Weekly News 25 July 2010
www.mrsite.co.uk/usersitesv2/HMAS-Leeuwin-1963.com/wwwroot/page9.htm

G'day All,

Hope you and yours are well.

Have just returned from a top weekend fishing, all of the fish returned to the deep blue as they were all too small, poisonous or snake like. Next time.

Who remembers Chris Bayley, he has contacted us. Read his email below and you can understand why we could not find him. Welcome aboard Chris.

Ken Dobbie has produced Newsletter No 22, a wash up of the 50th Anniversary dedication ceremony. It is a great read.Click here to download this file

Mike Hogan travelled to Cockatoo Island for the relaunch of the ‘Captain’s barge’ from SYDNEY III. His account is below and photos attached.

There is a report on the ADF in Afghanistan . Reading it reminds me of the reports produced about us in the 60’s. History repeats itself.

There have been a few news items on the boat people taking over the Defence Housing throughout Australia particularly Darwin. These are also below.

Cheers

Ron

SUBJECT CHRIS BAYLEY

Hi, Bongo,
I have found your web site for the 7th intake and thought that I should make contact to say that I still exist!!

My past is : After Leeuwin ,Duchess, Vampire and Cerberus (Em(p) course I volunteered --along with Pewee Petherick, Jerry Stock, Guy Irwin for boats and ended up in the UK at Dolphin.
Part 3 on HMS Sealion , Porpoise ,Opportune and then Scott's yard in Greenock with Otway doing the stores and spare gear for the boat Returned to Platypus and left the Navy in July 69 , as LEM (P), on the grounds that I wanted to do an Ag Science degree and the Navy could not offer it The psychologist in Watson ( who was on the medical board ) said that he would bet me at odds of 1000:1 that I would never do it so I said give me a discharge and I will prove you wrong!!
I then went and worked in the bush in Tassie for the Hydro Electric Commission for 2 years and then hitched back to the UK with (my now) wife Helen-- we had met in Scotland and she was a teaching fellow at Sydney Uni working on her doctorate in history.
I worked as an electrician and then as a water bailiff on the River Severn in Shropshire and then let to do my Honours Degree in Biological Sciences in Wolverhampton.
I then took up a position with the Highlands and Islands Development Board in the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides with a brief and a budget to establish the aquaculture industry in the crofting communities.
After 4 years I left and set up my own salmon farm and built it up to 300 tonnes production in 10 years along with a selling company and a fish pathology business.
Sold the farm --just in time -- and then took the fish path/ consulting company on full time and worked in China, Africa, India, Vietnam , Australia Eastern Europe until 6 years ago

I have 4 boys (2 married ) and 1 grandson all working in the UK and am still living out in the Western Isles and have built a camper and travel all over Europe and Scandinavia.
I have been back home (Adelaide) quite a few times and managed to make an ANZAC day march in Adelaide in 2006 and several submariners meets.

I was quite close to Jerry Stock and his wife in Sydney up until 71 when we left and have met up with a number of the guys from boats over the years and have met other exJRs in odd places in the world when working and travelling .

Can you put my contact on the website-- as the years pass we begin to reflect on where we were and what we have done !!

Regards

Chris (Perl) Bayly ex R93967


SUBJECT SYDNEY’S ‘CAPTAIN’S BARGE’

A'hoy Shipmates,

FMB Sydney was launched today after an extensive refit at Cockatoo Island .

Attached are photos of the VIP crew invited to attend , they are Captain Mike Hogan Knight Commander of the garter & crutchless panties , Commander Engineer Tom Yabsley bilge pumper & soot blower , & Ordinary Seaman Phil Evenden cabin boy , rust chipper & Ships Company plaything [ At sea & outside Sydney Harbour Heads where its legal ] . Mike Hogan

SUBJECT REPORT ON ADF IN AFGHANISTAN

Soldiers' despair confronts Defence
• EXCLUSIVE: Sean Parnell and Rory Callinan
• From: The Australian
• July 10, 2010
AUSTRALIAN troops have revealed the intense pressure of operations in Afghanistan and Iraq.
The troops have criticised the Defence organisation and their allied counterparts as they detail the hidden trauma of life on the front line.
In descriptions of overworked pilots addicted to Stilnox and other prescription drugs, an underground trade in illicit substances and sex, complaints about a lack of support, poor leadership and the constant fear of death, troops have provided a raw and disturbing account of Australia's involvement in the Middle East.
The Weekend Australian has obtained an extraordinary selection of transcripts from 120 serving and former troops from the two Iraq offensives, dating back to the early 1990s, and the ongoing Afghanistan war in which they reveal the threats faced on deployment - not only from the enemy, but also from within.
Their frank and often disheartening comments - made in a supposedly confidential environment for researchers preparing Australia's largest-ever Defence health study - are so controversial Defence has removed the transcripts from a research website and threatened reprisals over the apparent breach of information security.
Defence last night vowed to investigate many of the allegations raised by the focus groups, but insisted some of the members' concerns were dated and had already been addressed. The study itself was being conducted with a view to improving overall support and healthcare.
"Some of the comments raised serious issues of concern, and Defence will look into those and take appropriate action," the department said in a statement.
This comes after the recent deaths of three more Australian soldiers in Afghanistan, taking the total since the war began to 16, amid increasing community concern about the nation's involvement in the war.
Defence Minister John Faulkner this week announced he was leaving the portfolio - then had to repeatedly deny claims it was because of his own reservations about Afghanistan.
The researchers ran focus groups to ascertain whether they would be asking the most appropriate questions in their eventual surveys. While they obtained only a snapshot of the views of those serving in the Middle East - normally hidden by Defence's marketing and PR machine - they realised they had underestimated the anger troops felt about Defence itself and have since changed their surveys.
The focus groups confirmed revelations in The Weekend Australian that specialist members of the defence force, such as pilots, are struggling to maintain the operational tempo. Several members of the focus groups, mainly medics and air force personnel, highlighted the challenge of repeat deployments and, for some, working constant night cycles.
Aircrew expressed concerns about their use of prescription drugs and one RAAF medic said crewmen had become dependent or even addicted.
"We are still seeing the issues with the sleep-inducing agents, and a huge battle between the aircrew world and the health because of the long-term effects with Stilnox and problems with that," one RAAF medic says.
"We say you cannot have it and the entire squadron is up in arms about that .. . . and we are still plugging the issue about what is an appropriate sleep-inducing agent . . . it doesn't work in military operations because they are using continuously for four months . . . it's against all pharmacy principles."
After the death from a suspected illegal drug overdose of a young Australian army commando in Afghanistan last month, Defence chief Angus Houston said there was "zero tolerance" of illegal drug use in the military.
Defence confirmed last night that aircrew were prescribed sleeping tablets as part of fatigue counter-measures, but revealed health directives had been updated last November to relegate Stilnox to "second-line agent for use during operational flying and only when other fatigue counter-measures are deemed inappropriate by the prescribing doctor".
While the guidelines were consistent with those of other Coalition forces, "Defence will investigate this issue to ascertain whether further action needs to be taken". The RAAF has also directed aircrew rotations be limited to four months.
The focus groups reported many personnel taking up smoking on deployment, some in Iraq pursuing illicit substances and even forms of Viagra, and a widely held belief that many would have alcohol problems upon their return to Australia. There were also complaints that Dutch soldiers would not help collect dead Australian soldiers.
Defence last night said Australia's coalition partners continued to provide emergency evacuations, although its response referred only to assistance provided to injured soldiers.
The focus groups also revealed their belief that gun-toting Americans made Australians more of a target. "The Yanks are a hazard themselves . .. . especially with their weapon safety and things like that," says one ex-serving member from Adelaide.
Senator Faulkner has been praised for upgrading military armour and equipment during his tenure - Defence Materiel Minister Greg Combet spoke this week to returned troops in Townsville about the issue - and the transcripts show how much the concerns contributed to soldiers' fear of death.
The focus groups expressed a high level of concern about the divorce and separation rate, which one air-crew member described as "absolutely phenomenal".
Defence has moved to upgrade the support provided to families.
Some troops have had problems readjusting to life in Australia, complained of substandard food and dirty water in Afghanistan, poor hygiene in living quarters, and the fear that smoking cigarettes and cigars, and constantly inhaling dust, would have long-term health ramifications.
While the government has undertaken a major review of mental health in Defence, and vowed to upgrade services, the focus groups expressed concern that post-deployment screening might not pick up their problems. One soldier said there had been 22 mental health discharges from his troop and six suicides.
Separation from families has increased stress and anxiety, with focus groups criticising the lack of support for family members at home. One soldier noted how five of his 26-member unit had divorced within several months of their return from the Middle East.
The transcripts give insight into the frontline perceptions of Australia's efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan and the final, $12 million study will involve thousands of current and former ADF members. The focus groups may have aired some concerns about the first Gulf War which have since been addressed, but they also revealed serious, ongoing issues that Defence has sought to address in private.
parnells@theaustralian.com.au

SUBJECT BOAT PEOPLE IN ADF HOUSING

Gidday

What an insult to ADF Servicemen, Army in particular, and their Families by the Gillard Government!

They are thinking of evicting current servicemen's families from 162 MQs in Berrimah to enable ILLEGAL ALIENS to occupy these very same MQs!

Shows exactly what Gillard/Faulkner/Griffin/Combet think of our ADF members in 2010!

What are you doing about this proposed blatant discrimination and "Duty of Care" Defence Ministers all ?

Remember to give this due consideration come 21 AUG 10 Peoples!

Persevere
(A Vietnam Veteran & DFRDB superannuant)
BRISBANE QLD 4157






Please read from the last email up and it will all become clear.

A raw nerve has definitely been hit. Alan Griffin is a Labour member of parliament so I hope this is not Labours solution to the illegal immigrants, but it wouldn't surprise me if it was.

The list of addressees below is an eye-opener as well.

**************************************************************************************

From: Bernie
Date: 24/07/10 13:55:16
To: hill55@vtown.com.au; Alan Griffin (Lab); Bob Baldwin (LP); Bob.Baldwin.MP@aph.gov.au; Stuart Robert (LP); Adam.Creighton@aph.gov.au; Amanda Lampe; Bruce Sharp (Mike Kelly); Colin Campbell (John Faulkner); colin.campbell7@defence.gov.au; Louise (Lamings Office); lydia.oliveri@aph.gov.au; Rod.Hilton@aph.gov.au
Cc: andrew.nikolic@defence.gov.au; angus.houston@defence.gov.au; alison.creagh@defence.gov.au; Brig Chris Appleton; Brig Gerard Fogarty; Chris Caligari; david.hurley@defence.gov.au; Gen Maj Ian Flawith; Gen Maj Murray Blake; Lt Col Shane Gabriel (Battle Gp); Lt Gen Ken Gillespie; Lt Gen Mark Evans; Gen Maj Dave Chalmers; Gen Maj David/Sara Ferguson; Gen Maj Elizabeth Cosson; Peter Haddad
Subject: AG very Testy and Neil Davie has hit a "Raw Nerve"!

Thanks Neil, it most certainly will elicit a few comments!
I have sent to our Vietnam Veterans (Mad Galah) listings OZ wide, which are quite extensive!
So much for Loyalty in the Army, down in particular BC!
Also looks like Alan Griffin is getting near the end of his tenure and cannot "Stand being in the Kitchen any longer"?
He has been rather noticeably quiet of late, since the date of election notification = Wonder why?
Persevere
Bernie

Neil Davie.
14 Newell St.
Lara.
Vic.3212
Ph - 03 52828682
Dear Bernie, I have had an amusing tete a' tete, with Alan Griffin, re the Ministerial Working Brief, in which I saw a suggestion that 166 ADF families, living in Darwin, as well as non disclosed locations yet to be sourced in NSW and Victoria, be displaced to allow Illegal Boat people to occupy their Married Quarters. It culminated in a half hour phone conversation yesterday with Mr. Griffen. During the course of the conversation, I rounded on every sordid aspect of his party, it's Ministers and Senators and Leader, including my detailed knowledge of their backgrounds as socialist Trade Union hierachy of which there are 21, left leaning Teachers , Lawyers and a smattering of what are probably honest hard working people, some of which are highly qualified and some of whom are just hard working and honest triers. During the conversation , the more I wound him up, the more he let slip. Two interesting comments were, "The Married quarters, probably aren't up to standard for Asylum seekers" ( But it seems they are good enough for the , wives and kids of our ADF members) and when I suggested that the mongrel who made this suggestion should be sacked, his reply was "What? Sack a Major General? ". When I found this out, I suggested even more strongly that whoever this Major General was, he should be stood down for his lack of support and consideration for the Australian service people under his command, as he has failed in the basic code that binds all Australian Servicemen and women forever. It has been suggested to me, that I e-mail the correspondence between Griffin and Myself to you for you consideration. I'm not sure why, but I trust the source of the request. The three e-mails on this page should be read last to first. You will note, that I tend to favour the "In you face approach", I find it is generally the shortest route to the heart of the matter. Please note that when I sent the original e-mail, I sent it as it was forwarded to me, with the original and my contact details as an attachment. It seems however that Mr.Griffen's mail server lopped off the attachment. As you can see, Griffin broke the first rule of being a politician. - Never let it get to you and never let it get personal. When I saw his e-mail and it was a personal attack, I knew that I had hit a nerve and looked forward to speaking to him on the phone. I have also sent these to Dennis Callahan at the Australain Newspaper's Canberra bureau and back to the RASIGS Assn.. I am sending two e-mails, this one and then the original e-mail i received, which led to my original crack at Griffin's office.
Please feel free to call me, if you would like a further debrief on the conversation.
Cheers.
Neil Davie

From: Neil Davie
Sent: Wednesday, July 21, 2010 9:30 PM
To: Subject: Fw: You sleazy bastards.
Griffin, Alan (MP)


This enough info for you or would you like it written in big letters with a crayon.
Neil Davie.
14 Newell St,
Lara.
Victoria.
3212
Phone - 03 52828682, Mobile - 0417304917
Dear Alan, obviously you mail server lopped off the attachment, must be the same e-mail engine that made the deal cut between Comrade Bob and Comrade Julia, disappear off the face of the earth, with both your esteemed leaders claiming they have no knowledge of the details of any deal done. Now that makes both of them either, incompetent inept, out of touch and incapable, or blatant liars, taking us for fools. Either way the whole scenario stinks.
As the original attachment I received, and forwarded has disappeared, I will print it in full on this e-mail.
Neil Davie.

From: Griffin, Alan (MP)
Sent: Wednesday, July 21, 2010 4:47 PM
To: Neil Davie
Subject: RE: You sleazy bastards.

Dear Neil,

You’re obviously a really bright bloke. You refer to “this has been circulated to all ADF personnel” but then have forgot to attach it.

It’s a bit hard to respond if you’re too dumb to enclose what you are concerned about.

Try again if you want me to respond. Better still, after you send the attachment, have the guts to provide your contact details beyond an anonymous email and I’ll discuss whatever the issue is you wish to discuss.

If you’ve got the guts.

Alan Griffin

From: Neil Davie [ mailto:atrax100@bigpond.com]
Sent: Wednesday, 21 July 2010 2:48 PM
To: Griffin, Alan (MP)
Subject: You sleazy bastards.

Rest assured you mongrels, this has been circulated to all ADF personnel, rest assured that's about a quarter of a million votes you can kiss goodbye, taking into account wives and immediate family and that's on the conservative side.
No way will we trust you Communist rabble, to do the right thing by the A.D.F..
See you at the polls.
Neil Davie








Weekly News 18 July 2010
www.mrsite.co.uk/usersitesv2/HMAS-Leeuwin-1963.com/wwwroot/page9.htm

G'day All,

Hope you and yours are well. What a fantastic time was had by all in Perth, the Memorial ceremony was brilliant, Ken organised everything including the weather to perfection. The birthday cake looked good and tasted better. The casino ran out of Boags premium on two occasions ‘the meet and greet and the reunion dinner’ such was the demand for liquid refreshments, saying that they provided substitute drinks. Admiral Brian Adams an exjr, Chief of Navy exjr Russ Crane attended and impressed all who were there. They, with Ken Dobbie, made speeches, all were received very well. The reunion dinner went off really well, the guest speakers speech was brilliant, I believe it will be going on the JRSREUNION website. I look forward to it and will reproduce when it is available. Kev Uttley who is a pastor ‘said grace’. Where are the photos, well Mick Gallagher has taken photos and is forwarding them to me to put on the web site.

Who was there Jim and Jan Bush, Glen Butler, Bongo and Jo DiBetta, Ken and Lorraine Dobbie, Jeff Dunn, Warren French, Ron Giveen, Tony and Ann Gysen, Rod Hazell, Tom and Val Houldsworth, Dick Lewin, Ron and Ann Mitchell, Barrie and Alice Quigley, Kevin and Shirley Rowland, Ian and Marion Schubert, Kev Uttley, Doug and Trish Wilson, Rick and Lea Avey, Doug Brown, Nick Bryant, Spook Cairns, Mal and Robyn Chatfield, Kim and Carol Daw, Geoff Harte, Jessie and Wendy James, Ron Pope, Terry Rogers and Jeff and Jenny Wake. Please let me know if I have given you a new spouse or spelt your wife’s name incorrectly.

Where to now, well, as far as reunions are concerned we have one coming up at Mildura in November next year. Put is in your diary now, it will be the best. We need a committee to run this function. Tug Wilson who is the President of the Mildura RSL has offered us the venue and a lot of ideas, we need people to implement these. Let me know if you are interested. It could be an opportunity for some Victorians to put their hand up. As mentioned earlier some committee members have already volunteered to organise 2013 in Sydney.

We will be assembling at Martin Place for ‘Vietnam Veterans Day’ in August again this year, then on September 24 we will be meeting at Toronto for ‘get together’, then on October 3, the Dedication ceremony for Bernie Lawson, Jim Dansey, Peter Walsh, Malcolm Johnston and Skull Boden will be conducted at Garden Island Chapel. We will then have another function in Sydney later in the year probably November 24.

This week there is an article from the SA Premier to the PM and another article from the Opposition Shadow Minister. I think the article from the Premier to the PM is the first from a State Pollie.

This week:
Electioneering – Premier Rann’s letter (attached)Click here to download this file
Electioneering – Coalition Policy Announcement

SUBJECT Coalition Policy Announcement

From: Baldwin, Bob (MP) [mailto:Bob.Baldwin.MP@aph.gov.au]
Sent: Friday, 9 July 2010 3:08 PM
To: schonners@internode.on.net
Subject: FW: COALITION POLICY ANNOUNCEMENT: INCREASED SUPPORT FOR AUSTRALIA'S VETERANS AND EX-SERVICE PERSONNEL Dear John, Thank you for your email in relation to the Coalition’s new military superannuation indexation policy.
A Coalition Government will introduce more beneficial indexation arrangements for Defence Force Retirement and Death Benefits Scheme (DFRDB) members aged 55 years and older. DFRDB members aged 55 and over will have their military superannuation pension indexed to the better of movements in the Consumer Price Index (CPI), Male Total Average Weekly Earnings (MTAWE) or the Pensioner and Beneficiary Living Cost Index (PBLCI). These changes will take effect from 1 July 2011.
The Coalition’s fully funded and fully costed commitment contrasts starkly with the current Labor Government’s lack of action on this issue. Labor will borrow $100m per day for the next year, with none of this going towards veterans’ superannuation. Labor has broken its promise to fix this issue.
Many in the defence and veteran community have welcomed this commitment from the Coalition. It represents an important step in the Coalition’s efforts to address key concerns of the veteran and ex-service community.
In developing this policy, the Coalition spent considerable time consulting with veterans, ex-service people, ex-service organisations and current ADF personnel. We concluded that the overwhelming view held by interested groups and individuals was for the introduction of a more equitable indexation method for DFRDB members.
In comparison to Military Superannuation Benefits Scheme (MSBS) members, who earn an investment (market) return on their contribution, DFRDB members rely solely on the movements and changes in indexation for their pension to keep pace with cost of living pressures.
The Coalition also considers the appropriate age at which to introduce the new indexation arrangements is from age 55. This ensures the policy is consistent with the preservation age provisions that apply to the service pension.
Importantly, DFRDB members aged under 55 will benefit from this policy by having the new indexation methodology applied to their military superannuation pension upon turning 55 years of age.
In government, the Coalition would also give careful consideration to further steps, including the indexation arrangements for disability pensions under the DFRDB scheme.
The Coalition remains committed to recognising the unique nature of military service, which is why we will continue to oppose the Gillard/Rudd Labor Government’s policy to amalgamate civilian and military superannuation scheme boards.
I appreciate you taking the time to voice your views and concerns on this important policy.
Regards,
Bob.



Weekly News 11 July 2010
www.mrsite.co.uk/usersitesv2/HMAS-Leeuwin-1963.com/wwwroot/page9.htm

G'day All,

Hope you and yours are well.

Tuesday 12 July is nearly upon us. Congratulations to Ken Dobbie, who has worked for three odd years to make the Memorial Service happen and be a success. He deserves all the accolades he receives.

I am looking forward to catching up with all our group and all the other retrobates at the ‘meet and greet’. I intend having our banner there, so we should be fairly easy to recognise.

After Perth, our group will be fairly active for the remaining months of the year. Initially we will be assembling at Martin Place for ‘Vietnam Veterans Day’ in August again this year, then on September 24 we will be meeting at Toronto for ‘get together’, then on October 3, the Dedication ceremony for Bernie Lawson, Jim Dansey, Peter Walsh, Malcolm Johnston and Skull Boden will be conducted at Garden Island Chapel. We will then have another function in Sydney later in the year probably November 24.

This week there are articles on ‘electioneering’ that are really worth reading and SALT is advertising next ANZAC Day at Gallipoli, this article has been added to our website under ‘SALT’.

This week:
Electioneering – Defence Force pensioners threaten to abandon Labour
Electioneering – Issues for the Federal Election (attached)Click here to download this file
Electioneering – ESO’s wish list (attached)Click here to download this file
FNSA – JULY NEWSLETTER (attached)Click here to download this file
cheers

Ron

SUBJECT ELECTIONEERING

Defence Force pensioners threaten to abandon Labour
www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/06/28/2938961.htm




Weekly News 4 July 2010
www.mrsite.co.uk/usersitesv2/HMAS-Leeuwin-1963.com/wwwroot/page9.htm

G'day All,

Hope you and yours are well.

For those that are in receipt of a DFRDB pension, please read the attachment from the DFWA. Had you read the letter from Tony Abbott I posted last week and the attachment this week, it just goes to show there is a lot happening in a week in politics or maybe we just cant trust the bastards of whatever persuasion.

For all the submariners who read these pages, there may be some good news. An article from the NAA in respect of Submariner’s pension in particular the ‘Service Pension’ and qualifying service is included.

There is an invitation to attend the launching of FMB Sydney at CODOCK, all those ex SYDNEY sailors may be interested in seeing the ship’s CO or Admiral’s barge being launched on Wednesday 21 July. Should be a good day.

Mike Shephard, his wife Jean and myself travelled to Toronto last Sunday to attend Spook Cairns third 21st birthday, it was a buzz, other people beside us even like him. We had a great time a pic forwarded by Mike is enclosed. Our function on 24 September is in good hands.

The JR’s reunion committee have forwarded their Newsletter No12. All those that are attending please read.



This week:
Coalition Index Policy and Joint Press release (attached)Click here to download this file Click here to download this file
Roy Christie
Launch of FMB Sydney (attached)Click here to download this file
Submariners Service Pension
Photo at Spook’s party (attached)
JR Reunion in July Newsletter No 12 (attached)Click here to download this file

cheers

Ron


SUBJECT ROY CHRISTIE

This is from Gus Guthrie

Good morning all, here I go again being the bearer of sad news, it's only just over six months since I sent out the email highlighting poor Don "Bluey" Mann's plight, Blue has as you know gone on his last posting and now it's Roy Christie's turn, I 'm pretty sure that everyone knows Roy whether from Nirimba Days where he was the DSO or Fleet Supply , Navy Rugby or where ever paths may have crossed during Roy's 45 years service. Roy last March was diagnosed with Mesothelioma ( Asbestosis ) but until just recently has kept it pretty much to just family. It was only last week that I was fortunate enough to bump into Dave " Dagg" Williams who had just called in on Roy ( Dagg's has been a tremendous help to Roy assisting him with all Vet Affairs matters) , and so there I learnt of his battle.
As I hadn't seen Roy for a couple of months ( We would normally see each other at Merrylands Bowling Club on Sunday A/noon's ) I called in to see Roy on Friday, he has lost a lot of weight and is very drawn ( as expected ) but was in great spirits, studying the form guide running around making the
brews and as always tidying up. However we had a very long and detailed discussion as to what he's been through and what lies ahead in the future.
The future as Roy said is anything from five weeks / five months or up to five years pending on which of the numerous specialist he has caring for him
you wish to speak to, I would like to think the latter but I have my doubts.
Anyhow during my visit Roy said he hadn't been out to the RSL for a bet on a Saturday for ages so yesterday we ended up at Merrylands RSL for a A/noon of punting ( which was a disaster ) but Roy had a good time which was the main thing as he doesn't get out all that much except daily when Vet affairs pick him up for his daily trip to Westmead. I should also mention that to add to Roy's woes his wonderful wife Robyn is suffering very serious Dementia and no longer is at home ( She lives with their only daughter up Nepean way ) so Roy( Mr independent ) is home alone. As he says he has his good days and not so good days I'm pretty sure there's more bad than good.
Anyhow I asked Roy if he would like me to let people know how he's going and his answer was yes , as he said he probably should have let people know himself before but everyone has their own problems so why share yours with them.
Roy would love to hear from any of his old shipmates so don't be shy just a call or drop in or a card even would make his day don't leave it until it's
too late. His details are as follows,

34 Walter Street, Granville NSW 2142 H: (02) 9682 3669 M: 0421 024 511


SUBJECT SUBMARINE SERVICE


DVA advises me that a special cell will be set up in the DVA office in Adelaide to handle submariner’s claims. Irrespective of this, claimants should submit their applications through their DVA State offices.

Should you receive any enquiries regarding the reclassification of service for submariners that was approved in the Budget, the following advice is useful:-

Kind regards,

Les Dwyer
National Pensions and Welfare Coordinator
Naval Association Pensions and Welfare Service

Telephone: 07 54727359 Mobile: 0419849900 Email: NationalCoordinator@NAAPensions.org
Mail: PO Box 614 YANDINA QLD 4561



PROCEDURE FOR CLAIMING THE SERVICE PENSION
QUALIFYING SERVICE 1978/1992-SPECOPS

Before you even start you had to HAVE been awarded the ASM (Specops) for service in RAN submarines between 1978 and 1992.

There are two pieces of paper you may have and if they are attached to any paperwork you submit it will make the processing of your submission easier.
a. Your Discharge Certificate
b. Statement of Service
But their inclusion is not essential.

If you are already on a Disability Pension for this service fill in the Standard DVA Form and submit as detailed below

If you are over 60
Contact your nearest DVA Office and request a Form 0503
or
i. If you are computer literate search, DVA website, which will give you the DVA homepage www. dva.gov.au
ii. on the right side of page under quick links click, Forms
iii. with DVA FORMS page up, on left side under Find your Form by click and then scroll to the for number:
iv. click, Form Number 0503 open and print.
v. Complete Form

If you are under 60
Contact your nearest DVA Office and request a Form 2673
or
i. If you are computer literate search, DVA website, which will give you the DVA homepage www. dva.gov.au
ii. on the right side of page under quick links click, Forms
iii. with DVA FORMS page up, on left side under Find your Form by click and then scroll to the for number:
iv. click, Form Number 2673 open and print.
v. Complete Form
When you receive notification back from DVA that you are eligible for the Service Pension then follow the procedure detailed above

To questions such as:-
a. “Did you serve outside the country of your enlistment?”
Tick the YES box and use the dates noted below for your trip/s & Country or area where you served.- insert “NOT DISCLOSED SUBMARINE SPECIAL OPERATIONS”
b. Area or location of Enemy Action Tick the YES box insert “NOT DISCLOSED SUBMARINE SPECIAL OPERATIONS

Some questions are obviously Not Applicable.

When the form is completed either take to your nearest D.V.A. Office or
Forward to
Department of Veterans’Affairs
Blackburn House
GPO Box 1652
ADELAIDE S.A. 5001


Dates of Service to be used when completing Forms

Orion 25Nov78 17Dec78
Orion 15oct79` 18Nov79
Otama 31Oct80 16Nov80
Otama 30Aug81 3Oct81
Otama 17Apr83 26May83
Orion 9Oct84 8Nov84
Otway 13Apr85 28Apr85
Orion 17Sep85 9Nov85
Orion 19Apr87 5Jun87
Orion 9Mar88 1Apr88
Otama 30Mar89 27Apr89
Otama 21May89 17Jun89
Oxley 15Sep89 12Oct89
Oxley 29May91 1Jul91
Orion 22Oct92 22Nov92

When completing the forms the Unit name is not to be used




Weekly News 27 June 2010
www.mrsite.co.uk/usersitesv2/HMAS-Leeuwin-1963.com/wwwroot/page9.htm

G'day All,

Hope you and yours are well.

As advised during the week Rod Lamont passed away on 30 May; his funeral was held on 8 June at Moe. Unfortunately, we did not have a representative attending the ceremony.

Have received the notice from the Senior Chaplain RAN stating the dedication ceremonies for
Bernie Lawson,
Jim Dansey,
Mal Johnston,
Skull Boden and
Peter Walsh
will be held at the GI Chapel Sydney commencing 1400 on Sunday, 3 October this year. If you wish to attend, I am happy to organise entry into the Island and a car pass. Please let me know.

I mentioned some time back I wrote to my local member re the Superannuation Indexation, my bloke is Tony Abbott, his response is attached. It is somewhat different to other Coalition responses.

Ken Dobbie has forwarded a photo of J S (Fred) Auty, Mick Kearney and John Shearer outside the CFC
KC

Lea and Rick Avey have produced another newsletter. Good read travelingozaveys.blogspot.com/

This week:
Tony Abbott’s attitude towards DFRDB indexation (attached)Click here to download this file Click here to download this file
Fred Auty (attached)
New Credit Card scam (attached)Click here to download this file Click here to download this file Click here to download this file
Military Health Outcomes Program
Mobile Phone numbers going public

cheers

Ron
SUBJECT MILITARY HEALTH OUTCOMES PROGRAM
15 Jun 2010
26/10
Minister for Defence Personnel launches Defence’s largest health study

The Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Minister for Defence Personnel, Alan Griffin, today launched the Military Health Outcomes Program (MilHOP), which will be the most extensive health study to be undertaken by Defence in its Deployment Health Surveillance Program.

Mr Griffin said, “MilHOP is the brand name for the Military Health Outcomes Program which consists of three studies on the Middle East Area of Operations and one study in response to the 2009 Dunt Review to establish a baseline for mental health prevalence in the ADF”.

Costing $12 million over five years, the four MilHOP studies include the Prospective Study, Census Study, the Health and Wellbeing Study and a Mortality and Cancer Incidence Study.

Mr Griffin said, “For the first time, the government and Defence will have the information needed to support the development of evidence-based policy and targeted health programs designed to support Australian Defence Force members and their families cope with the impact of operational deployments”.

In addition to personnel who will be deploying as part of current operations in the Middle East in 2010 and 2011, more than 25,000 veterans will be invited to participate in the study. Participation in the studies will in no way affect entitlements or benefits now or at any point in the future.

“Consistent with the recommendations to Defence from the 2009 Dunt Review, this study will also seek to establish the prevalence of mental health issues within the Australian Defence Force, and explore issues of stigma and barriers to seeking care,” Mr Griffin said.

MilHOP is a partnership between Defence and the Centre for Military and Veterans’ Health (CMVH), a consortium of the University of Queensland, the University of Adelaide and Charles Darwin University, and is funded by the Departments of Defence and Veterans’ Affairs.

The study is scheduled to be completed by 30 June 2012.

Mr Griffin said, “The health and wellbeing of Australia’s military personnel is a cornerstone of the Australian Government’s defence policies and programs. That is why we have invested heavily into new and improved Defence health initiatives such as $83 million to implement the recommendations of the Dunt Review into mental health, and $155.3 million to enhance ADF Rehabilitation Services”.

Information about the Deployment Health Surveillance Program is available from www.uq.edu.au/cmvh/DHSP or from the Research Team on 1800 886 567.

Media Contacts:
Sasha Nimmo (Alan Griffin): 0437 863 109
Defence Media Liaison: 02 6127 1999 or 0408 498 664


SUBJECT MOBILE PHONE NUMBERS GOING PUBLIC

This is for Australian phone numbers

REMEMBER: Mobile Phone Numbers Go Public next month.

REMINDER: all mobile phone numbers are being released to telemarketing companies and you will start to receive sale calls.

YOU WILL BE CHARGED FOR THESE CALLS

Below is a link where you can enter your phone numbers online to put an end to telemarketing calls. Don't just delete those calls otherwise you will find that you have been signed up for all sorts of extra services that you didn't want or know about. Like special chimes, music etc.

https://www.donotcall.gov.au/
PASS THIS ON TO AS MANY PEOPLE AS YOU CAN









Weekly News 13 & 20 June 2010
www.mrsite.co.uk/usersitesv2/HMAS-Leeuwin-1963.com/wwwroot/page9.htm

G'day All,

Hope you and yours are well. We spent last weekend in Yamba, swimming and partying, a great place. There is quite a bit of info this week. Hope you enjoy.

John Shinn has contacted me. His email in respect of ‘Hollows Lawyers’ and specifically Mr David Forster is enclosed.

Darby Ashton and a few mates went to Honkers and Singapore for a jaunty. He wants to know who has some photos of the Wang Dockyard during our time there. His email is under.

Tank Evans sent me an email with a link to Australia’s involvement in Vietnam. It is a great site and a must see.

This week:
Sembawang Dockyard
Australia’s involvement in Vietnam
SALT June Newsletter website address
John Shinn’s email
Albany’s AE2 Submarine gift (attached)
Military Health Outcomes Programme
Military Pension News
A fairer go for Veterans
DFWA Monthly Update (attached)Click here to download this file

cheers

Ron

SUBJECT SEMBAWANG DOCKYARD

Hi Ron.
Hec Hart, Darryl Neild, Bill Ringholt and I have just come back from a trip to HK and Singapore and we had a great time. Darryl Neild [ex CMDR] organised a guided tour around what is left of the Sembawang Dockyard by the Liaison Officer, Lt Cmdr Rachael Thompson. Rachael is after photos of the dockyard from any period [especially before and around our time] as she wants to display them in the new foyer of the building she works in. Could you send out a request to the troops to see if we can help her out in any way.
Cheers mate

Darby & Frances Ashton
0437012169
ourouse@bigpond.com


SUBJECT AUSTRALIA’S INVOLVEMENT IN VIETNAM

www.hotkey.net.au/~marshalle/


SUBJECT SALT JUNE NEWSLETTER

www.vision6.com.au/em/mail/view.php?id=1785442345&a=2585&k=84fe5f2


SUBJECT HOLLOWS LAWYERS – JOHN SHINN’S EMAIL

Ron,
Gordon Stringer gave me your email address, hope you do not mind.

If you could forward my address to interested parties and place my on your mailing list, I would appreciatte it.

On 16 March, 2010 Justice Emerton placed Hollows Lawyers in Receivership after viewing 12 cases only and finding that $600,000 was missing from his trust account relating to Melbourne/Voyager litigants for these 12. There is a further 71 cases to be looked at..

The Receiver, after looking at some of the files applied on 21st May 2010 to Justice Emerton for permission to wind Hollows up as the company was broke. This was granted and Forster had all his assetts frozen as he was selling up and trying to move his money ?????.

The Receiver is going to investigate all our files relating to Forster's Trust Account. Some of the investigation will relate to some our funds being misused and breaches relating to the Trust Act.

If anyone wants to pursue this matter, I am more than happy to assist. You will need about 2 hours of your time, filling out 2 forms. No costs are invovled at any stage. All the work will be done by the Receiver, Legal Services Commission and Legal Services Board of Victoria. As an aside, it appears that $93,000 was overcharged in my case.

My email address is jshinn@bigpond.net.au

For those of you who want to look at the Supreme Court case go to Legal Services Board v DBF [2010] VSC 102 DBF being David B Forster. It makes very interesting reading and the Judge was one step ahead of him all the time. The trial went for 16 days!!!!!!!

Hoping to hear from you soon,
Regards,
John Shinn (1963 JR intake)


SUBJECT MILITARY HEALTH OUTCOMES PROGRAMME

Military Health Outcomes Program Launch

What: The official launch of the Military Health Outcomes Program (MilHOP).
Where: Sir Fredericks Holder Room, Parliament House, Canberra.
When: 10am on Tuesday 15 June 2010. Media should arrive by 9.50am to be signed in and escorted to the launch.
Who: Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Minister for Defence Personnel, Alan Griffin; and Vice Chief of the Defence Force, Lieutenant General David Hurley will launch the Military Health Outcomes Program (MilHOP) – a joint initiative between the Australian Defence Force and the Centre for Military and Veterans’ Health (CMVH).

Background:
Defence has partnered with the Centre for Military and Veterans’ Health (CMVH) to conduct a number of studies to better understand the health and wellbeing of ADF members as part of the Military Health Outcomes Program (MilHOP).

The $12 million study will support the work of the Departments of Defence and Veterans’ Affairs to achieve better long-term health outcomes for Defence personnel through improved health services and policies.

Media Contacts:
Sasha Nimmo (Alan Griffin): 0437 863 109
Defence Media Liaison: 02 6127 1999 or 0408 498 664


SUBJECT MILITARY PENSION NEWS

You may be aware of Senator Fielding's online petition re fair and reasonable indexation of military superannuation pensions

9270 people have (online) signed the petition but - the ESOs consider this to be a small figure given the HUGE number of exservice members receiving military superannuation pensions. Now more than ever it is mission critical for all military pensioners to sign this petition In the leadup to the Federal election it is imperative to apply increasing pressure and step up the momentum

I urge all military pensioners to register for the petition - as above the number of signatures is still small and does not send the message we need to send to the Government in terms of the effectiveness of the marginal seats campaign - only by all milsuper pensioners registering do we have any hope of the Government sitting up and taking notice

The marginal seats campaign to achieve fair and reasonable indexation of military superannuation continues to tick along as a background task including the lobbying of all major political parties - there is a panic in the Government party room and you can feel that panic in the outbursts by Rudd and others in Hansard = it will not take too much to push this issue to success and I urge that you take action to sign the petition NOW at

www.stevefielding.com.au/a_fairer_go_for_our_veterans_petition/

Your continued support to maintain increasing pressure and to step up the momentum will and should hopefully result in clear policy goals being set in stone in party election platforms

It is further hoped that your continued support to maintain increasing pressure and to step up the momentum will force the Government to immediately offer an olive branch now to save this become a burning political issue prior to an election
This is your last chance to resolve the indexation debate once and for all - you all know the raw emotion on this topic in the veteran community and unless this is properly harnessed through the marginal seats campaign nothing will be achieved at the upcoming Federal election and everybody will be too tired to fight indexation through to the election after that.
IMPORTANT: This email remains the property of the Department of Defence and is subject to the jurisdiction of section 70 of the Crimes Act 1914. If you have received this email in error, you are requested to contact the sender and delete the email.

PLEASE PASS THIS MESSAGE ON TO ALL YOUR EX-SERVICE CONTACTS WHO MAY BE IN RECEIPT OF MILITARY SUPER. WE NEED TO BE HEARD.





SUBJECT A FAIRER GO FOR VETERANS

From: Senator Steve Fielding [mailto:senator.fielding@aph.gov.au]
Sent: Tuesday, 8 June 2010 5:30 PM
To: schonners@internode.on.net
Subject: A Fairer Go For Our Veterans Petition
Thank you for signing the petition demanding a fairer go for our veterans. The discrimination against the ex-service community and the hopelessly inadequate indexation arrangements for military superannuation pensions is an issue which has been going on for too long and must be fixed. Successive governments have repeatedly ignored the calls by the veteran community for a fairer outcome and one which also gives proper recognition to the unique nature of military service. Last year, I made a speech in Parliament on this very issue and wrote directly to the Minister demanding that he address the fact that the retirement benefits of over 600,000 Australians are being continually eroded and their standards of living are being reduced. Click here to listen to my speech.
www.stevefielding.com.au/news/details/military_superannuation_pension_speech/
Having a son serve in the ADF as well my experience with the Special Air Service Regiment program last year has given me even further appreciation of the incredible contribution made by our veteran community to defending and protecting this country and this has only served to strength my resolve to see a more equitable outcome for the ex-service community. Already, we have had close to 11,000 people sign the petition. The more people who sign this petition, the stronger the message that will be sent to the Rudd Government and to the Coalition, who had 11 years under John Howard to fix this issue and did nothing. I would encourage you to forward the link to the petition below to as many of your friends and family as possible. www.stevefielding.com.au/a_fairer_go_for_our_veterans_petition/ I would also encourage you to write to your local member and let them know that this is an issue which is important to you and which will be at the forefront of your mind when voting at the upcoming federal election. I intend to make this issue a core part of Family First’s campaign at the upcoming election. For those of you that would like to become more involved and assist in securing a fairer outcome for our veterans, please email your contact details to senator.fielding@aph.gov.au and someone from our office will be in touch with you shortly.
Regards, Senator Steve Fielding Leader of Family First






Weekly News 6 June 2010
www.mrsite.co.uk/usersitesv2/HMAS-Leeuwin-1963.com/wwwroot/page9.htm

G'day All,

Hope you and yours are well. What a week - Rugby League millionaires, NSW Ministers resigning, Mining Tax, raining cats and dogs, thank God for the rain.
Five Victorian Residents attended a brief meeting and a long lunch at The Clayton RSL, Clayton on Saturday May 8th. Read Russ Dale's report in the 'Newsletters' page on the website.

Ken Dobbie has published Newsletter No21 for the July Memorial ceremony at Leeuwin Barracks. Good read. It is going to be a great ceremony. Ken and his crew from the West need to be congratulated on all the work they have done. Our banner will be up for the ceremony at Leeuwin Barracks. Marian Schubert has made a cover for it and Schubes and Marian are taking it over the West on our behalf. We will have it on the fence line. I will be in contact with some of our blokes from the West who are involved in the setup of the function to determine the best meeting place for us on the day.

Jim Carrol has been overseas to Europe. His trip included some battlefields of WW1 and WW2. His story can be found on the 'Travel Stories' page of our website.

Have also included some photos Barry Andrew has sent of time spent in LEEUWIN. These are in the 'photos' page.

Havent had any further news on anybody getting crook. Believe Glen Summerhayes receives another report early this month. I have published this earlier from John Nicholson but for those who didnt receive it.

Hi Ron I have just been diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease which is a bit of a bummer as i have never smoked. just goes to show that passive smoking is a real killer. don't need oxygen bottle just yet so will keep swimming while i can. cheers john nicholson R94083

All the best to all those who arent feeling so well.

This week:
JR Memorial Project Newsletter No 21 Click here to download this file
Governance of Australian Super Schems Click here to download this file
VEA Budget Measures Click here to download this file
VENDETTA luncheon
Military Court of Australia


cheers

Ron


SUBJECT VENDETTA LUNCHEON

The Vendetta Veterans' Association
(Qld Division)

The next luncheon/meeting of the Association will be held on Sunday - 12th September, 2010 at the home of
Ross and Pat Plenty 15 Woodswallow Street, Jacobs Well commencing at 11.00am Cost - only $5.00 per person
BYO drinks and chairs ALL WELCOME For catering purposes please RSVP 6th September 2010
Phone: 0428.881.702 or 0417.700.531 or send an email to: MKRAUSE@bigpond.net.au


SUBJECT MILITARY COURT OF AUSTRALIA


> FM DEFENCE LEGAL DIV
>
> R 242335Z MAY 10
>
> SUBJ: ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE MILITARY COURT OF AUSTRALIA
>
>
>
> 1. THE GOVERNMENT YESTERDAY ANNOUNCED A NEW FEDERAL COURT, THE MILITARY
> COURT OF AUSTRALIA, TO HEAR SERIOUS SERVICE OFFENCES AND IMPROVE ACCESS TO
> JUSTICE FOR MEMBERS OF THE ADF.
>
> 2. THE CREATION OF AN INDEPENDENT MILITARY COURT OF AUSTRALIA
> WILL BENEFIT MEMBERS BY ENSURING THAT THE SYSTEM FOR THE TRIAL OF SERIOUS
> SERVICE OFFENCES IS EFFECTIVE, FAIR AND TRANSPARENT.
>
> 3. KEY FEATURES OF THE MILITARY COURT OF AUSTRALIA ARE:
>
> A. IT WILL BE CREATED UNDER CHAPTER III OF THE AUSTRALIAN CONSTITUTION.
>
> B. THE COURT WILL DEAL EXCLUSIVELY WITH MILITARY JUSTICE MATTERS.
>
> C. JUDICIAL OFFICERS OF THE COURT WILL NOT BE ADF MEMBERS BUT
> WILL HAVE PREVIOUS SERVICE EXPERIENCE OR FAMILIARITY WITH THE
> SERVICES.
>
> D. THE COURT WILL REPLACE THE CURRENT SYSTEM OF COURTS MARTIAL
> AND DEFENCE FORCE MAGISTRATES FOR THE TRIAL OF ALL SERIOUS SERVICE
> OFFENCES.
>
> E. ALL ADF MEMBERS CHARGED IN THE SUMMARY SYSTEM WILL HAVE AN
> OPPORTUNITY TO ELECT TRIAL BEFORE THE MILITARY COURT OF AUSTRALIA.
>
> 4. ALL MEMBERS WILL BENEFIT FROM THE ENHANCED MORALE AND
> OPERATIONAL EFFECTIVENESS THAT AN EFFICIENT AND EFFECTIVE MILITARY JUSTICE
> SYSTEM DELIVERS.
>
> 5. DUE TO THE EXTENT OF LEGISLATIVE, POLICY AND ORGANISATIONAL
> CHANGE REQUIRED IT IS NOT EXPECTED THAT THE NEW COURT WILL HEAR
> MATTERS UNTIL LATE 2011. IN THE INTERIM THE CURRENT SYSTEM OF COURT
> MARTIAL
> AND DEFENCE FORCE MAGISTRATE TRIALS WILL CONTINUE.
>
> 6. MORE DETAILED INFORMATION ABOUT THE TRANSITION TO THE NEW
> COURT WILL BE PROVIDED TO MEMBERS CLOSER TO THE COURT COMMENCEMENT DATE.
>
> 7. CONTACT OFFICER: DIRECTOR MILITARY DISCIPLINE REFORM GPCAPT
> PAUL CRONAN PAUL.CRONAN (AT) DEFENCE.GOV.AU
>
> ENDS


Weekly News 30 May 2010
www.mrsite.co.uk/usersitesv2/HMAS-Leeuwin-1963.com/wwwroot/page9.htm

G'day All,

Hope you and yours are well. There are two attachments regarding the Reunion function in July this year, one regarding super and one for those who would like to holiday in Forster at the RAN Holiday Centre.

cheers

Ron


This week:
Super update Enclosure Click here to download this file
Gala Dinner Enclosure Click here to download this file
July 2010 reunion programme Enclosure Click here to download this file
Forster Gardens Enclosure Click here to download this file
Charles Raynor - lost soul
Senator Fielding's petition on super
Copy of transcripts of debate over DFRDB


SUBJECT CHARLES RAYNOR


If you are able to assist with the following please contact
George Mock at email address: gfmock@netspace.net.au
or phone: 0412 847 852 or 07 5493 3857
Looking for Charles Reuben Raynor, rank and rate unknown other than that he wore “traditional sailors uniform”.
Born about 1940, hailed from either Sunshine or Baybrook, served on HMAS Melbourne and was dishonourably discharged 1963 or 64. Any contact details would be very much appreciated.

SUBJECT SENATOR FIELDING'S PETITION

From: Fielding, Steve (Senator)


Sent: Tuesday, May 25, 2010 5:21 PM
Subject: RE: Transcripts of Hansard on the Oakeshott Motion - MilitarySuperannuation Pensions

Below is a link to a petition being put forward by Senator Steve Fielding on the issue of the gross unfairness of the current indexation arrangements for Military Superannuation Pensions.

www.stevefielding.com.au/a_fairer_go_for_our_veterans_petition/

It would be great if we could get as many people to sign up as possible. Unfortunately, it seems the only way the government will listen is if we actually prove to them how many people are angry by their shameful inaction on this issue.

Regards
David Lipshutz
Senior Policy Advisor
Office of the Leader of FAMILY FIRST
Senator Steve Fielding
www.stevefielding.com.au



SUBJECT COPY OF TRANSCRIPTS OF DEBATE RE DFRDB

Thank you for your email re: the Military Superannuation Motion debated in the Main Committee of the House of Representatives last night.

Attached is the full transcript (unedited) of all of the speeches made to the Motion last night.

It is unfortunate that the time allocated for the motion denied many colleagues like Louise Markus an opportunity to contribute. In truth, the matter needed more time for debate as 5 minutes per speaker was not long enough to put the whole of the issue on the table and the total time denied many members the chance to contribute.

This email can be circulated to your contacts as it is a public document.

Regards

Bob Baldwin

House of Representatives debates

Monday, 24 May 2010

Private Members’ Business


Military Superannuation Pensions
Debate resumed, on motion by Mr Oakeshott:
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.
8:05 pm

Robert Oakeshott (Lyne, Independent) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source
I fully recognise the complexities of this issue of military superannuation pensions for the government. There are budgetary issues at play. That is why I am not bringing this into the House as a private member’s bill, and I am sure that is why it has been an issue of contention for various governments over recent decades. I also recognise that there are contextual issues with regard to the full package of veterans entitlements and how that sits alongside a superannuation scheme. It has taken me 18 months to drill through some of the complexities and the details. But I still find myself coming back to the very broad principles that remain unanswered by government, by the Matthews report and by the minister. So those broad principles, in as simple terms as possible, are what I am putting before the House tonight.
I want it be recognised that Defence service is unique within the Public Service. I would hope that most, if not all, members in this place and those who decide on public policy would agree with that basic principle. I hope I do not have to go into detail, but the uniqueness of Defence service lies in defending the nation, our sovereignty and our freedoms. In carrying out their duties of office in the Defence Force, individuals’ safety and lives are endangered, and therefore the circumstances of their families are put at risk. I hope that is broadly accepted by all in this place. If that is true, I would ask all members to consider revisiting the issue of how we treat military superannuation in comparison to all the other types of superannuation and pension schemes that governments support. If you are willing to consider that, there is then a contentious question to answer­and I know that many members have had contact with members of various Defence welfare groups in their electorates. The question is: where do we peg military superannuation and is that fair and equitable for those who have served within our Defence forces?
Currently, military superannuation is indexed by CPI. But the question now is about using ABS quotes about purchasing power and cost-of-living measures, or whether we go right back to what the CPI itself was really designed for, through Professor Pollard in 1973. I would hope it is generally recognised that CPI is not a good indicator for cost-of-living measures and for purchasing power. The question is therefore whether we as policy makers have pegged military superannuation to the most appropriate index possible­and, if not, what are the alternatives? In my view the alternatives that are worthy of consideration are in the form of the age and welfare pensions, which are indexed by the new living cost index, to reflect the failings of CPI in the pensioner and beneficiary living cost index, or the male total average weekly earnings, whichever is the greater. Those are the two options which age and welfare pensions are indexed by. From 1989 to 2008 the age pension rose by 110 per cent, compared to military superannuation pensions, which over the same period rose by 68 per cent­again making that point that CPI is not an appropriate measure of cost-of-living pressures and was never really established for that purpose. I ask the government to therefore consider the motion. (Time expired)

8:11 pm

Chris Hayes (Werriwa, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source
I thank the member for Lyne for bringing this matter on for debate. Let me begin tonight by saying that there is no question that the men and women who have served our country in our military deserve our full support and appreciation. It is a unique job, and our veterans will always be valued in this country. I note that Bob Baldwin and Stuart Robert are in the room. I certainly valued the 10 days that I spent with these guys and others with the servicemen and women at Al-Minhad, which is part of Operation Slipper. I certainly came away, and no doubt all the rest of us did too, with a deep appreciation of the professionalism, dedication and commitment from our young men and women who are serving this country. Clearly, being in the ADF is a unique job.
The one reason when coming to office that we initiated this review is that it was an election commitment. We engaged an independent reviewer, Trevor Matthews, to determine whether there was a case for change from the current arrangements in terms of the calculation of military pensions. It was our election commitment to hold that review. It was conducted at arm’s length from the government, hence it was conducted by Mr Matthews. The result of Matthews’ recommendations was that there be no change to the current method of CPI indexation. He found that CPI at present was the best available mechanism for the purpose of indexing superannuation pensions.
I feel it is important to point out that this motion essentially seeks the military superannuation pensions to be increased in the same way as the age pension. However, in his review Mr Matthews did not consider it unfair that civil and military pensions be indexed on a different basis to the age and service related pensions. In fact, he considered that these are different benefits, providing for different purposes, and he concluded that it is fair that they can be increased on a different basis.
As the Minister for Finance and Deregulation originally noted in the parliament, Mr Matthews drew a distinction between the obligations of state when it came to providing a safety net for its more disadvantaged citizens and the obligations of state as employer to provide a superannuation benefit to its employees and former employees. It is also important that I point out tonight that the government is committed to considering a better indexation method for civilian and military superannuation pensions. Again, that is one of the recommendations that we accepted from the Matthews inquiry. I take the opportunity to encourage veterans associations to work with government to determine the best long-term method for indexing military superannuation pensions.
During a debate of this type, we should also acknowledge the work being done right now to ensure that the Australian Defence Force’s employment package is competitive and attractive. While it is very important, superannuation is but one element of the total employment package of ADF members. The current package is highly competitive and attractive and, as a result, has had a marked improvement in retention and recruitment rates within the ADF. Target incentives are needed to enable us to attract and retain personnel, particularly when the skill sets that they acquire are in such high demand in industry generally. Let there be no doubt that the government is committed to providing a competitive employment package for ADF members, and military superannuation certainly rates very highly.
If one examines the employment packages of ADF members as a whole, they certainly reflect the unique nature of military service. Military superannuation is already accessible after five years, earlier than civilian superannuation, and under the older schemes ADF personnel can access their superannuation benefits after 20 years service, no matter what their age is. Furthermore, the military superannuation scheme is complemented by the military rehabilitation and compensation arrangements, which provide more appropriate compensation and support to members who suffer injury or illness as a result of their service.
Finally, I acknowledge that there will be members of the veterans community in Australia who do not agree with the Matthews report and its recommendations. I would encourage veterans associations to continue to work with government to find an acceptable long-term outcome in the indexing of military pensions to safeguard their interests into the future. (Time expired)

8:16 pm

Bob Baldwin (Paterson, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Defence Science and Personnel) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source
The matter of military superannuation indexation is the single biggest issue affecting the veteran community and the most important, according to the vast majority of ex-service organisations. The issue has, in varying forms, existed for at least two decades, yet the most recent manifestation of the issue can be traced back to the promises made by the Rudd Labor government in the lead-up to the 2007 federal election, when they promised:

To restore the value of compensation and prevent further erosion due to unfair indexation.
The Rudd Labor government has not done that. The Rudd Labor government has not even bothered to respond to the review into military superannuation arrangements, also known as the Podger review, which was publicly released two years and five months ago today. In fact, Minister Tanner, in a media release dated 21 August 2009, completely contradicted that election promise when he said:

… we are satisfied that the CPI is the most suitable index to protect Australian Government superannuation pensions against inflationary price increases available at this time.
This government unashamedly lied to all veterans at the last federal election. Veterans have every right to feel betrayed by this Rudd Labor government­a government that at the last federal election promised so much but has since delivered so little, a government that has wasted taxpayers’ money through poorly targeted spending programs and a government that continues to tax and spend, all the while wilfully neglecting the veteran community. Veterans have every right to be disappointed and disillusioned with the Rudd Labor government.
I want to make it perfectly clear that I and the coalition have always considered and will always consider service rendered by our military personnel as unique. Although I have not served in the ADF, I have had many opportunities to experience the many facets of service life through, for example, my work as the shadow minister for defence science and personnel, through my participation in the ADF parliamentary program and most recently by spending a week with Australian troops on the ground in Afghanistan with my colleague Stuart Robert. I would argue that one need not have served in the military to understand the unique nature of service. To those that think otherwise, I would simply suggest they talk to the spouse, mother, father or child of a current serving member. They will, I have no doubt, convey to you the uniqueness of their relative’s service. One of the finest summations of the uniqueness of military service I have read to date comes from David Jamison, the President of the Defence Force Welfare Association, who said:

In volunteering for military service, the individual accepts the surrender of his or her basic rights under Article 3 and places his or her life, liberty and security of person in the hands of the State. This surrender is not unconditional, though in extremis, it is absolute.
The coalition truly appreciates the unique nature of military service, which is why we continue to oppose the Governance of Australian Government Superannuation Schemes Bill 2010 in its current form, for it will further blur the distinction between military and non-military service. The indexation of military superannuation is a very complex issue. While I am of the view that the proposal to index military superannuation more fairly has merit, the cost of such charges remains substantial. It is worth noting, however, that at the time the Podger review was tabled, this government had a $23 billion surplus. That was the time for the Rudd Labor government to take action, as promised. Now, however, the task at hand is much harder given that the Rudd Labor government has incurred debts of $93.7 billion. But it is pursuable in the longer term.
Labor’s 2007 election policy document said that a Rudd Labor government would ‘maintain a generous military superannuation system in recognition of the importance of the ADF and the immense responsibility placed on personnel in securing and defending Australia’. Of course, those in the veteran community know that the Rudd Labor government took them for a ride. They know that they were used purely for political reasons, and they know that they can no longer trust the Rudd Labor government.
To conclude, I want to assure the veteran community that the coalition remains committed to introducing a fair, equitable, financially responsible military superannuation system and that we will pursue these reforms when in government. We will bring the nation’s accounts into line so that any measures we enact are affordable and sustainable.

8:21 pm

Shayne Neumann (Blair, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source
In my electorate of Blair in South-East Queensland we have many fine organisations of military and returned service personnel­Leagues clubs et cetera. There are many fine people; it is a place where people purchase homes and retire after serving at the RAAF base at Amberley. We honour those military people who have served overseas as well as at the RAAF base at Amberley and at other places throughout Australia. We want to make it plain to them that we support them, and that is why we have done many things to make their lives easier.
In my electorate, for a start, we have Defence housing of a quality that was never seen under the previous coalition government. This weekend, in fact, I am opening some Defence houses in Ipswich. We have provided the Defence Home Ownership Assistance Scheme, which was rolled out on 1 July 2008, helping ADF members and their families to achieve home ownership in a way that the previous government never did. I heard the member for Paterson going on about what they have done. You would wonder what they did in all those years­the Howard years. What would you believe of the vague and obtuse references they made? We made commitments to the veteran community at the last election, and we fulfilled that by undertaking the review.
Mr Baldwin interjecting ­
Sharon Bird (Cunningham, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source
If people want to ask questions, there are forms. Member for Paterson, if you want to ask a question, there is a form.
Shayne Neumann (Blair, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source
We engaged Mr Matthews, an international leader in the global pensions and life insurance industry­an Australian citizen, Past President of the Institute of Actuaries of Australia and currently a prominent actuary in the United Kingdom; he was eminently qualified to carry out the review. We have heard this feigned moral unction from those opposite in relation to this issue, and you heard the comment of the Leader of the Opposition in April this year. Why would you believe a word he said when he served in the cabinet of the Howard government all those years? You only have to hear what he said about this. We engaged Mr Matthews to undertake the review, and he undertook it. He looked at schemes throughout the world. In fact, the review went on to look at military pensions in Canada, South Africa, the United States and the United Kingdom, all indexed to increases in the consumer price index in those countries. In at least two cases­the United States and South Africa­the relevant pensions were increased annually by less than increases in the local version. He looked at this in detail. His recommendations were that pensions from the Australian government civilian and military superannuation schemes continue to be indexed against the effects of inflationary price increases. The same indexation methodology would continue in relation to civilian and military pensions.
Pensions from the Australian government civilian and military superannuation schemes continue to be indexed to CPI. This is the most suitable index, according to Mr Matthews. If there is a more robust index, he said in recommendation number 4, that justifies a change in the scheme, the government should look at that in the future. I heard what the member for Werriwa had to say about the issue. If the veteran community want to have some discussion about that and want to keep advocating for their position, in a democracy they are entitled to that. I want to thank the veteran community for what they have done in relation to their service. We have made it plain that we will listen to the veteran community. We have acted on what we said, and that was to have a review. We have done that.
The member for Paterson talked about Podger. The government committed in 2007 to make public the Podger review into military superannuation. The coalition refused to release it. We have done so and the government is considering it. They refused to release it at all. The government also committed in 2007 to the independent review. We have held that. We have a strong record in this area, going back to the Hawke government, which established the Military Superannuation Benefits Scheme in 1991, recognising that the previous schemes had served many members poorly. The Labor government did that back in those days. The Rudd government has acted on it now. Superannuation is one aspect of the total remuneration package available to ADF members. We have made that clear and we have acted on that.
With respect to the Matthews findings, we have acted on the basis that the most appropriate purpose of indexing an occupational superannuation pension is to protect the purchasing power of those pensions from the effects of price inflation. And that is what happens overseas. That is exactly what happens in the OECD and the countries that I listed before. That is the reality. We followed the independent advice of Mr Matthews, which was the appropriate thing in the circumstances to do.

8:27 pm

Stuart Robert (Fadden, Liberal Party, Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Defence) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source
I rise to make comment on the motion put forward by the member for Lyne. It is instructive that I mention that I am here with my parliamentary colleagues Bob Baldwin, the member for Paterson and the shadow minister for defence, science and personnel, and Louise Markus, the member for Greenway and the shadow minister for veterans’ affairs. The shadow minister for defence, Senator David Johnston, would have like to be here, but he is in Darwin. Tonight when we speak on this motion we have three out of four of the shadow defence team here. The entire team would have been here to discuss the gravity of this motion but for pressing matters that have driven the shadow minister to Darwin.
We are here gathered, three of the four shadow ministers, because we understand the unique nature of service that is the military. We understand the hardships, the deprivations and the toughness. We understand the difficulty of being away from families and friends and of being separated from loved ones. I speak from personal experience, having served as a military officer for 12 years and having served overseas in operations. And I speak from some recent experience, with my colleague the member for Paterson and I having just returned from 10 days in the Middle East area of operations and just short of a week in Afghanistan proper.
We understand the compact that government has with our defence and veteran community. This compact says that we will put you in harms way and put you in places of great difficulty where life and death is the order of the day. We will put you there to further the diplomatic and national interests of our nation and to safeguard and to protect our nation. We do it knowing full well that this nation has a responsibility to you during your service and post service. We understand and accept this responsibility keenly.
We also note that the Matthews report, when released by the government, recommended that indexation arrangements stay the same. The government, not surprisingly, grasped that and did nothing. What is so personally disappointing for all of us here on the coalition side is that in opposition the current Minister for Veteran’s Affairs, Minister Griffin, said that the government should clarify the military superannuation situation immediately, as the morale of current members is being seriously affected. Well, the government has clarified it. It has said that this compact is not well regarded and that they will do nothing.
Before the election, a number of people on the Labor side made comments to say that they would index the pension to 25 per cent MTAWE. I am even led to believe that Mr Rudd, the Prime Minister, may have made such comments. If so, this is one more broken promise in the conga line of broken promises that so typifies this government. Once again, the Rudd government has demonstrated its unwavering commitment to spin when it should have demonstrated a commitment to addressing the military superannuation system and honouring the compact we have with the men and women who go in harm’s way. Now the Rudd government is retaining the current indexation. And with the government currently borrowing a hundred million dollars a day­$700 million a week and over $40 billion this year alone­with gross debt exceeding $130 billion and with net debt just under $100 billion, it has neither the means, the capacity nor the political courage to address the situation.
We appreciate the unique aspects of service. We appreciate the need to provide certainty and security for those who have contributed so much to our nation. In simple terms: the coalition gets it. We have promised and our leader has made the point that we will return when the budget is in surplus­(Time expired)
Ms Anna Burke (Chisholm, Deputy-Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source
Order! The time allotted for the debate has expired. The debate is adjourned and the resumption of the debate will be made an order of the day for the next sitting.





Weekly News 23May 2010
www.mrsite.co.uk/usersitesv2/HMAS-Leeuwin-1963.com/wwwroot/page9.htm

G'day All,

Hope you and yours are well. Have been to Canberra for the National Interservice Rugby. We beat RAAF but were knocked off by Army again. Met up with Schubes and Butch Cousins during both games. We had a good time despite the score.

This week:
Ex ABETW Brendon Neil MERRITT

John Terence BROCKMAN

Rewarding Illness

SUBJECT EX ABETW Brendon Neil MERRIT

I do not know this chap but his Mother just rang me from Queensland, a Mrs Veronica MERRETT. She was given my name by an Undertaker here in Melbourne whom I know.

She would like as many Navy people to know as possible about the passing of her Son and the funeral arrangements.

He passed away unexpectedly last Wednesday (19th May) at Western General Hospital, Footscray from a major blood clot at the age of 39.

He joined the RAN at HMAS CERBERUS in October, 1988 and served just less than 6 years.

Funeral is at 1000 on Monday 31st May at Tobin Brothers Chapel, 816 Doncaster Road, Doncaster, Victoria.

Best wishes,

Marty GROGAN


SUBJECT John Terence BROCKMAN


Full name: John Terence BROCKMAN, DOB 05.03.1948, Enlisted January 1964 from Victoria and a member of the Leeuwin 8th Intake of J.R's.

My recollection is that he became a Cook? The last lead I had was that post RAN service John headed for Sydney. From there the trail runs cold.

Any help appreciated. Replies please to: brimacombe@gmail.com

Pete Brimacombe
Ex LDO
R94174


SUBJECT REWARDING ILLNESS

VIETNAM VETERANS’ FEDERATION

8 Mary Street Granville PO Box 170 GRANVILLE NSW 2142,

Phone (02) 9682 1788 Fax (02) 9682 6134



Dear Presidents,

Rewarding Illness?

Some senior officers of the Department of Veterans Affairs and Defence have a new way of looking at those being compensated for war-caused illness and injury; these senior officers say we are being ‘rewarded for illness’.

The promise of this reward, it is suggested, actually ‘causes’ illness or at least causes an exaggeration of it and that receiving compensation ‘causes’ illness to persist.

In other words, they are claiming that veterans are scamming illness or degree of illness so we can stop work and get and keep our hands on compensation.

We have had twenty seven years experience of advising sick and troubled veterans at our Sydney (Granville) headquarters and round Australia. In that time thousands of veterans have come to us for help. It is our overwhelming experience that those who have come to us have done so reluctantly. Often, veterans have been dragged to our office by their worried and wearied wives or have arrived at our doorstep only after dramatically ‘hitting the wall’. Not infrequently, the veteran has ‘hit the wall’ a number of times before seeking our help, each time changing his job and hoping for the best. In most cases the veterans could have and should have stopped work and sought help and compensation years earlier; their strong desire to remain in the workforce preventing them from doing so. This reluctance to cease work has often damaged their health and the health of their families.

The assertion that compensation ‘encourages’ veterans’ illness finds no support in our long experience. Indeed, we suspect the idea springs from the mind of an economic fundamentalist with a primitive view of human motivation and with no practical experience of sick veterans.

‘Compensation’, these fundamentalists believe should be completely replaced by ‘rehabilitation’. Indeed, one very senior Department of Veterans Affairs bureaucrat has told us that almost all disabled war veterans can and should be rehabilitated into paid employment.

This claim shows a dangerous misunderstanding of war-caused disability.

There are some 18,000 Totally and Permanently Incapacitated Vietnam veterans. Of these a high percentage suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is notoriously resistant to treatment.

Our long experience suggests PTSD comes in three categories. A few sufferers will respond to treatment and be cured. At the other extreme, there will be quite a few who are doomed to a nightmare of a life, even institutionalisation, whatever the treatment. The bulk, whilst their condition is not curable, can be treated and counselled to manage their condition more or less successfully.

It is this later group that the Department’s economic fundamentalists think are being kept ‘ill’ by their receipt of the TPI pension. Surely, they argue, there must be some menial, un-stressful, paid jobs for which PTSD sufferers can be trained.

They are mistaken. Paid employment requires predictability. The employer must be able to predict with reasonable accuracy when his employee will turn up for work. As those with practical experience know, PTSD sufferers are unable to provide this predictability; days of feeling able to work and days of almost complete dysfunction, occurring randomly.

Ex-service organizations like ourselves that are manned mainly by volunteer TPI pensioners know that these volunteers, despite their good intentions, may not be able to turn up. We understand that at any time of the day they may simply have to get up and go home. We understand that, at any time, a TPI volunteer may announce that they need a couple of weeks break and that, regardless of their intention, may not be well enough to return at the end of that fortnight. Our office can have no inflexible deadlines and only very flexible expectations. And that’s with TPI pensioners well enough to do some voluntary work. That is the reality. PTSD sufferers as employees are simply not a commercial proposition.

Expecting these disabled veterans to undertake rehabilitation with a view to rejoining the paid workforce would be futile. But worse, it would damage their health. The thought of having to re-shoulder the stress of the workplace including the strong expectation of regularly turning-up would send many into breakdown and some to suicide.

What must be done with most PTSD sufferers is to first remove the horror of actual or impending financial collapse with financial compensation, then offer them voluntary rehabilitation of a different kind; not work-related rehabilitation but the kind of rehabilitation that encourages them to emerge from isolation and despair and participate in society as much as their disability will allow.

We agree with the offending senior bureaucrats that more resources are needed for rehabilitation, but much of those resources should be devoted to disabled war veterans after they are granted compensation. Indeed compensation should be seen, for many, as a vital part of their rehabilitation.

　

The offending senior departmental officers are wrong about veterans’ motivation and they are dangerously wrong in claiming work-related rehabilitation is a universal solution.

Their preaching should cease.

　

Yours sincerely,


Tim McCombe

President




Weekly News 16 May 2010
www.mrsite.co.uk/usersitesv2/HMAS-Leeuwin-1963.com/wwwroot/page9.htm

G'day All,

Hope you and yours are well. The budget monopolises this edition of Weekly News. The attachment titled 'Alliance Media Release Budget 2010' gives a precise on the effects of the budget as they see it. There is also another request by all those that are interested to contact Q & A prior to this Monday night, as we have another chance to ask either Mr Tanner or Mr Hockey questions in respect of indexation of the DFRDB pension.

The Australain Services Rugby Carnival will be held during this week 16-23 May (1500 Navy v RAAF 16th, Army v RAAF 19th and 1500 Navy v Army 22nd) at Viking Park at Tuggernong. Hope to see you there.

Hope you enjoy.

cheers

Ron

This week:
Alliance Media release Budget 2010 - AttachedClick here to download this file
DVA and Pharmaceutical costs - AttachedClick here to download this file
Weekes - signed letter - AttachedClick here to download this file
PBS Consultation - AttachedClick here to download this file
Q & A
DVA Newsletters


SUBJECT Q & A

On Monday night 17 May the ABC TV program Q & A will have Lindsay Tanner (Minister for Finance) and Joe Hockey (Opposition) forming the panel.

It provides us with the opportunity to put a question to the two heavies in both political parties about our Indexation issue. This is especially important with the election on the horizon.

It would therefore be useful to have as many people:

- post questions on the Q & A website (www.abc.net.au/qanda)

- post questions by SMS

- “tweet” on the night

In all cases it is IMPORTANT that questions etc are objective, factual and to the point. Should you wish, reference to Lindsay Tanner’s inadequate response at the Q & A program in February could be made in a respectful manner. (Information on this is available at www.dfwa.org.au under WHATS NEW)

An example of the sort of question that could be put may be:

"What will each political party do to correct the injustice and unfairness of the military superannuation schemes for past and current serving members of the ADF whose current indexation formula is linked to the CPI: a formula that was found inadequate for age/disability pensions and replaced with a fairer indexation index by the Federal Government in 1997?".

This is only an example. Other questions could be framed using information on the attached facts sheet.

The DFWA will also attempt to place a video question to the Panel.

Your cooperation in distributing this note as widely as possible would be appreciated. We had some success at a previous Q & A program by swamping Q & A with our approaches: it is important that the momentum is maintained.

Thank you in anticipation.


Les Bienkiewicz
Executive Director
Defence Force Welfare Association
PO Box 4166
KINGSTON ACT 2604
T: 02 6265 9530
M: 0411 444248
F: 02 6265 9776
E: national@dfwa.org.au
W: www.dfwa.org.au



INDEXATION OF MILITARY SUPERANNUATION PENSIONS



· Military and other Commonwealth superannuation pensions are indexed by the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

· CPI was abandoned over a decade ago for Age and other welfare pensions.

· Welfare pensions are effectively indexed to Male Total Average Weekly Earnings (MTAWE) and use a special Index called the PBLCI. Pre-2004 MP superannuation pensions are generously indexed to the salaries of today’s MPs.

· Age and MP pensions rose 110% and 131% respectively 1989-2008. Military super pensions rose 68%.

Who’s Affected?

· 64,000 military superannuation pensioners plus another 132,000 Commonwealth superannuation pensioners. This compares with the 3.3 million Age and other welfare pension beneficiaries who are effectively linked to MTAWE.

What’s Wrong With CPI?

· The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) said in 2001 that “…CPI is not a measure of the cost of living.” No fewer than five parliamentary inquiries since 2001 recommended replacing CPI with a fair method. Even the Jess Committee way back in 1972 recommended that military superannuation pensions “…be adjusted annually so that relativity with average weekly earnings is maintained.”

What is the Solution?

· Military superannuation pensions must increase twice annually by the greatest of CPI, PBLCI or MTAWE, the same method used for the Age pension.

· We do not seek special indexation treatment despite the unique nature of military service and despite our compulsory contributions of 5.5% of our pre-tax pay while in uniform. We only want equity with our fellow Australians, not with MPs.

What Will Fair Indexation Cost?

· DFWA estimates a gross first year cost under $20m for indexation that protects military super pensions. That’s 0.000064% of 2009-10 budget expenses. As with all pensions, the cost compounds over time. But government “claws back” an undisputed 40% of the extra cost due to increases in income tax & GST and to reductions in welfare pensions. “Clawback” also compounds over time. DFWA estimates a net first year cost around $12m.

Is Fair Indexation Affordable?

· Yes. Using any benchmark, fair indexation is affordable. Compare it with the $42bn stimulus package or the major age pension increases in the 2009 budget. And Future Fund assets (June 2008) were $64.18bn.

· Regardless of all the numbers, if fair indexation is affordable for 3.3m Australians why is it unaffordable for 64,000 former servicemen and women?

A FINAL WORD

· The average
DFRB/DFRDB superannuation entitlement after paying a compulsory 5.5% of
salary for over 20 years plus, was $22,092 pa (JUN 09).



· The maximum Age Pension will give
you an annual income of $17,469.40. The additional maximum weekly
rent assistance of $111.80 will push this figure up to a handsome $20,
376pa.



· So after paying normal tax and
compulsory superannuation for 20 years plus (5.5% of salary), and shunted
all over Australia and even Overseas on Active Duty, an Ex Digger is
ahead per year by a paltry $1,715.80 pa above what would be provided by
the Age Pension (that would not have needed to be contributed to).




SUBJECT DVA NEWSLETTER



Welcome to the latest issue of e-News, keeping you up-to-date with news from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.

BUDGET SPECIAL
In this issue:
Record funding for Veterans’ Affairs
Response to the revisitation of Clarke
Health Care and Compensation expanded for F-111 workers
New program to prevent unnecessary hospital admissions and readmissions
New technology efficiencies for DVA
Consultation on Pharmaceuticals for War Caused Disabilities
Anzac Day at Gallipoli and Villers-Bretonneux well attended
More Fromelles fallen identified
New Sea wall for Anzac Cove
Publications
Media releases
Record funding for Veterans’ Affairs
The Australian Government’s 2010-11 Budget delivers a $246.4 million package of new initiatives for Veterans’ Affairs.

The Budget also provides record Veterans’ Affairs funding of $12.1 billion, including $6.9 billion for compensation and income support, and $5.2 billion for health services. Visit the DVA website for more information.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Response to the revisitation of Clarke
The re-examination of unimplemented recommendations of the 2003 Clarke review of veterans’ entitlements has resulted in an investment in this year’s Budget of $36 million over four years. Visit the Minister's website for more information.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Health Care and Compensation expanded for F-111 workers
In this year’s Budget the Government has introduced a $55 million package in response to the recent F-111 Parliamentary inquiry. Benefits will be extended to an additional 2,400 workers who carried out fuel maintenance work involving fuel tank entry on F-111 aircraft. A new website has been set up to provide complete information for F-111 fuel tank maintenance workers and their families. f111.dva.gov.au


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

New program to prevent unnecessary hospital admissions and readmissions
The Australian Government’s 2010-11 Budget provides a $152.7 million package to improve community based health care for veterans and war widows and in doing so, reduce unnecessary hospital stays. Called the Preventable Admissions and Improved Community Care Program, it will specifically target people with chronic conditions and complex care needs who are most vulnerable and at risk of hospitalisations. Visit the Minister's website for more information.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

New technology efficiencies for DVA
To help DVA meet its whole of government ICT savings obligations without impacting our services and obligations to veterans and their families, the Department is currently finalising negotiations with another organisation to share back office corporate and ICT services. Visit the DVA website for more information.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Consultation on Pharmaceuticals for War Caused Disabilities
The Government is seeking submissions on the Consultation Paper for the Review of War Caused Disabilities and Pharmaceutical Costs.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Anzac Day at Gallipoli and Villers-Bretonneux well attended
Around 7000 people attended the Dawn Service at Gallipoli marking the 95th anniversary of the landings in 1915. In France, around 3500 Australians attended the annual Dawn Service at the Australian National Memorial at Villers-Bretonneux, honouring the 46,000 Australians who died on the Western Front in the First World War.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

More Fromelles fallen identified
Nineteen more Australians who fell in the Battle of Fromelles in July 1916 have been positively identified and named, bringing the total number of named Australian soldiers to 94.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

New Sea wall for Anzac Cove
The Turkish Government is planning to invest in new works to protect Anzac Cove, countering years of constant pounding by the sea which has dramatically effected the coastline. The works are due to be completed before April 2011.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Publications
DVA Education resources for 2010
Men’s Health Peer Education Program Newsletter – March 2010

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Media Releases
2010-11 Budget media releases (VA021 – VA024)
Government calls for submissions on pharmaceuticals review (VA020 PDF 45Kb)
Anzac spirit commemorated across the world (VA018 PDF 61Kb)
Veterans' children receive tertiary education support (VA017 PDF 45Kb)
$200000 for projects honouring Australia's veterans (VA016 PDF 79Kb)
New sea wall to save Anzac Cove (VA015 PDF 57Kb)
New veteran pension rates announced (VA013 PDF 50Kb)

SUBJECT DVA NEWSLETTER



NEW PROGRAM INCREASES COMMUNITY CARE, REDUCING HOSPITAL STAYS



The government will deliver improved health care for veterans and war widows and reduce unnecessary hospital stays through a new $152.7 million investment announced in the Budget.


The Preventable Admissions and Improved Community Care Program will increase community-based support for veterans and war widows who have chronic conditions and complex care needs and are at risk of hospitalisation.



The Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Alan Griffin, said that new payments would be available to Local Medical Officers (LMOs) to better coordinate and oversee health care for veterans and war widows targeted by this new initiative. The government expects up to 17,000 veterans will benefit from the initiative.



“This initiative will provide real support to members of our Second World War generation in their twilight years.



“In many cases, there is no need for someone to end up sick enough to go to hospital. There is evidence that many of these stays would not be needed if there was better coordination of care and support for them in the community.



“Being admitted to hospital can be very stressful, especially for older patients. This program aims to reduce unnecessary hospital stays by focusing on better community-based care and helping with the self-management of chronic conditions,” Mr Griffin said.



This announcement builds on the firm relationship that already exists between veterans and their LMOs. LMOs will receive new payments for preparing and implementing care plans, including coordinating care for veterans participating in the initiative.



A practice or community nurse will support the veteran including:

· coordinating appointments with other health professionals involved in their care

· providing an appointment reminder

· undertaking home visits

· assisting with medication management and treatments

· assisting the patient to self-monitor his or her condition.



The new program will target those with one or more of up to five chronic conditions. These are congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and diabetes.



As part of the package, $28 million will be spent on an expansion of the Veterans’ Home Care Program to introduce a new service to target older, more frail veterans most at risk of unnecessary hospitalisation.



“This will increase home-based services for our frailest veterans to try and keep them healthier so they can spend more quality time at home and less time in hospital,” Mr Griffin said.



Media inquiries: Sasha Nimmo 0437 863 109

DVA General inquiries: 133 254





SUBJECT DVA NEWSLETTER



Minister for Veterans' Affairs Mailing List

VA021 Tuesday, 11 May 2010



2010-11 BUDGET PROVIDES MORE SUPPORT FOR AUSTRALIAN VETERANS



The government is delivering on key election promises for veterans in this Budget by providing a $246.4 million package of new initiatives.



Among the initiatives are commitments for:



• greater access to compensation and income support

• preventing unnecessary hospital admissions for members of the veteran community

• action on further recommendations of the Clarke Review

• better access to health care and compensation for F-111 workers.

The Rudd Government in the 2010-11 Budget is providing $12.1 billion in income support, compensation and better health services for veterans.



“This increased support continues while our veteran community declines with the passing of the World War Two generation. Sadly, over the last year Department of Veterans’ Affairs’ client numbers have fallen from 415,000 to approximately 380,000,” the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Alan Griffin, said.



The government will invest $152.7 million in expanding community-based health services aimed at Australian veterans and war widows with chronic conditions and complex care needs and at risk of hospitalisation.



The package of new measures will also include greater access to benefits for thousands of Australians whose military service may have exposed them to health problems or illness.



$55 million will be invested to give an additional 2,400 F-111 aircraft fuel tank maintenance workers access to better health care and compensation. These workers include those known as ‘pick and patch’ personnel who were not deemed eligible under the previous scheme. This means that more than 3,000 F-111 workers will now have access to benefits should they need them.



“Under the former flawed scheme, ex gratia payments were provided based on arbitrary classifications without any reference to their health needs.



“This new and vastly improved package addresses people’s actual health problems in a fair and equitable way,” Mr Griffin said.



In other changes, the 2010–11 Veterans’ Affairs Budget provides compensation and benefits for defence force personnel who participated in British Nuclear Testing in the 1950s and 1960s.



“We have accepted the Clarke Review recommendation that the service of military personnel who participated in nuclear tests should be declared non-warlike hazardous under the Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986.



“This is what representatives of nuclear participants have sought since 2004.”



Defence force members who participated in British Nuclear Testing will now be eligible for the disability pension and health care. Their partners may also be eligible for the war widows/ers pension. This change will potentially benefit an estimated 2,700 ex-defence force members at an estimated impact of $24.2 million over five years.



This is the result of a commitment by this government to revisit recommendations made as part of the 2003 Clarke Review into veterans’ entitlements which had not been implemented.



There will also be a reclassification of the service of certain submarine special operations personnel between 1978 and 1992 to acknowledge their contribution, recognising it as qualifying service. Up to 890 former submariners will benefit from this change, costing an estimated $11.1 million over four years.



The Minister said the government’s close inspection of the 45 Clarke Review recommendations had resulted in three being accepted and already acted upon, four being accepted, 12 rejected, four deferred and a further 22 referred for consideration under the Review of Military Compensation Arrangements.



The government will also invest an additional $2.7 million to reclassify service at RAAF Base Ubon in Thailand between 31 May 1962 and 27 July 1962 from operational service to qualifying service, also improving eligibility for benefits for those affected.



Media inquiries: Sasha Nimmo 0437 863 109

DVA general inquiries 133 254








Weekly News 9 May 2010
www.mrsite.co.uk/usersitesv2/HMAS-Leeuwin-1963.com/wwwroot/page9.htm


G'day All,

Hope all is well. The function on Friday went off really well. More on that in the Newsletter to come later.

The big news for me is an article out of the Melbourne Herald Sun last Sunday which is included below. Russ Dale forwarded this email. You may recall I advocated earlier about this legal group of dicks who were ripping off all the blokes they represented on the VOYAGER/MELBOURNE incident. I have also included another article about the same topic and an article (which I guess he sponsored) from the same paper in 2008, exactly two years earlier to the day. It goes to show what type of people they are. What goes around comes around.

The Australain Services Rugby Carnival will be held during the week 16-23 May (1500 Navy v RAAF 16th, Army v RAAF 19th and 1500 Navy v Army 22nd) at Viking Park at Tuggernong. Hope to see you there. There is an article from Chris Cummins about the socials included below. This is an open invite to anybody who has played rugby at any level in the Puss to attend.

There are only a few items this week but they are both near and dear to me. Hope you enjoy.

cheers

Ron

This week:
LAWYERS DOUBLE BILL DISASTER VICTIMS
RUGBY SOCIALS

SUBJECT LAWYERS DOUBLE BILL DISASTER VICTIMS
A group of survivors of the collision between the HMAS Melbourne and HMAS Voyager who received compensation almost half a century later have been double billed for their legal expenses.

A Supreme Court judge has found Melbourne law firm Hollows Lawyers overcharged their clients $370,000-.

One man was overcharged almost $120,000-, while a further 8 men were double billed between $2,597- and $73,900-, according to court documents.

The collision between the Melbourne and the destroyer in February 1964 off the NSW coast – Australia’s worst peacetime navy disaster – resulted in 82 deaths.

Justice Karin Emerton appointed receivers to investigate the files and bill discrepancy.”

TheAustralian

Lawyers still battling over Voyager

From: TheAustralian
May 02, 2008
THE Rudd Government is spending millions of dollars on litigation because of its failure to deliver on a key election promise.
Alternatively, you can copy and paste this link into your browser:
www.theaustralian.com.au/business/legal-affairs/lawyers-still-battling-over-voyager/story-e6frg97x-1111116220804


SUBJECT AUSTRALIAN SERVICES RUGBY SOCIAL FUNCTIONS

All of the Old Boys are invited to the After match function with the Navy team which is going to be conducted at the Vikings Golf Club (Old Capital Hill golf course) at Narrabundah. There is no Official after match dinner for the players as they will conduct that function after the matches against the touring French Navy teams in July.
Also we have been invited to an evening at the Harman Senior Sailors Mess with the current Men's and Women's players on the Wednesday Evening (19 May 10).

Looking forward to Catching up

Chris


Weekly News 2 May 2010
www.mrsite.co.uk/usersitesv2/HMAS-Leeuwin-1963.com/wwwroot/page9.htm

G'day All,

Hope all is well. Had a great week on the South Coast, did ANZAC Day at Batemans Bay with Brissles and Lou Lassau, Roger Pearson was there but I didnt catch up with him, then caught up with Barry Parker and span a few warries on Wednesday afternoon. Barry has retired in the area.

This Friday is our function at the Rockers. CYA there at 1200ish.

On Tuesday Mick Gallagher and I are involved in presenting the JR Medallion and a copy of Brian Adams book on LEEUWIN to the Navy Heritage Centre at GI. Ken Dobbie has coordinated this presentation and a similar presentation is being done by EX-CERBERUS JR's to the CERBERUS Heritage Centre.

The ADF and RSL have launched a Sub Branch for serving personnel. See below.

The Australain Services Rugby Carnival will be held during the week 16-23 May (Navy v RAAF 16th, Army v RAAF 19th and Navy Army 22nd) at Viking Park at Tuggernong. Hope to see you there.

There are quite a few items this week. Hope you enjoy.

cheers


Ron

This week:
Letter to PM re TPI pensions and the ETS (Attachment)Click here to download this file
Vale - CDRE P.J. HUTSON
Greenies reunion June 2010 (Attachment)Click here to download this file
RAN CD's Reunion
RESERVISTS WITH OVERSEAS SERVICE
LAUNCH OF THE RETURNED AND SERVICES LEAGUE OF AUSTRALIA DEFENCE SUB BRANCH
Crackdown on disability pension
POEM - Let There Be No Moaning at the Bar


SUBJECT VALE CDRE P.J. HUTSON

Regret to report that Commodore P J Hutson RAN Retd crossed the bar on 26th April 2010. He was 11th CO of PERTH II from 9 FEB 1974 until 15 MAY 1976.

Funeral is at RMC Duntroon 1400 Tueday 4th May.

SUBJECT RAN CD's Reunion

60th Anniversary of the Clearance Diving Branch - Biennial Reunion of the RAN Clearance Diving Association
2011 is the 60th Anniversary of the RAN Clearance Diving Branch and the plan is for the BRANCH to celebrate that during the week before and over the ANZAC Day weekend.
The biennial RANCDA Reunion will be conducted at the same time as a parallel and integrated event.
James Squire Brewhouse, Darling Harbour will be the ops centre and central meeting point/venue (website: www .jamessquirebrewhouse.net)
Local hotel beds at favourable prices are being negotiated at the moment with Ibis Hotels ( hope to get this tied up in the next week)
Registration forms and event details will be circulated after August this year.
Members are encouraged to register their email address to ensure they get early copies of the registration documentation by emailing rancda.2011@defence.gov.au our official email address for the event.
Watch the notice board on the CDA website for updates and details.

Neill 'Dinga' Bell
Commander, RANR
MBL: 0404048558 ( Turned off during Work Hours)
Work: 02 93594351
www.rancd-association.com

SUBJECT RESERVISTS WITH OVERSEAS SERVICE

In 2010 it will be just over 60 years since the part-time forces were reformed after WWII. In those 60 years Reservists have been volunteering to serve overseas from the early United Nations missions and Korea to the current overseas operations.

The Reserve Forces Day Council throughout Australia will give special recognition in 2010 to those members who, when as Reservists, volunteered to serve overseas in operations or humanitarian missions and who have been awarded a medal for that service.

This includes all Australian Naval, Army, Air Force and Humanitarian missions and commitments overseas e.g. Bougainville, Solomon Islands etc.

The celebrations include the presentation of a Reserve Forces Day Council recognition ribbon and depending on the State an invitation to the Reserve Forces celebrations. In NSW and Victoria the Governor is to host a reception for serving and former members on the formal Reserve Forces Day Thursday 1 July 2010. Similar occasions will be held in other States.

The Governor General has approved a special recognition certificate for “Overseas Reservists” for those attending the Reserve Forces Day parades. It will show the members details and overseas service and will serve as a reminder of that service.

In Sydney on the 5th December 2009 the National Launch of RFD 2010, was performed by the Commander of the 2nd Division Major General Williams AM on behalf of the CDF. At the launch an initial 45 serving and former members were presented their recognition ribbons. Their service covered 11 different overseas operations from Korea to Afghanistan. See the web site under 2010.

The National Executive would like to invite serving or former members meeting the criteria to submit their details so that they can be invited to take part in the celebrations. Members are requested to register through the RFDC web site www.rfd.org.au under 2010 “Registration”. At end of the registration there is also a form you can print off and give to someone who would qualify. Please phone or contact Bob Joseph in need for further details.

Mr Bob Joseph
National Project Officer Overseas Reservists
Reserve Forces Day Council.
15 Summit Court Glenwood NSW 2768
Phone: 02 9629 9431 Mobile: 0418 215 182 FAX: 02 9629 3453
Email: bob.joseph@bigpond.com


Once submitted he will send you’re application to the appropriate city.

Please act now with returns due by 31 May 2010.


SUBJECT LAUNCH OF THE RETURNED AND SERVICES LEAGUE OF AUSTRALIA DEFENCE SUB BRANCH

1.On 16 April 2010 the Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, will join the President of the Returned and Services League of Australia (RSL), Rear Admiral Ken Doolan (Retired), to launch an online sub branch, exclusively for serving Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel, to improve their access to RSL venues, support and advice services.
2.Defence supports the launch of this resource which will ensure that our soldiers, sailors and airmen and women have access to improved support services across all aspects of their lives.
3.This is a positive initiative that will provide ADF members access to timely advice, assistance and information via a dedicated RSL enquiry website. The RSL has made a commitment to acknowledge enquiries via this site within a 24-hour period and to respond within five working days of receiving an enquiry.
4.In addition to improved support and advice, ADF members who join the sub branch will receive a membership card which ensures their access to all RSL sub branches and clubs nationwide; along with discounts on merchandise and services; and regular updates on RSL activities and events via emails and a quarterly magazine.
5.The RSL plays an important role in supporting our ADF members past and present. It exists to ensure that programs are in place for the wellbeing, care, compensation and commemoration of serving and ex-service Defence Force members and their dependants.
6.Our commitments to ADF members are linked and Defence will continue to support like outcomes which benefit our people.
7.ADF members can join the online RSL Defence sub branch for free for the initial year of membership, with a $30 fee per year thereafter. The sub branch website is: www.rsldefencesubbranch.com.au.CW Orme, AM, CSC
Major General

Head of People Capability/J1 Australian Defence Force

People Strategies and Policy Group



SUBJECT Crackdown on disability pension

From: TheAustralian
April 28, 2010
WITH around 778,000 Australians on disability pensions and the number rising steadily, the Rudd government will today announce tougher rules that will make 6500 people ineligible for the payment.

Alternatively, you can copy and paste this link into your browser:
www.theaustralian.com.au/politics/crackdown-on-disability-pension/story-e6frgczf-1225859069521



SUBJECT Let There Be No Moaning at the Bar

Old sailors sit
And chew the fat
About things that used to be,
Of the things they've seen'
The places they've been,
When they ventured out to sea.

They remembered friends
From long ago,
The times they had back then,
The money they spent,
The beer they drank,
In their days as sailing men.

Their lives are lived
In the days gone by
With the thoughts that forever last.
Of the bell bottom blues,
Round white hats,
And good times in their past.

They recall long nights
With the moon so bright
Far out into the lonely sea.
The thoughts they had
As youthful lads,
When their lives were wild and free.

They know so well
How their hearts would swell
When the flag fluttered proud and free.
The underway pennant
Such a beautiful sight
As they plowed through an angry sea.

They talked of the scran
the chefs would make
And the shrill of the bosuns pipe.
How salt spray would fall
Like sparks from hell
When a storm struck in the night.

They remember old shipmates
Already gone
Who forever hold a spot in their heart,
When sailors were bold,
And friendships would hold,
Until death ripped them apart.

They speak of nights
Spent in bawdy houses
On many foreign shore,
Of the beer they'd down
As gathering around,
Telling jokes with a busty whore.

Their sailing days
Are gone away,
Never again will they cross the brow.
They have no regrets,
They know they are blessed,
For honoring the sacred vow.

Their numbers grow less
With each passing day
As the final muster begins,
There's nothing to lose,
All have paid their dues,
And they'll sail with shipmates again.

I've heard them say
Before getting underway
That there's still some sailing to do,
They'll say with a grin that their ship has come in,

And the Good Lord is commanding the crew.




Weekly News 25 April 2010
www.mrsite.co.uk/usersitesv2/HMAS-Leeuwin-1963.com/wwwroot/page9.htm


G'day All,

Hope all is well and ANZAC Day is what you want it to be. Am going fishing around Bateman's Bay tomorrow for the week, so will be there on Sunday for the services.

This week there is an attachment which contains benefits available to the ex and current defence community living in Queensland. If you live in Queensland, it is a must read. There are two articles by the Coalition on where they stand in respect of Military Superannuation.

Drive and arrive safely.

cheers


Ron

This week:
Queensland defence community benefits Click here to download this file
Two articles from Coalition Click here to download this file Click here to download this file



Weekly News 18 April 2010
www.mrsite.co.uk/usersitesv2/HMAS-Leeuwin-1963.com/wwwroot/page9.htm

G'day All,

Hope you are all well. A very quiet week.

Sydney function, Friday 7 May commencing 1200ish at Rockers. Send me an email if you intend attending. Those attending are Ian Schubert, Doug Heath, Jack Davey, Mike Hogan, Spook Cairns, Mick Gallagher (who doesnt confirm until the last minute), Warren French and myself. John Hatchman, Mike Shephard, Tom Kinross, Doug Wilson, Terry Dack and Ted Hase have already forwarded their apologies.

Is anybody interested in going to the Rugby World Cup next year, I intend going, there is this group advertised in the NRMA magazine which conducts ship's tours. I will not be accompanied by my cheese and kisses, she is Rugby'd out, I am looking for some like minded persons, who would like to share accommodation on the ship either two or three to the cabin. The website is rugby.adventureworld.com.au/Packages/overview/package21/


cheers


Ron

this week:

Telstra Assistance

Gallipoli Sniper

HMAS SYDNEY 2 Commemorative Football Match - AFL



SUBJECT TELSTRA ASSISTANCE
For all Australian respondents...

Telstra Phone book

For anyone contemplating using the Sensis directory service number, 1234, DON'T!
Sensis, as you may or may not know, is a subsidiary of Telstra. The 1234 number is replacing the Telstra 12456 directory assistance number, but this time with outrageous costs attached:

40c to call the number, then 4c A SECOND!

By law, Telstra must provide a FREE directory assistance number.
They choose however not to pass this number on to the public.
The free number is 1223
Thumbs down to Telstra for finding a way to 'charge', for a service that is supposed to be provided for free.

SUBJECT GALLIPOLI SNIPER

All,

The latest copy of the Outback magazine contained an article on Billy Sing, known as the Gallipoli Sniper, who in a few short months on the Gallipoli peninsula became the Allies greatest sniper, possibly the best sniper ever. He is reputed to have killed more men than any other foot soldier in history. Below is Billy’s story which I have taken, in large part, from the Outback together with additional information from the Australian War Memorial. I noted that Billy died within days of my own grandfather – both deaths caused by the effects of mustard gas attacks they were subjected to during the war. Research shows that most soldiers were returned to the front line after ‘recovering’ from the effects of gas – BUT – they paid a terrible price later! Almost all soldiers who were gassed during WW1 died in their 30’s, 40’s and early 50’s with virtually none living to reach old age. Reading their death certificates it was a horrible and painful death due to the damage the gas had caused to their lungs, throats and respiratory systems.

A movie of the life of Billy is being produced. A clip is at the this link but it looks like Billy and his Dad have been Anglicised as they don’t look too ‘Chinese’:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=7REJb9JMOMQ

Trust Billy’s story (below) is of as much interest as it was researching.

Huck

Secretary

VVMC QLD

Gallipoli Sniper – Billy Sing

Billy Sing, nicknamed ‘The Murderer’ was a World War 1 hero, once known around the world. But by the time he died in 1943, alone and almost penniless he had all but been forgotten. Billy was born in 1886 in Clermont, QLD to a Chinese father from Shanghai and an Englishwoman. This son of a Chinaman rose above the racist attitudes and laws of the time and was a likeable young bloke admired for his sporting prowess, particularly with the rifle. While still a boy, the story went, he could shoot the tail off a piglet at 25 paces with a .22 rifle.


From the age of 15, Billy worked as a station hand, ringer and horse drover further cultivating his childhood bush skills, including hunting. He honed his shooting skills at the Clermont Rifle Club, and later at the rifle club in Proserpine. A regular winner of shooting prizes, he was also a good cricketer.

Sing was in his prime when he journeyed to Brisbane to join the 5th Light Horse (LH) Regiment in 1914. The 5th LH was in Egypt when the ANZACs landed at Gallipoli. Leaving their horses behind, Billy’s regiment deployed in May 1915 as Infantry to Turkey’s Gallipoli Peninsula. Trooper 355, Billy Sing became ‘probably the most dangerous sniper in any army throughout the war’, wrote Ion Idriess. Idriess sailed to war on the same boat at Billy and became a popular author after the war. He was also an experienced bushman and at times was Billy’s spotter.

‘Abdul the Terrible’, as the Allies called him, was the decorated Turkish sniper bought to Gallipoli to stop Sing! He methodically studied the Australian’s handiwork – up to nine kills per day. Having finally located Sing’s specially constructed ‘possie’, Abdul prepared to take down his prey – only to be shot between the eyes by Sing.

Abdul was one of Sing’s 201 confirmed Gallipoli kills, though he probably took the lives of many more Turks – there was not always a spotter to verify kills, and it was sometimes difficult to determine if targets that had been hit and fallen into trenches had actually been killed. Though bringing grief to Turkey, Sing’s exploit saved Allied lives and was perfect propaganda – he was mentioned in despatches, awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal and lauded in newspapers from Sydney to San Francisco.

But it didn’t go all Sing’s way. He was wounded in August 1915, when a Turkish sniper hit the telescope of his spotter, who was badly wounded before the bullet finally came to rest in Billy’s shoulder. As the weather deteriorated, Billy succumbed to the cold, wet weather and the appalling conditions in the trenches and was evacuated to Malta just weeks before the Allies withdrew from the Gallipoli peninsula.

Bouts of illness kept Billy in England for some time before he was deployed to the Western Front in January 1917 with the 31st Australian Infantry Battalion, where soon after he was wounded and sent back to England to recuperate. He wrote home, ‘We had an awful time in France this winter; it was the coldest they’ve had for years......It would break your heart to see the dead bodies lying around unburied.’

Following his discharge from hospital he was given leave. Sing headed to Edinburgh, where he had a whirlwind romance with a waitress Elizabeth Stewart. On 29 June they were married. A month later Billy was back in the trenches!

Private Sing was awarded the Belgian Croix de Guerre in early 1918, for his role in leading a patrol, killing several German snipers at Polygon Wood in September 1917. Over his period of service he contracted influenza, rheumatism, mumps, had been gassed, shot on two occasions, sustained shrapnel wounds to both legs and his back, spending quite some time in and out of hospitals, eventually causing his medical discharge.

The mustard gas caused lifelong lung disease for Billy and it signalled the end of his military career when in July 1918 he was shipped home. Despite having been wounded, gassed and ill several times he was declared fit and able to work when discharged in Brisbane.

For a time Billy was buoyed by an enthusiastic welcome in both Proserpine and later Clermont but that soon faded. He set out to be a sheep farmer like so many other soldiers on blocks donated to returned servicemen by the Federal Government, but his land was poor like many of the blocks in this flawed scheme. Almost a third of the soldiers turned farmers walked off the land – including Billy Sing.

There’s no indication that Billy’s wife was ever part of his new life. There is correspondence showing that he applied for Elizabeth to have free passage from Britain, it doesn’t seem to have eventuated.

Though hampered by illness and his wounds, the failed sheep farmer still had to make a living. He turned to gold prospecting and did well enough to go on weekend sprees with his mining mates. He also got a reputation for heavy drinking and a bad attitude. When the gold ran out, Billy turned to labouring in Brisbane where he continued to work hard although complaining of pains in his heart, chest and back.

On May 19, 1943, Billy was found dead in his boarding house bedroom. Five shillings were also found but no sign of his war medals.

As his humble grave marker in the Lutwyche War Cemetery weathered away, Billy Sing was all but forgotten. 50 years after his death a newspaper article revived interest in ‘this ace Australian sniper’. A plaque was erected on the site where he died and in 1995, a statue of Sing was unveiled with full military honours in his hometown of Clermont.

In 2004 Australian Army snipers named their Baghdad post the ‘Billy Sing Bar & Grill’. Last year, on the 66th anniversary of his death, wreaths were laid at Sing’s grave during a ceremony attended by various dignitaries, including the Chinese Consul-General.

SUBJECT NOTICE TO RSL & NAVAL ASSOCIATIONS - HMAS SYDNEY II COMMEMORATIVE FOOTBALL MATCH 24 APRIL 2010 - PLEASE CIRCULATE NATIONALLY


SUBJECT HMAS SYDNEY 2 COMMEMORATIVE FOOTBALL MATCH
HMAS Sydney II Commemorative Football Match


The Finding Sydney Foundation, the Australian Football League and the Royal Australian Navy in conjunction with the Sydney Swans and West Coast Eagles Football Clubs are pleased to announce that the inaugural Annual HMAS Sydney II Commemorative Football Match will be held on Saturday 24th April 2010 at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

HMAS Sydney II was a proud and distinguished fighting ship so it was with a profound sense of loss that the nation learned that she had been sunk with all 645 crew in a mutually destructive engagement with the German Auxiliary Cruiser Kormoran on 19 November 1941, some 112 miles West of Shark Bay, Western Australia. The tragic fate of Sydney and her crew remained a mystery until she was found by the Finding Sydney Foundation on 16 March 2008 sitting upright on the ocean floor at a depth of 2,500 metres.

Hosted in 2010 by the Sydney Swans, the Match will be held annually between the Sydney Swans, representing her home port, and the West Coast Eagles, representing the State of her final operations and resting place. The Match is in memory of the sacrifice made by Sydney’s men and by their families.

The HMAS Sydney II Trophy has been donated to the AFL by the Finding Sydney Foundation and will be flown in to the ‘Bounce- Down Circle’ by a Navy helicopter. The trophy is in the form of a Ship’s Battle Honours Board showing Sydney’s distinct badge and her campaign and battle honours in polished bronze on a jarrah base and backboard as illustrated above. The Clubs’ logos, a description plate and space for recording the annual result are provided for on the trophy base.

Campaign and battle honours are highly prized by the ships and aircraft squadrons so awarded and are always displayed, serving as a constant and proud reminder of past achievements. The trophy is therefore evocative of the fighting spirit and teamwork shown by Sydney’s men and of an invitation for the two Clubs to perpetuate these sentiments by demonstrating the same spirit of competition and teamwork each year.

The Finding Sydney Foundation is also providing a perpetual trophy for the player judged as Best on Ground for each match. The trophy is based on the casing of a 76mm shell fired by the present and fourth warship to be named HMAS Sydney. As HMAS Sydney II’s short wartime history is one of triumph against the odds; of courage and ingenuity in adversity; of free and independent spirits who became a team formed by the bonds of mateship and necessity, the trophy will be awarded to “the player who showed the greatest courage and skill in adversity, teamwork and fighting spirit."

The Best on Ground player will also be presented with a pure silver 2008 HMAS Sydney II $1.00 Commemorative coin as a keepsake

The Coin Toss before the start of each game will be carried out using a 2010 Anzac Day $1.00 coin

A 25 year supply of both the silver HMAS Sydney and the Anzac Day coins has been generously donated by the Perth Mint (www.perthmint.com.au).

A tribute to HMAS Sydney II will be held along with an official observance ceremony prior to the commencement of the match. To help in this commemoration, all family and friends of those touched by HMAS Sydney II are invited to attend. Tickets can be purchased through Ticketek; www.ticketek.com.au or 132 849.

26° 14’ 45”S 111° 12’ 55”E


Weekly News 11 April 2010
www.mrsite.co.uk/usersitesv2/HMAS-Leeuwin-1963.com/wwwroot/page9.htm



G'day All,



Hope you are all well. We have been in Launceston for the last week swimming, Bongo and Jo Di Betta also attended, we all had a good time.



Thanks for the emails re our next function in Sydney. Dont forget Friday 7 May commencing 1200ish at Rockers. Send me an email if you intend attending. Those attending are Ian Schubert, Doug Heath, Jack Davey, Mike Hogan, Spook Cairns, Mick Gallagher (who doesnt confirm until the last minute) and myself. John Hatchman, Mike Shephard, Tom Kinross and Doug Wilson have already forwarded their apologies.




Thanks to all for the response on Glenn Summerhayes query on D07. Received 12 responses, Eddie Sheavils, Dave Laundon, Stevan Coll, John Gray and Nev Thomas identified the ship. This is Eddie's description:



The mystery photo of D07 rang a bell to me. I googled "C Class Destroyers" and after a bit of searching found out that D07 was HMS CAESAR, a member of the CAVENDISH Class. She was completed in 1944 and finally scrapped in 1966.Others of the class that were "up top" in 1964 that I remember were CASSANDRA and CAVENDISH. They carried 3 x single open 4.5" mounts, 4 x 21" torpedoes, twin Squid A/S mortars,and numerous 40/60 mounts. The Carrier in the background (R08) is the Commando Carrier HMS BULWARK.



Also from three of the above received the following site. www.worldnavalships.com/c_class.htm#HMS%20Caesar



Glenn Summerhayes forwarded the following email:



Thank you Ron and all who responded to the Unknown Destroyer D.07 (HMS Ceasar). I have been chasing some naval history info as a "hobby" for quite a while to keep the brain at least active.

Start the New Regeme' for Medication Trials on the 15th April 2010 from Europe. At this point of time no hospitalisation is required unless there is any adverse side affects.

Keep up the great work and information trail, I would think there is many Ex Pussers out there that look forward to the communications from you and the others. Please pass onto all my thanks for this and past follow-up info I have requested.

My Home Telephone is (02) 9501 1619 (Caringbah NSW) should any one from JRTE or Intake 7 would like to make contact me.
My last Division was Kaiba One in the first half of 1964.

Cheers to all and thanks for your thoughts and best wishes for a speedy recovery. I should be use to it by now after some 20 years or so but I am getting older and find it a lot more difficult to fight it, "MOTIVATION" IS MY STIMULATE.

Regards

Glenn




this week:



Pulic Interest from a Liberal - AttachedClick here to download this file

Greyhound Australia, free bus travel on ANZAC Day - AttachedClick here to download this file

Insured Service Persons Association - AttachedClick here to download this file



cheers



Ron







Weekly News 4 April 2010
www.mrsite.co.uk/usersitesv2/HMAS-Leeuwin-1963.com/wwwroot/page9.htm



G'day All,



Hope you are all well. We have our next function in Sydney on Friday 7 May commencing 1200ish at Rockers. With the reunion in July at LEEUWIN fast approaching, this will be a good opporturnity to catch up and do some dummy runs. Could those that intend to attend please let me know. John Hatchman and Mike Shephard have already forwarded their apologies.




Sick Parade Max Hart is going into hospital, the Royal Perth Hospital in fact on the 21st of April, he will undergo a ten hour operation and is expected to be released 10 days later. Received this email:



Just a brief note.For quite some time now I had planned to go to the USA to catch up with my son who I haven't seen for many years. The reunion clashes with the dates planned beforehand. I had been diognosed with asbestosis but the air travel wasn,t an issue.Won't be going anywhere now but hospital as I have now been diognoses with a tumor on the brain (benign luckily) Some might say 'shit happens', but there are a lot more people out there that are worse off than me.
I'd like a beer for every lie that will be told on the night. It would be worse that Anzac Day
Take care and have a good one. Hooroo, Max

You will all remember the great job he did at the Perth reunion 2 years ago, well he has to stock and destore of course his own frig during this ordeal. Max may need a hand from someone to give and share with him a cleansing ale.



You may recall Glenn Summerhayes has been crook for some time with a bowel condition. Received this email from Glenn,



Ron,

Memory Lost - Who was D 07?? - No Turrets etc, looks like an old UK Carrier in the Background.

Thanks again for the up-dates and acknowledgements.

About to start some 'Experimental Meds" by the 15th April 2010 so will have to wait to see the outcome - good I hope.
Only problem is that I am 'Grounded' from Driving a car for 3 Months - thats really going to slow me down I think.

Will keep in touch - Thanks also for the info passed on to me regarding Ex JR from Intake 6 / 1963 " Paul RATRAY - I will endeavour to follow-up on these preliminary leads when I can think for myself.

The Reunion sounds great - DEFINATELY I would like to purchase any Videos produced etc.

Cheers

GLENN SUMMERHAYES R94128 - 7/63

By the way does anybody know the idenity of the D07, I Googled it and couldnt identify it.


cheers



Ron



this week:



The early history of MELBOURNE (Attached)Click here to download this file



Weekly News 28 March 2010
www.mrsite.co.uk/usersitesv2/HMAS-Leeuwin-1963.com/wwwroot/page9.htm



G'day All,



Hope you are all well. We have our next function in Sydney on Friday 7 May commencing 1200ish at Rockers. Could those that intend to attend please let me know.



John Tant is the Treasurer of the Muswellbrook Sub Branch. Through John the sub branch has agreed to donate us $200 to be used for our dedication ceremonies. I wish to discuss the cost of dedications at our function in May.



There are three familar photos in the attachments of Honkers in the 60's. Worth a look.





cheers



Ron



this week:



White Lady Funerals discount offer - Attachment

JR's 50th Anniversary Newsletter No 11 - Attachment

Pictures of Honkers in the 60's - Attachments

VENDETTA Assoc ANZAC Day invite for Brisbane - Attachment

Coalition will not support amalgamation of Commonwealth Superannuation Boards
Click here to download this file Click here to download this file Click here to download this file Click here to download this file Click here to download this file Click here to download this file

SUBJECT COALITION WILL NOT SUPPORT AMALGAMATION OF COMMONWEALTH SUPERANNUATION BOARDS

The Shadow Minister for Defence Science, Personnel and Assisting Shadow Minister for Defence, Bob Baldwin, and the Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Louise Markus, have said that the Coalition will not support the passage of the Governance of Australian Government Superannuation Schemes Bill 2010 through the Lower House in its current form, as it will disadvantage members of military superannuation schemes.

‘We have listened to current Australian Defence Force members, veterans and veteran organisations, and after due consideration have concluded that the amalgamation of all civilian and military Commonwealth superannuation boards will have a negative effect on the future administration of military superannuation schemes,’ Mr Baldwin said.

‘Military members and their families are subjected to unique working and living conditions not experienced in the vast majority of other professions and which often include exposure to physical danger for the serving member and the constant burden of relocations for the member’s family,’ Mrs Markus said.

‘Simply put, this Bill fails to recognise the unique nature of military service and the proposed Commonwealth Superannuation Corporation (CSC) will not function in the best interests of military members.’

Mr Baldwin and Mrs Markus said the composition of the proposed CSC board was also of considerable concern.

‘The Coalition does not support the inclusion of three trade unionists onto a board managing military superannuation. Furthermore, it is not appropriate that the Minister for Finance and Deregulation require the approval from the President of the ACTU to dismiss ACTU appointed directors, even for misbehaviour, bankruptcy or insolvency.’

Mr Baldwin said that he has raised the Coalition’s concerns directly with the Minister for Finance and Deregulation and discussed alternatives to the current proposed legislation including the introduction of separate civilian and military boards.

‘Such a construct would help ensure that a military member’s service is duly recognised and safeguarded while creating the potential for additional financial gains through the amalgamation of all civilian and military investment funds.’

　

MEDIA CONTACT Richard Briedis (0401-056-054) (Mr Baldwin)

Robert Hardie (6277 2371 / 0418 432 909) (Mrs Markus)




Weekly News 21 March 2010
www.mrsite.co.uk/usersitesv2/HMAS-Leeuwin-1963.com/wwwroot/page9.htm



G'day All,



Hope you are all well. A lot of email traffic this week.



Geoff Wake maybe calling it a day with processing Veterans’ claims. He has been working in this voluntary position for nine years and has suffered burnout previously. Enjoy your rest Geoff, you have done your bit and deserve the break.





cheers



Ron



this week:
Click here to download this file Click here to download this file Click here to download this file Click here to download this file


DFWA report of 17 March 2010 - attachment - a must read

Senate Inquiry into Super - attachment

Products and Services available to the ADO and Veterans - attachment

Navy Bereavement Pin - attachment

Navy News online

Public Records of Servicemen

HMAS MELBOURNE reunion

HMAS YARRA Association - ANZAC Day 2010

DVA ENEWS
Gallipoli Conference


SUBJECT NAVY NEWS ONLINE

This link is an interesting trip down memory lane, forwarded by Russ Loane


www.navy.gov.au/Publication:Navy_News





SUBJECT TROOPS PERSONAL RECORDS IN PUBLIC FREE-FOR-ALL





Courtesy Equal Justice For Troops Blog.

TROOPS PERSONAL RECORDS IN PUBLIC FREE-FOR-ALL
Equal Justice For Troops has recently been made aware of a significant oversight in the Archives Act 1983 which allows for the public to access all records of a Defence Force veteran so long as the records are over 30 years old; including confidential medical, psychological and performance reports. Compounding the issue, the defence force member would not be informed that their records have been accessed and are unable to know who has accessed them.

The Defence Force Welfare Association DFWA (responsible for bringing the issue to the attention of Equal Justice For Troops) has contacted relevant authorities and requested amendments to the Archives Act 1983. This was done after the association received a complaint from a concerned member of the public who had requested a relatives service records from the National Archives of Australia (NAA) and was sent, among other records, confidential medical reports.

Under s.5 of the Archives Act 1983, the NAA is vested with making Commonwealth records available to the public after 30 years. however, the legislation includes a number of exemptions that prohibit the release of certain records, notably:

s.33.1 (d) Information or matter the disclosure of which under this Act would constitute a breach of confidence;

s.33.1 (g) Information or matter the disclosure of which under this Act would involve the unreasonable disclosure of information relating to the personal affairs of any person (including a deceased person);

The problem that arises is that the legislation provides no clear definition for the terms "breach of confidence" or "personal affairs" and this ambiguity has led to the issue at hand. The implications of this are very concerning for both current and ex-serving members of the ADF. Contemporary Defence medical and psychological consultations are given in-confidence, as are many performance reports. Older records of the same kind, that may not have explicitly been given 'in-confidence', should no doubt be considered exempt from release as it would involve the unreasonable disclosure of the personal affairs of the member. If they are of the same nature as contemporary Defence in-confidence records then surely they should be given the same respect in terms of privacy. Even still, it is unclear whether the NAA would consider contemporary defence in-confidence records as exempt, given its stance regarding confidential personal medical records.

Most concerning is the public access to former defence personnel's psychological reports. In such consultations soldiers often speak of their fears, difficulties dealing with incidents whilst on deployment and occasionally dealing with post-traumatic stress or post-deployment stress disorder (PDSD). Allowing public access to these records is undoubtedly an unreasonable disclosure of a veteran's 'personal affairs' and a serious breach in the confidence a member has placed in the ADF. Unfortunately, due to the ambiguity of the legislation, the NAA does not seem to agree.

Whilst it would appear most current and ex-serving members feel quite strongly about protecting the privacy of their personal records, finding a suitable balance between veteran's privacy and the public's right to access Commonwealth archives is a more difficult issue. Should all records other than basic service details be regarded as 'personal affairs' and be prohibited from public access without the permission of the member concerned? Or should the exemption from access only extend to medical and psychological records and allow public access to confidential performance reports? Either way, it would be a vast improvement on the current open door policy, adopted by the NAA to all Defence personal records over 30 years of age.

The DFWA is still waiting for a response from the relevant authorities as to the rectification of this matter. Equal Justice For Troops will closely follow any developments in conjunction with the DFWA and will be ready to take further action to defend the privacy of veteran's personal records if the need arises.


Posted by Nicholas Brian Wiesener





SUBJECT HMAS MELBOURNE REUNION





H.M.A.S. MELBOURNE REUNION, OCTOBER 15TH TO 17TH 2010, NOWRA. N.S.W.





PROPOSED PROGRAM



Friday 15/10/10

Morning or afternoon: Sussex Inlet Bowling Club: A game of Bowls for those interested. Please contact Rex Langford at relangford@bigpond.com or on (02)4441 3176



1600: Bomaderry R.S.L: Registration, “Meet & Greet”, Buffet, Cash Bar, $15.00 p.p.



Saturday 16/10/10

0930: H.M.A.S. Albatross F.A.A. Museum: Registration, an Escorted Bus Tour of H.M.A.S. Albatross, Museum Entry and a BBQ Lunch with refreshments available, $25.00 p.p.



1700: Bomaderry R.S.L. Club: Registration and Reunion Dinner. The Guest Speaker being Commander of the Australian Fleet, RADM Stephen GILMORE. Cash Bar, $35.00 p.p.



Sunday 17/10/10

1100: H.M.A.S. Albatross F.A.A. Museum: The Museum will be presenting a “Wings & Wheels” Day, which is a static display of aircraft, hopefully including the Historical Flight and a collection of Vintage, Veteran and Classic Cars. This is a Public exhibition arranged to co-inside with our event. Reunion participants receive entry to the Display, Museum and a BBQ Lunch, with refreshments available. (This will be held in separate enclosure from the Public), $25.00 p.p.



There will be a Registration Fee of $10.00 p.p.



This Proposed Program may vary due circumstances beyond our control.



Accommodation in Nowra is limited and several Motels have already taken bookings for the Reunion weekend. Bomaderry Motor Inn hosts, Gary & San-Dee have offered to assist by directing you to available accommodation. Contact them at bominn@bominn.com.au or on (02)4421 0111, mention the Reunion, and a discount may apply at some establishments.



A Registration Form is attached and more are available from:

Association website at members.optusnet.com.au/hmas.melbourne/hmas_melbourneNew.htm

Dean Gedling at sicambre@optusnet.com.au or by writing to our PO Box below.



Registrations close 15th August 2010





Regards,

Dean Gedling

Vice President



P: (02)46261041 H.M.A.S. Melbourne Association

M: 0411015551 P.O. Box 4011

E: sicambre@optusnet.com.au Bradbury. N.S.W. 2560









SUBJECT GALLIPOLI CONFERENCE



Hi,



The Australian War Memorial has a Gallipoli conference on in August and I am hoping you would be able to help me in circulating some information to your members and colleagues.



Please see below e-card:







(To go to the website simply click on the above e-card)



Any assistance that you could provided in sending this out to your networks would be greatly appreciated.



Regards



Kate Still

Marketing Manager

Australian War Memorial

P: 02 6243 4392 F: 02 6243 4585

www.awm.gov.au

--------------------------------------------------------------

Australian Tourism Awards

Hall of Fame





SUBJECT DVA ENEWS






Issue - 1 - 2010

In this issue:
New service for Gallipoli visitors
New interpretive experience for the Western Front
Fromelles reinterment begins at new cemetery
Next round of BEST grants open
Cancer care without claim
New supplier arrangements for continence products
New DVA Factsheets
Publications
Media releases
New service for Gallipoli visitors
Australians planning to travel to Gallipoli for Anzac Day in 2010 will benefit from a new online service being trialled this year for the first time.

Visitors can now register at www.dva.gov.au/anzac to receive useful information on what to expect on the day, how to prepare and what to wear.

Registering is not mandatory, but by being fully prepared, visitors can ensure they get the most out of this once in a lifetime experience.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

New interpretive experience for the Western Front
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Alan Griffin was in France recently to announce plans for a new interpretive centre on the Western Front as part of the Australian Government’s $10 million Western Front Interpretive Trail.

Minister Griffin said a new museum and commemorative facilities at Mont St Quentin and plans for other interpretive facilities on the Western Front were on track and would provide more opportunities for visitors to learn about Australian service on the Western Front.

For more information access the Minister’s media release (PDF 42 Kb) or the Office of Australian War Graves website.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Fromelles reinterment begins at new cemetery
The first of the 250 soldiers recovered from the Fromelles mass grave site was reinterred at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s new military cemetery in Fromelles, France on 30 January 2010.

Representing the Australian Government, Minister Griffin said the Battle of Fromelles was the bloodiest 24 hours in Australian military history.

Remaining reburials took place in the following weeks with full military honours and are almost complete with the final burial to take place on 19 July 2010. For more information visit the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Next round of BEST grants open
Ex-service organisations (ESOs) can now apply for funding for 2010–11 through the next round of the Building Excellence in Support and Training (BEST) grants program.

Funding is available to help ESOs provide pension and welfare services to members of the veteran and ex-service community.

Applications are open until 19 March. More information and application forms are available at www.dva.gov.au/grants

The Department is currently undertaking a review of DVA-funded ESO Advocacy and Welfare Services, including the BEST program. This review is expected to conclude later this year.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cancer care without claim
Many veterans may not be aware that DVA provides treatment for some conditions, including cancer, without an accepted claim for a service-related disability.

This non-liability health care does require a request to be made of DVA, supported by evidence from your doctor, however it does not need DVA to accept the cancer as being caused by service.

Factsheet HSV66 provides more details. For information on how to reduce your risk of cancer visit the DVA website.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

New supplier arrangements for continence products
Following the outcome of a recent tender process, eligible members of the veteran community can now access continence products from one of two suppliers: 'Intouch' or ‘Independence Australia’.

While there will be no change to current arrangements for those already receiving products from either of these companies, arrangements will change for eligible persons in WA who receive their products from "Surgical House".

DVA will be writing to affected clients to advise how and when these changes will occur.

For more information visit the DVA website.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

New DVA Factsheets
The Department of Veterans’ Affairs online Factsheet portal is a one-stop-shop for detailed information on benefits and services available to DVA clients.

Transition ready reckoners for those affected by the Harmer Pension changes in September 2009, dates for pension paydays and allowances, overview of cards available to veterans and their dependents and concessions available in every state and territory are some of the topics of new Factsheets available now.

To access Factsheets on a range of topics visit the DVA Factsheets homepage.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Publications
The Anzac Walk - Gallipoli in a day (PDF 115 Kb)
Men’s Health Peer Education Program Newsletter – December 2009 (PDF 668 Kb)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Media Releases
Joint media release - First Fromelles soldiers identified (PDF 42Kb)
Joint media release - Students honoured in annual Simpson Prize (PDF 36Kb)
Joint media release - New coin honours lost soldiers of Fromelles (PDF 33Kb)
Walking in the footsteps of our Anzacs (VA011 PDF 53Kb)
Joint media release - Identification of Fromelles fallen begins (PDF 35Kb)
Anzac day is a time for remembrance, not shopping (VA010 PDF 43Kb)
New Veterans' Review Board Head (VA009 PDF 44Kb)
Appointment of New Repatriation Commissioner (VA008 PDF 44Kb)
Veterans' Affairs e-News is a regular service provided by the Department of Veterans' Affairs.





SUBJECT HMAS YARRA ASSOCIATION - ANZAC DAY 2010



Dear Members, Family and Friends,



Well time is moving fast once again and Anzac day is nearly upon us.



On Anzac Day we will be meeting at the usual gathering point on the corner of King and Castlereagh Streets. We need to be ready to step-off will by 0900 from that point. The banner is to be in position and displayed by 0830.



The Association would like to welcome the Officers and Crew of HMAS Yarra to march with us on such an important day representing our Ships names; Yarra’s I, II, III and IV. It should be noted that not only is the name HMAS Yarra from a foundation Ship of the RAN but we also have representatives of persons who served on Yarra’s II, III and IV. Although our President did go onboard Yarra I as a Sea Cadet.



After the march we will meet in Hyde Park for our Bi-Annual General Meeting, after which we will hold a divisional meeting (same as last year) at the Strand Hotel, 99 William St, Darlinghurst - 9360 6910. A free beer with a possible lunch is still being negotiated.



If anyone is thirsty before the march then we can meet at the Grand Hotel on 30 Hunter Street (exit train at Wynyard station on George St, turn left on exiting station on George St, take first right and its 50 metres on Left) we’ll be standing outside on the road as usual.



As I’m trying to negotiate a deal with the Strand Hotel for beers and hopefully some lunch, would it be possible to have numbers as soon as possible please.



Please let me know if you have any questions and we look forward to seeing you on Anzac Day. Remember to wear your Association Badges and your annual fees are due.



PS – please note that at this stage we are unaware of the details for the arrangements for Anzac Day in Melbourne.



regards


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ray Vidler

HMAS Yarra Association





Phone 02 9874 2729

Fax 02 9804 0453

Mobile 0409 304 442




Weekly News 14 March 2010
www.mrsite.co.uk/usersitesv2/HMAS-Leeuwin-1963.com/wwwroot/page9.htm

G'day All,

Hope you are all well. Mick Gallagher and I attended Bluey Mann's funeral on Wednesday, met his wife Jane and his family and friends. The eulogy was Blue to a T. The wake was held at Coogee Bay and was well attended by a lot of his sailor mates. Mick did a good job, acting as the impromptu MC getting people up to speak on their personal association with Blue. Would anybody be interested in promoting a dedication plaque for Blue.

Talking about dedication plaques, does anybody have a 'contact' at Navy Records who may help us. The information we need is, date of birth, date of death, year of entry (we know) year of exit, rank on discharge and personal number (we know). I wouldnt think any of this info would require an FOI application but we cannot access it without the NOK's permission.

Sick Parade Glen Summerhayes, Pommy Laundon, Rocky Freier and Tank Evans are crook. If you are crook, please let me know, your mates are sure keen to know how you are travelling. You never know those same mates might even give you a call or send an email.

cheers

Ron

this week:

DFWA Submissions re the CPI (Attached)Click here to download this file
RAN Battle Class Social (Attached)Click here to download this file
Military Super website
RAN Stoker's new sticker
An important note from DFWA on DFRDB
Accepted submissions RE Senate Inquiry RE Superannuation
Federation of Naval Ships luncheon
Products and Services available to serving and retired defence personnel (attached)Click here to download this file



SUBJECT MILITARY SUPER WEBSITE

www.qmig.net/milsuper


SUBJECT NEW STOKERS STICKER






SUBJECT AN IMPORTANT NOTE FROM DFWA ON DFRDB

PLEASE FORWARD THIS EMAIL ONTO AS MANY IN THE ADF / ESO / VETERAN COMMUNITY AS YOU WISH

Dear Colleagues

You will be aware of the efforts that the Defence Force Welfare Association (DFWA) has been undertaking on your behalf regarding the unfair Indexation of Military Superannuation Pensions and our campaign to protect the purchasing power of them.

More recently, we have expressed some concern regarding prior associations between Senator Sherry (who commissioned the Matthews Report into ADF / APS Superannuation Indexation in June 2008) and Mr Trevor Matthews (who lead the Review) and also Mr David Harris (who played a prominent role in it). We have written to the Prime Minister asking him to release all documentation relating to the decision to engage Mr Matthews and Mr Harris (including those related to the financial arrangements) and for the Prime Minister to clarify the nature and extent of the reported associations between Senator Sherry and Mr Matthews and his review team members. Parliament is responsible to set ADF service conditions and it is important that all serving and former members have confidence that this responsibility is taken seriously by all MPs and not feel let down by the Government.

Your support remains fundamental to achieving ultimate success of our campaign. If you are able, we encourage you to make your views known to your federal MP and/or senator, the PM and other Ministers and Opposition Spokespeople (some email contact details are provided below). You could also consider approaching media outlets as well to give them your views (some email contact details are also provided below). Please also refer the issue to any of your acquaintances who have an interest in ADF Superannuation.

IMPORTANTLY … DFWA believes this campaign would get more consideration by our political representatives if those among us, who are sometimes emotional and at times even abusive over the lack of support by the Government, use more measured words. We do understand the frustration and we have no quarrel with forceful language but please avoid personal attacks because these can spoil the very well developed arguments that are now being put by other individuals and organisations, including the DFWA.

A simple consistent message without distractions is what is needed ..... the simple message that what we seek is to “protect the purchasing power of military superannuation pensions” is the key theme. Remember also that “all we want is a fair go” is a great slogan encapsulating our campaign for justice and equity.

We must ensure this is an election issue ..... so continued pressure, in a constructive but firm tone by email, phone, written correspondence or even personal representation to your local members and others, is important.

We have a wealth of information on our website to help you. Some email addresses are also provided at the end of this email.

Yours sincerely


Les Bienkiewicz
Executive Director
Defence Force Welfare Association
PO Box 4166
Kingston ACT 2604

Tel: 02 6265 9530
Fax: 02 6265 9776

E-mail: national@dfwa.org.au

Website: www.dfwa.org.au


SOME HANDY EMAIL ADDRESSES


MPs/Senators

PM < >pm.gov.au/PM_Connect/contact_your_pm_form>
pm.gov.au/PM_Connect/contact_your_pm_form

< mailto:Tony.Abbott.MP@aph.gov.au> Tony.Abbott.MP@aph.gov.au

< mailto:Lindsay.Tanner.MP@aph.gov.au> Lindsay.Tanner.MP@aph.gov.au

< mailto:senator.sherry@aph.gov.au> senator.sherry@aph.gov.au

< mailto:senator.fielding@aph.gov.au> senator.fielding@aph.gov.au

< mailto:senator.bob.brown@aph.gov.au> senator.bob.brown@aph.gov.au

< mailto:senator.xenophon@aph.gov.au> senator.xenophon@aph.gov.au

Local Federal Members of Parliament contact details can be obtained from:

Parliament House at : <>www.aph.gov.au/> www.aph.gov.au/



Media

< mailto:letters@theaustralian.com.au> letters@theaustralian.com.au

< mailto:editor@theaustralian.com.au> editor@theaustralian.com.au

Editor (defence) Canberra Times (
< mailto:david.mclennan@canberratimes.com.au>
david.mclennan@canberratimes.com.au )

Editor (on line) Courier Mail ( < mailto:cmonline@qnp.newsltd.com.au>
cmonline@qnp.newsltd.com.au)

Editor Adelaide Advertiser ( < mailto:tiser@adv.newsltd.com.au> tiser@adv.newsltd.com.au )

Editor Age Newsdesk ( < mailto:newsdesk@theage.com.au> newsdesk@theage.com.au )

Editor Border Morning Mail ( < mailto:webeditor@bordermail.com.au>
webeditor@bordermail.com.au )

Editor Herald Sun ( < mailto:hseditor@heraldsun.com.au>
hseditor@heraldsun.com.au )

Editor Mercury. News (Hobart) ( < mailto:mercury.news@dbl.newsltd.com.au>
mercury.news@dbl.newsltd.com.au )

Editor Ntn Territory News ( < mailto:ntnmail@ntn.newsltd.com.au>
ntnmail@ntn.newsltd.com.au )

Editor Townsville Bulletin ( < mailto:edsec@nqn.newsltd.com.au> edsec@nqn.newsltd.com.au )

Editor Gold Coast News ( < mailto:gary.smart@tweednews.com.au>
gary.smart@tweednews.com.au )

West Australian Newspapers Limited

Postal address:
GPO Box D162
Perth, WA 6840 Telephone: (08) 9482 3111



Alan Jones 2GB Radio:


< www.2gb.com/index.php?option=com_contact&task=view&contact_id=2&Item
id=135>
www.2gb.com/index.php?option=com_contact&task=view&contact_id=2&Itemi
d=135



ABC Radio Local:

< >www.abc.net.au/local/> www.abc.net.au/local/ Choose
your region and then the EMAIL US button

SUBJECT ACCEPTED SUBMISSIONS RE SENATE INQUIRY RE SUPERANNUATION

www.aph.gov.au/Senate/committee/fapa_ctte/super_schemes/submissions.htm


SUBJECT FEDERATION OF NAVAL SHIPS LUNCHEON






FEDERATION of NAVAL SHIP ASSOCIATIONS

LUNCHEON

FNSA PRESIDENT

CMDR KEN SWAIN AM RAN (RTD)

AND COMMITTEE

INVITE SHIP ASSOCIATIONS MEMBERS, WIVES OR PARTNERS TO THE

2010 FNSA LUNCHEON

PARLIAMENT HOUSE SYDNEY

Thursday 15th APRIL 2010. 1200 for 1230.

“ In the Presence of Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Russ Crane, AO, CSM, RAN”



$60 PP Includes two course luncheon with drinks.

Jacket and Tie with Medals.

RSVP Ken Street, Secretary FNSA

by 22nd Mar 2010

(02) 9359 4976 (w) 0413 182 950 (m)

Kenstreet36@optusnet.com.au






Weekly News 7 Mar 2010
www.mrsite.co.uk/usersitesv2/HMAS-Leeuwin-1963.com/wwwroot/page9.htm

G'day All,

Another one of our intake year has passed on. Don (Bluey) Mann passed away Friday. His funeral is being held 11.00AM, Wednesday 10 March 2010 at Little Bay Chapel, Pine Avenue, Little Bay, with a Wake to follow the service. I intend going.

Ken Dobbie has produced Newsletter No 20, which is attached. Newsletter No 19 was released last week.

Further DFWA background and submissions are attached. They seem to be a group who are really trying to look after our interests particularly DFRDB. I am so impressed, I have just signed up for life membership.

Sick Parade Glen Summerhayes, Pommy Laundon, Rocky Freier and Tank Evans are crook. If you are crook, please let me know, your mates are sure keen to know how you are travelling. You never know those same mates might even give you a call or send an email.

cheers

Ron

this week:

A must read letter. This bloke would have been a Commander, not a Manager

Read it and please forward it on.........

18 Feb 2010

Hon Lindsay Tanner MP

Minister for Finance

Parliament House

CANBERRA ACT. 2600


Dear Mr Tanner,

INDEXATION OF DEFENCE FORCE SUPERANNUATION


Firstly, allow me to congratulate you on your performance on Q&A on the ABC on Monday night last. It was the greatest piece of obfuscation that I have ever witnessed.


Secondly, I would like to take umbrage with you over your insensitivity, your insincerity and your selective use of the truth on that same programme.

Your whole answer to the question of just and equitable indexing of DFRDB Superannuation was a regurgitation of the same old party line and waffle that we have had from you on so many occasions. You based your statements on the findings of the Mathews Report that more and more critics are holding in contempt as being a seriously flawed document, in both content and methodology. Indeed I suspect that the Report was done to Terms of Reference which led Mathews to come to the conclusions he reached and the recommendations he drew from them. An old trick; one that I have used myself on occasions, to good effect.


Either the TOR were engineered, or quite simply, Mathews made a mistake. Did you ever consider that possibility? Did you ever consider the possibility that you also made a mistake by accepting the Mathews recommendations? If you do consider that to be possible, would you be able to admit it? Your integrity should help you to decide.


You said that to increase the DFRDB superannuation indexation would cost $ billions which the taxpayer cannot afford. That $200 billion figure you stated is “rubbery” at best. What you conveniently failed to mention was that “claw-back” from various sources would reduce that figure by an estimated 50%, plus it would be further reduced by the increased spending power available to the superannuants. If we cannot afford to give the defenders of our great nation an equitable superannuation how can you spend billions like you do? We seem to be able to find the $500 million for politicians’ superannuation and the outrageous $25 million for the Taliban to try and convince them to stop killing our Troops. God help us!


I won’t repeat the statistics here on the yawning gulf between your superannuation, the aged pension and DFRDB superannuation; you already have the figures. Just a glance at them reveals a shameful situation which has existed for the last 20 years and growing steadily worse and widening year by year. These figures were recommended for correction by all 5 inquiries held prior to Mathews, yet ignored by him. And continue to be ignored by you.


It is inconceivable that members of Australia’s Defence Force should be treated in such a manner. They put their lives in your hands when they serve in a theatre of war yet the best treatment they receive from you is to be used as a back drop for your (and your fellow Ministers) photo opportunities when they leave, and then they are treated as second class citizens, behind aged pensioners and even unmarried mothers, when they return,. We seek no better treatment than that which is the right of all Australians. We only ask that we are granted the same indexation formula as at least the aged pension. Not to grant us that is blatant discrimination, it is unfair and it is unjust. I would think that your Discrimination Act would have something to say about that.


You should be aware that there are some 600,000 DFRDB and ComSuper superannuants plus dependents out here in the voting community. At the last election we targeted Liberal seats which our analysis shows helped to get Labor elected; witness Eden Monaro amongst others. We did so because we heard Labor’s election promise that you would correct this unfair anomaly in our indexation. This you have failed to do and, judging by your performance on Q&A, you remain intransigent. There are a lot of very angry and disillusioned superannuants out here (remember the thousands of emails Tony Jones received?) and I can assure that we, as a group, will do our utmost to garner as much support as we can in an attempt to remove Labor from office at the next election, because of the lies you have told to us and continue to do so.

I have no idea if you will answer this letter. You certainly failed to respond to my last communication. If perchance you do condescend to reply, please don’t add insult to this injury by including any of the usual party line platitudes in that reply.


Yours faithfully

Peter G. Snowdon

Colonel (Retd)

Vietnam Vet and DFRDB Superannuant









Weekly News 28 February 2010
www.mrsite.co.uk/usersitesv2/HMAS-Leeuwin-1963.com/wwwroot/page9.htm

Click here to download this file Click here to download this file Click here to download this file Click here to download this file Click here to download this file

G'day All,

A very busy week. Ken Dobbie has produced Newsletter No 19, he has stories of our year included.

DFWA and RSL supporting DFRDB recipients (have included the proforma letter to the MP for the member and widow and Neil Weekes message).

The JR's reunion committee have been unindated with dinner bookings. Dinner bookings have now been closed. Effectively, the JR's reunion dinner booking list is full, they have stated they intend to publish a list of attendees as soon as possible. What does that mean to you. Keep an eye on their website and see what vacancies are available. I have emailed the committe to see whether the two extra incomplete tables I had previously been granted are still in our name or whether the notice from the committee has overtaken that reservation. Will let you know the result.

Below is a link to the book Brian Adams has written on LEEUWIN. A really interesting read. It reinforces the statement made by your Divisional Officer at LEEUWIN, when he told you, 'you are the cream of Australia's youth'.

Sick Parade Glen Summerhayes and Pommy Laundon cannot make the reunion as they are too crook. Pommy sent this email:

Dear Ron,
I am unfortunately writing to inform you that I will be unable to attend the reunion that my wife & I were looking so forward to attending. Due to my Lung problems my doctor has suggested that such a trip would not be wise due to the oxygen supply requirements. I would very much like you to express my sincere regrets & hope that the reunion is the huge success that it deserves to be.
I would like to hear from any Winjan 1, 7th intake or Nakina 2 guys, so could you please pass this request on with my email address that would be great. Thank you.
Regards
Dave (Pommy) Laundon

Poem A poem forwarded by Tank Evans on 'Jack' is now on the website

cheers

Ron

this week:

HMAS LEEUWIN the story of the RAN'S Junior Recruits by Brian Adams
Senate Inquiry into proposed changes to Military Superannuation


SUBJECT HMAS LEEUWIN the story of the RAN'S Junior Recruits by Brian Adams

www.navy.gov.au/Publication:Papers_in_Australian_Maritime_Affairs_No._29




SUBJECT SENATE INQUIRY INTO PROPOSED CHANGES TO MILITARY SUPERANNUATION

2. Executive Summary
2.1 This submission:
a. advocates the adoption of an indexation regime for military superannuation pensions matching cost of living increases;
b. demonstrates that the nexus between military superannuation schemes and other Commonwealth superannuation schemes for indexation of payments is a policy aberration, is inconsistent with the legislative base of the schemes, is unjust and we recommend it be abandoned;
c. contends that the findings of the 2008 review of the indexation of superannuation are questionable and its recommendations unsafe because the inquiry terms of reference did not recognize the fact that the Commonwealth Parliament has thrice legislated for military superannuation schemes separate from civilian superannuation schemes;
d. shows a divergence between the intent of the Parliament and the actions of Governments in dealing with the indexation of military superannuation and the need for separate boards of management for military superannuation schemes to include military representatives; e. acknowledges that an extra cost to the taxpayer is involved and suggests an innovative means of obtaining a partial financial offset for this; and
f. forecasts further RSL submissions about other less than satisfactory aspects of military superannuation schemes.

2.2 This submission arises from the legitimate concern of RSL members that the decision of Government to continue using the measure of inflation, the Consumer Price Index, when indexing military superannuation payments, is unfair and fails to recognise the difference between civilian and military service. It shows by way of a comparison of indexation figures for the Consumer Price Index and the Male Total Average Weekly Earnings Index for the half decade 2002-2007 the extent to which military superannuants are disadvantaged.

2.3 The submission identifies the inconsistency that the indexation of military superannuation is virtually the only issue related to service in Australia’s armed forces aligned to civilian standards. It shows that since Federation, Members of the House of Representatives and Senators have legislated for almost all aspects of service in the nation’s armed forces, including superannuation schemes, because of the separateness of the requirements of military service. Of equal importance, the submission reminds readers that former members of the armed forces remain members of the “Defence Family” after completion of full time service, with many continuing on as members of the Defence Reserve.

2.4 In addition, the submission shows that Parliamentary inquiries have supported indexation matching cost of living increases whereas Government inquiries have backed the continued use of indexation geared to inflation, and demonstrates the impropriety of using the civilian wage setting determinant “productivity” in making judgements about the activities of those serving in the armed forces.





SUBJECT SENATE INQUIRY INTO PROPOSED CHANGES TO MILITARY SUPERANNUATION

Please find below a Joint Media Release from the Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Mrs Louise Markus MP, and the Shadow Minister for Defence Science, Personnel and Assisting Shadow Minister for Defence, the Hon Bob Baldwin MP, regarding a Senate Inquiry into proposed changes to military superannuation.


Key points

· Written submissions to the Senate Inquiry are due by Friday, 5 March 2010 (this Friday)

· A public hearing will be held on Thursday, 11 March 2010

· The Committee will report its findings on Monday, 15 March 2010.


Please contact Robert Hardie (0418 432 909) or Richard Briedis (0401 056 054) for more information.




Mrs Louise Markus MP The Hon Bob Baldwin MP

Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Shadow Minister for Defence Science, Personnel and

Assisting Shadow Minister for Defence


JOINT MEDIA RELEASE



Saturday, 27 February 2010


SENATE INQUIRY INTO SUPERANNUATION REFORM


The Senate will hold an Inquiry into military and civilian superannuation reforms proposed by the Rudd Labor Government.

The Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Louise Markus MP, and the Shadow Minister for Defence Science, Personnel and Assisting Shadow Minister for Defence, Bob Baldwin MP, said the Coalition urged interested individuals to make a submission to the Senate on these Bills.

“The veteran community have made numerous representations to me with concerns about the Governance of Australian Superannuation Schemes Bill 2010 and related Bills”, Mrs Markus said.

“The Bills propose the management of civilian and military superannuation schemes be merged into one new authority, with a 10-person board comprising three trade union representatives and two Defence representatives”, Mr Baldwin said. “The remaining five representatives will be chosen by the Finance Minister.”

“The Coalition does not support the inclusion of three trade unionists onto a board managing military superannuation. Furthermore, we do not believe the merger is in the best interests of veterans, ex-service members or the broader Australian community.

Mr Baldwin and Mrs Markus said military superannuation remained an issue which evoked deep passion in the ex-service community.

“The Senate Inquiry will provide an opportunity for those people with concerns about military superannuation arrangements to have their voices heard.”

Written submissions to the Senate Inquiry need to be lodged by Friday 5 March 2010, with a public hearing set down for Thursday 11 March 2010. The Senate Inquiry will report to the Senate with its findings on Monday 15 March 2010.

Written submissions can be made by Friday 5 March 2010 to:

Committee Secretary
Senate Standing Committee on Finance and Public Administration
PO Box 6100, Parliament House
CANBERRA ACT 2600


Email: fpa.sen@aph.gov.au

Mrs Markus and Mr Baldwin encourage anyone with a view on military superannuation management arrangements, especially the proposed merger, to contact the committee with their views.

MEDIA CONTACT Robert Hardie (0418 432 909) (Mrs Markus)

Richard Briedis (0401-056-054) (Mr Baldwin)




Weekly News 21 February 2010
www.mrsite.co.uk/usersitesv2/HMAS-Leeuwin-1963.com/wwwroot/page9.htm


G'day All,

Hope you are all well. Missed sending out a weekly news last week. This week has a lot of info. We had a fun time in Husky, I will be publishing a Newsletter within two weeks with some photos. Mick Gallagher's reputation is in tatters, he actually emailed me photos that were taken.

The item that should be stressed is the JR's reunion. 15 March is the cutoff for the purchase of plaques for the dedication ceremony and bookings for the function and memorabilla. Jim Bush has been kind enough to forward the reunion programme. They are the first two attachments.

Our Sick parade:

We have heard Don 'Bluey' Mann is crook. Give him a call. Tank Evans and Rocky Freier have forwarded emails below. Hope Blue sends us one.

G'day Folks,

Well, I got home from Hospital last Thursday with a very painful knee but able to hobble around using 2 walking sticks. I am now using one and that is only to keep me steady. For those of you who have had a knee replaced you know how sore it can get so you can understand I am still sore but coping quite well. I can't drive for about 6 weeks but I don't mind too much.

A very big thankyou to all those who sent their good wishes. It was appreciated very much. Of course I also have to thank my good lady Phyllis who is only complaining a little bit at this stage. She has told me not to get used to the assistance she is giving me. What a shame!

Thanks once again for the good wishes

Best Regards and 73's

Gareth/Tank/VK4EGE


and Rocky Freier
I am home. Worse for wear but here. Doc says may as well be in pain and suffer at home than be in Hospital.
Least i can get a beer

Cheers

RockyN


You would of seen of heard of the DFRDB issues raised on the Q & A programme. A newsletter is included


This week:
Minister Tanner Q & A
Lost souls Kenneth James, Mick Kernaghen,
Media Release TPI's Job capacity assessments disbanded
Reunions Ballina all ships, Greenies, PTI's
Attachements Sydney veterans, DFWA Briefing Notes on governance of Australian government, Reunion Programme, Update 247 - 17 Feb 2010, Reunion functions booking, Newsletter No 6
Click here to download this file Click here to download this file Click here to download this file Click here to download this file

cheers

Ron







SUBJECT LOST SOULS


Neville is still trying to locate shipmates who served in his part of ship with him, whilst serving in H.M.A.S. SYDNEY III. If any one could please help contact the following former SYDNEY sailor, he would be very greatful.

ORD/RP, KENNETH ARTHUR JAMES, R106041, H.M.A.S. SYDNEY, Oct 1969 - Aug 1970.

If any one can help would they please contact:

Neville Cunningham, 20 Phillipe Dve St Albans Park,Vic 3219 or Tel: (03) 5248 4835, Mobile 0438 162280.

Regards
David (Speed) Dwyer
H.M.A.S. SYDNEY & VLSVA
Hon Sec VICTORIA


If you are able to assist with the following request
please contact Tony Robinson direct at
email address: tr1945@bigpond.com



I am wanting to contact Mick Kernaghan joined Nirimba Jujly 1961 with me. He was a Tiffy with me on Diamantina 65-66 then Vendetta 66-70 and did Vietnam gunline trip. Our best man at our wedding 1968. Was at Mordialloc. Happy for you to pass on my contact details as will be in Frankston comming easter.

Cheers
Tony Robinson


SUBJECT TPI's Job capacity assessments disbanded

Minister for Veterans' Affairs Mailing List

VA005 Thursday, 18 February 2010



RED TAPE CUT FOR VETERANS AND ADF PERSONNEL



The red tape facing Australia’s most disabled ex-serving personnel accessing income support has been cut in new changes announced today by the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Alan Griffin.



Minister Griffin said that from March 2010, veteran pensioners assessed as Totally and Permanently Incapacitated (TPI) would be exempt from Centrelink medical reviews to access a Disability Support Pension.



“Since coming to Government we have sought to reduce the barriers facing veterans and injured ex-serving personnel seeking compensation and income support,” the Minister said.



“We established an Interdepartmental Working Group to simplify the bureaucratic maze facing veterans and ex-serving personnel, making it easier for them to access their entitlements and streamlining arrangements across agencies.



“Today’s announcement immediately assists around 1100 veterans on a Centrelink Disability Support Pension and has the potential to benefit many more into the future.



“Currently TPI pensioners undergo repeated Job Capacity Assessments to access and retain their Disability Support Pension. Our TPI pensioners have already been through a rigorous assessment process to access their DVA benefits so making them go through a similar process to access Centrelink benefits is unreasonable.”



Today’s announcement builds on a range of initiatives introduced since the election, including expanding acceptance the ADF Identification Card as Proof of Identity by more government agencies and compiling the ADF Transition Handbook, which lists all interdepartmental benefits and support services available to separating ADF members.



DVA and Centrelink are also sharing data to help reduce the risk of overpayments for the more than 17,500 pensioners on both DVA and Centrelink payments.



Mr Griffin said the inter-agency co-operation under this Government was creating smarter ways to deliver “whole-of-government” services.



“I am pleased with our progress to date but more will be done in our efforts to support our veterans and defence personnel,” Mr Griffin said.



Media inquiries: Sasha Nimmo 0437 863 109







SUBJECT BALLINA ALL SHIPS REUNION



The Ballina All Ships Reunion 2010 will be held from 19th to 21st November.


For information contact: Max Lewis - 02.6628.0086 or Merv Stevens - 02.6681.5620

or send an email to: snake1@exemail.com.au


The Third Greenies Reunion will be held in Ballina, NSW, on the Weekend of 25/26/27 June 2010.


All information can be found on the Greenies website www.pussersgreenies.org


Details can be found under the “Email List” page – if you are not a member of the list, please fill in your details on the blue “Leave Details” heading.


If you are planning to attend, please book your accommodation as soon as possible, as prices are going up. Accommodation booking details are on the information sheet on the website




The National Reunion of RAN PTIs will take place at Mornington (Vic) from 7-10 Oct 2010. Could you please send out the attachment to your group email. Thank you very much for your assistance.

Allan Von Senden
LCDR PT, RAN
Officer In Charge
Australian Defence Force Physical Training School
HMAS CERBERUS Tel: 03 5931 5197 Mob: 0418217797 Fax: 03 5931 5158



Weekly News 7 February 2010
www.mrsite.co.uk/usersitesv2/HMAS-Leeuwin-1963.com/wwwroot/page9.htm


G'day All,

Have just spent the weekend at ALBATROSS and CRESWELL with the RAN Rugby squad. Lots of changes to both Establishments. Hope our results at the National championships in May change also after being thrashed by Army last year.

Friday's function is just a few days away, I have booked tables for 25 under 'Ron' from 1800. This will allow anybody who hasnt previously notified me of attending a seat. I intend to be there by 1730, hopefully with our new banner. Those attending are: Tom and Carol Kinross, Tom and Val Houldsworth, John Hatchman, Bill and Narelle Hay, Gordon and Robin Duncan, Russ and Georgina Nelson, Sandy and Rhonda Michels, Bristles and Lou Lassau, Warren French, Mike Hogan, Mick Gallagher, Spook Cairns, Sandy Powell, Ian and Marian Schubert and myself. Apologies have been received from Tony Gawe, Larry Kent, Terry Dack, Glen Butler and Wayne Chapman.

PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF YOU INTEND TO ATTEND.

The JR reunion group have issued another newsletter. We currently have 54 attending. It is now clear that table bookings for the function at the casino are to be arranged by 'captains'. If you wish to sit with other members of our group please let me know. I will make the bookings. For those that have asked me already I will do so and inform you of the details. There are other issues in the newsletter, please go online www.jrsreunion.org/

There is a very interesting article about the Taliban if you are a DFRDB recipient. When I read it first, thought somebody was taking the piss, unfortunately not. Please read.

cheers

Ron

This week:

Taliban and superannuation
Free advice from an Australian Lawyer
Naval Ship Associations Luncheon
History of the Aussie Flag


SUBJECT TAX DOLLARS FOR THE TALIBAN
Monday, 1 February 2010

Tax Dollars for the Taliban – But not for ex-Diggers

The Rudd Government has announced that Australia will donate $25m to an Afghanistan Government

trust fund to help integrate former Taliban fighters into Afghan society.

The same Government steadfastly refuses to ensure that former Australian Defence Force men and

women have a retirement scheme that maintains their superannuation pension’s buying power.

Ex-diggers are tied to the Consumer Price Index (CPI), abandoned over a decade ago for other

Commonwealth pensions because it does not protect pension purchasing power.

The Taliban dollars would fund the first few years of decent indexation for military superannuation

pensioners, using the exact same indexation method that Mr Rudd’s government rightly uses for age

pensions.

Meanwhile, independent observers say that the Taliban dollars will reward bad behaviour by only

paying those who fought against Australian diggers, ignoring Afghans who helped us.

“Defence Force people feel more than slighted when the Government says it can afford to donate to a

fund to help those who fought against Australians but cannot afford to look after its own ex-service

men and women,” Defence Force Welfare Association President David Jamison said today.

“DFWA welcomes initiatives to promote peace in Afghanistan,” Mr Jamison added.

“But we do not accept that the Government can cry poor when dealing with the Nation’s ex-service

men and their families while lavishing tax dollars on the nation’s enemies.”

“And what happens when the Rudd Government’s Taliban dollars are gone? Will the repatriated

Taliban fighters go back to killing Australians?”

DFWA notes that Foreign Minister Smith can give no assurances as to how the Taliban dollars will be

spent, other than to say the funds will be under the oversight of the ‘international community’. It

seems that the Rudd Government is happy to trust other governments, some of which are

breathtakingly corrupt, while ignoring its own ex-service constituents.

“It is way past time for the Government to take action to help give ex-service men and women a

decent retirement,” said Mr Jamison.

“How can the Government find dollars to reward the Taliban but refuse the dollars needed to protect

the purchasing power of military superannuation pensions?”

DFWA’s National Executive will be discussing the implications of this disturbing development at its

meeting in Melbourne next week.

Media Contacts

National Secretary: Les Bienkiewicz 0411 444248, DFWA National President: David Jamison 0416 107557



SUBJECT AUSTRALIAN LAWYER'S ADVICE

　

Subject: Australian Lawyer's Advice - Worth reading

This is really good and valuable stuff to pass on,

particularly the phone numbers at the bottom.












1. LAWYER'S ADVICE (NSW) - NO CHARGE (for a change)

A corporate LAWYER sent the following out to the employees in his company:

1. Next time you order cheques, have only your initials (instead of your first name) and surname put on them. If someone takes your cheque book, they will not know if you sign your cheques with just your initials or your first name, but your bank will know how you sign your cheques.

2. Do not sign the back of your credit cards. Instead, put "PHOTO ID REQUIRED".

3. When you are writing cheques to pay on your credit card accounts, DO NOT put the complete account number on the "For" line. Instead, just put the last four numbers. The credit card company knows the rest of the number, and anyone who might be handling your cheque as it passes through all the cheque processing channels won't have access to it.

4. Place your work phone number on your cheques instead of your home phone. If you have a PO Box, use that instead of your home address. If you do not have a PO Box, use your work address. Never have your Centrelink Number printed on your cheques. You can add it if it is necessary, but if you have it printed, anyone can get it.

5. Run the contents of your wallet through a photocopy machine. Do both sides of each licence, credit card, etc. You will know what you had in your wallet and all of the account numbers and phone numbers to call and cancel. Keep the photocopy in a safe place (not your wallet). I also carry a photocopy of my passport when travelling either here or abroad. We've all heard horror stories about fraud that's committed on us in stealing a name, address, Social Security number, credit cards.

Unfortunately I, an attorney, have first-hand knowledge because my wallet was stolen last month. Within a week, the thieves ordered an expensive monthly mobile phone package, applied for a VISA credit card, had a credit line approved to buy a Dell computer, received a PIN number from DMV to change my driving record information on-line, and more.

But here's some critical information to limit the damage in case this happens to you or someone you know:

1. We have been told we should cancel our credit cards immediately, but the key is having the toll free numbers and your card numbers handy so you know whom to call. Keep those where you can find them.

2. File a police report immediately in the jurisdiction where your credit cards, etc., were stolen. This proves to credit providers you were diligent, and this is a first step toward an investigation (if there ever is one).

3. But here's what is perhaps most important of all: (I never even thought to do this.)

Call the three national credit reporting organizations immediately to place a fraud alert on your Tax File Number your passport number and driver’s licence number. I had never heard of doing that until advised by a bank that called to tell me an application for credit was made over the Internet in my name. The alert means any company that checks your credit knows your information was stolen, and they have to contact you by phone to authorise new credit. By the time I was advised to do this, almost two weeks after the theft, all the damage had been done. There are records of all the credit checks initiated by the thieves' purchases, none of which I knew about before placing the alert. Since then, no additional damage has been done, and the thieves threw my wallet away. This weekend someone handed it in. It seems to have stopped them dead in their tracks.

Now, here are some numbers which you might need to contact if your wallet etc has been stolen:

1. Visa Card Australia - 1800 621 199
2. Visa Card International - 1800 450 346
3. Lost Travellers' Cheques - 1800 127 477
4. MasterCard Australia - (02) 9466 3700
5. MasterCard International - 1800 120 113
6. Bankcard Australia - (02) 9281 6633
7. Medicare - 132 011
8. Centrelink Fraud - 137 230
9. Seniors Card - 1300 364 758
10. Passport - 131 232
11. ANZ FREECALL - 1800 033 844
12. Bank West - 131 718
13. Citibank - 132 484
14. Tamworth Coles/Myer Source -2340 1300 306 397
15. Commonwealth - 132 221
16. CUSCAL- MyCard 1300 135 538
17. GE Capital - 1300 369 904
18. Members Equity - 1300 654 998
19. National - 132 265
20. St George - 1800 028 208
21. SydneyVirgin - 2000 1800 080 000
22. Westpac - 1800 230 144
23. Woolworths Ezy Banking - 137 288

We pass on jokes & just about everything,

But if you pass this information on it could really help someone




SUBJECT NAVAL SHIP ASSOCIATIONS LUNCHEON


FEDERATION of NAVAL SHIP ASSOCIATIONS

LUNCHEON

FNSA PRESIDENT

CMDR KEN SWAIN AM RAN (RTD)

AND COMMITTEE

INVITE SHIP ASSOCIATIONS MEMBERS, WIVES OR PARTNERS TO THE 2010 FNSA LUNCHEON.

PARLIAMENT HOUSE SYDNEY

Thursday 15th APRIL 2010. 1200 for 1230.

" In the Presence of Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Russ Crane, AO, CSM, RAN"



　

$60 PP Includes two course luncheon with drinks. Jacket and Tie with Medals.

RSVP Ken Street, Secretary FNSA by 22nd Mar 2010

(02) 9359 4976 (w) 0413 182 950 (m)

Kenstreet36@optusnet.com.au



SUBJECT HISTORY OF THE FLAG

all about our flag, but do read it it is worth it.

www.larryhannigan.com/VOFtextandaudio.htm








Weekly News 31 January 2010
www.mrsite.co.uk/usersitesv2/HMAS-Leeuwin-1963.com/wwwroot/page9.htm


G'day All,

Hope you all had a good week and especially enjoyed Australia Day. One who has had a good week, is Jim Harris, his son Ryan, playing for Australia on his second and third occassion picked up man of the match awards in both games as he took a fivefor in both. Congratulations to Ryan. Jim must be the proudest Dad in Australia. Gai would have been looking down, feeling very happy and proud for her son.

Who is coming to our function at the RSL at Husky on the 12th of February commencing at 1800: Tom and Carol Kinross, Tom and Val Houldsworth, John Hatchman, Bill and Narelle Hay, Gordon and Robin Duncan, Russ and Georgina Nelson, Sandy Michels and his wife, Warren French, Mike Hogan, Mick Gallagher, Spook Cairns, Sandy Powell, Ian and Marian Schubert and myself. Apologies have been received from Tony Gawe, Larry Kent and Wayne Chapman. PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF YOU INTEND TO ATTEND.

The JR reunion group have issued another newsletter. We currently have 51 attending. It is now clear that table bookings for the function at the casino are to be arranged by 'captains'. If you wish to sit with other members of our group please let me know. I will make the bookings. There are other issues in the newsletter, please go online www.jrsreunion.org/

Tank Evans forwarded the following email.

Hello All,

Just a short note to let you know that tomorrow Friday 29th Jan. I am going into Holy Spirit Hospital near Chermside Nth of Brisbane to have my a total replacement of my left knee. No real drama, I should be in there 5 or 6 days if all goes well. I've had a lot of problems with it and have not been to bed for 5 months or so and sleep in my armchair. (So what's new you say?)

Still waiting for confirmation of the need for the long outstanding operation commonly called "adadictomy" or should I say Phyllis is waiting!! I'm serious.

Regards to all

Gareth aka Tank and Phyllis

Spend a few minutes and have a read of the attachment. It highlights where the Ex service organisations stand on promises the government has made and what has been delivered.

Have forwarded 'Do not call register' previously, I do it again as it has hit a hip pocket nerve with me. I have been stung $66 in the last month. Am currently trying to recover the money. I have now registered.

cheers

Ron

This week:

Do not call register
Lost soul - Barry Muggleton
The Lucky Country - Poem (good read)


Subject: Do Not Call Register!



Have just registered my Mobile.
Cheers


Greetings
MOBILE PHONE GO PUBLIC NEXT MONTH TO TELEMARKETERS
Subject: Do Not Call Register
I have checked and double checked this with my three 'scam/hoax sites'. All appears 100% legit. I had been registered for my landline previously and it worked well.
I re-registered on line today (easy as) and added our mobile phone numbers to the DO NOT CALL register. If you do not register you may be charged for unsolicited calls in addition to endless text message 'beeping' etc.

Cheers, Les

SUBJECT BARRY MUGGLETON


Neville Cunningham is trying to trace his ex part of ship
PO Barry James Muggleton, R58507
HMAS SYDNEY, 1969-1970.


If any one can help would they please contact:

Neville Cunningham:
20 Phillipe Dve, St Albans Park, Vic 3219
Phone: 03.5248.4835 or Mobile 0438.162.280


SUBJECT THE LUCKY COUNTRY


Australia Day

Australians are a funny lot, you'll often hear one curse,

How things have started badly, and they'll probably get worse,

The weathers dry, the sun's so hot it's stolen all the water,

The Government has never done the things we think they oughta'.



But if we hear a tourist say his home is much more grand,

They had better be prepared to make a very solid stand.

For although we Aussies may complain at what's become our lot,

When someone knocks this country, we defend with all we've got.



We may criticize some teenage brat, may even wish them failure,

But we stand behind them cheering when they're playing for Australia.

Because, if this is home to you, the country of your birth,

Then you back the native player to beat anyone on Earth.



When the cricket bats are swinging or when someone scores a try,

When a home grown horse has won the cup and made the owner cry,

When some paralympic athlete hits the front and sets the pace,

You'll hear 'Aussie Aussie Aussie' as the crowd goes off their face.



And although we like to take a break in overseas locations,

If you take the time to question this nomadic population,

They will tell you without blinking that wherever they may roam,

The best part of the journey was the last bit, ....coming home.



For the sun was never brighter on the beach at Waikiki,(????????)

Than it is on all the sandy shores Australia has to see,

The water never purer nor the air as fresh and clear,

The people never friendlier than those that we have here.



If you venture to the outback where grass is scarce as snow,

As you swelter you may wonder what it was that made you go,

But just look at the locals who have lived there since their birth,

And I know you will not find a better class of folk on earth.



All across this wide brown country from the Cape to Hobart town,

There are people who will help you when you find the chips are down,

And if someone should abuse you, and does it just because,

Then that person's not Australian, and that person never was.



So when you feel disgruntled just remember this rendition,

And never blame the country for the acts of politicians,

Look up and count your blessings when you see our flag unfurled,

And be grateful that you live in the best country in the world.

Happy Australia Day














Weekly News 24 January 2010
www.mrsite.co.uk/usersitesv2/HMAS-Leeuwin-1963.com/wwwroot/page9.htm


G'day All,

Happy Australia Day for Tuesday. Will have a Coopers beer for all. Had a call from Nev Barry tonight, he is enjoying himself in Tully, retired of course since his heart complaint, but enjoying life. He is a potential starter for the July reunion in Perth.

Talk of reunions, who is coming to our function at the RSL at Husky on the 12th of February commencing at 1800 and hasnt told me yet. I need to book a table or three for dinner and would like to know the numbers. What a way to spend a Friday night. When we were at sea we tried to avoid weekends at JB like the plague, as it meant divisions and a weekend away from sunny Sydney. That is all in the past, you can wear civvy's ashore, take your partner to dinner, no worries about missing the liberty boat and having to swim to the ship and of course you have the opportunity to share a good time with your mates.

The enclosure was sent to me by Mac MacKenzie the ex Pressure Head. The article is about a Newsletter for SYDNEY and Escorts.

cheers

Ron

This week:

RETURNED & SERVICES LEAGUE OF AUSTRALIA

(QUEENSLAND BRANCH)

MEDIA RELEASE

For immediate release – 13 January 2010

RSL denies selling Last Post to phone company

An email circulated by Bundaberg man Bill Gelhaar, both in Australia and New Zealand, has resulted in the veteran community believing that the RSL has sold The Last Post to a mobile phone company for use as a ring tone.

The Returned & Services League of Australia (Queensland Branch) would like all former and serving defence force personnel to know that this is not true.

The Last Post was made available, by RSL Queensland, as a ring tone in a two week fund raising campaign leading up to Remembrance Day on November 11, 2009, as part of its annual poppy appeal.

The ring tone was part of a specially created web site promoting Remembrance Day and a new initiative by RSL Queensland – a poppy wallpaper for mobile phones that could be downloaded for a minimum donation of $2.

Over 250,000 hits were recorded at www.rslpoppy.com with thousands of people donating a minimum of $2 to the RSL and receiving a poppy as a thank you for their support of the League’s vital veteran welfare work, RSL Queensland President Doug Formby said.

"Promotion of the web site and the mobile poppy initiative concluded on Remembrance Day and as a result The Last Post can no longer be downloaded," Mr Formby said.

"During the campaign, about 50 people contacted RSL Queensland complaining about The Last Post being made available as a ring tone. However, it should be noted that it was the second most popular content to be downloaded after the mobile poppy."

Mr Formby said the limited campaign succeeded in increasing awareness about the commemoration amongst younger generations.

"Crowds at all Remembrance Day services across Queensland where double those of previous years and the RSL’s use of digital media attracted the attention of thousands of people both in Australia and overseas," he said.

"It is the young people of today who will be organising the commemorations of the future. If securing their interest in past sacrifices and time-honoured traditions can be achieved by utilising modern means than the RSL must move with the times."

Mr Formby said it was disappointing that some members of the veteran community had recently seen fit to put forward their viewpoint on the issue in emails to RSL Queensland in a hostile and aggressive manner, without knowing the full facts.

"We have also received positive feedback from people saying if they heard The Last Post as a ring tone on their mobile phone it would make them remember all veterans," he said.

RSL Queensland will not be making The Last Post available as a ring tone during its 2010 Poppy Appeal.

"While everyone will not always agree with the activities of the RSL, the League makes no apology for continuing to investigate methods of engaging with the community as a whole to ensure its relevancy now and into the future, Mr Formby said.

REQUEST FOR INTERVIEWS:

Charmaine Dillon-Smith, Public Relations Officer, RSL (QLD Branch, Australia) 0432 820 370

Phone: (07) 3634 9444 Email:charmaine.dillonsmith@rslqld.org 1

.



Weekly News 17 January 2010
www.mrsite.co.uk/usersitesv2/HMAS-Leeuwin-1963.com/wwwroot/page9.htm


G'day All,

Hope all is well. I believe Skull's funeral was well attended. Would be happy to receive a report and photos. There has been a lot of email re DFRDB indexation. Get off your butt and support the proposed change, it is in you or your mate's interest. Ken dobbie has produced another excellent newsletter, well worth the read. There are two very interesting items this week, the history of the flag (web address) and the history of the National Anthem.

This week:

JR Memorial Project Newsletter No 18 attachment
History of the Australian Flag
Advance Australia Fair
DFRDB Petition
Friday 12 Feb 2010 - next function
Victorian HMAS SYDNEY and Vietnam Logistical Support function
Lost soul - POME Archibald MacDonald


cheers


Ron

SUBJECT AUSTRALIAN FLAG

voiceoftheflag.wheylite.com.au/votf.htm


SUBJECT ADVANCE AUSTRALIA FAIR





ADVANCE AUSTRALIA FAIR

Advance Australia Fair was composed by Glasgow-born Peter Dodds McCormick (1834?-1916), who used the pen-name "Amicus", a Latin word meaning "friend".
The first public performance is thought to have been given in Sydney on November 30th (St Andrew's Day), 1878 at the St Andrew's Day concert of the Highland Society. The singer was a Mr Andrew Fairfax.

The song was later published by W.J. Paling and Company.

It was also sung by a choir of 10,000 at the inauguration of the Commonwealth of Australia (1 January 1901), with a few amendments by McCormick including the addition of the words "our youthful Commonwealth".

In 1907, the Australian Government - the Commonwealth Government of Australia - awarded McCormick £100 for his composition.

McCormick died in 1916. His obituary in The Sydney Morning Herald stated prophetically:

Mr. McCormick established a reputation with the patriotic song, "Advance Australia Fair", which [...] has come to be recognised as something in the nature of an Australian National Anthem.

The copyright on Advance Australia Fair ended in 1966, fifty years after McCormick's death.

The Australian Labor Party policy for the 1972 elections included finding an alternative to God Save the Queen. The ALP won office in that election, and the Whitlam government (1972-75) announced in the Prime Minister's 1973 Australia Day address that a competition would be held under the auspices of the Australia Council for the Arts to find a new Australian national anthem.

Although a large number of submissions were received (2,500 lyric and 1,400 music entries), none were considered acceptable.

The judges recommended that one of three existing Australian songs - Advance Australia Fair, Banjo Patterson's Waltzing Matilda or Carl Linger's Song of Australia - be selected.

On April 8th, 1974, opinion polls were held by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, and the government announced that henceforth Advance Australia Fair was to be Australia's anthem, but with God Save The Queen to be played when (British) royalty was present.

The Whitlam government was dismissed by the Governor-General (Sir John Kerr) on November 11, 1975, and was replaced by the Fraser (Liberal) government (1975-1983).

In January 1976, the Fraser government modified the rules governing the national anthem. Advance Australia Fair was to be used, without words, on non-regal occasions, and God save the Queen was to be used on all royal, vice-regal, defence, and loyal toast occasions.

The Fraser Government held a plebiscite, the National Song Poll, on 21 May 1977.

The results were: (from www.ausflag.com.au/debate/amr/amr23.html):

Votes % (rounded)
First Past the Post:
Advance Australia Fair 2,940,854 43%
Waltzing Matilda 1,918,206 28%
God Save the Queen 1,257,341 19%
Song of Australia 652,858 10%
TOTAL 6,769,259 100%

After Distribution of Preferences:
Advance Australia Fair 4,415,642 65%
Waltzing Matilda 2,353,617 35%
TOTAL 6,769,259 100%



SUBJECT DFRDB PETITION

www.gopetition.com/online/32989.html



SUBJECT FRIDAY12 FEB 10 - NEXT FUNCTION

Our next function is to held at the Huskisson RSL on Friday 12 Feb at 1800ish. Should be perfect, overlooking JB on a Friday evening sharing a meal and a beer and a yarn with your mates and some of the partners. Have received one apology for the event (Doug Wilson) so I expect a huge turnout.


SUBJECT Victorian HMAS SYDNEY and Vietnam Logistical Support function





The Victorian Branch of the

HMAS Sydney & Vietnam Logistical Support Veterans Association

are celebrating their

25th Anniversary

with a

National Reunion

in Melbourne

of all former

Vietnam Logistical Support Sailors

over the

Anzac Day Long Weekend, 23rd to 26th April 2010


For further details please contact:

David (Speed) Dwyer at email address:

davidgdwyer@hotmail.com or phone 03.9720.8183





SUBJECT POME Archibald MacDonald




If you are able to help with the following request for assistance
please contact Jeanette Egan direct at email address: jeanniegan58@aussiebroadband.com.au

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *



Hi, Bill and Margaret,

I am trying to locate Archibald William MACDONALD - born 8 May 1923.

He was a Stoker 11 in 1952 who lastly served on HMAS DERWENT in 1966 when he was POM(E). His wife was Heather Doreen STRUDWICK.

Ron and Dawn STOWER wish to get in contact with them!!!

Kind Regards
Jeanette /Jeannie
jeanniegan58@aussiebroadband.com.au








Weekly News 10 January 2010
www.mrsite.co.uk/usersitesv2/HMAS-Leeuwin-1963.com/wwwroot/page9.htm


G'day All,

Welcome to the 48th year since you signed the dotted line and were issued with pussars underpants. Ian (Schubes) Schubert joined on his 16th birthday. He was on top pay from day one. Happy birthday for the 7th January mate.

This week:

Paul Gallagher
Skull Boden and Hector Hart's email
Weekly News website page
12 February 2010 - next function

cheers


Ron

SUBJECT PAUL GALLAGHER

I have not recieved any information on Paul Gallagher's funeral last Thursday at CERBERUS. Mick Gallagher attended, he has taken himself to the Elvis festival at Parkes for the weekend and is then off to the Gold Coast on Monday for Skull's funeral. Will forward a report when he recovers.


SUBJECT SKULL BODEN

These details were received Skull's funeral arrangements are as follows. 1100 hours Monday 11th Jan. Integrity Funeral Chapel 18 Tonga Place Parkwood QLD.
Medals to be worn, at this point in time it is intended to adjourn to Currumbin RSL Club on conclusion of the service,

The following 63ers have indicated they will be attending Skull's funeral:

Ross and Di Fullarton
Mal Chatfield
Mick Gallagher
Kev Uttley
Richard Lewin
Eddy and Kathy Sheavils
Russ Loane
Woody Woodward
Phill and Tracy Narramore

Apologies have been received from Ian Schubert, Doug Wilson, Perry Whitehouse, Ken Dobbie, Hector Hart, Des Honess, Glen Butler, Mike Hogan, Darby Ashton and unfortunately I am unable to attend.

Received this email from Hector Hart,

Ron,

I was fortunate to see Wayne (Skull) in September last year, I went up early so I could spend a bit of time with him.

I also rang him on a regular basis to catch up and see how he was getting on.

He was always happy and cheerful even if he was struggling with his health.

I will miss him so very much as I'm sure everyone will.

When I saw him at the reunion in 2005 we talk about a lot of things and one of them was what he would like on his headstone.

He wrote it down for me, I will quote it as written.

"Wayne Skull Boden RAN"

31/7/1946 - 31/12/2009

"There wasn't a swinging bar door underneath a neon sign that he didn't go through and treat people really kind"

How true is that.

Ron I'm not sure what happens with the dedications but it would be nice if his words above could be included.

I would like to contribute to the dedication so please keep me informed.

You can send this on to all who might be interested.

Regards Hector Hart



SUBJECT WEEKLY NEWS WEBPAGE

The contents of all weekly News are included on the webpage above. All Weekly News from 2008 and 09 have been moved to another page in the web site for anybody's perusal if wanted.


SUBJECT FRIDAY12 FEB 10 - NEXT FUNCTION

Our next function is to held at the Huskisson RSL on Friday 12 Feb at 1800ish. Should be perfect, overlooking JB on a Friday evening sharing a meal and a beer and a yarn with your mates and some of the partners. Have received one apology for the event (Doug Wilson) so I expect a huge turnout.