Defence Force Welfare Association concerned proposed increase may fall short of member expectations and cost-of-living pressures
The Defence Force Welfare Association (DFWA) has expressed disappointment at the proposed Workplace Remuneration Arrangement (WRA) offer of a 3 per cent salary increase for Australian Defence Force personnel, describing the proposal as inadequate and warranting close examination by serving members and their families.
DFWA National President Del Gaudry CSC said the proposed increase raises important questions about whether ADF remuneration is keeping pace with the realities of military service, cost-of-living pressures and the increasing demands placed upon Defence personnel and their families.
“ADF personnel continue to serve Australia in demanding and often unique circumstances. Any remuneration arrangement must properly recognise both the special nature of military service and the challenges faced by serving members and their families.”
“DFWA notes that this increase is for the first year of the normal three-year WRA and that further salary increases will be considered for the following two years, interestingly after an Australian Public Service pay decision is made” Ms Gaudry added.
Unlike most Australian workers, ADF members do not negotiate pay outcomes through traditional industrial processes. Instead, proposed Workplace Remuneration Arrangements are considered by the Defence Force Remuneration Tribunal (DFRT), with DFWA acting as an independent authorised intervenor on behalf of serving members and their families.
DFWA has a long history of representing ADF members before the Tribunal and is currently preparing a submission in response to the proposed arrangement. As part of that process, the Association is seeking direct feedback from serving members, Reservists and military families regarding the adequacy of the offer and broader remuneration issues.
“As an intervener to the Defence Force Remuneration Tribunal, DFWA will continue to closely monitor the development of the WRA and put before the DFRT the views of ADF members and their families, as it has successfully done in past WRAs.
“The views of serving members and their families are critical to our submission,” said Del Gaudry. “We want to ensure the Tribunal hears directly from those who will be affected by this decision.”
DFWA encourages all ADF members, including Reservists, as well as military families, to participate in the Association’s survey and contribute their perspectives. Feedback received will help inform DFWA’s evidence-based submission to the Tribunal.
The proposed WRA is scheduled to be considered by the Defence Force Remuneration Tribunal later this year. DFWA will continue to advocate for outcomes that fairly recognise service, support retention and recruitment, and reflect the interests of ADF members and their families.
ADF Members and their families can make their views known on this issue by undertaking the short survey at dfwa.org.au/wra26-survey
Media Contacts
Deputy National President
Les Bienkiewicz
0411 444 248
wra@dfwa.org.au
Executive Director
Chris Lowis
(02) 6152 9162
national@dfwa.org.au