Pension
The Deputy Prime Minister, Wayne Swan, spoke at the National Press Club, Canberra, on Monday – the topic, The Rising Influence of Vested Interests in Australia.
In a supporting essay Mr Swan wrote: “We’ve always prided ourselves on being a nation that’s more equal than most – a place where, if you work hard, you can create a better life for yourself and your family.”
Members and retirees of the Australian Defence Force champion this principle. The trouble is the veterans have had with successive governments is that they’ve not been fair regarding the indexation of their superannuation.
Continue reading "Military superannuation pensions need protection" »
The reader response to The Punch article, 12 January 2012, “Why have we abandoned our troops?” highlighted a deep misunderstanding of the central tenet of the article, and, more worryingly, a flawed knowledge of the actual conditions of service applicable in the Australian Defence Force (ADF).
Some of the more ill-informed myths about what entitlements our military men and women received were:
• Tax free salaries – No (but there are some concessions when deployed to war zones).
Continue reading "War is hell, and military life is no picnic" »
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SapperK9 says:
Unfortunately, and thank you Peter the First (first senior officer to stand tall), we are expending the only commodity that veterans have not - time. All this text is prevarication, procrastination, and yes, political. masturbation. I’ve arrived at two heroes in my pantheon, Guy Fawkes and Watt Tyler. Google them… Read more »
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Jade says:
$I have to get my point ssteym game up so I can purchase these powerful tones: Read more »
“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.
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Derek Wilkinson ex WOFFCOMMS RAAF says:
“Afghan Vet” My understanding is that “An 18 year old who served 20 years is on pension at 38” is no longer an option. I think you will find that this member would have to mark time until age 60 before his/her retirement pay commences. And while waiting, only about… Read more »
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Derek Wilkinson ex WOFFCOMMS says:
Sadly, quite a few of comments in this forum, are denigrating to serving and retired servicemen and women. For you denigrators, it should be born in mind that as per the title “Defence Force”, the main purpose is exactly that - DEFENCE FORCE.. Not every military member is able to… Read more »
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