REGISTERED ADDRESS: 5 JEFFREY STREET CAPALABA QLD 4157 www.adgblueberet.org PHONE/FAX: 07 3245 7174 EMAIL: [email protected]NATIONAL PRESIDENT ..……………….…….………...….. MERV REID NATIONAL VICE PRESIDENT………………….…..….……. HENRY CICHOWSKI NATIONAL SECRETARY/TREASURER …….……...…....... JIM GABLE COMMITTEE MEMBERS ..………………….………......….. CHARLES BROWN MAX HALING BOB HOLT MICK SHEEAN EXECUTIVE ADVISOR …………………………….……...…. GLEN HOMBSCH BLUE BERET EDITOR .…………………….……….......…. JIM GABLE NEWSLETTER CONTRIBUTIONS TO: ……….….……….... [email protected]DISCLAIMER Airfield Defence Association Australia Incorporated takes no responsibility for any errors omissions or inaccuracies contained in this journal. does not accept any liability for any loss or damage suffered directly or indirectly from the use of information contained in this journal. Does not warrant that articles or opinions published in this journal are necessarily the opinions held by the Airfield Defence Association Australia Inc. Edition 46: APRIL 2010 T T H H E E B B L L U U E E B B E E R R E E T T OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE AIRFIELD DEFENCE ASSOCIATION AUSTRALIA INC. PATRON: AIR MARSHALL S.D. EVANS AC DSO AFC RAAF RET’D Townsville City: Location for the 2010 AGM and Mini-Reunion
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REGISTERED ADDRESS: 5 JEFFREY STREET CAPALABA QLD 4157
DISCLAIMER Airfield Defence Association Australia Incorporated
takes no responsibility for any errors omissions or inaccuracies contained in this journal.
does not accept any liability for any loss or damage suffered directly or indirectly from the use of information contained in this journal.
Does not warrant that articles or opinions published in this journal are necessarily the opinions held by the Airfield Defence Association Australia Inc.
Edition 46: APRIL 2010
TTHHEE BBLLUUEE BBEERREETT OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE
AIRFIELD DEFENCE ASSOCIATION AUSTRALIA INC.
PATRON: AIR MARSHALL S.D. EVANS AC DSO AFC RAAF RET’D
Townsville City: Location for the 2010 AGM and Mini-Reunion
A HISTORY OF AIRFIELD DEFENCE (1940 - 1945) as seen by
the late 26032 Sgt. W.T. Bowie
In the following article, as an original RAAF Guard, I have tried to show what the ADGs did from the start in 1940 until the war's end in 1945. I have just stated facts as I remember them without going into great detail, gory or otherwise, to tell how ADGs from a rather mundane start (1940) built into an excellent
fighting force (1945).
I am proud to have been one of them (ADGs) and to have been part of the Airfield Defence Force which
did the job of protecting airfields from the battles of Darwin and Milne Bay, up through the islands culminating in the Borneo landings of Tarakan, Labuan and Balikpapan.
The history of Airfield Defence has been added to in later years i.e. Korea, Malaya, Vietnam etc. and it is
pleasing to know that the Airfield Defence Association is seeing to it that this history is not forgotten.
To an "Old-timer" it is also pleasing to know that the Airfield Defence Squadrons are still in existence and
I am sure are being efficiently maintained by younger brigade of Airfield Defence Guards.
PART EIGHT (FINAL)
The Japanese were still to be convinced of the end of the war and so it was business as usual
for us. The next two months was a matter of doing the job with the tension gradually easing,
Allied POWs being released and Japanese becoming POWs. It took a fair while for the them
to give up, but with leaflets being dropped continually telling them of the end of war and how
to give themselves up, and their supplies cut off, they gradually came in and were placed into
compounds. Most of them, I think, were as pleased to see the end of hostilities as we were.
The biggest job for Officers & NCOs now was to keep the troops occupied as. Everyone
wanted to know who would go home first, and how it would be decided. We engaged in
various sports when time permitted; Beach Volleyball, Football of all codes, and some of us
did some sailing in an old dinghy which we converted into a sailing boat. Quite a few of the
lads volunteered for the Occupation Force to go to Japan. This force was to form on Labuan.
Eventually the order came out that the ADS unit was to be broken up. Long service men were
to go south for discharge, guards with short service time were to be distributed among RAAF
units which were staying on. When this had been organised there were only four officers and
two sergeants left and as we were all long service men with maximum points for discharge it
was arranged that we would fly south. We flew one day in a Catalina Flying Boat to Darwin
where Flight Lieutenant Dawson had me drive him all round Darwin as I had been there in
1942-43. This I was pleased to do as I was interested in the changes since I was last there and
more important, I was able to catch up with my young brother who was in the Naval Hospital
at that time. I was glad to find he was being discharged that day and it was great to see him as
we had not seen each other for over two years. The next day we all flew to Laverton in a
Liberator, landing at 1700 hrs. as cold as charity in our "jungle greens" .
Smoky Dawson and I parted, I with strict instructions to keep in touch, with at least a card at
Christmas so that each knew we were still on deck. This we did, interspersed with visits to
see each other until he died in 1985. Frank Dawson was a first class leader of men, who never
asked anyone to do anything that he couldn't or wouldn't do himself and as a result received
one hundred percent loyalty from every one who served with him. Men did not serve under
Smoky Dawson, they served with him and I am proud to have been one of them.
Blue Beret Issue 46: April 2010. Page 24
NEW COIN HONOURS LOST SOLDIERS OF FROMELLES
The Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, and the Minister for Veterans‘ Affairs, Alan
Griffin, have announced the Royal Australian Mint will issue a collectible 20 cent coin
commemorating Australia‘s Lost Soldiers of Fromelles.
―This coin is a continuation of the Mint‘s Australia Remembers series, exploring our nation‘s
war experiences and military history behind and beyond the battlefields,‖ the Assistant
Treasurer said.
―The coin design is based on the Cobbers statue which stands in the Australian Memorial
Park at Fromelles.‖
―The design features a circle enclosing an artist‘s impression of the Cobbers statue and, to the
right, the inscription ‗20‘.‖
―Outside of the circle are the inscriptions ‗Australia Remembers‘ and ‗Lost Soldiers of
Fromelles‘,‖ the Assistant Treasurer said.
The Cobbers statue by Melbourne sculptor Peter Corlett was unveiled at the former
battlefield in France in 1998 and a replica is installed at the Shrine of Remembrance in
Melbourne.
―The battle of Fromelles on 19 July 1916 was the bloodiest day in Australian military history,
with more than 1300 Australians soldiers killed and over 4000 wounded,‖ the Minister for
Veterans‘ Affairs, Alan Griffin, said.
―The fallen of Fromelles have no known grave and a joint Australian/British Identification
Board has now begun examining evidence to identify the remains of 250 soldiers recovered
from the mass grave.‖
―The Board is trying to match the remains of the World War One diggers with DNA samples
collected from descendants,‖ Mr Griffin said.
The Royal Australian Mint‘s 2010 Australia Remembers project was completed with the
association of the Australian Fromelles Project Group and the Office of Australian War
Graves.
The first coin in the Australia Remembers series honoured Australian Service Nurses.
The Fromelles collectible coin was made available on 1 April 2010.
LIFE’S A GAMBLE ISN’T IT?
Recently a 42 Commando Royal Marine Recce Troop captured a Taliban leader in
Afghanistan and took him to a warehouse where they gave him a dice.
The Sergeant said, ''Roll the dice and if you get a 1 2 3 4 or 5, your head comes off''.
The Taliban leader said ''What if I throw a 6?''
The Sgt said "you get to throw again".
Blue Beret Issue 46: April 2010. Page 25
OUR HERITAGE IN VERSE
This is the tenth in a series of fifteen poems written by a former ADG, to help his family
understand the theatre called Vietnam. The Blue Beret will be publishing one poem from the
series in each issue. The author has requested to remain anonymous.
SILENT HELP
Red Cross ladies of all ages
Strived and did achieve
Comfort, compassion and a helping hand
Treated us like our Mums
While we toured this foreign land
Army Nurses staunch and stern
Lent a healing hand
Dispense medicine, humour and advice
Helped us through painful sorrow
Made us thankful for tomorrow
Chaplain‘s life is full of strife
Manage people; loved ones at home
Bless all soldiers, says a prayer
Please make this a cherished land
War to end; love abound
Orphanages are all around
It is all part of this troubled land
Sister of Order, foster a home
A place of peace and happiness
Children flourish; adulthood grow
Salvation Army officers
Showed their grit
Cup of tea, coffee or a biscuit
A kind word, a gentle hand
Made our men able to serve our land
By A120919
Blue Beret Issue 46: April 2010. Page 26
RECOGNISING A STROKE
Thank God for the 3 steps to recognising a stroke. Read and Learn!
Sometimes the symptoms of a stroke are difficult to identify. Unfortunately, the lack of
awareness sometimes spells disaster. The stroke victim may suffer severe brain damage when
people nearby fail to recognise the symptoms.
Now doctors say a bystander can recognise a stroke by asking the victim three simple
questions, easily remembered by the letters S-T-R.:
“S”: Ask the individual to SMILE
―T”: Ask the person to TALK and SPEAK A SIMPLE SENTENCE (I.e. It is sunny out
today.)
“R”: Ask him or her to RAISE BOTH ARMS.
If he or she has trouble with ANY ONE of these tasks, call triple 0 immediately and
describe the symptoms to the dispatcher.
NOTE: Another sign of a stroke is this: Ask the person to stick out his tongue. If the
tongue is 'crooked', or if it goes to one side or the other, that is also an indication of a
stroke.
PROUD TO BE A QUEENSLANDER After having dug to a depth of 3 metres last year, Melbourne scientists found traces of copper
wire dating back 100 years and came to the conclusion that their ancestors already had a
telephone network more than 100 years ago.
Not to be outdone by the Victorians, in the weeks that followed, a Sydney archaeologist dug
to a depth of 7 metres and shortly after, a story published in the Sydney Morning Herald read:
"New South Wales archaeologists, finding traces of 130-year-old copper wire, have
concluded that their ancestors already had an advanced high-tech communications
network 30 years earlier than the Victorians".
One week later, the Courier Mail in Brisbane, Queensland , reported the following:
"After digging as deep as 10 metres in a paddock near Beenleigh, John Brown, a self-taught
archaeologist, reported that he found absolutely bugger all. John has therefore concluded
that 130 years ago, Queensland had already gone wireless."
Just makes you proud to be a Queenslander!
Blue Beret Issue 46: April 2010. Page 27
DVA CARDS TO BE REISSUED
All Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) Repatriation Health Cards (DVA cards) are due
to expire during 2010.
From May 2010 DVA will begin reissuing new cards to all eligible veterans, war
widows/widowers and dependants. As part of this reissue, improvements are being made to
DVA cards that will increase veteran access to services and provider satisfaction as well as
the security of the cards.
Specialised descriptions on DVA Gold Cards will remain unchanged These descriptions
include (but are not limited to) Totally and Permanently Incapacitated; War
Widow/Widower; and POW. A new magnetic stripe on every card will contain the full name,
file number, card type and expiry date (which is also shown on the front of the card). The
magnetic stripe will allow providers to swipe DVA cards as they currently do for Medicare
cards and private health care cards. No sensitive information will be contained in the
magnetic stripe.
For the first time, eligible veterans, war widows/widowers and dependants who live overseas
will receive a DVA card This means they won't have to obtain a 'letter of authority' from
DVA when they receive health care in Australia. Entitlement to treatment overseas is limited
to those veterans who have an accepted disability (or disabilities) for which DVA funds treat-
ment. The process for receiving treatment while overseas will not change.
All DVA cards will have micro printing and a DVA registered hologram, both additional
security features to ensure the cards can't be reproduced illegally. None of these card changes
will reduce eligibility for current DVA card holders.
The reissue of DVA cards is expected to be finalised by the end of July 2010. If you currently
have a DVA card and do not receive a new one by the end of July, contact DVA on 133 254
or 1800 555 254 (for regional callers).
CONCESSIONS FOR WAR WIDOWS IN NSW
Pensioners and war widows with concession cards applying for a NSW Photo Card will soon
be exempt from fees. In addition, all war widows (irrespective of age and income) no longer
have to pay for their driver licence or vehicle registration in NSW.
Licence and registration exemptions for all war widows commenced on 17 December 2009
and war widows with an active driver licence or vehicle registration effective on or after that
date are eligible for a pro rata refund. To apply for a refund, war widows need to go to a
motor registry with their current Gold Card.
More than 190,000 Photo Cards have been issued in NSW since they were introduced in
December 2005. Prior to this change, there were no pensioner concessions for Photo Cards.
The changes will be introduced once the required legislative changes are in place. This is
expected to be in early 2010.
Blue Beret Issue 46: April 2010. Page 28
SCAMWATCH ALERT: SWITCH OVER TO DIGITAL TELEVISION IS RIPE FOR
SCAMS
SCAMwatch warns Australians switching to digital television to be wary of door-to-door
salespeople offering to sell you conversion equipment and falsely claiming to represent the
government.
Between 2010 and 2013, analogue free-to-air TV signals are being replaced with digital
signals. You will need a television that is capable of receiving digital signals to keep
receiving free-to-air TV after the digital switchover takes place in your area. This means that
you can either buy a digital set-top box for your existing television or upgrade to a television
with an in-built digital tuner.
Scammers selling digital conversion equipment are targeting communities with the promise
of a government reimbursement for any goods purchased. The government has advised that
there are no reimbursements for digital television goods or services bought from any retailers
(including door-to-door salespeople).
For further information about the switch to digital and/or to make a complaint about door-to-
door sales of digital television products, contact the Digital Switchover Taskforce on 1800 20
10 13.
If you think that a door-to-door trader has misled you in some way, you should also contact
the ACCC Infocentre on 1300 302 502.
Protect yourself
Don‘t let door-to-door salespeople claiming to be government employees and selling
digital television products into your home!
If you are unsure about any digital television offers, check with authorities (Digital
Switchover Taskforce, the ACCC or your local fair trading office).
Always get independent advice if the offer involves significant money, time or
commitment. Speak to family, friends or the authorities to get a second opinion.
Report
Contact the Digital Switchover Taskforce on 1800 20 10 13.
You can also report the matter to the ACCC's Infocentre on 1300 302 502 or visit the report a
scam page on SCAMwatch.
DON’T FORGET THE AGM
Just a reminder: The annual general meeting is on in Townsville this year, 11th
– 13th
June.
Great day planned at RAAF Townsville as well. See you there.
Ninety-three years after they fell in the Battle of Fromelles, the first Australian and British
soldiers have finally been buried with full military honours at a ceremony in France.
On the first day of burials for the Australian and British soldiers recovered last year from
Fromelles, the Minister for Veterans‘ Affairs, Alan Griffin, and Minister for Defence
Personnel, Materiel and Science, Greg Combet, encouraged the Australian public to pause
and reflect on the sacrifices of those who serve in the Armed Forces.
―These men have not been forgotten and today marks the start of the solemn duty of finally
laying them to rest,‖ Mr Griffin said. ―The discovery of these men, so long after World War
One, provides new generations of Australians with an opportunity to honour their service.‖
The soldiers are being buried in individual graves in the purpose-built Fromelles (Pheasant
Wood) Military Cemetery. Mr Griffin said the new cemetery is the first full cemetery the
Commonwealth War Graves Commission has constructed in more than 50 years.
The burials occurred throughout February and early march and were conducted by members
of both the British and Australian Armies. A commemorative event to open the cemetery is
scheduled for the 94th
anniversary of the Battle of Fromelles on 19 July 2010.
Mr Combet said the Government was hopeful that anthropological, archaeological, historical
and DNA information will lead to the identification of some of the men. ―While identification
of the remains is an extremely complex process I remain hopeful that we will be able to
identify a number of those that we have found,‖ Mr Combet said.
The battle on 19 July 1916 was the bloodiest 24 hours in Australian history with 5,533
Australian soldiers killed, wounded or missing.
Can you read the bottom line?
Blue Beret Issue 46: April 2010. Page 30
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 recently announced by the Minister for Veterans‘ Affairs, Alan
Griffin.
From March 2010, veteran pensioners assessed as Totally and Permanently Incapacitated
(TPI) are 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.
This initiative 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.
―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.‖
This step builds on a range of recent initiatives, including expanding acceptance of 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.
―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.
LOOKING FOR SOMEWHERE TO STAY ON ANZAC DAY IN BRISBANE?
The Quest River Park Central (four and a half star apartments) is located at 120 Mary Street,
Brisbane, just 4½ blocks from the start of the ANZAC Day march.
The Quest has really embraced the spirit of ANZAC and is offering a special Defence Rate
over this period which represents a $40.00 per night saving. A 2 bedroom apartment that
sleeps four people (2 x queen beds or 1 x queen and 2 x singles) is going for $215/n and is
normally $255 per night. This represents a really good saving especially if a few blokes teem
up and share costs - for three sharing it would be $72 each per night. Enquiries can be
directed to Michelle at the Quest on: Ph 07 3838 1000 or fax 07 3838 1099.
Blue Beret Issue 46: April 2010. Page 31
NOT A HERO
The ANZAC Day march was over - the old Digger had done his best
His body ached from marching - It was time to sit and rest.
He made his way to a park bench and sat with lowered head.
A young boy passing saw him - approached and politely said:
"Please sir do you mind if I ask you what the medals you wear are for?
Did you get them for being a hero, when fighting in a war?"
Startled, the old Digger moved over and beckoned the boy to sit.
Eagerly the lad accepted - he had not expected this!
"First of all I was not a hero, said the old Digger in solemn tone
"But I served with many heroes, the ones that never came home.
So when you talk of heroes, its important to understand,
The greatest of all heroes gave their lives defending this land.
―The medals are worn in their honour, as a symbol of respect.
All diggers wear them on ANZAC Day - it shows they don't forget.
The old digger then climbed to his feet and asked the boy to stand.
Carefully he removed the medals and placed them in his hand.
He told him he could keep them - to treasure throughout his life
A legacy of a kind -left behind - paid for in sacrifice.
Overwhelmed the young boy was speechless - he couldn't find words to say.
It was there the old Digger left him - going quietly on his way.
In the distance the young boy glimpsed him - saw him turn and wave goodbye.
Saddened he sat alone on the bench - tears welled in his eyes.
He never again saw him ever - but still remembers with pride,
When the old Digger told him of Heroes and a young boy sat and cried.
Clyde Hamilton
AUSTRALIAN WOUNDED BY INSURGENT GUNFIRE
An Australian soldier was wounded when his patrol was engaged by insurgent fire in the
Mirabad Valley region of Oruzgan Province on 31 March 2010. The patrol was conducting
dismounted security operations at the time of the attack.
Commander of Australian Forces in the Middle East, Major General John Cantwell, said the
soldier was wounded in the initial exchange of gunfire. ―Insurgents fired at the patrol as they
moved through the complex terrain,‖ Major General Cantwell said. ―The patrol quickly
responded with suppressive fire so their wounded comrade could be moved to safety.‖
The soldiers applied first aid to their wounded colleague and called for an aerial medical
evacuation. During this period, the insurgents relocated and re-engaged the patrol with small
arms fire. ―The patrol quickly identified the new firing position and again suppressed the
insurgent fire. The accuracy of the patrol‘s fire forced the insurgents to retreat and they were
seen moving away from the fighting,‖ Major General Cantwell said.
The wounded Australian has received emergency care in Tarin Kowt and is currently listed as
in a satisfactory, stable condition.
Blue Beret Issue 46: April 2010. Page 32
INCOMING
FIRST WORLD TRAVEL REPORT FROM KEVIN THOMPSON
This arrived as an email from Kevin Thompson just before Christmas.
We left Australia after much trouble getting our Visa for Italy.
We left on the 26th of November for the USA and spent about 1 week just looking around
and in Salt Lake it snowed. The first time I had walked in Snow. It was a good experience.
Maria, although brought up in Canberra,, wished she was home. On the 7th of December we
left for Rome and onto Catania in Sicily. We only spent 1 week again there, but will be back
there quite often.
We are at present in a city in the south part of Italy called Cosenza. It is a beautiful place,
very busy, large population and lots of sight-seeing.
It is a mountain area so as we will be there for Christmas it might just snow again, just for me
Hah!
It has been quite cold the last few days. I went to one of the beach resorts the other day just
with some friends but did not stay too long. The place is full of tourists. Its called Paola. I
have photos to send you but we are having trouble with our computer attaching photos and
sending them.
We should be here for some time so I should be able to do some thing about that. It is quite
an experience driving over here beside them, driving on the other side of the road and the
driving wheel on the other side of the car - they have no road rules - well if they do, they
don‘t take any notice of them.
The roads are quite narrow just like you see on TV, with people hanging clothes across from
one house to the other. They park their cars wherever they want, two abreast and sometimes
three abreast. If they can‘t do that they will park on the small footpath.
Well like I say, ―when in Rome do what the Romans do‖, so I park the same way and am
learning to drive like them.
The people are very friendly and with my very little Italian I get by. I am sure glad I have
Maria with me as she knows a lot more. I don‘t think many members know my wife although
some might as they visited her when I got shot down those two times in Vietnam. She was
bought up speaking the ltaliano.
I better go, she has just come home. Will Email you again after Christmas Have a good one.
Kevin
Blue Beret Issue 46: April 2010. Page 33
TAX DOLLARS FOR THE TALIBAN – BUT NOT FOR EX-DIGGERS
Editor’s Note: The Airfield Defence Association Australia Inc. is by virtue of its Constitution and Rules a non-political
and non-sectarian Association and this journal rarely, if ever, publishes politically motivated articles. However some
things have to be said in the interests of our members. Maybe one day someone on one side or the other down in
Canberra will take notice.
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.
―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?‖
Blue Beret Issue 46: April 2010. Page 34
IN THE INTEREST OF THE PUBLIC: VETERANS AFFAIRS David Johnston, Shadow Minister for Defence
This article contains representations and deliberations that represent opinions made on the basis of information available in the public domain and anyone wishing to apply any information presented herein for their own purposes should not rely on what has been presented but should carry out their own due diligence to establish the validity of the
argument they wish to use to support their application
HOW DO YOU HOLD UP YOUR RIGHTS IF YOU HAVE NO ARMS? HOW DO YOU STAND UP FOR YOUR RIGHTS WHEN YOU HAVE NO LEGS?
HOW DO THE BLIND READ THEIR RIGHTS?
Today I would like to address an important issue for the coalition, the opposition. It is
particularly important for me and my opposition colleagues engaged in defence portfolios. I
pause to commend the member for Greenway for the outstanding work in the engagement of
veterans that she has undertaken whilst shadow minister for veterans affairs. Louise Markus,
Bob Baldwin, Stuart Robert and I are determined and committed to the cause of equity for
veterans and the ex-service community generally.
Australian veterans have been the subject of a very cruel deception by the Rudd government
and by the current Minister for Veterans‘ Affairs. Former members of the Australian
Defence Force are of course icons within our communities and have given great service to
our country - loyal service and, I might say, service which was acknowledged and very well
expressed by our current Prime Minister in the Australian Labor Party‘s election 2007 policy
document, when he said, at page 3:
“There is perhaps no greater duty that we as a nation and as a parliament have than to
honour, remember and express our gratitude to those Australians who have served in the
defence of our nation ...”
Those are very fine words. I now understand, as do many veterans, that when it comes to the
Prime Minister and the Minister for Veterans‘ Affairs it is foolish to judge them and rely upon
them based upon what they have said. They must, however, be judged by what they do.
Further within the policy document of 2007 it states:
“A Rudd Labor Government will provide a fresh approach to veteran’s affairs, and a
fresh leadership team, which is dedicated to working in partnership with the ex-service
community on the issues that concern them. Labor will work hard to achieve six goals for
veterans ...”
And the six goals were enumerated. The first was:
To restore the value of compensation and prevent further erosion due to unfair
indexation
That was on page 3. This statement is a categorical rolled-gold promise to veterans that Labor
would make positive changes to the value of their compensation and protect it from inflation
and diminution from inadequate indexation.
The promises continue throughout the document. On page 5 it states:
A key concern within the veteran community is the impact of rising costs of
living, and the erosion of their entitlements over time due to unfair indexation
Blue Beret Issue 46: April 2010. Page 35
arrangements under the Howard Government.
On page 5, it further states:
To help combat this, Labor committed to index all disability pensions and the
domestic component of the War Widow’s Pension to movements in the Consumer
Price Index (CPI) or Male Total Average Weekly Earnings (MTAWE), whichever
is the greater.
Further to this, in two press releases on 6 and 7 May 2007 the then Rudd opposition left no
doubt as to their intention and promises. I have the document containing the joint statement of
Kevin Rudd MP, federal Labor leader, and Alan Griffin MP, shadow minister for veterans‘
affairs. In that document they say:
“A Rudd Labor government will restore the value of the Special Rate Disability Pension
(TPI and TTI), Intermediate Rate and the Extreme Disablement Adjustment Pensions by
indexing the whole of these pensions to movements in Male Total Average Weekly
Earnings (MTAWE) or the Consumer Price Index (CPI), whichever is greater.”
In a separate press release on 7 May Alan Griffin said:
“A Federal Labor government will restore the value of the Special Rate Disability
Pension (TPI and TTI), Intermediate Rate and the Extreme Disability Adjustment
Pensions by indexing the whole of these pensions to movements in Male Total Average
Weekly Earnings (MTAWE) or the Consumer Price Index (CPI), whichever is the greater.”
So there is the encouragement.
When in opposition, the now minister criticised the Howard government for failing to release
the military superannuation review. In a press release on 6 September he attacked Minister
Billson. He said:
“It is understood that Minister Billson has had the report since July 2007. He has since
ignored calls from the ex-service community and Labor to release the report for public
consideration. This review will provide vital information for former and current defence
personnel regarding the operation of the military superannuation system and how it can
be improved. They are entitled to know what the review says and what the government
will do about it. Instead, the government is sitting on the report.”
He went on to say:
“There are a number of outstanding issues relating to military superannuation, including, the
indexation method for defence superannuation pensions ...”
And so it went on.
The point about this is that these various complaints—he made another one on 8 October—
similarly complain of the delay. The delay was in fact some 10 months, which included an
election and caretaker period. Minister Griffin commissioned the Matthews review of
pension indexation arrangements in Australia. The minister, the same one who had attacked
the Howard government for delay, sat on this report for some eight months without
releasing it. The point about this is that, when in opposition, it is all very well to say these
things to people - people on fixed incomes and people with disabilities, as veterans—and
Blue Beret Issue 46: April 2010. Page 36
tell them you are going to do something about it when you are elected. You sucker them for
their vote. It is absolutely no surprise that the Rudd government has reneged on these
promises and postures. This has been one of the most cruel and callous betrayals of veterans
in the history of public affairs in this country.
Mr Tanner, in fact, delivered the news. In his press release he said:
“The Rudd Government is satisfied, after considering Mr Matthews’ report, the purpose of
indexation of civilian and military superannuation pensions should continue to maintain the
purchasing power of the pension.”
He continued:
“... 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.
There is the slap in the face. Having promised them the sun and the moon, Mr. Tanner says,
‗Sorry boys, we are not giving you a cracker.‘
My allegation is of a serious breach of faith and trust by the Prime Minister and the Minister
for Veterans‘ Affairs, and this is supported by four members of the government. Indeed, they
wrote to Mr Tanner disclosing their disappointment. I propose to table this document and the
response from Mr Tanner. The members of the government were Mike Kelly, the member
for Eden-Monaro, Bob McMullan, the member for Fraser, Kate Lundy, a senator for the
ACT, and Annette Ellis, the member for Canberra. In this document these four members,
having seen the Matthews report and the response to it, say to Mr Tanner that they were
shocked—as shocked as veterans are, I would say, because that is what jumps out from the
pages of this document. The document states:
“Understandably, there is a huge disappointment in both the findings and the
government response announced on the same day. It had been widely expected that the
recommendations would have supported a change to the method of indexation of these
pensions to that of which is high, MTAWE or CPI, consistent with the pension, following
the earlier Senate and other inquiries.”
It further states:
“Significantly, many people genuinely believe that prior to the 2007 election the ALP had
committed to determining a fairer method of indexation, and a review would provide the
direction. So the immediate acceptance of the recommendation of no change in government
response is being seen as a reversal of the pre-election position espoused by the ALP in the
campaign material.”
These are not my words. These are the words of two parliamentary secretaries, a senator and
the member for Canberra getting stuck into their minister for suckering the veterans
community into believing that they were honest and straight up with them when they made
these promises. The document continues on from there.
Their deceiving veterans does not end there. On 12 September 2008 Treasurer Swan said on
ABC radio in Brisbane that the DVA disability pension would be included in the Harmer
review. Again, I say that it is no surprise that the disability pensions were not ultimately
included in that review. Bluntly, where do these people get off making reckless statements to
people on fixed incomes and disability pensions only to contemptuously fail to deliver?
Blue Beret Issue 46: April 2010. Page 37
What has the minister and the Rudd government actually done for veterans and their families?
They have provided a massive amount of paper shuffling for lawyers, mates and academics.
The government has commissioned, firstly, a review of advocacy services; secondly, a
review of military compensation; thirdly, a review of Gulf War syndrome; fourthly, a review
of the Clarke review - that is a nice one: a review of a review! Fifthly, the government has
commissioned a review of mental health care in the ADF and beyond - the Dunk report;
sixthly, an inquiry into the F111 deseal/reseal issue; seventhly, the Timor-Leste family
study; and, lastly, the Prime Ministerial Advisory Council on ex-service matters with
inquiries held in each capital city. So there has been this magnificent, sensational series of
laser and light shows designed to make the Rudd government look interested in veterans
affairs. The truth is completely and utterly the opposite. Veterans and their families have
been fobbed off, deceived, misled and suckered for their vote.
This is the government which has taken Australia from a position of having $20 billion in the
bank to a deficit of $48 billion this year. Almost $70,000 million has been expended in a
little over two years on a $900 payment to all and sundry. School halls have been provided to
schools that do not need them. Pink batts are available to every uninsulated house—and we
know how well that is running. There are laptop computers and trips to Bali and
Copenhagen for all and sundry, and bureaucrats and advisers - and not a cracker for veterans.
We still have the $43 billion Australian Broadband Network to come, with no business plan.
Mr Tanner and Mr Rudd and Mr Griffin say that living up to the promises they gave will be
too expensive. They are happy to spend everybody else‘s money on everything else, including
themselves. This is nothing more or less than a glib con and a betrayal of the legitimate
expectations, as fuelled by the Prime Minister, of all veterans. This callous treatment of
veterans fits squarely with a number of misrepresentations made before the 2007 election:
‗I‘m a fiscal conservative,‘ ‗I‘m an economic conservative,‘ and ‗We will take the Japanese
whalers to the International Court of Justice.‘ These were of the same ilk - representations with
not a shred of intent to live up to them.
The message that I have for veterans today is that, whilst you may not have been entirely
happy with the Howard government, you were not openly and cruelly deceived. You were not
treated as some electoral doormat, as some gullible mob of innocent believers and victims, to
be abused and suckered. We did not do that, and we will not do that.
Given the deficit and the level of borrowings of this government, it must be said that meeting
the equitable resolutions that veterans seek in the reform of their entitlements indexes is now
further than ever from becoming a reality. It has disappeared over the hill in the deficit style
of reckless spending of this completely profligate Rudd government. The Rudd government
has in fact spent all of the money—and not a cracker for veterans. My commitment and that
of my colleagues is to relentlessly argue the case for these amendments if elected to
government, when we would have some control over the national accounts, which I must say
are now totally out of control.
Comments from Veterans:
I recall many of my fellow Vietnam Veterans who had previously sworn that they would
never vote Labor as a result of the Trades Unions actions to delay our mail and refusing to
load the Jeparit and other vessels bringing us our supplies etc.
They have lied to us repeatedly and at the same time ruined our great nations’ economy, for
which we and future generations will continue to pay for.
Blue Beret Issue 46: April 2010. Page 38
THE UNIQUE NATURE OF MILITARY SERVICE
In recent years there has been a shift in assumptions and attitudes underpinning the way
military service is viewed.
Those in government who shape policy are increasingly attracted to the idea that the soldier
(sailor or airman) is adequately provided for by salary and allowances that compensate for his
service both while it is being given and after it has ceased. Military service can be mistakenly
seen as comparable to other forms of service that involve risk and danger, and therefore no
longer viewed as unique.
The unique nature of military service is rooted in the nature of society itself. Most democratic
societies recognize the central place of the individual as the primary unit of sovereignty.
Sovereign individuals are vested with inalienable human rights, recognized in the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights as, among others, life, liberty and the security of the person
(Article 3).
Australia is a signatory of the Declaration, adopted by the General Assembly of the UN in
1948. Implicit in Article 3, there is also a right to defence of self and of others from attack,
and this right inevitably gives rise to an obligation to do so if it is the State which is under
threat or attack.
The inter-relationship of rights and responsibilities borne both by the State and the individual,
is complex, and based on the principle of the social contract. The State may not alienate the
rights of the individual without his assent. The individual, while preserving the integrity of
his or her rights, may assent to the State‘s demand for surrender of some of them for the
common good, but in all circumstances save one, the State is obliged to uphold and defend
the individual‘s rights.
In volunteering for military service, the individual accepts the surrender of his basic rights
under Article 3 and places his life, liberty and security of person in the hands of the State.
This surrender is not unconditional, though in extremis, it is absolute. The State, for its part,
accepts the obligation to preserve, as far as is consistent with the achievement of the military
mission, the physical and spiritual wellbeing of such individuals who place themselves at its
disposal.
This obligation extends beyond the period of service itself, to the physical and psychological
consequences of that service.
Even when the State demands surrender of these rights by imposing a compulsion for service,
the terms of the social contract imply that such compulsion is done only within the
democratic framework and is therefore with the assent of the individual, who at all times is
party to it.
In no other calling, occupation or profession has the State the power to accept or demand the
surrender of these rights. Military service in this fundamental respect is unique, and the
obligation this places on the State is inescapable, as it is enduring.
A service person’s calling is unique.
DEFENCE FORCE WELFARE ASSOCIATION www.dfwa.org.au
Blue Beret Issue 46: April 2010. Page 39
COMMUNITY NOTICE BOARD
Welcome: To Norm McKenzie and Peter Cox, our latest Association members
since the last issue.
Sick Parade: Since the last issue, we‘ve had reports that Ray Appleford, Criss
Cross, Wal (Judy) Garland and Glen Hombsch continue to have health
problems. Mooka Cowley and Fred Brown remain on the sick list. Col Purdon
and Ian List have recently had surgery but are on the way to recovery or have
since recovered. For those who are still a bit wobbly, we send our best wishes that
you get better soon. If we‘ve missed anyone out, please let us know.
Where the Heck is…? Still haven‘t heard from anyone about the whereabouts of Bob Goad If you can
throw some light on his present situation we‘d appreciate it.
Safe trip to Bob and Carmel Kinnane, who have tripped off to the good ole
USA for a well earned break.
Happy Birthday
To Ron Stuart, staunch Association member who‘s 70th
Birthday was on 17th
April. Doesn‘t seem so old when you‘re getting closer to it. Good on ya Ron.
Congratulations to Sarida McLeod, grand daughter of Ken and Carolyn.
Spies tell us that Sarida‘s team came 6th
in the recent World Debating
Championships. Fantastic effort Sarida and the team!
Congratulations also to Bob Cooper who recently retired from the Air Force after
about a hundred years service. Bob has always been a strong supporter of the
Association and we wish him well in whatever life holds for him without the blue
uniform.
Paid your subs for this year yet?
Blue Beret Issue 46: April 2010. Page 40
AIRFIELD DEFENCE ASSOCIATION AUSTRALIA INC
ORDER FORM
PLEASE FORWARD THE ABOVE GOODS TO:
Name:
Postal Address
Postcode:
I confirm that I am a financial member of the Airfield Defence Association Australia Inc.
Early 1ATF/ADG bronze figurine-1966 (See below re postage4) $179.00
RAR/ADG Vietnam bronze figurine-1969 (See below re postage4) $179.00
9 Sqn Crewman/Gunner bronze figurine (See below re postage4) $179.00
Association Ground Combat Insignia1 $10.00
Cloth Pocket Badge (Blazer) $10.00
Key Ring Badge $10.00
Lapel Badge $10.00
Polo Shirt (embroidered) (S / M / L / XL / XXL / XXXL) $28.00
Chambray Shirt (M /L /XL / 2XL / 3XL) LONG SL SHORT SL 2 $38.00
Association Tie $30.00
Beret: WE REGRET TO ADVISE THAT BERETS ARE NO LONGER AVAILABLE
Association Cap 14.00
Wall Pennant $5.00
Association Wall Plaque 32.00
Association Windscreen Sticker3 2.00
Association Insignia Ring (Gold or Silver) Call for Price
PLEASE NOTE: FULL PAYMENT IS REQUIRED WITH YOUR ORDER.
Sub Total:
Plus Postage/Shipping: $4.003,4
Thank you for your Support TOTAL ENCLOSED: $ NOTES: 1. YOU MUST DECLARE YOUR ELIGIBILITY TO BE ENTITLED TO THIS ITEM.
2. CHAMBRAYS AVAILABLE IN LONG AND SHORT SLEEVE - PLEASE SPECIFY.
3. IF ONLY ORDERING WINDSCREEN STICKERS, JUST SEND A 55c STAMPED ADDRESSED ENVELOPE WITH YOUR ORDER FORM – NO OTHER SHIPPING COSTS APPLY
4. DUE TO THEIR WEIGHT, POSTAGE/SHIPPING COST FOR FIGURINES IS $10.00 PER ITEM
Blue Beret Issue 46: April 2010. Page 41
WALL PENNANT : $5.00
LAPEL BADGE
$10.00
KEY RING
BADGE $10.00
WALL PLAQUE: $35.00
ASSOCIATION INSIGNIA RINGS
(Gold or Silver).
CALL FOR PRICE AND DETAILS
WINDSCREEN
STICKERS: $2.00
GROUND COMBAT INSIGNIA
(BRONZE)
LAPEL BADGE $10.00
Blue Beret Issue 46: April 2010. Page 42
CHAMBRAY SHIRT: $38.00
ASSOCIATION CAP $14.00
WHITE POLO SHIRT $28.00
ASSOCIATION TIE $30.00
Blue Beret Issue 46: April 2010. Page 43
1ATF - INFANTRYMAN EARLY VIETNAM CONFLICT: Typical of 1st Australian Task Force infantryman and RAAF Airfield Defence Guards Circa 1966. This figurine wears rain-soaked early pattern ‘greens’ and US made M56 basic webbing supplemented by Pattern 44 basic pouches. His L1A1 SLR Rifle features early fore-wood and wooden carry handle, and was standard issue to riflemen. 1ATF/RAR members and RAAF ADGs wore variations on this typical theme during the 1965-67 period.
$179.00 plus Postage.
RAR - INFANTRYMAN LATE VIETNAM CONFLICT 1969-70:
This figurine portrays a RAR or ANZAC Battalion
infantryman or RAAF ADG, late Vietnam Conflict
period, on patrol wearing late issue ‘pixie’ style greens
and Australian-made M56 equipment. His customized
load includes an ARVN pack, collapsible water bladder,
extra water bottles and E-tool. He is armed with a
Lithgow SAF L1A1 rifle and carries it pointed to the
ground to reduce the risk of being silhouetted. His face
shows the strain and intensity of patrol work. Pack art
features imagery from AWM Archives.
$179.00 plus postage.
RAAF - HELICOPTER CREWMAN/GUNNER
LATE VIETNAM CONFLICT:
This cold cast bronze figurine wears gear representative of a helicopter crewman/gunner, late Vietnam Conflict. He wears the lightweight one-piece flight suit, nomex gloves, ‘chicken plate’ ballistic armour, a mesh survival vest and AFH-1 flight helmet. His sidearm is the Browning 9mm automatic commonly carried by RAAF aircrew.
$179.00 plus postage.
These cold cast bronze figurines are approximately 315mm high, weighing about two kilos each. Also available in pre-coloured 315mm polyresin
1ATF and RAR kits with a retail price of $149.00, but the kit range does not include a crewman/gunner figure so far.
PLEASE NOTE: ALL MERCHANDISE ITEMS ON THESE PAGES ARE AVAILABLE TO ASSOCIATION MEMBERS ONLY.
POSTAGE AND HANDLING CHARGES APPLY IN ADDITION TO THE COST OF EACH ORDER (SEE ORDER FORM FOR DETAILS
Blue Beret Issue 46: April 2010. Page 44
AIRFIELD DEFENCE ASSOCIATION AUSTRALIA INC
APPLICATION FOR ORDINARY*/ASSOCIATE* MEMBERSHIP
COMMITTEE IN CONFIDENCE
Family Name: Given Names: Nickname:
Honours, Awards, Post-Nominals (If any):
Married: Single: Partner‘s Given Name: No. of Children:
Home Address:
Postcode:
Postal Address (If different to above):
Postcode:
Home Phone: ( ) Business Phone: ( ) Fax: ( )
Mobile Phone: E-Mail Address:
Civil Occupation:
Leisure Interests:
RAAF Category/Mustering: ADI DI ADG GRDEFO OTHER
If you ticked “Other”, Please give brief
details:
ADI/DI/ADG/GRDEFO Course Number(s)
Period of Service: From: To:
I agree / do not agree* to the Airfield Defence Association Australia Inc providing my address and / or telephone
number to other Association members on request.
I enclose / have already forwarded* the sum of forty dollars ($40.00), being the joining fee of $20.00 and my
first year‘s annual subscription of $20.00. (Please Note: Receipts will only be forwarded on request).
The Association publishes a Newsletter (The ―Blue Beret‖) three times each year, in April, August and December. If
your application is successful and you have indicated that you have access to a computer, the newsletter will be sent
to you on CD rather than as a paper copy:
I DO/ DO NOT* HAVE ACCESS TO A COMPUTER.
Signature of Applicant: Date
(NB: The Association’s Financial Year runs from 1 April to 31 March. Fees are due by 31 March each year).
Please forward all Membership payments and correspondence to:
The National Secretary
Airfield Defence Association Australia Inc
5 Jeffrey Street
CAPALABA QLD 4157 (Phone/fax: 07 32457174) * Please delete whichever does not apply
Blue Beret Issue 46: April 2010. Page 45
AIRFIELD DEFENCE ASSOCIATION AUSTRALIA INC
APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP FOR LIFE
COMMITTEE IN CONFIDENCE
Membership No.
Family Name: Given Names: Nickname:
Postal Address:
Postcode:
Home Phone: ( ) Business Phone: ( ) Fax: ( )
Mobile Phone: E-Mail Address:
RAAF Category/Mustering: ADI DI ADG GRDEFO OTHER
If you ticked “Other”, Please give brief details:
Period of Service: From: To: Overseas Units Served:
Year(s)/Tour(s) of Overseas Duty:
Signature of Applicant: Date
CONDITIONS OF APPLICATION (Please tick below where applicable)
1. APPLICANT HAS SERVED IN A WAR ZONE; OR
2. APPLICANT HAS SERVED A MINIMUM OF 17 YEARS IN THE RAAF; OR
3. APPLICANT HAS BEEN MEDICALLY DISCHARGED AFTER A MINIMUM OF 10 YEARS SERVICE; OR
4. APPLICANT IS RECEIVING A MINIMUM OF “INTERMEDIATE” DISABILITY PENSION; OR
5. AFTER 5 YEARS AS A MEMBER, APPLICANT HAS CONTRIBUTED ABOVE “NORMAL” STANDARDS TO THE WELFARE OF THE ASSOCIATION AND ITS MEMBERS.
PLEASE NOTE: APPLICATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY THE NATIONAL SECRETARY BEFORE THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING EACH YEAR.
ALL APPLICATIONS MUST BE APPROVED BY A MAJORITY OF THOSE PRESENT AND VOTING AT AN ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM).
A MAXIMUM OF FIVE APPLICATIONS MAY BE ACCEPTED BY THE AGM IN ANY YEAR.
APPLICANTS WILL BE ADVISED OF THE SUCCESS OR OTHERWISE OF THEIR APPLICATION IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE AGM.
A “ONE OFF” MEMBERSHIP PAYMENT OF $250.00 MUST BE MADE TO THE ASSOCIATION WITHIN ONE MONTH OF NOTIFICATION OF THE APPLICATION BEING GRANTED.
THE COMMITTEE RESERVES THE RIGHT TO VERIFY THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THIS APPLICATION.
Please forward this completed Application and/or any related correspondence to:
The National Secretary
Airfield Defence Association Australia Inc
5 Jeffrey Street
CAPALABA QLD 4157 * Please delete whichever does not apply
Blue Beret Issue 46: April 2010. Page 46
AIRFIELD DEFENCE ASSOCIATION AUSTRALIA INC
APPLICATION FOR HONORARY MEMBERSHIP
COMMITTEE IN CONFIDENCE
Family Name: Given Names: Nickname:
Married: Single: Spouse’s Given Name: No. of Children:
Home Address:
Postcode:
Postal Address (If different to above):
Postcode:
Home Phone: ( ) Business Phone: ( ) Fax: ( )
Mobile Phone: E-Mail Address:
Civil Occupation:
Leisure Interests:
Service(s) served in: ARMY NAVY RAAF
Period(s) of Service: From: To:
Name of Sponsor (Sponsor must be an Association Member):
Relationship to Sponsor ( ie Son, Father, Friend etc.):
Signature of Applicant: Date
I agree / do not agree* to the Airfield Defence Association Australia Inc providing my address and / or telephone
number to other Association members on request.
Please forward all Membership payments and correspondence to: The National Secretary
Airfield Defence Association Australia Inc
5 Jeffrey Street
* Delete whichever does not apply CAPALABA QLD 4157
Blue Beret Issue 46: April 2010. Page 47
AIRFIELD DEFENCE ASSOCIATION AUSTRALIA INC
PERSONAL DETAILS UPDATE
To our valued Members:
We are continually updating our mailing lists so that we can forward Newsletters etc to the correct address.
An update form is included in each Newsletter, but so far, not all members have provided us with their details.. If you
are one of those members who has not yet responded to our earlier requests, would you please take a few minutes now
to fill in the details and send them back to us as soon as possible, even if you believe that your details haven’t
changed. We don’t need a new form each year, but we would appreciate one when any of your details change.
Thank you for your help.
Family Name: Given Names: Nickname:
Married: Single: Spouse‘s Given Name: No. of Children:
Home Address:
Postcode:
Postal Address (If different to above):
Postcode:
Home Phone: ( ) Business Phone: ( ) Fax: ( )
Mobile Phone: E-Mail Address:
Civil Occupation:
Leisure Interests:
RAAF Category/Mustering: ADI DI ADG GRDEFO OTHER
If you ticked “Other”, Please give brief details:
ADI/DI/ADG/GRDEFO Course Number(s)
Period(s) of Service: From: To:
I agree / do not agree* to the Airfield Defence Association Australia Inc providing my address and / or telephone
number to other Association members on request.
MEMBER’S SIGNATURE: DATE:
Please return this form to: The National Secretary