4 RAR Associations of Australia
THE RAR ASSOCIATION CALLS FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO REVERSE ITS MILITARY SUPERANNUATION DECISION
DUTY FIRST
Important news concerning Veterans' superannuation
Introduction
The Royal Australian Regiment Association’s National President, Major General “Hori” Howard (Retd), has called on the Australian Government to reverse its recent decision to leave Military Superannuation indexed to the Consumer Price Index (CPI), and tie it to the community standard indexation formula that applies to Age and Service pensions.
The Association, which represents over 85,000 serving and ex- serving infantrymen who have served in Australia's regular army infantry battalions (many in war) and their families, including the 1795 registered members of the 4 RAR Associations of Australia, has been seeking the change for a number of years because all those who rely on their Military Superannuation are being disadvantaged by the CPI method of indexation. Those who are yet to leave the service will suffer as well, so the Government’s decision is far reaching.
The Government has refused to provide ADF superannuates with adequate protection against cost of living increases despite The Australian Bureau of Statistics openly stating that the CPI simply does not reflect the cost of living.
General Howard said, “Our members are bitterly disappointed at this decision. We are not seeking special or favoured treatment, only the fair go Mr. Rudd promised prior to the election”. We will not give up the fight for a fair and equitable indexation of our superannuation. Rather, the Government’s decision will provide greater solidarity to the defence community’s opposition to it.”
Media Contact:
Maj-Gen B.W. Howard OA, MC, ECM (Retd). Tele No 0401996374
National Secretary: Ted Chitham MC OAM. Tele No (07) 3353 2415
Suggested Course of Action
The following is a suggested plan and course of action:
·RAR Association QLD will have meeting with All RAR Associations located in SE QLD and the ESO from the Queensland Forum of Ex Service Organisation (QFE) plus email contact with other RAR Associations, National and State, to review the Matthews Report and any feedback from Association and individual members.
·Formulate a response.
·Issue response
Comments
Comments are welcome on what you and the actions you think we should take to influence the Government to reverse its decision and win the support of the defence community (ex-service and current serving members and their families), the public and the media.
To assist with this matter all members and any other interested party (this includes National, State and Unit Associations are asked to forward suggestions to either of the following:
1.Ted Chitham, President RAR QLD and National Secretariat RAR Association, Australia
Contact : tchitham@bigpond.com
2.Kel Ryan, Deputy President RAR QLD and Chair of QFE
Contact : keljan1@bigpond.com
3. Greg Decker, Secretary RAR QLD
Contact : secretary.rarassociationqld@gmail.com
This is a chance for the executives of the autonomous 4 RAR Associations of Australia to voice their concerns, opinions and suggestions.
Do not let this opportunity go by !
..
The Royal Australian Regiment Association’s National President, Major General “Hori” Howard (Retd), has called on the Australian Government to reverse its recent decision to leave Military Superannuation indexed to the Consumer Price Index (CPI), and tie it to the community standard indexation formula that applies to Age and Service pensions.
The Association, which represents over 85,000 serving and ex- serving infantrymen who have served in Australia's regular army infantry battalions (many in war) and their families, including the 1795 registered members of the 4 RAR Associations of Australia, has been seeking the change for a number of years because all those who rely on their Military Superannuation are being disadvantaged by the CPI method of indexation. Those who are yet to leave the service will suffer as well, so the Government’s decision is far reaching.
The Government has refused to provide ADF superannuates with adequate protection against cost of living increases despite The Australian Bureau of Statistics openly stating that the CPI simply does not reflect the cost of living.
General Howard said, “Our members are bitterly disappointed at this decision. We are not seeking special or favoured treatment, only the fair go Mr. Rudd promised prior to the election”. We will not give up the fight for a fair and equitable indexation of our superannuation. Rather, the Government’s decision will provide greater solidarity to the defence community’s opposition to it.”
Media Contact:
Maj-Gen B.W. Howard OA, MC, ECM (Retd). Tele No 0401996374
National Secretary: Ted Chitham MC OAM. Tele No (07) 3353 2415
Suggested Course of Action
The following is a suggested plan and course of action:
·RAR Association QLD will have meeting with All RAR Associations located in SE QLD and the ESO from the Queensland Forum of Ex Service Organisation (QFE) plus email contact with other RAR Associations, National and State, to review the Matthews Report and any feedback from Association and individual members.
·Formulate a response.
·Issue response
Comments
Comments are welcome on what you and the actions you think we should take to influence the Government to reverse its decision and win the support of the defence community (ex-service and current serving members and their families), the public and the media.
To assist with this matter all members and any other interested party (this includes National, State and Unit Associations are asked to forward suggestions to either of the following:
1.Ted Chitham, President RAR QLD and National Secretariat RAR Association, Australia
Contact : tchitham@bigpond.com
2.Kel Ryan, Deputy President RAR QLD and Chair of QFE
Contact : keljan1@bigpond.com
3. Greg Decker, Secretary RAR QLD
Contact : secretary.rarassociationqld@gmail.com
This is a chance for the executives of the autonomous 4 RAR Associations of Australia to voice their concerns, opinions and suggestions.
Do not let this opportunity go by !
..