The way the DFRDB is treated by the Government is shameful. It shows a clear lack of respect for the time these people (we) put into the well being of the country and our allies. The Liberal government need to get this act together, now.
the government needs there head read... and to pull themselves into line it is ok for all the pollie's to have endless supplies of money, airfare ect ect ... for the little they do for the country but they do not think about the poor solider, who comes back all busted and bruised or feels different about the world when they come back.. and they are left to fend for them selves after giving there all for this country
I have battled my local member for 3 years or more regarding this matter.
He tells me it`s a fair system to pay us the CPI, yet our "pollies " suck from the public trough to help themselves to more than we could ever hope for.!!Stick it up `em Mark Latham is on about $76,000 a year & has never held down a real job.
My wife and I fought for 9 years to to get a TPI. Nine years of hell which failed. I was finaly granted a EDA. I am still burning because of their attitude. NOW THIS.
Just another example of service personel being treated as second class citizens. The government don't give a toss; once they finished with you you get nothing.
The petition is most worthy; however, you watch Politicians of both persuasions roll out the *Yes Minister* excuses as they deny those that served equal rights.
In the middle of my 22 years of Service (RAEME) I was told I had a choice of changing to MSBS or staying with DFRDB. The Government should honour the commitment I gave to this Country by not changing the rules after I've served. IT'S JUST NOT AUSTRALIAN !!
ex WW2 merchant mariner and father of retired member of the RAN. Fully support this petition. Govts of all persuasions are quick to shower praise on "Tommy Atkins when the guns begin to shoot" but quickly forget him when his service is done.
Totally agree. Politicians like to be seen to farewell and welcom home troops from overseas. But when problems arise, especially health, no one wants to know them. I have juse found an old pay slip dated 09mar72. Total pay 291.34 less dfrb 25.62. tax effect 126.50.
I served in the RAAF from 1968 to 1989 all the while contributing to the DFRB and DFRDB. I am most strongly in support of the DFRDB being reassessed as a "self-funded" scheme, because that what it was for my 20+ years service.
Most civilians believe that our DFRB, then DFRDB is or should be tax free and are astounded to think that after serving your country for many years the Government has no allowance for said service. A fair go is all we deserve.
I joined the RAN on the 7th of November 1950 and served continuously until the 16th of October 1975. In all that time I contributed to the DFRB on a compulsory basis being under the impression (correctly at the time) that the contributions were sufficient to fully fund the superannuation which I received at the service.
To learn that of all things, a Labor Government was responsible for "robbing" our fund for political purposes, as a member of the ALP, I find a breach of trust, at the very least. I heartily agree that our DFRB and DFRDB should be tax exempt or our contributions refunded along with calculated interest, but I am cynical enough to not hold my breath. I can only suggest that the ballot box should be used to show our displeasure with the present government, who in the past ten years has overturned most of the Labor policies and on a very selective basis, it would seem> May I suggest that copies of this petition be forwarded to Kevin Rudd as Leader of the Opposition, for him to ensure, that if elected, that a future labor Government would restore our rights and ensure that such an act would never again occur.
Vince Fazio Shipwright Lieutenant RAN Rtd.
It's about time the government stopped looking after their own hip pockets and started to recognise and support efforts of those who served this country. A fair go is all we want!!
For too long we have fully committed ourselves to our country with insufficient support from those governing our future and our involvement in peace time and conflicts. It is long overdue that this service is finally recognised and rewarded. So Mr Howard, how about passing your own citizenship test and promoting your Australian ideals of mateship and a fair go to those who helped build and mantain them?
I fully support this. The Howard Govt treats it ADF personnel as 3rd world people. The ADF has the only job description of being killed apart of the job.
I visit high school and I tellthe students - "Don't go!"
I support this its about time the gouvernment takes an honest look at the veterans entitlements and ensure that those who have given their upmost are supported in their time of need
Army 1972 - 1998. Here is another opportunity for the Government to grately improve their relationship with the veteran community. Take responsibility for past events if you think votes are important, and correct the problem. If you want to improve retention for our future soldiers/veterans, start by changing the Governments attitude to the ones who have already served and those that are still serving. Back-dating would be of great benefit to those less fortunate and struggling to live on the eroded proceeds of their compulsory aquired DFRB and DFRDB Funds, (or should I say correctly 'unfunded' funds)particularly widows and children. Well done to the organisers to bring this important information to our attention. Arte et Marte
