies that he (and others) did not make an ‘informed decision’ on the vote in June 2011 – why not?
“Australian servicemen and women should receive acknowledgement and support for their service. We’re now in a position where we can make that happen.”
I hope this isn’t the general opinion held by parliamentarians because, in my opinion, we are not claiming lack of recognition of our service – we are claiming restoration of our rightful entitlement to fair indexation of retired pay – nothing more, or less!
Just tried to submit a comment which apparently hasn’t taken. Anyway, thanks Tess and everyone for your kind words. I hope the Treasurer actually reads it but I’m not holding my breath. As long as it doesn’t finish up in the bin!
Bill Arden, to whom I am indebted for the link I quote in the letter, made a post on 13 December last year which says it all. Richard Fulwood, you are quite right. We had/have no clout with the ACTU, and the Public Service is often not our friend in these sorts of matters. Treasury, of course, ritually opposes anything that’s likely to cost money. But if you read Bill’s post, and check out the link, you will see why I blame the “little green-eyed god” for a lot of our problems.
[WORDPRESS HASHCASH] The poster sent us ’0 which is not a hashcash value.
Dear RICHARD FULWOOD, I realise only too well that the ADF doesn’t have a Union – but that certainly does not preclude the Union Movemement lending a hand or campaigning on your behhalf. Not in the slightest.
Have they ever been asked ? Given the factional warfare, I doubt they would volunteer – but there are good people to be found in all walks of life.
Dear BILL ARDEN, I think I missed SENATOR NICK XENOPHON’s statement.
OMG,you are right! Argghhhh!
Is he indeed saying he did not make an ill-informed decision on misinformation ? Or is this simply an excuse? How could anyone who voted against the Fair Indexation Bill justify such treachery ?
This reply from Sophie Mirabella was forwarded to me by one of our supporters.
Two things concern me:
It now appears that the Coalition are linking this to the ‘next election’; and
It also seems that no further action will be taken by the Coalition to raise this issue in parliament until the next election, or indeed challenge the Labor coalition on the issue until then.
We seem to be surrounded by inaction wherever we look!
======================================================
From: Schubert, Margaret (S. Mirabella, MP) [mailto:margaret.schubert@aph.gov.au]
On Behalf Of Mirabella, Sophie (MP)
Sent: Tuesday, 17 April 2012 8:59 AM
To:
Subject: FW: Contact from http://www.sophiemirabella.com.au
Dear ???,
Thank you for your email. I am pleased to inform you that the Coalition will again take to the next election a commitment for the fair indexation of DFRB and DFRDB superannuation pensions.
Federal Opposition Leader, the Hon Tony Abbott MHR and the Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Senator the Hon Michael Ronaldson have signed a written pledge on this matter.
Following the 2010 election, the Coalition introduced legislation into the Federal Parliament to deliver fair, just and equitable indexation to 57,000 ex-servicemen and women and their families. Unfortunately, Labor and the Greens used their combined numbers in the Senate to defeat the Coalition’s legislation.
Under a Coalition Government, DFRB and DFRDB superannuants aged 55 and over will have their superannuation pensions indexed in the same way as aged and service pensions. This commitment is fully funded and fully costed.
As you would be aware, Labor led people to believe that they would provide a fairer deal for ex-servicemen and women. Unfortunately, the Rudd-Gillard governments have never delivered.
The Coalition will keep faith with recipients of military superannuation pensions by providing fair indexation of those pensions.
Yours sincerely,
Sophie Mirabella
Dear BILL ARDEN, there is no reason why the Opposition can’t make this an election issue now and raise the matter when Parliament resumes.
Dear Tess, John Sainsbury and all,
This is the third go I’ve had at getting something to take on this site overnight. Hopefully this one will work.
Thanks for your kind words about my letter to the esteemed Treasurer. I hope he reads it and it doesn’t finish up in the bin. I will send it off to the papers, TV stations etc. maybe one of them will run with it.
In reference to help from the unions, Tess, Richard Fulwood is exactly correct. The ps unions have NOT been our friends in the past and there is no reason for that to change. Please download and read the DFWA paper on the other end of the link I quoted in my letter. Please also have a look at Bill Arden’s post for 13 December (where I got the link – thank you Bill). Then guess where the bitter opposition to the Jess committee report came from; and why. There was a mythical green-eyed god called envy…..
Bill Arden, a not unexpected weasel word from Senator Xenophon. It’s probably time a bunch of us wrote to him suggesting that his self-imposed 12 month deadline for sorting the indexation mess out is now only 2? months away.
Also, Bill, not surprised at the response from Sophie Mirabella. It’s probably just as well we have a written pledge from Mr Abbott and Senator Ronaldson – after all, we should remember what Mr Abbott said about anything he didn’t write down!
I’m writing to marginal seat holders on both sides of the House, reminding them that they don’t want to alienate Defence Family electors, who have the numbers to bring them down!. You know, it’s amazing, but both the Treasurer and our Clayton’s Minister for stuffing up Veterans’ Affairs both have more Defence Family members in their seats than their current majorities. Is it stupidity or just arrogance these people display?
Oh Lord, now I’m embarrassed! Just scrolled back a bit further and found that all my comments got up! Sorry people if I’ve wasted your time, but my browser kept telling me last night that the posts weren’t accepted.
Dear BARNEY WARD, no probs. Don’t stress. It happens.
Re: the Unions. I’m across all that ( sort of ) and there is reference to this in the earlier comments but I’m thinking along the lines that you should approach Mr Fixit, and one of the two Prime Ministers in Waiting, BILL SHORTEN.
* Re MINISTERS SWAN AND SNOWDON. We can say, without fear of contradiction, it is a combination of both.
When SWAN was asked about you, his response was all about him and his family – and not at all about the Defence Family.
And SNOWDON threatens to walk out on you and throw a tanty if you dare ask him a single question about your pensions.
What is this ? It certainly isn’t governance.
The numbers have already been compiled and analysed.
You have the electoral clout to rid us all of these drongos.
You certainly have the capacity to determine the outcome of the
next Federal Election.
Given that the present Opposition did zilch for you when they were in office and given that it was their government that despatched you to Iraq and Afghanistan in the first place, their current promises are of no consequence snd meaningless.
What is stopping the Opposition from raising the matter when Parliament resumes? Nothing!
I think it’s worth giving Mr Shorten a call.
* The other PM in waiting is BOB CARR.
Tess, I appreciate the suggestion about Minister Shorten, and I might give it a go, but I’m not hopeful of a response. He is one of the many people that I approached over the infamous 5 February meeting, and the other meeting on Superannuation when he didn’t bother to invite anyone from the biggest super group in the country – ComSuper, which looks after both the Public Service and the military schemes. You got it first time – not a peep out of him!
Tess, he is only there as an unanointed deity, waiting for the call when the Labor hierarchy inevitably unseats Ms Gillard. (You might have seen the renewed speculation on that in the weekend papers.) The concerns of us mere mortals are beneath him.(He does have a bit of a problem now Mr Carr’s on the scene, though, doesn’t he? All that work to – maybe – finally dispose of KRudd, and another contender pops his head up! Damn!)
Don’t forget, Minister Shorten is son-in-law of the GG. He won’t make any move for PM until the GG leaves office, HUGE conflict of interest if GG required to make a presiding decision in relation to the current Commonwealth (Labor) Government.
Extract from GOVERNOR-GENERAL of the COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA website:
“Under Section 68 of the Constitution, the Governor-General is also the Commander-in-Chief of the Australian Defence Force, although in practice he or she acts only on the advice of Ministers of the Government.”
“The Governor-General’s salary is set by an Act of Parliament at the beginning of each term of office, and cannot be changed during the appointment”
No wonder we can’t get any support from the GG’s office.
I have e-mailed both Senator Xenaphon and Mrs Mirabella’s office and I have a copy of email sent to Mrs Mirabella who is my Federal Member is below
Mrs Mirabella
I thank you upfront for your support of Defence Force Retirees in their fight for Fair Indexation. I am asking you why this issue is not raised again and will be only be actioned WHEN you gain Government. The main problem I have with that is that you CAN’T guarantee passage through the Senate. The reason being the coalition may not have the numbers and will need to negotiate with other parties. I spoke to Sen Ronaldson’s advisor who assures me that they will do what it takes to get this bill through the Senate. My question is why wasn’t this done when the original bill was in the Senate and all you really needed was Sen Xenaphons vote as you had Sen Fieldings vote. The time to strike is NOW and the Labour Party needs to reminded of that by reintroducing the bill on 08/05/12.
Richard Fulwood
rpfulwood@westnet.com.au
0260713808
I will look forward to receiving a reply from both parties.
Colin Coyne,
I hadn’t thought of the conflict of interest issue. You are right; he’s not stupid so he’ll bide his time. But it doesn’t alter the basic facts. Mr. Shorten is in Parliament because his union position didn’t satisfy his ambitions. It was only a stepping stone. Sooner or later he wants to be Prime Minister. In my opinion it’s even money at best whether he can do it from a Labor Party base, but that’s his problem. I’ll still write to him, but I doubt I’ll even get an acknowledgement.
Dear All,
Please tell me I heard the ABC News at 7 pm tonight……………and got it all wrong!!
In June, a memorial to all those who served in Bomber Command, England, during WW11, will be opened in London.
New Zealand is putting on a NZ aircraft, to fly all survivors, all expenses paid, to attend the ceremony.
This mongrel lot in Canberra (sorry) will allow only eight survivors from Australia to attend, the rest have to find their own way. I cannot believe THIS COUNTRY is prepared to stand by and see Veterans treated this way. Tonight, I hope I satisfy THEIR requirement and “fall off the perch” before they have to part with ten cents towards my pension which I have earned. I have earned this by virtue of 21 and 1/2 years in the ARA, two tours in Vietnam, a foster father of 24 years, raising five babies to adults when four of these babies are disabled, and 41 years as a JP in NSW and still current.
If this is the best you and your mob can do, Gillard, then tonight I am ashamed to be an Australian.
Dear BARNEY WARD, it is clear that none of these politicians will do anything of their own volition.
I am of the opinion that they are servants of the People – and not the other way around.
Where is MIKE KELLY in all of this – and ANDREW WILKIE ?
Dear COLIN COYNE, since when has the GILLARD GOVERNMENT been coy about
conflict of interest ?
Yes, BILL SHORTEN’s Mum in Law is the GOVERNOR GENERAL, but that fact should not impact upon his political and ethical duties to The People.
I suggest you go above the GG – and go straight to her Boss – and indeed, our Head of State – the QUEEN – and ask her to intervene on your behalf.
Technically HER MAJESTY – and not the PRIME MINISTER, is COMMANDER IN CHIEF of the Australian Armed Forces. Yes ?
It’s about time, she knew how her Australian Government is cheating you!
KBHussell, that is just plain terrible. Not surprising, though. The lousy treatment just goes on, doesn’t it? Mongrels doesn’t adequately describe them.
I bet Smith, Snowdon, Gillard and all the rest of the usual suspects will be there, feeding at the public trough and spouting their usual inane falsities. They say a country gets the government it deserves. What heinous sin did Australia commit to be stuck with this lot?
Dear RICHARD FULWOOD, if they don’t respond to you, please expose them here in the comments – so we keep a log of their misconduct and rudeness – and it will undoubtedly help for when we cast our votes.
Dear BARNEY, re what you said to COLIN, I agree – we should not let their conduct ( or lack of it ) determine ours.
Stay the course. We ought not to lower our standard to accommodate theirs.
Yes Ken Hussell, I saw the same item and my reaction was much the same as yours. My first thought was how many pollies and public servants would be in on this junket for the photo opportunity.
On a much more positive note please check out the latest media release on the Stand To website.
http://www.standto.org/
I would like to both thank and congratulate Peter Criss and all those others who have worked with him to line up the media appointments and to put this statement in support of vets by the retired chiefs and leaders of business/industry together.
PS. Also check out the press report re. Oakeshott hoping to have military super debated in parliament next month. While I have copied the direct link below the story is also highlighted on the Stand To website under the press releases above.
http://www.portnews.com.au/news/local/news/general/oakeshott-mounts-super-fight-for-military/2535553.aspx
Dear KEN HUSSELL, I saw it too. It beggars belief. This GILLARD GOVERNMENT is disgusting in what it is doing to you.
Ken, I cannot bear the hurt and injury, and now insult, they have done to you. Please don’t you be ashamed. It is our Government(s)
that should bear the shame.
Thank you Ken for all that you and your Brethren have done for
Australia – and for all that you continue to do.
That such contempt for Diggers is exposed so soon after ANZAC DAY, confirms the sneaky abject hypocrisy of our politicians and the
GILLARD GOVERNMENT.
We must try to get a link to that news item and post it in these comments.
Dear KEN MARSH, thanks so much for these important links and updates.
It is imperative to share and contribute to all intel.
I have just been watching the Red Head talk about RESPECT For the Parliament. They don’t know that RESPECT is something you earn from being a honest decent leader. Good that my local Member is now an Independent pity there could not be a bi election for his seat. Things could get exciting now.
Bob
Dear BOB IHLEIN, a pox on all their houses!
All
Labor members are still sprucing their spin and misinformation. Please help to get them to put a stop to it! This is what I told Kevin Rudd today – BTW did you see The Australian page 2 today? It has the graph I refer to, but cannot get to show up here.
30 April 2012
The Hon. Kevin Rudd, MP
Member for Griffith
PO Box 6022, House of Representatives
CANBERRA ACT 2600
Dear Mr Rudd
I would like you please to be more honest and understanding about a serious matter of justice and fairness concerning our veterans.
I have read your 27 April response to one of your constituents, Mr Rob Van-Kempen, and your reply to him disappoints me greatly.
I should have thought that your intellect was not beyond giving a constituent a straight answer to a simple question: what were your thoughts about the presentation: The Honourable Thing”?
You merely repeated negative Labor rhetoric to him. Frankly, some of it is just obfuscation and patent misrepresentation, if not lies. Your writing that sort of stuff is highly damaging to the veterans’ cause. It is offensive that they must repeatedly read it, despite their earnest efforts to counter it.
It seems, however, that all Labor members have been given a form of words, based on the unauthenticated and thoroughly discredited “Fact Sheet” said to have been issued by Minister Snowdon’s office. It bears no date, Departmental title, document number, or name of the issuer.
Your letter to Mr Van-Kempen also contains rhetoric that Mr Snowdon recently put about by email to anyone who had written to him about fair indexation. I find it hard to understand his combative and negative attitude, as Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, towards veterans and their well-founded quest for equity so they can maintain the purchasing power of their superannuation pensions.
In all of this, you, and Mr Snowdon, entirely miss the key points that veterans have been making to Government. I will be brief in reiterating these key points:
1. It is, and remains, a condition of military service that superannuation pensions maintain their purchasing power. That is why the Parliament made provision for them to do so, when the schemes were established.
2. The Nation is bound to honour that condition of service (employment condition, if you like, or contract, which establishes vested property at enlistment).
3. The cost to provide for fair indexation to meet that condition of service is estimated by Thornton to be around $10M per annum, after clawbacks. We accept the $100M, over four years before clawbacks, quoted by the Opposition. Of course any cost to the taxpayer is moot, given that proper indexation was a condition of employment and is thus a non-discretionary obligation on the public purse.
4. This issue affects people on MSBS (the current scheme) as well as those under the now-closed DFRDB.
5. The matter is one of equity. It is not a whinge for more, better or different, arrangements than those under which these people signed up to serve the Nation. They honourably kept to their end of the bargain by faithfully serving – the Nation ought to keep to its part of the bargain.
I am unable to reconcile the Government’s attitude with the terms of Labor’s current platform: “… To continue to explore equitable and affordable mechanisms for [improvement] of military pensions.”
You mention cost. Failure to justly indexed military superannuation pensions comes at a significant cost to veterans’ purchasing power. That cost, for an average superannuant on $23,000 per annum, and who has been retired for 15 years, is the loss of some $284 per fortnight in real purchasing power that they would have had if their super had been justly indexed at the same rate as Age pensioners.
To sum up: the question is about the fair indexation of military superannuation pensions, as provided for when the DFRDB and MSBS Acts were established: that is, pensions that maintain their purchasing power. This purchasing power was a condition of service, and veterans planned their lives in retirement on that basis. What was done for Age/service pensions in 1997, is, an example of the social justice outcome similar to that sought by service people. No logical argument has been made that the same indexation formula as that for Age/service pensions should not apply for military superannuation pensions.
If all that does not strike a chord for justice with you, then please have a look at the graph below. It tells you all you need to know – and what the government must now do.
Please continue to help military superannuants, current and future, achieve the fair outcome – nothing more, or better – that they deserve. Please do not allow officials to obfuscate the issue with irrelevant, and as far as fiscal information is concerned, patently wrong and disingenuous, ‘advice’.
Yours sincerely signed Bert Hoebee
‘DIGGERS DUDDED’
(With Apologies to Banjo Patterson and the Geebung Polo Club)
The Fair Go Campaign – Fair Indexation for Military Superannuation
Prelude – The Story so Far…
Military Superannuation (DFRB, DFRDB and MSBS) is broken. It is unfairly indexed against the CPI. Military retirees and indeed those still in the Service have been let down badly. Many military retirees are ‘existing’ below the Henderson Poverty Line. How on earth can we have got to this? Sadly but true – there have been decades of shameful and inexcusable inaction from both sides of Parliament.
The 43rd Parliament has an opportunity to fix this situation. Indeed the Parliament has been challenged to act in a bipartisan manner and to introduce legislation that fully addresses Military Superannuation and Disability Pensions issues in 2012.
So Far – both sides have been unmoved. The Government has said it will cost too much and the Opposition has promised to (partially) fix it some time in the future.
An alliance of service organisations, ADSO, has been fighting on behalf of retirees to have parliament redress the situation. In 2010 they launched the Fair Go Campaign and in recent weeks have begun to break through in OPERATION AWARE – a pubic awareness campaign, to shed light on an issue that has been generally not known about by the Australian people.
Military retirees are frustrated, dismayed and angered but have been buoyed today by the significant public backing and show of your support by former Service Chiefs, former politicians and captains of industry. This has been a very welcome initiative and greatly appreciated by all.
The Australian Public like the media have been outraged by the treatment of retired service personnel – particularly in regard to the hypocrisy of how military pensions are indexed versus the generous treatment of politicians’’ pensions – which are Not indexed against the CPI.
Military Pensions have gone up only 33% in 10 years
Politicians Pensions have gone up almost 100% in 10 years
The 226 members of 43rd Parliament have no where to hide. There is now a ‘public debate’ which is out in the open and is not going to go away. The case against fully implementing Fair Indexation for Military Superannuation in 2012 is indefensible.
We know it – and so do the Parliamentarians. And now the Public know. We take heart that within the Parliament a small but growing band of honourable people from all sides, are also fighting the good fight on our behalf – attempting to do their best to have the parliament to do the Honourable Thing – and Fix Military Superannuation in 2012
Read On in Verse….
“It was somewhere down the country in a land of drought and rain,
That the Vets formed a Coalition – the ‘Fair Go’ Military Super Campaign.
They were manned by seasoned men from past battles – which was smart.
Ex sailors, diggers and airmen – a band of brothers that set them apart…
But their style of robust advocacy was irregular and rash –
They had mighty little science, but a mighty lot of dash;
And they sent off well penned letters and YouTubed on the ‘Net’,
Committed to the Cause – A Fair Go – one could centre bet!
It was somewhere down In Canberra in the cities hot air and steam,
That another crowd existed – Politicians of Every Creed.
As a social institution – the 43rd Parliament – ’twas a marvellous success,
For the Pollies were distinguished by exclusiveness and dress.
They commuted as FIFO’s weekly – on Business Class – what a scream!
‘We treat all constituents fairly’– but they treated themselves a little ‘more fairly’ – or mostly, so it seemed.
So the Fair Goers marched on Canberra – to seek justice – with no fame,
For they meant to show the Pollies how they ought to play the game;
And they took the Fair Go ‘Case’ – and ‘graphs’ with them – and their dreams,
‘Ere they started ‘advocating’ with each Pollie and Spin Team.
Now my readers can imagine how the Campaign ebbed and flowed,
When the Fair Go Team got going it was time to clear the road;
And the promises were so thick from both Houses – ‘ere half the time was gone
This New Recruit’s heart was broken – just from merely looking on.
For they heard ‘fair dinkum’ guarantees – from all sides it was true,
(WTF! – they’d heard it all before? – and some didn’t ring true blue.)
But this time was ‘their time’ and ‘assurances’ they did have.
All sides were ‘quietly confident’ – at last for Defence Retirees – a fair suck of that so called sav!
But alas – they’re hopes were dashed – yet again – ‘tis sadly true,
Remember well dear friends, elections come and go, and so do Politicians to!
As the years march on, the Just Cause just grows and grows
Like our friends, the Old Age Pensioners, we humbly claim a Fair Go.
We don’t want more than our fair share, although some others do (no names no pack drills!)
We just want what is ours – no more no less – and what we signed up to!
The old boys dusted their slouch hats and raised up from the ground,
And though their wounds were mostly mortal, they fiercely gazed around;
There were Pollies still claiming ‘We can’t – The Nation is flat broke!!’ ’
So they scrambled back off to Canberra amongst the whistles and the smoke,
For they will Never stop fighting to get victory to their side;
The Fair Go Campaign rolls on for Military Superannuants – Sign Up – and Stand-To Side By Side…
When the Victory is won- at New Parliament House, where the breezes shake the grass,
There’ll be a row of little tombstones old diggers will never pass,
For they will bear a crude inscription saying ‘Digger, shed a tear,
For the Fair Go Team and the Honourable Politicians who supported us – lie entwined – as one – just here.’
And on chilly Canberra evenings, while the wind does howl around,
You can see their shadows flitting down that phantom Fair Go ground;
You can hear the loud ‘Cooee’ as the letters are penned and signed,
And the cry of ‘Once more into the breach dear friends – No Man is Left Behind!’
…Till the new recruit swims like a madman up the Molonglo stream
He’s been haunted by the spectres of the Politicians of Every Creed! ”
Ray Martin, FAIR GO – New Recruit
Townsville April 2012
(On or about the Anniversary of the ‘Jess Review’ – 40 years ago)
Inspired by the men and women of the ADSO Coalition and Fair Go Campaign and growing band of supporters fighting for Ex Servicemen and Current Servicemen in the cause of Fair Indexation for Military Super; particularly for the proud veterans doing it far tougher than they will admit; and last but not least by the small band of men and women that we know are attempting to convince their colleagues of the 43rd Parliament to secure their place in History – in finally doing The Honourable Thing in 2012
More Information and How You Can Support the Fair Go Campaign
Go To:
http://www.standto.org/
KB Hussell
I watched the story about the RAF Bomber Commend memorial and again was disappointed in our Govt lack of care. In the big scheme how much would it cost to transport 140 people (Vet and Carer if reqd) and provide accommodation. I’m sorry to say but if the NZ Govt can do it why can’t we. After all didn’t we escape the GFC and NZ didn’t. I’M SORRY I FORGOT THE SURPLUS which is sacrosanct and must be protected at ALL costs
An interesting email passed for your information.
Subject: Long Tan, Vietnam
THIS IS ONE OF A NUMBER OF TIMES WHEN OUR GOVERNMENT [PRESENT ] MAKES ME WISH WE COULD JUST MAKE ALL OF THEM DISAPPEAR & START AGAIN WITH PEOPLE WHO CARE ABOUT AUSTRALIANS & OUR COUNTRY.
Gillard/Green coalition Government …
sent by a disgusted Vietnam Vet ….
This is your Australia Today
On the 18th of August 1966 at Long Tan, Vietnam,
D Company of the 6th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment,
mainly made up of Australian National Servicemen
and at that time located to support the American Army,
fought a battle against the Viet Cong.
In this action D Company lost 18 men killed and 24 injured.
The Viet Cong dead numbered in excess of 245.
The Australian lines were never crossed.
The Viet Cong withdrew.
American President Johnson and US Army Staff recognised the achievement by awarding the Unit Citation of Gallantry on 30th May 1968.
The Award was formally accepted by Queen Elizabeth in 13th June 1968.
Prime Minister John Gorton made the formal presentation of this American Citation to the Battalion at Lavarack Barracks, Townsville on 18th August 1968.
On the 31st of March 2010,D Company of the 6th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment were belatedly awarded the Australian version of “Unit Citation for Gallantry” (UCG)honouring their extraordinary deeds at Long Tan.
The Government however refused to approve travel payment for the surviving Unit Members or their families,including the families of deceased Unit Members, in order that they be present at the UCG Presentation Ceremony presided over by the Governor General of Australia.
In February 2011 the same Government of Australia footed the Funeral Bill to bury the illegal boat people,who tragically perished on Christmas Island.
This included flying surviving family illegals and survivors
to and from Sydney and Christmas Island,accommodating them, etc etc, plus a Coach tour of Sydney thrown in.
The Canberra Politburo had waited 45 years to publicly acknowledge the bravery and sacrifice of these Sons of Australia
and then immediately shit on their memory by wetting themselves to appease the feelings of boat illegals forcing entry into our country.
Now we witness what can only be described as attempted political face saving,by this same Government, sponsoring a TV Documentary,to celebrate our Armed Forces accomplishments at Kapyong, Korea in 1951.
This will see our Prime Minister and the entire Priministerial Entourage fly in a RAAF plane to Korea to mark this 60th Anniversary.
What Bloody Hypocrisy!!!
What a Blatant Affront to the feelings of our Nation’s serving Armed Forces,Past and Present.
Shame, Shame, Shame,
You Political Parasites. You do not deserve to represent our country.
Bert and Ray – well said.
Yours in readiness for the March to Canberra
Paul
Dear BERT HOEBEE,Go, Go, Go……….love, it, love it, love it.
Onya!
Dear Paul,
Your note on Long Tan – Boat people and Korea.
An excellent effort old soldier, well done and I share your sentiments!
I watched “Living Black” on the box tonight, a show I do not normally watch because it usually clashes with our “Zoo time”, a young bloke to be showered, fedded and bedded and all that jazz.
I was somewhat staggered when I listened to an account by an Aboriginal elder, a lady of some 74 years, talking about the Kalaparrin Community in South Australia. This lady established this facility for indigenous rehabilitation services, alcohol and drug abuse, years ago only to be told – WITHOUT CONSULTATION – that funding could/will be cut.
First the Veterans and now the Indigenous community has no favour from “those things” in Canberra. What next? Disabled and neglected babies banished to a tent city 400K’s North West of Alice Springs? Where does the rot stop?
When Mike Jefferies was appointed GG, he said he would donate his military pension to an appropriate charity. I do not know if he did that but he is Ex Army and if he said that is what he would do, then that is good enough for me. Why cannot the current rabble in Canberra follow suit? Why cannot they hand back their obscene pay rise and help the Veteran/Indigenous/ Disabled communities and anyone else they plan to cut/remove/never pay funding for?
Surely, there must be ONE PERSON in Canberra who has the interests of this great Nation at heart? Someone who will step forward and be a leader for a change? Someone who has the guts to stand up and be counted like every Veteran has for as long as the Nation has been able to walk?
Where are you, Mr. Wilkie? I have written you more than one letter and sent more than one E-mail without even the courtesy of a response. As an Ex Army man, your lack of action leaves me feeling sad for a product of Duntroon. Did you leave your leadership skills behind when you hung up your slouch hat?
And Mr. Windsor, what a sad and lost cowboy you are. Why not save us tax payers some money? You do not deserve a horse – you do not have a saddle and are too old to carry a rifle – especially in defence of this great country – so why not start walking back to Tamworth? You should make it in time for the next country round up early next year. Be a devil, walk home and work for a living and a pension for a change.
And to all the “faceless men” behind the PM, why not tell her the truth? She is screwing this country every day by her lies, broken promises and deceit. The cancer is walking up all your legs and if you do not realise that by now, then you are all beyond help. The next election will banish you all to the back of beyond forever and the sooner that day comes, the better for this Nation. If you agree with your lost PM that the coalition has “useless men” behind its leader, sleep well in the knowledge that us “useless men”, especially Veterans – are united!
Mr Thomson
Now that you are an Independent you should be able to be your own Man and Support the Fair Indexation of Military Superannuation.
You can make decisions of your own and listen to our side for a change instead of the spin that comes from the ALP.
Below is a post from the Stand To website please take time to read it and also have a look on the Stand To website at all the other posts and video clips
You may be surprised at the support we have.
Now is your chance to do something for the Defence Family. You say you have achieved a lot for the Central Coast support us and put in a private members bill and show that you are a true Independent and Central Coast supporter.
Regards
Robert Ihlein
BILLIONAIRE Gina Rinehart has joined corporate leaders and former military chiefs in pushing for an overhaul of the way that defence pensions are indexed, placing the federal government under renewed pressure to improve the financial entitlements of retired service personnel.
Ms Rinehart’s name is prominent on a statement issued by the Alliance of Defence Service Organisations’ Fair Go campaign, which urges the leaders of the three major political parties to support changes to bring indexation of military superannuation pensions into line with the age pension, which, since 2009, has been adjusted twice yearly to keep pace with the cost of living.
Where age pensions are pegged to a sophisticated formula that takes account of average earnings, cost of living and inflation, military pensions are pegged to inflation only. The peak welfare organisation for the armed services estimates that as a result of the discrepancy, there is a growing super gap between retired defence personnel and other workers.
Ms Rinehart put her name to the statement along with retired chiefs of the navy, army and air force, other corporate leaders and foreign minister in the Howard government Alexander Downer.
Former navy chief David Shackleton said the value of military pensions had diminished in real terms and “a lot of folk who have done a lot of things for this country are effectively being discriminated against”.
“It wouldn’t be difficult to be extremely cynical about politicians who talk about fairness, equity and doing the right thing — and sometimes are quite pleased to stand next to soldiers when they have got their medals on — and don’t actually follow up with actions,” Mr Shackleton told The Australian.
“This is a significant omission and they need to fix it.”
Former army chief Peter Leahy said retired Defence personnel had become frustrated by the promises made by politicians and their failure to deliver.
A private member’s bill to change the method of indexation introduced by Liberal senator Michael Ronaldson was last year voted down by Labor, the Greens and Nick Xenophon.
“Leadership is about looking after others before yourself and in this case, the politicians are missing in action,” Mr Leahy said.
Mr Leahy took aim at the federal government’s Special Minister of State, Gary Gray, who last week defended the current pension arrangements. Mr Gray told Perth Radio 6PR: “The reason we don’t do it the other way is simply based on cost. We signed up to an arrangement and we will honour that arrangement.”
The government estimates that adopting age-pension indexation for Defence pensions would cost $1.7 billion over the forward estimates of the federal budget.
Retired Air Vice Marshall Peter Criss, one of the organisers of the Fair Go campaign, said the indexation changes were needed to protect recipients of the Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefit Scheme introduced by the Whitlam government and its replacement, the Military Superannuation Benefit Scheme, which was introduced in 1991.
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Pensioner giveaways
A businessman Richard Peel believes our returned servicemen and women and their families deserve much more than they’re getting is doing his bit to help. His mission is to get our diggers a better deal.
They have put their lives on the line for our freedom, but now many of our war heroes and their families are struggling to make ends meet.
KB, thanks for the acknowledgement. Wish I was an old soldier but I have to settle for being an old matelot. The text of that message was in an email that is going around. We all know that every word of it is true. Don’t worry mate, this government won’t last that long – perhaps ’til the next election but certainly not any longer.
Dear RAY MARTIN, what a fabulous poem. I reckon there’s no need to apologise to Banjo – in fact, I have little doubt that were he still
about he would be on the Fair Go case!
Thanks Ray, the whole comment was food for thought – and deep reflection, in so many ways.
Dear PAUL, thank you for your service to this country.
Your comment is not only eloquent, it captures the sense of hurt and betrayal you rightly feel.
I cannot see this Government lasting for much longer.
It has betrayed one too many people.
Dear KEN HUSSELL, your comment is a fine OpEd – and would sit well as an editorial in any of our dailies – and so glad it is here on
IA.
Onya Ken! You work so hard – on behalf of so many people; for your own immediate Family – and the wider Defence Force Family – and the community in general.
And I know Your Family makes great sacrifices to keep things going day by day, let alone from week to week.
Thank you for doing what you do.
Yesterday our PM announced the NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) at a cost of $8,000,000,000 in the first year. This scheme is needed and will help approx 10,000 people. I have a simple question this Govt can afford $8,000,000,000 yet it can’t afford $100,000,000 over 4 years to support FAIR INDEXATION for approx 63,000 people. How can we afford $8,000,000,000 without HUGE cuts elsewhere. This same Govt won’t help our Bomber Command comrades go to the monument opening. I would like to see this Govt take a Jumbo load of Defence Force Retirees to Anzac Day in 2015 rather than the usual load of parasites.
Dear BOB IHLEIN, thanks for the heads up re MS GINA R, a powerful ally, for sure.
I feel Justice for Veterans is a fight for Justice that unites Australians from all walks of life.
Have you enlisted CLIVE PALMER’s support ? I feel sure he would be on your side too!
Evening all
39 letters to marginal seatholders on both sides of the house sent off today. I followed a suggestion I saw on one of your comments on the site – thank you whoever it was – and sent them all off in a satchel, with individual envelopes addressed to the members concerned, to the Clerk of the House. A very nice lady there said she’d ring me to advise when they arrive. When I get that advice I’ll post a letter here.
Richard Fulwood, it’s amazing how easily money can be found when it suits. Not that the NDIS isn’t a very worthwhile thing and will be a great help to a lot of unfortunate people – like you, I don’t begrudge them a penny – but I agree with your sentiment. In that context, what about the link KB Hussell put up last week? about Australia contributing $7billion to bail out the euro zone? What are we doing?
KB Hussell, well said.
And Bob Ihlein, isn’t that report a good thing? Maybe now the mainstream newspapers will take some notice.
Dear RICHARD FULWOOD, we should make enough money in the kitty and in our hearts to ensure that the right things is done by everyone.
* I agree with you re the Jumbo Junket! The NEW ZEALAND GOVERNMENT obviously cares so much more for its Veterans – maybe we should ask them to fly you over!
Dear BARNEY WARD, thank you for your support of your Brethren, including RICHARD FULWOOD, KBHUSSELL and BOB IHLEIN – what magnificent work you all do. I’m in awe.
You are so bright and so energetic and at times I am so moved at what you write that I tear up.
We shan’t give up. Losing is not an option.
There is no Plan B.
Well now, Mr. Abbott,
From where I sit on the highway tonight, you have had all the green lights, a dream run. The RBA’s cut in interest rates, your highest popularity in a decade, questions raised about the PM’s judgement in the big arena, her fading popularity, all in all a good day I would think.
Mr. Abbott, what you must do NOW is to consolidate your position. After all, CONCENTRATION of effort is still a principle of war. We Veterans now need your commitment to a FAIR GO for us to be set in concrete. We do not need to know what you are thinking, we need to know what you are going to do from the day you assume office. In return, we can assure you of 57,000 votes from Veterans – 57,000 votes from wives/partners, as many again from cousins, aunties, uncles, grand parents, sympathetic public and serving members – and that is just for starters. You would agree, a strong push into your corner. Let us hear from you Mr. Abbott and now!.
I have always believed that if you do not ask the questions, you will never know the answers.
Surely our march in Canberra is close??. We all know how dificult it will be for many Vets from across the Nation to get to Canberra, accommodation, food etc. Not an easy task. Can AVM Criss or Angus Houston talk to people in high places to make available say three C130′s to move Vets, NOK and serving diggers from ALL capital cities to Canberra and return?. Can someone approach ADFA and RAAF Fairbairn to assist in these areas? Can all Vets in Canberra/Queanbeyan be approached with a view to putting up a Vet/s for a night? I anticipate the answer from those in Government in which case can people like Gina Rinehart assist? Who should approach her and similar business seniors in order to get support? Can civil airlines be approached to assist? Can Hotels/Motels/ caravan parks in Canberra/Queanbeyan assist?
This list of questions is nothing more than the tip of the iceberg but I feel strongly that we need to be prepared. Given the popularity of the Government, we could see a change of leaders, a vote of no confidence, a new Government and whatever else, in a short space of time.
Right now, I believe the motto of the Scouts and AATTV are sending loud messages in all directions.
Dear KBHUSSELL,you have every right to ask the Leader of the Opposition, TONY ABBOTT, yourself.
I hope this email address is of help to you and any other voter interested in communicating with their politicians.
You’ve put forward a compelling case. You are entitled to a response.
tony.abbott.mp@aph.gov.au
Dear Tess Lawrence and friends.
A stunning letter from a former Liberal Minsiter in today’s OZ….
DEFENCE PENSION MERITS
IT is easy to feel sympathy for the demands made by retired defence personnel for improved superannuation (“Rinehart and Downer join bid to boost ADF pensions”, 30/4).
However, all claims made upon the public purse, even those by retired defence personnel, should be considered rigorously and on their merits.
This particular claim was properly rejected by the Howard Government, of which I was a member, as well as by the Labor government.
There is no inherent logic to the proposition that a public sector employment-related superannuation payment should be indexed in exactly the same fashion as a means-tested welfare benefit in this case, the aged pension.
Defence personnel have their superannuation payments indexed in the same way that all other commonwealth public servants on defined-benefit schemes have their payments indexed.
The payments are maintained in real terms, which is what they signed up for. Changing the indexation for defence personnel would create immediate demands for the same change to be made for all other former commonwealth employees, at a potentially enormous cost to taxpayers.
The government should continue to reject this demand.
Nick Minchin, Tusmore, SA
Comment from Ray ….This is a very revealing letter and I have so much to say – but will narrow it down to one simple word that best sums up the position of many current and former pollies who refuse to do the right thing…..
HYPOCRICY
KB Hussell
Can I use the gist of your last comment for another e-mail to my local member, Mrs Mirabella. Can I also clear up the correct numbers of Defence Force Retirees, is it 57,000 or 63,000.
They don’t change much, do they Ray Martin. I think a number of us need to write to The Australian in refutation of Mr Minchin’s attitude. He’s just as mean-spirited now as I recall him being in Government. He needs to be told that the real-terms value of our retirement pay is not being maintained. He needs to be told that it wasn’t our idea to suck up the $174million in 1972 dollars that the government decided was too tasty to leave for the benefit of retired diggers. It isn’t our fault that successive governments over the years have failed to save any money towards the cost of Comsuper (until the Future Fund was established over protests by the likes of Minchin at the time. At least Peter Costello had the guts to stand up for that). Grrr!
Speaking of letters to the papers, this morning’s Newcastle Herald has an article that says our generous governmwent has invited, quote “Australian veterans to apply for $3000 grants to help meet the costs of attending the dedication of the long-awaited Bomber Command memorial in London in June. Veterans’ Affairs Minister Warren Snowdon said the Department of Veterans’ Affairs was working with the Royal Australian Air Force Association to assist veterans to travel to London…”
Can anyone tell me what is going on here? Has RAAFA decided this is the best it’s going to get out of our lousy politicians? Has anyone in power in RAAFA taken up the apparent willingness of the NZ government to meet all the expenses of its veterans for the journey and shoved that at Snowdon? Is Minister Snowdon going to apply for the grant to help defray his expenses – but I forgot; he’ll be there in an official capacity, with a horde of DVA minders no doubt. Grrr again!!!!
And another thing!! Says he with finger upraised – I went yesterday to the funeral of an ex-RAAF navigator (Pacific theatre, not Bomber Command) and saw there some other old acquaintances who were ex-Bomber Command. I only had time to talk to one of them for a minute or so, and the subject didn’t come up, but knowing the man, he would want to take his wife; and the pair of them are getting a bit frail and would need someone to look after them on the journey. There’s three air fares – $3000 won’t go near that cost! It’s derisory, is what it is. The only people who can afford to take up an offer like that are people who can just about afford the journey anyway. And none of them should have to pay anyway. When you think about it we as a country, probably in common with most of the other WW2 allies, have really not done much for WW2 vets in comparison to what they did for us. The least we ought to do is fund a journey to London for those that want to go, not make them apply for grants that might pay for their hotel rooms; and I’ll bet there are eligibility hoops for them to jump through, as well. Grrrr and drat. The more I think about this the madder I get. I’m going away now to calm down before I have a stroke or something.
I suppose we can always hope that Qantas or someone will come to the party – but I’m not holding my breath.
Dear Richard Fulwood,
Please feel free to use anything I write in any way you see fit to advance our cause. That applies to anyone who reads this and that includes hanging it behind the door in the “little house on the hill” with the six foot drop!.
I am not sure of the exact number but have been under the impression it was 57,000. I too would appreciate clarification. Take care,
According to the dreaded Matthews Report, there were 64,033 DFRB/DFRDB/MSBS recipients as at 27 June 2007.
In relation to Nick Minchin’s statement in The Australian today. Ray’s analysis of him as a hypocrite is spot on, as the dictionary quotes : somebody who pretends to have admirable principles, beliefs, or feelings but behaves otherwise. Minchin, as Minister for Finance in the Howard Government and Lindsay Tanner in the Rudd/Gillard Government must have both gone to the same Minister for Finance school, Labor & Liberal Government Ministers with exactly the same policy.
Independents let us down also, Greens are no good. We can only hope Tony Abbott’s Minister for Finance in the next Government doesn’t have the same philosophy instilled when he takes office, hopefully in the very near future.
Bring on the March to Canberra, and the next election. If Labor polls keep their current trend, a term the current Treasurer uses frequently, the election will most probably beat the march.
Dear RAY MARTIN, thank you for alerting us to NICK MINCHIN’s extraordinary letter.
It is intriguing that of all the issues that might fuel the wrath of an ex-Liberal Minister and prompt him to put pen to paper, he emerges to further put the kybosh on the increase of Veteran pensions.
Now you know what he was mouthing in Cabinet about you all.
I would have thought thagt Nick Minchin would have had something to say about what his Liberal mate GRAHAME MORRIS had to say on SKY television about PRIME MINISTER JULIA GILLARD – that she should be kicked to death!
Apparently, the Liberals think it’s okay for one of their number to call for the extra-judicial killings of heads of State.
But hey, we already know that, don’t we. They’ve got form. As does Labor.
After all, we make such a loyal Tonto to America’s Lone Ranger.
Richard, Tess and Team
My understanding is that according to info from ADSO – as at 30 June 2011 there were 57,016 DFRB/DFRDB pensioners and 8,166 MSBS pensioners: Total 65,182.
The figure of 57,000 that is sometimes used refers to the Fair Indexation Bill which is the Coalition’s estimate of DFRB/DFRDB pensioners over age 55.
There are about 4000 DFRDB members still serving, so the total number in the DFRDB scheme is about 61,000.
As a broad and fairly accurate figure it is correct to say there are about 65,000 military super pensioners including DFRB, DFRDB and MSBS.
In funding terms – relatively very low numbers.
What is correct is that DFRB and DFRDB numbers are slowly dwindling… But I note the remaining voices are getting louder….
There is a misconception that this issue dose NOT effect current serving MSBS members – well – it surely does. They too are indexed against the CPI.
Ray
Brisbane Courier-Mail:
12.04PM 2nd May 2012
PRIME Minister Julia Gillard has taken on an experienced Labor strategist to project her message into cyberspace.
He has spent the past seven months as principal media adviser to Queensland premier Anna Bligh, before her Labor government lost in an historic landslide.
Has she accepted the inevitable all ready?
Dear RAY MARTIN, thanks for pointing out the correct figures – and if one includes all family members, supporters, friends of EACH military pensioner – that electoral bloc translates to formidable political firepower!
And thanks for reminding us that serving MSBS members are also shackled by the miserable financial CPI indexation constraints.
This was posted to the editor of The Australian by a known friend – spot on.
To: letters@theaustralian.com.au
Subject: Minchin Wrong
By any actuarial analysis Nick Minchin draws the most generous pension known to Australians , and enjoys the highest effective indexation going. In relative terms his pension required far less service, far less cash contribution , and certainly far less personal risk than the pensions of our retired Defence personnel. His arguments ( letters May 2 ) against correcting the deficiencies present in service pensions are made from a position of “ I’m all right Jack”.
His key point that Defence personnel seek improved superannuation is wrong and over simplifies the real issue. The fact is that the indexation applied to these pensions was to ensure their real value is maintained, as promised by government, but the reality is otherwise. The indexation method used is inappropriate and has, at times, been cut back at the whim of government. All that is being sought is an indexation method that works and is consistent with other major pension schemes funded by government.
Nick Minchin’s assertion that the present scheme is “ what they signed up for “ is trite nonsense. No would be recruit is ever advised that they can look forward to superannuation that buys less with every passing year. It would be appropriate for Nick to do his homework again- his present attempt lacks rigour and merit.
KEITH JOHNSON
Dear BILL ARDEN, good on KEITH JOHNSON for exposing NICK MINCHIN’s
“trite nonsense.”
And good on you for posting Keith’s important and succint public response.
It is against my better judgement that I post this note tonight.
I am old, tired, angry, frustrated …………………and emotional. All good reasons not to post you would agree? To hell with it…………when you are hot you are hot OK? Here goes:
Dear Mr. Abbott,
In previous notes to IA, I have mentioned my first tour in Vietnam, 1967. Socks were in short supply for the diggers, the wharfies went on strike and defence stores were not always readily available. The posties went on strike, hence the “punch a postie” cry that went out.
On previous notes I have also mentioned our readiness for War in 1939. The lack of preparedness by our Government has been suggested as close to treason. Battle hardened troops from the desert were moved to PNG in uniforms ideal for the desert but hardly appropriate for a jungle war against battle hardened troops, experts in jungle warfare and camouflage, who out numbered us six to one. The only thing missing from our uniforms was a big light on each chest which said “aim here”!!.
Our troops today in Afghanistan are also ill equipped, relying on big brother, the good old U S of A, to keep us in the fight. Nothing has changed has it? As I write, the good old US of A troops are in our Northern regions by the hundreds, which will in time, become thousands. What was the saying in WW 11? Over sexed, over paid and over here? Nothing has changed eh?
Absolutely nothing has changed. In a previous note I suggested that “this precious stone set in a silver sea” – OUR COUNTRY – MUST be totally self sufficient in terms of our National Defence. Nothing has changed there either.
Tonight, I hear “SHE” is reducing our Defence budget by $4 Billion in order to achieve a budget surplus!!!. Heaven forbid! Where are you Mr. Abbott? Where is your spokesman for Defence? What is the Coalition plan for long term defence our great country? Where are the Angus Houstons, Peter Cosgroves and all other “high flyers” formerly of the defence force? If they cannot hear the message – or should I say warnings – then they must be very comfortable in their lounge chairs and with their big pensions. Where is the RSL?!!!
What is it going to take to bring this government back to earth? Another bombing raid on Darwin? subs in Sydney Harbour or several thousand troops from another country to be hiding in our remote areas?
Mr.Abbott, in a recent note to you regarding your dream run down the highway with all lights green, I received an automated response. I hope this time, I will receive something from you – from your heart – about where you really stand in relation to the security of OUR country. Please forget your current plan of a daily bashing of the government and “her”. A wise man once said, “do not sweat the small stuff and everything is small stuff” – except of course the defence of our country and its veterans.
THE ELEPHANT in the TREASURY
Finally, Nick Minchin has revealed what no one in government wants to admit – that fair (proper) indexation for the DFRB/DFRDB superannuates (and then only part of them) will spread to fair indexation to superannuated Commonwealth Public Servants! That, folks, is the bogy in the hole.
“…Changing the indexation for defence personnel would create immediate demands for the same change to be made for all other former commonwealth employees, at a potentially enormous cost to taxpayers.”
Well, blow me down, honouring parliament’s intentions to the Defence Force has gone to a new level.
Despite the fact that indexation by CPI alone is no protection against the increases in the cost of living for anyone, the Military argument is however separate. DFRDB recipients were formally led to believe their retired pay would be protected against the cost of living increases. This was the undisputed will of three Parliament’s in the 1970′s when the new Defence Retirement Scheme was introduced, not the CPS Scheme.
The Parliament then was faced with the end of conscription (no option military employment) and loss of too many experienced and skilled personnel who were costly to recruit and train. A fully voluntary Defence Force was the only option and this meant a ‘carrot on the stick’ was needed to lower retirement rates to retain the skills and experience in the Services and to entice new blood and therefore save a lot of money on re-training. The DFRDB Scheme was part of that strategy – or, according to Minchin, the confidence trick.
So I remind Nick Minchin and his sympathisers of another comment he made;
“However, all claims made upon the public purse, even those by retired defence personnel, should be considered rigorously and on their merits.”
I couldn’t agree more about the merits because our merits have already been established in 1972 and the ‘claim’ upon the public purse is not ours (the DFRDB recipients) but is the responsibility of an honest government.
Hi all
Minchin is another blight on the public purse by way of his huge pension. His pension bears no relation to the pittance paid to former DFRB/DFRDB superannuation pensioners.
Let us not forget his pension is tied to parlimentary salary increases, not CPI.
Why he is following the labour/greens line that Military Super is generious, and the county cannot afford it as it would flow on to public servants, beats me.
Let us not forget that the average DFRB/DFRDB pensioner, and public servants are at, a minium, $250 to $300 a fortnite worse off by increases by the CPI, and not, Male Average Weekly Earnings (MAWE) AS IT SHOULD BE.
Let us also not forget that it public servants who are blocking this. Look at thye salary that the head of Finance and Treasuary will recieve. I believe it is in the region of 7 to 8 hundrend thousand. Translate that into thier pension and see how it comes out, no wonder they will not rock the boat.
A number of letters to the letters editor of the Canberra Times on this issue has gone unpublished. So how are we to continue to get our message across, when the media in Canberra wont even report on our plight. The local WIN TV news is just as bad, as all they do in the so called news at night, is to repeat what was in the Canberra Times in the morning. ABC news is not much better, and ABC news 24 is worse as all they do is spend time after a news conference/statement by labour pollies (where you cannot hear the questions) is repeat what was just said by so called pollies.
Income Testing of The Private Health Insurance Rebate.
The legislation to apply income test to the 30% private health insurance rebate has passed.
The income test will start from 1 July 2012.
Different rebates apply to each income threshold and age group but here is the interesting bit: The sweetener is that thresholds increase annually, based on growth in Average Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings (AWOTE) – not CPI, which would hold the thresholds down.
I wonder if other thresholds such as those for taxation and health card entitlements will follow the same rules? How about indexation of pensions and superannuation?
Good evening all,
A couple of letters about Nick Minchin got up in The Australian yesterday. I do hope they made his ears burn. Incompetent, meanspirited toff on his fat parliamentary pension and doubtless a “jobs for the boys” sinecure to go with his gold pass etc.
My own contribution to the OZ letters page didn’t make it, unfortunately.
Bill Arden, the Public Service super liability was always the elephant in the room. Looking up the CPSU website I see that one of the unions’ goals is to get MTAWE up as the indexation criterion for all the ComSuper defined benefits schemes.
Peter Costello, in establishing the Future Fund, said the unfunded ‘super’ liabilities would be $140 billion by 2020 and the aim was to have the Fund at that value by then. It’s halfway there now. Incidentally I seem to remember that the Future Fund wasn’t popular with some others in the last Howard Government, and I think Minchin might have been among them. Hypocrite is too mild a term!
If you do your sums, military super, even at MTAWE, won’t be costing much more than $2 billion a year in total, by 2020. We could almost pay that annual bill from the interest on $140 billion.
As far as the government’s dilemma on this is concerned, I’m with you. I couldn’t care less. Why should militsry retirees be reduced to penury because every Finance Minister since 1973 didn’t do his sums properly – Minchin, of course, being one of them?
As a bit of light relief, here’s a typical letter I sent to Labor marginal seat holders.
“Fair Indexation of Military Retirement Pay.
I apologise for sending you what amounts to a “form” letter on this important matter. But time is short, and I have the same point to make to your entire cohort of Labor parliamentarians.
You must be aware that a Bill which would have gone some way towards redressing the inadequate indexation of military retirement pay was rejected in the Senate, by your Labor colleagues, the Greens, and Senator Xenophon. You must also know about an ongoing campaign, by the Alliance of Defence Service Organisations, which continues to press the issue, even though it is met at every turn with misrepresentation and denial by your Parliamentary leaders. The Defence Family, of current and past serving members, their families and friends, is becoming increasingly annoyed by Government intransigence.
You may wonder why I am writing to you about this subject. After all, you may think the comparatively minor grievances of a few grumpy old ex-Service people can’t possibly be of concern to you. I am here to tell you that they are.
Someone recently suggested, unkindly, that Queensland Parliamentary Labor Party meetings could now be held in the back of a Toyota Tarago. While I don’t think Labor’s Federal representation will be reduced quite that far after next year’s election, I’m doubtful if your Party will need any more than a Government bus for a meeting room. As a marginal seatholder, (in this climate I reckon anything under 10% majority is marginal)you have a big chance of finding yourself on the outside of the bus next year. If you want to be on the inside, I strongly suggest you consider the following:
You hold your seat by a margin of 830 votes. You will have difficulty maintaining that margin, given current polling. Now, probably 2500 or so members of the Defence Family are registered voters in your electorate. Some of their votes probably got you over the line in 2010 and they will represent a valuable asset next year. Although they are annoyed by your leaders’ attitude towards Fair Indexation, Defence Family people are loyal, and appreciate anyone who makes an effort on their behalf. Don’t you think it would be a good tactical move to get those 2500 voters back on side, if you can, by supporting Fair Indexation of military retirement pay?
Otherwise, you could be waiting for the next (election) bus in 2016.”
Dear KBHUSSELL, I hope you never lose your passion and spontaneous
nature. How wonderful. I believe in such a thing as l’adulte terrible!
Go Ken!!!!!
Dear BILL ARDEN, NICK MINCHIN is yesterday’s man. And he was yesterday’s man the day before.
I thought he had a heart. Silly me.
Dear JOHN SAINSBURY, you make some good points, about MINCHIN and about THE CANBERRA TIMES. It is disappointing on both counts.
Thank you for putting this on the public record.
Dear BARNEY WARD, so good to hear that NICK MINCHIN’s dopey remarks did not go unchallenged. There’s still a chance that your letter will get published – but please post it here in the comments as well.
Love your letter!
Hi all
Below is, firstly, an e-mail I sent to Andrew Leigh, one of the local ALP members here in Canberra in response to his e-mail, mailout, to his electorate telling everyone what a great job he, and Labour are doing for the country! Secondly, is the response.
I sent this on Friday and got a reply to-day, Saturday. At least I got a reply but it tells nothing, and does not change anything.
First
Hi Andrew
Your report is all very well pushing the usual line from the same song sheet.
However, nowhere do you or Labour, address the very important issue of FAIR INDEXATION of MILITARY SUPERANNUATION PENSIONS.
In fact you and your cohorts, continue to push the lie that CPI is the best method of indexation, when it is clearly not!
This needs to be addressed and fixed before the last DFRB/DFRDB pensioner dies.
I would remind you and your cohorts that a DFRB/DRFDB pensioner’s surviving spouse, does not receive the same percentage of pension afforded to pollies spouses on their death. Why is this so?
Nor do DFRB/DFRB pensioners receive the same percentage increase as pollies pensions payed after three terms in office (to those who are entitled) and not after 20 years of service to the county.
Pollies pensions are tied to parlimentary salaries, NOT CPI!
John Sainsbury
Second
Dear John
Thanks for getting in touch again regarding the indexation of military pensions.
As you know, this is an issue I have been involved in since before my election as the Member for Fraser.
I continue to make representations to Government, along with my parliamentary colleagues Senator Kate Lundy, Dr Mike Kelly MP (Federal Member for Eden-Monaro) and Gai Brodtmann MP (Federal
Member for Canberra).
I would like to reassure you that I am committed to seeing fair and sustainable indexation of military pensions.
Together with my party colleagues we are working towards this end.
Andrew Leigh
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Tess Lawrence in IA today:
From somewhere in another sepia time zone bleeding into this 97th Anzac Day, a lone magpie warbles in the dark, nature’s own melancholic bugler of the Last Post, calling out to the huddled throng gathering to form a human wreath around Daylesford’s Cenotaph.
A reluctant dawn has yet to awaken the weary battalions of ghosts of wars past and present, whose spirits we invoke to salve our conscience and decorate our history.
A chiffon veil of misty rain, like the gentle tears of angels, anoints us. And we are of all ages and disposition; some even direct descendants of the names etched onto the monument and cut deep into the hearts that surround it.
In some homes, lights are on. The sick, elderly and frail will stay home and murmur their own prayers or curses. There will be older Diggers among them. Some unable to march. Some who refuse to march. There will be neglected widows cast onto the pyres of bureaucratic indifference along with the orphans of war.
Candles will already have been lit and faded photographs of young men frozen in time by the camera lens before they were frozen in death by a bullet, will ritually be brought down from the mantelpiece in Nan’s lounge room and dead lips lovingly fingered and kissed.
All around Australia, in regional villages not dissimilar to Daylesford, millions of us emerge to remember and mourn our dead, forming human Avenues of Honour at dawn services and parades.
But some of us also came to mourn the living, our 57,000 Veterans or so, who for decades, have shamefully been left for dead by the Gillard and previous Australian governments.
We weep for the dead. But the dead would surely weep for their brothers and sisters in arms, who survived these wars only to be treated as third class citizens in their own country and trashed, discarded and demeaned.
Some are in the seventh age of man. They have been subjected to systematic elder abuse by this nation. Not only have they been robbed of their youth, but they have been robbed of comfort and peace of mind in their middle-age and dotage. This is not right. This is not Justice. They have earned a fair go.
Their loyalty and service was rewarded with a comparative humiliating pittance of a pension and an inadequate superannuation scheme and death benefit that leaves many of them and their widows living and dying under the breadline and under the radar of the general public.
Read the rest of the story:
http://www.independentaustralia.net/2012/australian-identity/at-the-going-down-of-the-sun-we-will-forget-them/
Dear JOHN SAINSBURY, again, thank you for posting your letter to – and response from – Labor’s ANDREW LEIGH.
It is the same old same old. But it is important that we all share
what various politicians are saying to us. That way we can better
exercise our vote.
Onya John!
Hi all
I would urge everyone to read and digest Tess’s compelling article in her link and pass it on to all and sundry. Also, read the links and vidios embedded in the article.
Again,thank you Tess and David,for all your hard work on behalf of Veterans in the fight for Fair Indexation against persistant sustain lies, halftruths and opposition from an uncaring and apethic Government.
John Sainsbury, how right you are. Tess and David’s ongoing courageous support keeps us going, I think, in the face of all the misrepresentation and downright lies we hear from the politicos and their minders.
There were a couple more letters in th Australian today having a piece of Mr Minchin.
I sent two myself – the second is better, I think – but neither got up. As requested, Tess, here’s what I sent second time up, including my reasons for writing that second letter:
‘On reflection, I believe my earlier letter in rebuttal of Mr Minchin’s remarkably obtuse offering today (Defence pension merits, The Australian, 2 May 2012) didn’t convey my message, nor my outrage, properly. I think this does a better job, and I’d appreciate – if you decide to publish me – if you’d use the following text:
“It’s obvious Mr Minchin hasn’t let his love of rigorous consideration get in the way of a good set of false assumptions. I refer to his several statements in relation to our Fair Go campaign. For example, none of us retired ex-Service people ever signed up for a retirement pay that bought less by the day. The promise we WERE made in 1973, that benefits would always maintain relativity with living costs, is still being made to new enlistees (see the “MSBS Book”); and it’s STILL untrue, because the inappropriate CPI is still used as the measure.
The fact that the Government spent $126 million (1973 dollars) in reserves from the old Defence Force Retirement Benefits scheme instead of rolling them over into an investment fund cannot be held to our account. Likewise, the fact that every government since 1973 has failed to make appropriate provision for forward superannuation liabilities should not be visited upon government employees. Finance Ministers, of all political persuasions, should instead be apologising abjectly for these gross derelictions of duty.
Instead, what have we got? An ex-Finance Minister pontificating upon a subject he obviously hasn’t researched properly, while drawing down a lifetime pension, with all sorts of other entitlements trailing behind it, that makes meagre DFRDB benefits pale into insignificance. Hypocrisy is too mild a word for it.”‘
Dear JOHN SAINSBURY, you have said wonderful things, and thank you for them and for your continuing support.
From Ground Zero, DAVID DONOVAN and INDEPENDENT AUSTRALIA has supported me – and you – us!
Dear BARNEY WARD, thank you for your kind acknowledgement and support
for DAVID and myself – and your loyalty to INDEPENDENT AUSTRALIA.
All NICK MINCHIN’s silly contrived hissy fit has done is to alert us to the fact that on behalf of the LIBERAL PARTY he is laying the foundation for them to reject increasing your pensions when they
are in office.
There is little doubt of this. And TONY ABBOTT needs to make a more
catagoric commitment to you in his alternative BUDGET in order to
convince otherwise.
Since joining the fight for a fair go, I have had many highs and lows. Highs when I think of the wonderful people I have met and served with both in Australia and overseas throughout the years and whose friendships continue even after fifty years in some cases.
Lows when I think of the sad things from 1967/68 and 1970/71 and mates who did not make it home alive. They include a class mate, a DS from Portsea days, a digger and a Cpl of mine from my time at Kapooka, a fellow Corps officer and his WO2, both demolition experts. I also have lows when I think of those Veterans who have found the going particularly tough since their service days and still find the going tough because a government refuses to pay them their dues by way of a fair go when it comes to a pension.
I have lows when I read between the lines and see your anger and frustration at the way we have been treated and continue to be treated despite years of faithful service firstly by a population who described us as baby killers and now in our twilight years, by a heartless government. A government who cares not about us as people, as Veterans, who show us no recognition or respect and have no idea what the word “closure” means to us.
It is not just the heartless mob in Canberra who cause us pain. Their “cousins” on the periphery are no better either. For the 24 years we have been fostering, we have tried to adopt all of our children. We have only been successful with our eldest son when he was ten years old. In 2009, we tried to adopt our youngest and most disabled son. A report was prepared and that reports states in part:
“it is the primary recommendation of this report that the adoption of ………….by Ken and Trish Hussell, should not be pursued at this time”.
And the final paragraph states in part:
“I have no doubt of the Hussell’s strong and genuine love for ………..and believe that this young man should remain with the family that have cared for him for so long and with such devotion”. We are good enough to look after him, for more than 14 years as I write, but not good enough to adopt him. This report, like a previous report where we tried to adopt another of our sons made repeated references to my Vietnam service and also my “emotional fragility”. A very talented and caring lady who we have also been involved with over the years in our dealings with DoCS told me “I have nothing to fear from a man who shows his emotions”. That, I can live with.
The most hurtful part in all of this is that if you are a Vietnam Vet, you are a leper and a leper you will always be…….says the government who sent us there in the first place!.
The highs are a joy to remember, the lows not so good. In a letter I wrote to Stephen Smith in early January, I concluded with:
“Not only would an appropriate pension accurately reflecting our contribution over many years get us above the poverty line, but it would also allow closure by virtue of recognition of our service. You see Mr. Smith, “recognition is a very powerful thing…….”
I know in my heart that if I returned to Vietnam and could stand where my two demolition mates were killed, a large weight would be taken from my shoulders. Being one of two officers present when they were killed, I assisted with picking up their remains and carrying their stretchers out. I could not attend their funeral back in Australia obviously nor could I talk to their families. There was so much I had to say and wanted to say but to no avail. Go back you say? I agree, I should go back but I simply cannot afford to do that. If we ever get a fair go before I die, my first priority will be Nui Dat, for me, Trish and one or two of our boys.
Remember Don Chipp the politician who said he would keep the bastards honest? If any politician takes the time to read this they should have no doubt that there over 60,000 of us who are united and we say, “we will never let you bastards get us down, we are here for the long haul”. We will remember.
Dear Tess,
Re your article today, your words are beautiful Tess and there will be many a digger reduced to tears when he reads them. Clearly, with the compassion you have in your heart, your caring for people like me and your determination to support us the way you do leaves no doubt in my mind that it is you who should be PM. Given that you already have enough stress on your plate with NAB yet you keep on going for us is an inspiration.
God bless you Tess, again we are humbled by the love you have for all of us and for that we will be forever grateful and I know I speak for all 60,000 plus of us.
Dear KBHUSSELL – KEN,
I can tell you I have just read both of your comments directly above, and you have reduced me to tears; more than tears really, sobs.
How one keeps on going after picking up the body parts of your mates, I cannot even pretend to fathom.
That you and Trish should find it in your warm hearts to be a Foster Mum and Dad, says so much about you both – and your continuing service to this country and the human family, despite the horrendous financial constraints.
I feel that ‘ Foster Parents ‘ is not even the right phrase. You and Trish could not love the children more had you given birth to them yourselves. And giving birth to children, we know, is no guarantee that the journey ahead will be devoid of obstacles, or that you will be model parents with model children, whatever that might mean.
To think that you have been ‘ forbidden’ ( for that is what it is ) to formally adopt your children is outrageous and disgusting.
I feel we can all help to do something about this. It is offensive discrimination against Diggers – and in your case, Vietnam Vets.
It is illegal to discriminate on this basis alone. Admissions have been made by ‘ the system ‘ about what loving parents you are. So what are they going on about ?
How many other Vietnam Vets are being discriminated against in this – and other ways that we don’t know about ?
Thank you Ken, and Trish, for your continuing service to this country.
Let us know in these comments, how we can help. Count me in.
Also, it it depriving your children of having real parents. We cannot let this stand Ken.
I feel your Cobbers here will support you too.
You and Trish talk it over. I stand ready to help and I feel many others will stand shoulder to shoulder with you both.
Surely we can take up a petition and write references on your behalf.
In relation to going back to Nui Dat, do not give up all hope of taking your whole family there,in due course.
Thank you for what you said in your second comment. I really have drawn strength from you all. There is not a shred of doubt in my mind, that yours is the good fight. I am committed to helping you all however I can.
All for one. And one for all. Such is Justice.
Rinehart and Downer join bid to boost ADF pensions
by: Chip Le Grand
From: The Australian
April 30, 2012 12:00AM
BILLIONAIRE Gina Rinehart has joined corporate leaders and former military chiefs in pushing for an overhaul of the way that defence pensions are indexed, placing the federal government under renewed pressure to improve the financial entitlements of retired service personnel.
Ms Rinehart’s name is prominent on a statement issued by the Alliance of Defence Service Organisations’ Fair Go campaign, which urges the leaders of the three major political parties to support changes to bring indexation of military superannuation pensions into line with the age pension, which, since 2009, has been adjusted twice yearly to keep pace with the cost of living.
Where age pensions are pegged to a sophisticated formula that takes account of average earnings, cost of living and inflation, military pensions are pegged to inflation only. The peak welfare organisation for the armed services estimates that as a result of the discrepancy, there is a growing super gap between retired defence personnel and other workers.
Ms Rinehart put her name to the statement along with retired chiefs of the navy, army and air force, other corporate leaders and foreign minister in the Howard government Alexander Downer.
Former navy chief David Shackleton said the value of military pensions had diminished in real terms and “a lot of folk who have done a lot of things for this country are effectively being discriminated against”.
“It wouldn’t be difficult to be extremely cynical about politicians who talk about fairness, equity and doing the right thing — and sometimes are quite pleased to stand next to soldiers when they have got their medals on — and don’t actually follow up with actions,” Mr Shackleton told The Australian.
“This is a significant omission and they need to fix it.”
Former army chief Peter Leahy said retired Defence personnel had become frustrated by the promises made by politicians and their failure to deliver.
A private member’s bill to change the method of indexation introduced by Liberal senator Michael Ronaldson was last year voted down by Labor, the Greens and Nick Xenophon.
“Leadership is about looking after others before yourself and in this case, the politicians are missing in action,” Mr Leahy said.
Mr Leahy took aim at the federal government’s Special Minister of State, Gary Gray, who last week defended the current pension arrangements. Mr Gray told Perth Radio 6PR: “The reason we don’t do it the other way is simply based on cost. We signed up to an arrangement and we will honour that arrangement.”
The government estimates that adopting age-pension indexation for Defence pensions would cost $1.7 billion over the forward estimates of the federal budget.
Retired Air Vice Marshall Peter Criss, one of the organisers of the Fair Go campaign, said the indexation changes were needed to protect recipients of the Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefit Scheme introduced by the Whitlam government and its replacement, the Military Superannuation Benefit Scheme, which was introduced in 1991.
POET LAUREATE GEORGE MANSFORD IS IN THE BUILDING!!!!!
Why Are the Canberra Pineapples Rougher?
(In response to Nick Minchin )
Today in Canberra, the Suits are still busy counting personal money
As they keep topping up from the public purse of milk and honey
While old soldiers queue to fill in forms to supplement retirement pay
Wondering why Canberra Suits were so keen to betray
Cos recruits were told “The longer you serve the more your super will be”
“We will look after you with sound financial security”
Now we know that Polly have selective memories but that’s what was said
(Nobody mentioned what happened if you woke up disabled or dead)
Many signed on again and again to serve in their most productive years
As years rolled by, the rules changed and replaced by a large Pineapple I fear
As pockets emptied, military associations bonded and said enough is enough
They demand a fair go cos this CPI pineapple we’re copping is far too rough
The protest resulted in governments scripts for Pollys to ape familiar lines
Prepared by spin doctors who make Goebbels an amateur of his time
Such as “In current economic restraint, this is not the time”
Meaning “Not enough left after Julia’s and Swannys increases and mine?”
“The CPI is adequate indexation “
(Yet they fail to tell it’s not used for them or rest of the nation)
“The military super dollar today will still have the same value in 20 years “
Did I say better than Goebbels? Such bull dust is enough to reduce diggers to tears
May I remind all of those who don the Canberra Suits
Who are often on the scene when it comes to military photo shoots
It was these sheilas and blokes who swore the oath who trained and led
Rain, hail or shine and too often bled
“Get on with the task” was always the battle cry, full bore, night and day,
There was never ever overtime or extra pay
Always devoted to their mission in peace and war
Some didn’t make it to the finish line in a race of dangers galore
That always is the risk of soldiering and they knew the score
Yet inadequate government care for widows, orphans and disabled; that’s for sure
In conclusion the military and its families continues be kicked around.
As it serves in the air, at sea or on the ground
Given government attitude, long service in the military simply means this
Less chance of a good life with financial security and bliss
The military has always been ready to serve where ever the need
They do it without any thought of financial greed
So let me remind our Pollys once more
Those who wore the cloth are seeking “A Fair Go” and nothing more
So cut out the bullshit and properly recognize those who served
With the same indexation as others which the military surely deserve
George Mansford May 2012
Dear ALL, let us put on our thinking caps about how we can help to get KEN HUSSELL and his Family to Vietnam for a visit and hopefully, to lay some demons to rest.
Many of us were very moved after reading his comment above about how the Hussell family is being discriminated against in not being able to formally adopt their beloved foster children – because Ken is a Vietnam Vet!
PLEASE HELP US FIND OUT THE TRUTH ABOUT DIGGER HUGH WILSON’S TRAGIC
DEATH IN COLAC, VICTORIA.
If anyone has any info about this, please email DAVID DONOVAN on: –
editor@independentaustralia.net
http://www.theage.com.au/national/police-cleared-over-fatal-colac-crash-36-years-on-20120507-1y822.html
Tonight watch with amazement as the nation’s – if not the world’s – most creative accountant delivers a budget that is a ‘Fair Go’ for all. Fair dinkum Wayne?
Dear KEN MARSH, I know it is outrageous! They are stealing from you twice! First your pensions – and now your slogan!!!!!!!
I received this email today.
The Notice of Motion is as follows:
MEMBER FOR Lyne : I give notice that on the next day of sitting I shall move—That this House
(1) recognises the:
(a) involvement of Australian service men and women in war and peacekeeping operations; and
(b) role of family, friends and community networks in supporting those Australians who have served in our military; and
(2) calls on the Government to:
(a) consider increasing the Military Superannuation and Benefits Scheme Pension, Defence Force Retirement Benefit Pension and the Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits Pension twice annually by the greatest of the Consumer Price Index, the Pensioner and Beneficiary Living Cost Index and the Male Total Average Weekly Earnings; and
(b) do this in recognition of the unique circumstances of military service compared to all others within the public service.
Thanks again for your feedback and we will notify you when this motion is scheduled for debate in the House of Representatives. Mr Tony Windsor MP has seconded this motion.
Kind regards,
Zita McGregor
Advisor
Office of Robert Oakeshott MP
Federal Member for Lyne
6584-2911
6584-2922
0418-537-709
PO Box 1112, Port Macquarie. NSW 2444.
Cheers
Bob
‘… compared to all others within the public service’? I know I shouldn’t knit pick and this is at least keeping it before the Parliament. But I also note it is only ‘to consider’.
Dear BOB IHLEIN,well, well, well, well.
This is great to see Bob, and thank you for posting ZITA MCGREGOR’s letter on behalf of ROBERT OAKESHOTT. And good to see that TONY WINDSOR will be seconding the motion. Why is ANDREW WILKIE AWOL ?
Please notify us all when the motion will be put.
Onya Bob!
Dear KEN MARSH, well said, and you are right to point this out.
But at least we’ll be able to get the heads up on the responses of the House – and see if those who have been teasing you with support,in fact do so in public. Before the Federal election!
I copied this from the Australian Peacekeepers and Peacemakers Veterans Association FB site. Statement re. budget and veterans.
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs subscription list.
8 May 2012 BUDGET VA038
IMPROVING OUR MILITARY REHABILITATION AND COMPENSATION
The Gillard Government is bolstering its support for Australia’s veteran and ex-service communities in the 2012-13 Federal Budget.
“Our priority is to make sure we look after those who have sacrificed so much for this country,” Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Warren Snowdon, said.
Protecting living standards of some of our most treasured Australians has been a key priority of the Gillard Government from day one, and this important measure reflects that commitment.
As part of the Budget the Government has announced its response to the Review of Military Compensation Arrangements and committed $17.4 million over the next four years to implement 96 recommendations flowing from the 108 recommendations of the Review.
The majority of these changes will be implemented from 1 July 2013 and will deliver improvements to current arrangements for compensation and health care; increased financial compensation for eligible members and families; and improved training for those who provide advice to the veteran community on entitlements.
“We have taken appropriate action to ensure services and support for veterans, serving members and their families continue to meet their evolving needs,” Mr Snowdon said.
The main initiatives that will be introduced include:
A new method for calculating permanent impairment compensation across multiple Acts (or transitional claims) under the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA). All those who have claimed permanent impairment compensation under MRCA and been subject to the method for permanent impairment across multiple Acts, since the Act commenced on 1 July 2004, to be reassessed with many receiving increased compensation;
Around 6000 former Australian Defence Force members with chronic health conditions accepted under the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 (SRCA), subject to a needs assessment showing long-term treatment needs, to receive a White Repatriation Health Card for specific conditions and the supplementary payment for pharmaceuticals;
Earlier access to compensation with claims under permanent impairment compensation under the MRCA for multiple conditions receiving compensation as each condition stabilises, rather than having to wait for all conditions to stabilise;
The Eligible Young Person periodic payment, under MRCA, to be increased to match the SRCA equivalent. (Current weekly rates are $84.94 under the MRCA and $126.22 under the SRCA);
Compensation payable for financial advice under MRCA, for certain beneficiaries who have made a choice about how they want to receive their benefits, to increase to $2400 (currently $1544); and
Greater flexibility for future wholly dependent partners in the way they receive compensation with the option to convert part of their compensation to a lump sum payment.
“I would like to thank the veteran and defence communities for their contributions to the Review – their input was invaluable in helping to shape the future of the military rehabilitation and compensation system,” Mr Snowdon said.
In addition, the Government’s response will improve processes for the delivery of benefits and services under the MRCA including:
A boost to the education of providers, clients and their representatives to ensure that they remain informed about the full range of entitlements available through the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) for current serving Australian Defence Force members, reservists, and their families in the event of injury or death;
Better information on rehabilitation, transition from the ADF and compensation offsetting;
More initiatives to improve the quality and timeliness of claims processing;
Better pathways to transition from ADF to civilian life;
A new model for providing claims representation on complex claims; and
Improved cooperation between Defence and DVA through an extra Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission member nominated by the Minister for Defence and improved management of the relationship between DVA and Defence.
Three recommendations are subject to further consideration, and 11 recommendations of the Review were not supported. Of those not supported, two were replaced with favourable outcomes. Details of the Government’s full response to the Review can be found at http://www.dva.gov.au.
“Budget 2012-13 delivers $12.3 billion per year in overall funding, building on the Gillard Government’s commitment to provide quality care, services and support for our veteran community and current serving members.
“This funding will go towards strengthening our support for veterans and their families in recognition of the contributions they have made serving our country,” Mr Snowdon said.
For more information on the 2012-13 Federal Budget, visit http://www.budget.gov.au.
Media inquiries: Minister Snowdon: Lidija Ivanovski or Marcus Butler 02 6277 7820
Department of Veterans’ Affairs Media: 02 6289 6203
Dear KEN MARSH, thank you so much for posting this – can you please translate this for me – how far does this go to meeting your needs ?
Tess, I was hoping someone would interpret for me. Having said that, I have no doubt that the following comment, again copied from the APPVA FB site, is close to the money:
‘Nice snow job Minister, great news about the white card for SRCA, but the rest is just crap – no tax relief for those on SRCA payments and payments still cease at 65. How can cutting jobs at DVA improve service delivery and claim processing time.’
Dear KEN MARSH, I am grateful that you’ve copied this comment from the APPVA FB site – this I get!
I was unaware that the GILLARD GOVERNMENT is cutting jobs at DVA – will this mean even slower service – and a greater workload on remaining staff?
Bob Ihlein 8 May 2012 at 4:37 PM posted a Notice of Motion reportedly given by Bob Oakshot and seconded by Tony Windsor.
“(b) do this [consider increasing Military pensions etc] in recognition of the unique circumstances of military service compared to all others within the public service.”
I sincerely hope this is revised before it is put on the notice board because I believe we do not want anything done or ‘considered’ on the basis of recognition of our unique nature of military service – this has already been done in 1972 by introduction of the DFRDB scheme. What we want is the recognition of the government’s intention then that our retired pay be indexed to preserve its value against the rise in the cost-of-living, an intention designed to cater for the peculiar needs of retired Servicemen and women as defined in the debates recorded in Hansard.
By way of emphasis of the unique nature of military service, what other type of employee is asked when being employed
“Do you have any distinguishing marks or scars?”
Why?
So we can identify any bits of you that we find!
Bill Arden,
I had been cheering about Oakeshott and Windsor sticking their oar in, and I still think it’s a good thing, but you may well be right about the “unique circumstances” statement. Never any unalloyed joy, is there? On the other hand, maybe it’s worth reminding the rest of Parliament that we are a bit different to everyone else.
Here’s a little something I sent off to Senator Xenophon. his self-imposed deadline is running out.
“Fair Indexation of Military Pensions
“I started this letter with the aim of reminding you that you have just over a month, according to your own timeline, to find the savings in the Defence vote you believed were necessary in order to implement Fair Indexation of military “retired pay”. (Please consider yourself reminded.) Then I heard you had been gazumped by Treasurer Swan, who has apparently chopped $4 billion out of next year’s Defence budget. There’s little room for savings now, I should think. So I re-read your speech of last June in which you opposed the Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits (BFRDB) Amendment (Fair Indexation) Bill 2010, and it seems to me that you are among those who have been misled by dubious arguments. I hope the following clarifies some of the issues.
“There has been much discussion about the perceived “unfairness” of the 2010 Bill as it was presented. I’m sure you realise that Fair Go campaigners only accepted the “over-55s” stricture as a first step, which went some way towards assisting older retirees. This group is in much greater need than someone who retired after 2004, when the benefit calculation basis changed to include Service and other allowances in “salary” for superannuation purposes, or 2006, when the previous Coalition government substantially increased salaries across the board. But we agree; it is not totally fair; and we now seek the application of Fair Indexation across the board, including MSBS recipients’ “preserved benefits”.
“Everyone who opposed the Bill made use of cost estimates provided by the Department of Finance and Deregulation (DoFD), to support their arguments. DoFD stated that to alter the indexation criteria for DFRDB and DFRB retirement pay for recipients over 55 years old, from Consumer Price Index to the Age Pension system, would cause an immediate $6.2 billion increase in unfunded liabilities, and a cash impact of $175 million over the forward estimates (ie the next 4 years). These statements are demonstrably wrong.
“I have analysed projected DFRDB costs between now and financial year (fy) 2020/21, using the quoted expenditure on DFRDB and DFRB for fy 2010/11 ($1375,488,000) as the starting figure. I used the 20-year average movement of 2.71% a year in CPI, and Pensioners and Beneficiaries Living Cost Index average variation of 4.39% per annum, to calculate relative changes. This method perforce assumes there will still be 57,016 recipients at the end of the period – which is probably not unreasonable given that 4,000-odd DFRDB contributors are still serving. But it does not differentiate between those recipients who are under 55 years old, and those who are older. That is, it includes all recipients. Not surprisingly, the real costs and differences between CPI and PBLCI are still lower than DofD’s spurious estimates. Here is a summary of the results; dollar amounts are rounded for ease of understanding:
If PBLCI is substituted for CPI, the cash impact over the next 4 years will be $102.6 million.
In 2020/21, if CPI continues to be the indexation method, DFRDB/DFRB payments will total $1,797 million.
In 2020/21, if PBLCI is used as the indexation method, DFRDB/DFRB payments will total $2,114 million; an increase for the year of $317 million over the amount that would be paid under the CPI regime.
Total additional expenditure over the period until end 2020/21, using PBLCI, would be $1,573 million.
“After 2020, the Future Fund is supposed to take over all Commonwealth Superannuation liabilities.
“The cost argument is really a red herring, in any case. Government knows its figures are rubbery. The real issue is to do with government spending priorities. This government’s choice of priorities reflects poorly on its values. It would rather waste its cash on frivolities than honour long-outstanding promises to a group which has always kept its promises to Australia, in service and sacrifice.
“Senator, in 1973, Australian Defence Force members were promised (I know because I was there) that their retired pay would always be indexed to maintain its relativity with prices and wages; that is, its purchasing power. The Joint Select Committee on Defence Forces Retirement Benefits Legislation (the Jess Committee) favoured tying the benefit to average weekly earnings, or military salaries, because it felt that in this way retired pay would keep up with community standards, and so the goal of all indexation systems would be fulfilled. Jess rejected CPI because of its demonstrated failure, over many years, to properly reflect rises in living standards, and its implicit susceptibility to alterations which would further adversely affect its abilities in that area.
“Despite Jess’ recommendation, CPI was eventually chosen to index DFRDB, in 1977. The Fraser Government claimed that CPI would redeem government promises about maintaining purchasing power. Many of us were dubious about the government’s motives – we thought that Fraser’s Treasurer was using CPI to subtly limit the Commonwealth’s forward superannuation liabilities to its military and other employees, through its known inability to accurately measure rising community standards. Whether or not we were right about the government’s aims, critics were right about CPI’s effects. There were cumulative slippages in its relationship with prices and wages, though it worked reasonably well, for a while; especially when it was used as one of the determinants in wage-fixing for the wider workforce. But when the Hawke government discounted CPI adjustments to retirement benefits by 2%, from 1986 to 1988, and then changed its calculation basket to reflect international standards for inflation in 1989, whatever remained of the nexus between CPI and living costs was excised. The result is that anyone who has been retired from the military for 15 or more years has lost 40% or more of his/her retired pay’s purchasing power. This, clearly, is a broken promise. Incidentally, government is still making the same promise to new enlistees (see the “MSBS Book”), and still breaking it, because CPI is still being used to index retired pay.
“Now, Fair Go campaigners don’t expect the Government to fully and completely restore our lost purchasing power. If that was on the cards, I (for example) would be in line for over $110,000 in back pay, and somewhere in the order of $15,000 per annum extra payment as of this year – and the horrendous DoFD predictions would be a little nearer the truth.
“All that DFRB and DFRDB recipients ask is that the Government go a little way towards redeeming the promise made in 1973, which successive governments have reneged on ever since. Recipients had hoped you would support this aim, which would have been given a start had you supported the 2010 Bill. But as I have previously observed to the Greens’ Senator Wright, all you have done is to provide a shield behind which the Government continues to dodge its responsibilities. It’s past time you removed that shield.”
Incidentally I subscribed the letter with my name and (retired) rank, but I bet you I don’t get that bacik in any reply he might send. I just do it to provoke them, anyway.
Tess, I hope you are wrong about the “flopposition” (you gotta love “Cactus”) getting set to renege on its pledges about Fair Indexation. But I’m working on some letters to Opposition people just in case.
In reference to Minister Snowdon’s latest output, and the comment from APPVA, I was recently talked into going to see the local Vietnam Vets people; with the result that I now have some claims in for various of my medical problems that can be tied back to my military career. Got an acknowledgement from DVA the other day in which they apologise in advance for delays in processing. I wonder how much longer the delays will be as DVA staff gets cut further.
Dear BARNEY WARD, well, I was thinking ( don’t say it! ) wouldn’t it be grand if your pension increases were decided by the same committee that decides parliamentary increases!
This is good news re your medical claims – and at least the DVA gave you a courtesy apology in advance.
These latest cuts are slicing further into staff morale and you are right in wondering how these further cuts by the GILLARD GOVERNMENT will impact upon already acknowledged delays.
Evening all,
There was some discuusion the other day about the numbers of DFRB and DFRDB retirees out there. The DFRDB board stated in its last report that it was paying a total of 57,016 DFRB and DFRDB pensioners. I found a reference in the Senate Finance and Public Administration Legislation Committee’s report on the 2010 Bill, to an estimated 30,000 over-55s. The Bills digest says the same thing – so did Sen Ronaldson. That got me thinking, so I redid my Excel spreadsheet, starting from 30/57ths of the 2010/11 payments to retirees. That comes to $723,943,000. The cash impact of indexing by PBLCI instead of CPI is only $54 million. Total additional expenditure for the next 10 years is $828 million. DoFD’s figures look even more doubtful, don’t they?
Harking back to Mr Oakeshott’s proposed motion, he’s done this before, according to the Bills Digest for the 2010 Bill. I quote:-
“On 24 May 2010 Mr Oakeshott moved the following motion for debate in the House of Representatives:
That the House:
(1) should consider increasing the Military Superannuation Pension twice annually by the greatest of either the Consumer Price Index, the Pensioner and Beneficiary Living Cost Index or the Male Total Average Weekly Earnings; and
(2) should do this in recognition of the unique circumstances of military service compared to all others within the public service.”
Why do the same thing again this year, in almost the exact same words used last year – and where has he been the rest of the time? Is he sincere or just grandstanding? I have my doubts. Same goes for Tony Windsor, and Andrew Wilkie.
Oops! I said “last year” in reference to Mr Oakeshott’s motion. Should have said 2010. Sorry. And I do note that he’s added everybody else in specifically, rather than generally as was the case in 2010.
I suppose, to give him his due, he probably reckons he’s got more power now than he did in 2010. He’d be right. But why wait until now, in that case? Why not bring the matter up last July?
Dear BARNEY WARD, you are a hot sleuth. Love your work.
I, to, agree with Barney Ward 10 May, 2012 at 8:02 am, in that any exposure of our plight in the Parliament is good, but I would like it to be properly identified.
I think it is important also to keep drawing politicians back to the fact that the DFRDB scheme was prepared specifically for Service people, not public servants, Commonwealth Bank officers, or the Post Office staff!
That is why we are not on the same scheme as others – because we ARE in a different situation and we required a different scheme that was debated at length by all sides of Parliament, and agreed to.
That is why our superannuation is titled (or was, until the public service management redefined it) Retired Pay, not a pension that is a gratuity from government.
Dear BILL ARDEN, a big salute to you all for not giving up and for not accepting the tripe that’s being dished up.
Hi Tess, i finished getting nuked yesterday and am quite happy as the doctors have all said that i look alot better than i did six months ago. I have to wait for six weeks for the radiation to leave my system then i have a blood test to see what my PSI is. The last two weeks was a higher dosage of radiation and it made me very tired but all in all it was a breeze. Well i am off to the footy today with my son to watch my favourite team east freo play west perth, then on thursday i am moving back down to the farm down albany way. Now i can really start spreading the word to ppl down south about the national disgrace that is going on. cheers for now.
Couldn’t agree more, Bill Arden. I’ve been pushing the broken promise but I’ll have to concentrate a bit more on our unique circumstances. I still call it “retired pay”!
Just on the Public Service, for the moment, You all doubtless know that Commonwealth Public servants got a new super scheme in 1976. (Date of assent May ’76 from memory). It was a “partly funded” defined benefit scheme, I think, with CPI as the index – which is the reason we got CPI, or indeed any index, in 1977. Point of this observation is that I’m sure the previous scheme was fully funded in the same way as the DFRB scheme, and so therefore must have had a reserve, again like DFRB. I can’t find any record of this or what happened to the money. Does anybody know?
John Lawrence, sound as if things are going well for you. Good on you. Enjoy the footy!
Thank you Barney, things are very good at the moment and hope to be able to fly over for our march to canberra when i can meet all you wonderful ppl. Stay safe cheers.
Dear John Lawrence,
You are a champion old soldier!
Hope your footy team wins and get back on the farm as soon as you can – nothing like fresh air in the lungs – especially the air that comes off the water at Albany. We MUST meet in Canberra. Good luck always, take care,
Dear JOHN LAWRENCE, yippppeeeeeeee!!!! Great news. Have had some enquiries (backstage) about how you’re doing, but although many of us are keen to know the latest, it is essential that you fill us in if and when you feel like it.
And it’s good of you to keep us posted about how you react to treatment. I know we all react differently, but sharing these things can be a big help – in encouraging families to talk about it as well.
Onya John, I bet you won’t be too tired to barrack for your team!!!!
Albany’s a fab part of the earth, ain’t it.
Dear BARNEY, KEN AND JOHN, it’s very moving sticky beaking on your caring for one another – and a good life lesson to the rest of us.
Happy-making to read.
Thanks Ken and Tess, yes it was a good day today for my footy side the sharks, as they beat west perth by 2 pts. I will let you know when i get settled into a more quiet lifestyle.
Dear JOHN, ah bliss!
Have a wonderful trip home.
Dear All,
Two things.
I was delighted tonight to hear that now thirty, not eight, of those beautiful men of Bomber Command will be in England for the dedication of THEIR Memorial. They should ALL go, including NOK at Government expense!!.
I will be watching closely to see how many are on the official party. If their number exceeds thirty, it will be worse than a red rag to a bull.
Surely by now, the “thing with red hair” must realise that the Craig Thompson affair has higher ratings than “Coronation Street”?.
Is Craig Thompson so stupid that he actually thinks anyone in this country believes him?. Is the Labor Party that stupid? If yes, they should not be in a position of “running” this country.
He must have some thought of this because his scaly mates are over playing the record of “presumption of innocence”, Gillard, Swan, Albanese and of course that ever righteous soul, Craig Emerson.
Why don’t we turn the coin over for a moment and consider the presumption of guilt, which everything points to?.
What will be the cry of that lot if/when he is found guilty? What will their reaction be? They will have to blame someone for their lack of “guts” (thanks ALBO!), will any of them stand up and be counted? I doubt it. Certainly not the red head. I would never have believed that a PM of this country could be so gullible.
Mr. Abbott, you need only sit back and relax. You do not have to make the effort to bring them undone, they do that to themselves every minute of every day.
Good morning KBHussell and everyone,
KBHussell, re the Bomber Command memorial, the announcement certainly implies that government has increased the size of its official party to 30, and it’s probably a better thing than the previous proposition. But I don’t believe it’s all that much better.
Here is the press release put out on Friday.
“30 Bomber Command vets to go to London
CANBERRA, May 11 AAP – A party of up to 30 Australian veterans
of the World War Two bomber offensive will fly to London courtesy
of the federal government to attend the official dedication of the
long-awaited memorial to Bomber Command.
The government originally planned to take an official party of
just eight veterans, with others wishing to attend offered
subsidies of $3000 towards costs.
The change follows higher than expected interest from veterans,
accompanied by complaints that New Zealand was sending a much
larger party than Australia.
More than 10,000 Australian airmen served with Bomber Command
during World War II, suffering appalling losses in attacks on
heavily defended targets in German-occupied Europe.
A total of 3486 Australians died in bomber operations, 35 per
cent of the total RAAF bomber crew who served with Bomber Command.
The new memorial commemorates the 55,573 Bomber Command aircrew
killed during the war.
It incorporates aluminium sections recovered from the wreckage
of a Canadian Halifax bomber shot down over Belgium in May 1944.
The memorial, in London’s Green Park, will be officially
dedicated on June 28.
Those in the official Australian delegation, all aged in their
80s and 90s, will fly business class to and from London,
accompanied by a support team including doctors, nurses and RAAF
personnel, at a total cost of about $1 million.
For those not in the official party, the government will provide
a subsidy of $5,000 towards the costs of attending the dedication.
AAP”
So anybody who’s not in the official party gets a $5k subsidy. The announcement doesn’t clarify who’s in the official party and who isn’t. But the $5,000 subsidy won’t be going to family and friends, I should think. So what’s the subsidy for?
With my nasty suspicious mind I deduced that the “official party” as far as Vets are concerned, is probably still 8. If I’m right, the remainder might therefore be able to take up the medical and other cover on offer, but they will have to pay their way after receiving the subsidy. I checked up with my travel agent mate about business class fares for a trip Sydney-London return. The best she could offer in that period was $4763 plus taxes (probably about $5,500 total). So if my nasty suspicious mind is right, the poor old vet will have his wallet out before he’s even on the plane.
If I’m being uncharitable toward the government here, I’ll apologise; and I’ll also say their spin doctors aren’t worth what we are paying them if they can’t get the facts out properly. But I reckon, as I said to a friend yesterday, that this is just government moving the deck chairs.
No matter what the facts behind the latest announcement, we, as a nation, are still not doing the right thing by these heroes. I cannot for the life of me see why we can’t pack up all who want to go of the roughly 70 eligible people, and their families or at least their partners, and sent them off to attend this momentous event at taxpayers’ expense. It probably wouldn’t cost all that much, and we could fund it by cutting down on pollies’ “fact-finding trips” (to Barbados, to study “democracy in action”, for goodness’ sake, was one such jaunt I heard about recently).
Dear KEN HUSSELL, I saw that news item and frankly, I think it is disgusting that there are only 30 men of BOMBER COMMAND going to England for the dedication of their own Memorial,as you point out.
I’m with you. They should ALL go. If I recall rightly, isn’t New
Zealand sending all their lads over on a specially commissioned
Jet ?
Given that the GILLARD GOVERNMENT has just given $7billion to the European IMF ( when we could have increased your pensions ) and yet slashed Local and Overseas Aid, and given the endless junkets and overseas travel greedily enjoyed by our politicians, once again, the miserly nature of political expediency and lack of respect,is turfed upon our Veterans.
There is no question that the official party will be more than 30 – and let’s add Australian Embassy staff to that.
How did the GILLARD GOVERNMENT and MINISTERS STEPHEN SMITH AND WARREN SNOWDON single out those good 30 men from the rest of the good men?
How many Veterans from Bomber Command are there in Australia in total? And how many of them would like to go to the UK – and how many of them are well enough to go ?
And also, those who need support,should also be able to take their carer or a family member along to accompany them.
And while we’re at it – the GILLARD GOVERNMENT should pay for ALL the travel and medical insurance for the trip.
I wouldn’t mind betting that’s one of the reasons the Government has made this miserly decision – to send only A Few Good Men instead of All The Good Men.
All so that they can save a few Zacks on our ANZACK Veterans.
There is something distinctly suss in all of this.
Dear BARNEY WARD, I have just read your comment and the AAP story you’ve included – and it answers many of my questions.
It looks like you might have posted your comment whilst I was writing mine but I agree with your closing comments – and especially this: -
“No matter what the facts behind the latest announcement, we, as a nation, are still not doing the right thing by these heroes. I cannot for the life of me see why we can’t pack up all who want to go of the roughly 70 eligible people, and their families or at least their partners, and sent them off to attend this momentous event at taxpayers’ expense. It probably wouldn’t cost all that much, and we could fund it by cutting down on pollies’ “fact-finding trips” (to Barbados, to study “democracy in action”, for goodness’ sake, was one such jaunt I heard about recently).”
You’ve said it all Barney. I’d like to propose that the entire Australian Parliament be assigned to do a study tour right here, right now, to study ‘DEMOCRACY IN INACTION’ in Australia.
And that the funds for this should come out of their own well-oiled pockets that were recently further boosted by yet another walloping salary increase.
Nice work if you can get it.
Hi Tess, back in 67-68 when i was serving in vietnam with 3RAR the labor party through Crean and two other pollies supported the north vietnamese army against the men serving in nam by way of not sending much needed supplies to vietnam. The labor govt has always been anti military and always will be. They did not care then and they do not care now. I think that the bomber crews are heroes and it makes me sick that they are not being supported by this govt. You only have to look back a few weeks ago when the americans arrived in Darwin and soldiers of the GHAN war came home the same day and smith and snowden were not there to welcome them home,it just shows how much they care about aussie service personal. bloody aresholes the lot of them.
Hi Again, could anyone please send me the latest flyer to frankland river post office frankland river 6396. I am going to buy a printer and will print a couple of thousand copies and pass them on to the public. I really dont care about the cost to myself as there is alot of ppl out there worse off than me. I hope that this doesn’t make me look like i am grandstanding but i feel that i have a duty to my military families to right this wrong!! I saw first hand how the govt treated my mother after my father passed away. To all the mothers out there have a happy mothers day. After all mothers are the gift of life. Cheers all the footy is about to start.
Dear JOHN LAWRENCE, I tried to leave a response to your
12.40pm comment, but goofed it up, obviously, because it hasn’t come up.
Re your experience in Vietnam, this concerns me greatly to read this. If it is not too painful John, can you say what supplies you were deprived of – and if you think this resulted in death and injury of your mates ?
Hi Tess, i am of the undersanding that we had a shipment of goods shipped through wharfs and flown over to vietnam. We called it the jeparat, i think it was called that. Crean and a couple of other guys refused to send all types of supplies to vietnam. I am sure that there is a person out there that know what i am on about, i was only 19 at the time but heard about a couple of years ago. In my opinion no soldiers were killed because of that action. I also don’t know if Crean and the other two were in politics at that time but were in unions i know that much. I had a few freinds that were working on the wharfs through the seventies who were proud of that action over vietnam.
Hi Tess, John Lawrence and all
Thank God for Wikipedia.
The Jeparit was a ship belonging to the Australian National Line (whatever happened to that, by the way?) which operated under charter together with the Boonaroo to carry materiel to Vietnam for the 1st Australian Task Force, which was the umbrella title for all Aus military elements in Vietnam. In February 1967 the Seamen’s Union refused to provide crews to Boonaroo for any further voyages to South Vietnam. This had to do with the union’s opposition to carrying weapons and ammunition. There were vaious other hoo-haas involving the seamen’s Union and the Waterside Workers’ Federation, which led to her crew being paid off and the Boonaroo being commissioned into the Navy. In March, same thing with Jeparit, which resulted in the ship being crewed by a part-Navy, part-civilian crew for all her time as a supply vessel for Vietnam; although she was also commissioned into the Navy in 1969 after another refusal by the WWF to load cargo for the troops. I don’t think there were any lives lost that could truly be attributed to the union action, though some supplies were undoubtedly delayed. How critical they were I don’t know.
As far as political support for the union stance goes, I couldn’t find any upfront reference to Crean anywhere – incidentally, it would have to have been Frank Crean, who at the time was Member for Melbourne Ports. Simon would only have been about 17 or so at the time. More likely it was Jim Cairns, who was always one of the antiwar movement’s leaders. Other names that popped up were E V Elliott, and Bert Nolan, both of whom I think were Seamen’s union officials. There’s a really interesting article “Trade unions and the Vietnam War” by Tony Duras, which will come up on Google Seamens Union.
Hi Tess,
John Lawrence and I were in Vietnam at the same time…..my first tour was 1967/68. (Wish I had met you there John).
I have mentioned previously that socks were in short supply, that would not get any one killed, but defence stores were also in short supply and that can be rather dangerous. Imagine being “behind the wire” when there was not enough wire, sandbags, steelies, timber etc to make proper weapon pits or funk holes?.
The mail was not always on time hence the “punch a postie” cry. You might think that a shortage of mail would not get anyone killed but without it, morale went out the window and that always impacts seriously on how a digger performs. Also, imagine how one would feel to get a “Dear John” following a mail strike?.
Two articles in the current Weekend Australian caught my attention. The first was on the front page. It seems changes to superannuation arrangments in this budget will negatively affect a lot of Australians – but there are some exemptions. No prizes for guessing who are among the non-affected.
Secondly, an article ‘Our forces reduced to impotence’. It seems Stephen Smith is referred to by senior defence officials – civilian and uniformed – as the ‘minister fof disarmament’. Australia’s spending on defence as a percentage of GDP is now at its lowest level since the 1930s. If this article is on the money – and I am not in a position to make a judgement on that – the future security or our nation is being gambled to make sure Swan gets his surplus – which appears shaky at best. And the cynic in my suggests that the troops in Afghanistan are being bought home early for one reason only – to help balance the budget.
I hope I – and the article – are both wrong.
Sorry KBHussell, you are quite right. I should have thought of those things; the morale aspect in particular. Doesn’t help when people who are supposed to be helping you are whiteanting you. “Truly” in my previous post was a bad word choice. A better word might have been “directly”. There’s no telling how bad the indirect effects might have been, but they certainly wouldn’t be good.
Ken Marsh, thanks for the heads up. I have the Weekend Australian but I haven’t read it properly yet. I’ll have a squizz.
Dear JOHN LAWRENCE, thanks for this important piece to what is clearly a very complicated jigaw.
All of you involved in this campaign are only too aware of how our governments lie and distort history and information for the sake of political survival and expediency.
One of the beaut things about your activism and intel, is that you
discuss things in the public domain that might otherwise not get a run.
Especially in this 50th Year Anniversary of the Vietnam War, when government revisionists are particularly busy.
I want to hear from YOU – not them.
Dear BARNEY WARD – and YOU as well!!!!
About the Australian National Line – or ANL – that used to be a big deal.
I’m pretty sure that the Tasmanian Ferry used to fly under their colours, too.
Thanks for sussing out the info about the Jeparit and the Boonaroo – and the historical linkages involving Labor and Unions.
Being against the War is one thing – but if anything was done to jeopardise the welfare and safety of troops in Vietnam – that is quite another thing.
Can you imagine doing something similar today to our troops in Afghanistan ?
I wonder if you are STILL being punished for a War in which you had no say, and to which the Australian Government despatched you.
KBHussell, I missed a couple of your points about the Bomber Command topic. Sorry again. I am having a bad day, aren’t I?
I will try to find out how many hangers-on are going to the memorial dedication. Some of the Bomber Command Association of Australia’s committee will be there, of course; though that’s all in order. They deserve to go. But like you, I will really be ropeable if the gaggle of politicos and their minders gets to anything like the proportions I think it will. The other thing that really annoyed me about the DVA masterpiece reproduced above was the careful avoidance of any mention that NZ is taking its “much larger party” absolutely for free, on a specially fitted out Boeing 757. And why are we partially following anyone else’s lead anyway? Can’t we do the right thing on our own?
As far as your comments about the country’s current leadership are concerned, I couldn’t agree more. The economy, or bits of it, might be tootling along, but the government is on the nose with everyone I talk to. And no wonder! Lies, deception, midnight coups, toxic ex-union bosses (not that I have anything against union bosses as a group but the current lot aren’t too flash, are they?) – where do we stop? And the grudging, mean attitude to the nation’s debts of honour, exemplified by the Bomber Command Memorial ceremony, and indeed the background to our Fair Go campaign, gives extra horsepower to all the other perceptions that render Gillard’s government so unpopular. You’d think they’d see it, but no. Roll on 2013.
Dear KEN HUSSELL, I can only imagine the despair and damage to morale so many of you must have felt – and to think that such deprivation and punishment continues to cause you hurt and injury on this very day.
Dear KEN MARSH, we are again being treated as fools by the GILLARD GOVERNMENT.
The slashing of the Defence Budget will be momentary, I wager, just to sqeeze out a surplus before the United States uses us as a battering ram to begin the Militarisation of the Pacific in earnest.
And to do that, it needs to poison the waters between China and Australia. That, of course, has already started.
Hi all,
Tess, I hope you are wrong…
Ken Marsh, Not surprised about the pension thing. Or the exemptions. I’ve no particular preference for the rich and famous, but penalising them for wanting to maximise their super is plain counterproductive as well as unfair. Mind you every Treasurer including and since Keating has treated super payouts and contributions as cash cows.
The article on the Defence budget – or lack of it – says it all. Minister Smith has always struck me as not being up to the job. This just goes to prove it. God help us all if this keeps on.
As you know I wrote a letter to marginal seat holders about what they should do to shore up their electoral margins next year. I’ve actually had a couple of answers! One, from Peter Garrett’s office, basically said he would flick-pass me to Minister Snowdon. The other, from Shayne Neumann, member for Blair (has Amberley RAAF in it) said, and I quote:
“As the age and veterans’ service pensions are safety net benefits, the Government has decided that it is appropriate to index these pensions in a different way to the DFRDB superannuation payments it provides.”
After I get over my apoplexy I will write the both of them a stiff answer.
Dear BARNEY WARD, I hope so too, but the signs are all there and it will co-incide with the storage of nuclear waste and export of uranium to anyone who waves a quid in our face.
In recent notes the subject of items in short supply were mentioned. In particular, socks, defence stores and mail.
In his book, “The Vietnam Years”, ISBN 978 0 7336 2413 1, Michael Caulfield states, “The Army contributed further by screwing up mail deliveries to and from Vietnam so badly that for months neither soldiers nor families had any contact with each other”. And on page 201,
“Newspapers and letters from home did not help, telling them of the dwindling support for their actions and the growing protest. It isolated them and turned them in on themselves and the signs of brittleness and fragility grew stronger in every platoon”.
Mail was a double edged sword eh?
Yes, the Army did screw up mail deliveries and that should never have happpened. It would have taken little effort to have a contingency plan in place for such an event. But was it the fault of the Army or a Government that simply did not care? Twas the latter me thinks and not a lot has changed after all this time.
Whether anyone was killed or injured as a result of this we will never know. Having said that, I often wonder what was the REAL reason an Australian officer was killed when an Australian soldier placed a grenade on his chest while he slept. I also wonder what prompted an Australian soldier to kill/wound people in a Sergeants mess at Nui Dat.
It is of course all water under the bridge now but at the time, no mail had a massive effect on morale and caused a lot of diggers a lot of heartache and anger we could have all done without.
Dear KEN HUSSELL, much of what you’ve written here is so distressing and undoubtedly would have contributed to mental anguish – both then – and now.
And were these two acts, I loathe to call them ‘ incidents’ reported at all and written about Ken ?
I would so appreciate you telling us, if it is not too painful, and I realise so much of this is just that, to many of you.
Dear Tess,
These incidents were reported but like most other things , were simply swept under the carpet no doubt.
It is important to me, that I share a story with my friends at IA. I know in my heart you will all understand.
16 July 1967 was an important day for me. Not only was it my mothers birthday, but it was the day my life changed forever.
Just on dark, one of my better and most loyal soldiers came to me and said, “they are going to do you in tonight”. He mentioned a name and left, saying he would look out for me. Officer “fragging” was well known at this time and I took the warning seriously. I called the Military Police.
They arrived and the search was on for the offender. He could not be found.
Some hours later, I agreed with the MP’s that if sat in my office, with a small light globe in a jam tin (remember those?) shining directly onto my table, we might be able to bring the offender out into the open. I sat there for two hours.
In time, I heard a loud noise coming from the vicinity of my tent. The MP’s had found the offender, outside my tent, armed with two US Navy diving knives. I could never anticipated such an attack and would not have been prepared for it.
The offender was arrested, taken to Task Force HQ, where he was secured for the night, to be returned to Australia ASAP.
I was not party to any interrogation that night or for that matter at any other time. The offender was RTA within 24 hours or so and as far as I know, that was the end of the matter. I was never told of the results of any further investigation in Australia, no mention was ever made to me of a Psychiatric review or “counselling” after the event, it was a case of get back on the job and get on with it.
I returned to my tent, well after midnight, H and I Artillery was in full force but I did not hear it. I was only aware of the fact that if you look at a tree long enough in the dark, it will “move” on you. There are many trees in a rubber plantation and if you look long enough, they will all move on you. They all “moved” on me that night and behind every tree, there was a person with two US Navy diving knives.
Why do I concern myself with the mail situation in Vietnam in those days? The offender was a member of the Postal Unit at Nui Dat and he knew the address of my family back in Australia………and I still had seven months to go!
Dear KEN HUSSELL, thank you for trusting us all enough to tell us about this shocking attempt on your life by one of your own – and the Postal Unit connection must have been nothing short of mental torture for you, on several points.
This is another piece in a jigsaw roughly hewn and whose pieces so uneasily fit.
This information is also important to the history of the Vietnam War.
I place more veracity on the incidents recounted here in these comments than in some of the revisionist history of our Governments; especially in this 50th Anniversary year of the Vietnam War – and where thousands of you who fought in it are so deliberately left out of it,and instead, replaced with batallions of self-agrandising politicians.
Thank you Ken, for your moral courage in recounting this ‘incident’ and for sharing it.
Dear KBHussell, I second Tess in everything she says. I admire your courage and forthrightness.
Sent an email to the PM last week re the Bomber Command memorial. She, of course, flick-passed it to guess who? Minister Snowdon, of course. Here’s his reply:
“Thank you for your email to the Prime Minister, the Hon Julia Gillard MP. As the matter falls within my portfolio responsibilities, the Prime Minister has referred your correspondence to me for a response.
Following the strong interest from Australian veterans of Bomber Command, the Australian Government has now decided to increase the official mission to 30 veterans.
Through the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, the RAAF Association and Bomber Command Association, expressions of interest were invited from veterans to participate in the official mission. In all, 44 were received. Veterans were informed that the mission would run for a week, family could not accompany them and a medical assessment would be required. As a result of this process, 30 veterans have been selected.
A dedicated team including doctors, nurses and RAAF personnel will support the official mission.
The Government will also provide a grant to those veterans who wish to travel to the dedication independently. The grant will be increased to $5,000.
The dedication of Bomber Command Memorial is a unique event. It will be a significant occasion that acknowledges the service and sacrifice of over 10,000 Australian airmen.”
OK, so it’s better than I thought it would be. But I still think it’s lousy. We ought to be paying for every Bomber Command veteran, and at least his partner, to go; and provide medical attention and RAAF support for all of them. But no. That would be doing the right thing.
Ken Hussell, thanks for your comments. I must be getting old because I find now I am reflecting a lot more on the past, and I consider myself one of the lucky ones. I joined the RAAF in 67 at 16 and never made Vietnam and the 20 years of my service life was pretty tame. Recently I joined the APPVA and have seem some of their stuff. It pains me to some extent to see what they are going through and the struggles they and their families are having for recognition and support from Govt. These stories need to be told so that the public can hold Govts more accountable for the way they look after – or fail to look after – those who have been scarred by their service. And your stories on ‘nam. I gathered from the recent documentary that the Govt of the day had lost interest towards the end.
And I think its incumbent on the lucky ones like me to do what we can to support our brothers and sisters in arms where that support is needed.
The Govt is spending $36 million according to the media to sell us the benefits of a tax (without having the guts to mention the tax) they promised we would not get. As I figure it, that $36 M would fund the cost of of restoring benefits that have been denied by another broken promise for the next two to three years.
Dear BARNEY WARD, thanks for your supportive words and note how in the response to you by MINISTER WARREN SNOWDON, no mention is made of the fact that initially only eight Bomber Commmand Veterans were going to England.
And let us cut through the spin.
For ” strong interest from Australian veterans ” that led to an increase in numbers, read as a result of ” public outcry.”
Dear Tess, Barney and Ken Marsh,
God bless you all.
My comments on the events of 16 July 1967 are like one grain of sand on Bondi Beach. There are thousands of “grains” out there and maybe it is because I too am getting older, I tend to reflect more on the past than perhaps I should. Anyhow…………
Back to the book I am currently reading, “The Vietnam Years”. There are a number of quotes I feel I need to share with you:
“I sat with them in the dining room of an RSL in Queensland. We’d gone there to get away from their men folk for awhile, to have a chat. Four women, all wives of Vietnam Veterans. Actually no, more than that. All first and only wives. It’s important to mention that fact because, apart from being a badge of honour they wore proudly, it also meant that they were there when their boy-lover turned into a man and they were there when that man came home, a different person to the one who had left. And they were still there, all these years later.
“They were frank, unafraid and funny, their humour under-cutting the occasional emotional outpouring. And they were mates, all of them, with the ease that comes from troubles shared and pretension scoured away. As I watched them tease and mock each other, remembering stories of the past with gales of laughter, I realised that I was actually talking with a group of Vietnam War Veterans. They had not gone to Vietnam, they had not served in Nui Dat, or Vung Tau, or Saigon; they had not walked the weeds on patrol. Yet they were surely veterans of Vietnam and all its baggage, just as much as their husbands were. So, as the sky outside darkened and the cups of tea progressed to beers and a gin or two, they remembered that time”. And this:
“You weren’t game to acknowledge that your husband was in the service. You never told anyone until you got to know them really, really well, because they’d look down on you, or cut you dead”. And this:
“The posties weren’t delivering the mail to them, the ships weren’t taking stuff over, a lot of things were going on. And my eldest son had just started school and the other kids were telling him that his father was going to be killed, that he wasn’t coming home. And my lawn mower broke down and it was the last straw…………… my husband was spat on in uniform when we were in Adelaide. And then the Army brought in that if they had to travel, they weren’t to do it in uniform”. And this:
“The army had a Father’s Day Luncheon, at the Wentworth Hotel, for the wives whose husbands were in Vietnam and when we arrived there, there was nothing on the notice board, it didn’t say who we really were and we were told, “don’t tell anybody that you’re army wives and don’t tell them where your husband is”.
Those who wait also serve eh?.
When I think about the way we and our families have been treated by successive governments over too many years, the way they have never given us the recognition or the respect we have earned from our service, how they accept massive pay rises whilst we are left at the poverty level and how they do not even afford us the decency of responding to our correspondence, I ask myself why? Why should we be treated in such a shameful way? And then I think of Kevin Rudd.
Kevin Rudd said, “I am sorry”. Three beautiful words that takes but a second to say. Churchill would have said those words – JFK would have said those words, so why cannot the Gillard government? Why can’t they say, “I am sorry” that we have not given you the recognition or respect you so richly deserve. “I am sorry” that we could not be bothered to even acknowledge your correspondence and “I am sorry” that thus far we have not given Veterans a Fair Go in terms of their pensions.
“I am sorry” for all our shortcomings but I WILL remedy this situation, I will give you a Fair GO and I WILL do it today. Is that really so hard to say/do? Surely, SOMEONE in Canberra has the back bone to stand up and be counted? I can only pray there is such a person and that I meet him/her before I die. Until I witness such an event I can only continue to live with an ungrateful government in an ungrateful nation.
Dear KEN HUSSELL,little wonder that you are held in such high regard
by your Brethren.
All the words you’ve written and reported line the heart in sorrow and shame.
Thank you for the Truth.
Dear Ken Hussell, I wonder if you are able to help enlighten me. I can’t recall getting the instruction not to wear the uniform and I cannot remember being villified for doing so. Perhaps the RAAF were not so much targeted with this or perhaps it was because I went to Malaysia in Sept 71 before it got to its hottest.
While I had a few mates throughout my 20 years that did Vietnam they did not seem troubled in anyway to me – perhaps I simply did not recognise it because we all hit the grog pretty heavy anyway and that may have helped cover it. And now, sadly, I have to say there are no ‘nam vets within my social circle – although I see some at the RSL from time to time. But it is only of recent times that I have joined the RSL and haven’t really got to know many of them.
I often wonder though if the experience of the army is different because of both the different roles and the different nature of the service given.
While I know the RAAF blokes came under fire and some lost their lives it was not – it seems to me in my total ignorance of the situation – the ‘hand-to-hand’ stuff that I see as what would have been the case with you blokes (the walking through the jungle, always warry of the booby traps etc).
And then there was the fact that all RAAF blokes were volunteers. When they came back to Australia they returned to normal unit life, surrounded by mates.
On the other hand, many of your blokes were nashos. So when they came home it was discharge and see you later.
As I said, I am coming from a place of ignorance – and I often reflect on this (have done for years) as it was the war I missed out on – in other words, the war of my generation, albiet my youth at the time just about guaranteed I would miss out.
Any wisdom you can throw my way will be appreciated – and I will understand if you wish to remain silent.
BTW – I placed an order this afternoon for the book you quoted from. Again, thanks for sharing what you have posted.
Dear KEN MARSH, you are a Darling and a Treasure and your conversation with KEN HUSSELL teaches the rest of us so much.
We cannot- and do not -know of such intimate things. But so many of you are prepared to put it ‘ out there ‘ here, in these comments.
I think this will be an important document for generations to come.
I am not the only one who is, at long last, getting some tangible feel for what Life was – and is – for many of you.
Thank you for letting us into your World.
How it is, that despite all that has happened to you, you still have kindness and hope in your heart, says so much about the calibre of human beings you are.
I wish I were Prime Minister. I would make restitution at the stroke of my pen and without consulting Cabinet – in the same way that others have despatched you to War, I would despatch you to Peace – and Justice.
Dear Tess, KBHussell, Ken Marsh and all,
There may have been a general edict about travel in uniform – in late 1967. I joined the RAAF in July 1967 and was surprised, after being kitted out at Richmond, to be sent back to Newcastle on a “B” grade posting to Williamtown to await call-up for my Officer Training course. In September I went off to Point Cook, and travelled by train, in uniform, to Melbourne. The only problem I had on that trip was that a porter at Central refused to help me with my baggage (I had this whacking great cabin trunk and 2 other cases)but whether he was anti-war or just lazy, I couldn’t say. Another one came along and rescued me. But while we were at OTS (the course had toned down a bit when I got there because of a big internal scandal about psychological pressure, hazing and bullying which came to a head after someone shot himself, so we used to get weekend leave if there wasn’t something on at the School)I recall we were told that we were not to leave the Base in uniform unless we were travelling on RAAF business, in a RAAF vehicle, or in company. So anyone going home for Sunday leave had to go in civvies. Of course this may have been a Melbourne-only thing – the antiwar movement seemed to me to have always been a bit more virulent in Melbourne than it was elsewhere. Or it may have been an OTS-only thing, to make life a little harder for us sprogs. I don’t remember hearing it at Williamtown, and there was never a hassle around Newcastle when I came back here in 1968.
I had a RAAF mate who did a tour in Vietnam, and used to come and stay with us regularly right up to the late 80s. He died in 1990, not long before I left the RAAF. I don’t know what happened to him over there – he would never talk about it – but it must have been traumatic. He said to me early in the piece not to let the kids anywhere near him until he woke up. He was likely to come up fighting if you disturbed him sleeping. He used to doss down on a swag in our living room, and I have memories of my youngsters, and the dog, perched on the couch, waiting for “Uncle Sid” to wake up so they could jump on him. A lovely man – I miss him still.
Dear BARNEY WARD, what an amazing and intimate insight we are getting listening to you recall your experiences like this.
By Crikey, it upends the reader’s emotions – and official histories.
These personal incidents bring it all home.
It makes you think thrice about a number of things.
For sure I was one of those who marched – against the War and the government – and not against you.
And for sure I will march again, this time with you to Canberra – against the government.
Dear Ken Marsh,
On arriving at Mascot at the end of my first tour, I was asked by a senior officer, “Are these your soldiers?’. I replied, “Yes sir, they are”. He said, “Good, tell them to take their dog tags off and forget where they have been………and that goes for you to”. A welcome home does not get any closer to the gutter than that. If your dog tags had to go for fear of recognition, and they were under your shirt, then obviously your uniform had to go as well. We went to civvies as soon as we could. Having just read the note from Barney, I was going through to Melbourne and maybe no uniforms was a Melbourne thing, he could be right. I feel sure that it was wider spread than that though.
Perhaps it was the numbers game. Army was represented by thousands and RAAF most likely by the hundreds. The magnificent men from 9 Sqn and the Canberra bombers further North, are the units that jump to mind.
I believe you are right. The roles of Army compared to RAAF would have to play a big part.
Were RAAF pers RTA’d on civil? RAAF flights? or Navy ships? I do not remember seeing any on my RTA flights.
I have a short story to tell you about a RAAF member who I am sure came home with us on our Medevac flight. We nicknamed him “Airforce”. He was a gunner on a chopper and one day he was involved in a chopper re-supply in a deep reentrant. On that chopper was Army Captain, later Major-General, John Hartley. John was also on his second tour, having been wounded on his first tour. At one point in the resupply exercise, “Charlie” opened up on the chopper from higher up than the chopper was. The initial burst hit John in the side, taking out a good bit of his stomach and his spleen. In order to help, Airforce stood up to help John and in so doing, braced himself on a rail in the chopper at head height. It was when his arm was above his head that he was hit in the side, the bullet tearing its way through his body stopping at the base of his spine. John and Airforce were brought into the hospital in Vung Tau and placed in intensive care.
Many days later they were both released into the ward and John was placed in the bed space next to mine. Arriving at the bed side in a wheel chair the orderly said to John, “Now sir, we have to get you into that bed”. John said, “Thank you, but if I have to get into that bed I will get there myself”. It took him a long time and the only thing showing the pain was the perspiration pouring down his face. When he got there, he received a “standing” ovation from every patient in the ward. It was a very special moment for a very special man.
Many days later we were loaded onto the medevac flight which took us home from Vung Tau via Butterworth. Here, John was again placed in intensive care as he was not travelling too well. The following night and airborne, we were given sleeping pills which took you out for up to 14 hours. John’s stretcher and mine were toe to toe with our heads slightly elevated so with a push we could see each other. Before going to sleep I had a sensation that John was in trouble. I could not attract any support as medical staff were on the flight deck. I released the safety strap from my stretcher and went to John’s side. I put my ear close to his mouth so I could hear John above the noise of the engines. In his best parade ground voice he yelled, “I’m going to live…….I’ve just shit myself”. We held onto each other for a while and I vaguely remember being picked up by two “bouncers” and put back onto my stretcher. When I awoke in Sydney the next morning, John had already gone and was back in hospital where he would stay for over twelve months.
Thirteen years later and long out of the Army, I was working at the War Memorial in Canberra. One lunch time we decided to go to the Ainslie Pub for lunch which was just down the road. Over a beer and waiting for lunch I was absolutely rattled to see “Airforce” come through the door. The group I was with are probably still having trouble coming to grips with seeing two grown men hugging each other!
I mention this story, just another grain of sand at Bondi, to highlight the unique circumstances of mlitary service. In Vietnam, in hospital on the medevac flight with Australia’s and New Zealand’s best, we were together, good mates, sharing difficult times and we were united. Like the song said, “United We Stand”, we were and still are, bullet proof. I am proud to have been a member of a very special group of men and women, who stood and were counted when the government told us to. How any person can ignore the recognition and respect we deserve is beyond me. How a government can ignore us is beyond shameful. I believe it is time we went for a walk in the park in Canberra.
I am sure you will enjoy the book, it put a lot of things into perspective for me. Take care.
Dear KEN HUSSELL, what you all are writing here are more than mere grains in the sand – these are diamonds in the blood and the mud and the tears in your personal journeys – and thus, Australia’s history.
I cannot thank you enough for sharing these stories so honestly. I feel as if I am there with you, slicing through time and government spin.
This is History writ large by the people. I cannot wait to read more.
It is all so very moving – and makes the political obscenity of denying you a decent pension even more repugnant and inhumane.
Dear Barney, KB and Tess – thanks for your comments. Before we graduated from Wagga in June 69 we marched through the city and the uniform wasn’t a problem. In fact, apprentices in their first 6 months were not allowed off base in civies. And at Williamtown 69 – 71 we never stepped off base in uniform (this was not policy) unless it was ANZAC day. Then the motive was less than pure. We had it worked out that a uniform in the RSL on that day meant free grog.I do recall however that at least in the two fighter squadrons hair cut policy was pretty lax – which could have simply been a matter of squadron culture or deliberate on the part of the authorities to let us look less military when in town. On a trip to Darwin our CO was banned from the officers mess and all the troops from the airmans until we had regulation haircuts.
When I got to Headquarters Support Command (located on St Kilda Road, Sth Melbourne) in 1980 we could wear civies to work regularly. This was a carry over from the Vietnam days.
KB – thanks for your story about ‘Airforce’. During my time in 38 Sqn (Caribous) I knew a load master who had been awarded a bravery medal (can’t recall what) for service as a gunner on a chopper in Vietnam. I read in a RAAF Association magazine lately that in the early days of the chopper operations aircraft tradesman flew as gunners but later they were replaced by airfied defence guards. Loadmasters were tradies so this must have been early in the piece that he earned his decoration.
And talking of Caribous, 35 Sqn operated these in Vietnam with the call sign Wallaby Airlines.
I have recently read in the RAAF Association magazine (over a number of issues) the story of 2, 9 and 38 Sqns in Vietnam. They, along with the other services, did the nation proud. Memory tells me that the article on 9 Sqn reported Army and Navy pilots flying with the squadron. And, as a former techo, it made me feel proud of those techos in Vietnam who blew the Americans away with the level of serviceability they were able to sustain for the how period they were there.
And I am sure some of them must carry scars from that time, along with all others.
Again, thanks for your sharing.