ADSO FLYER – COMPARE THE PAIR
There can be no denying the success of our Flyer Compare the Pair, when in seven days over 100,000 hits were recorded on three facebook sites (ADSO, DFWA and RARC) and over 1,300 people shared the flyer on their facebooks. Thank you to all who contributed to this result.
This is evidence that our ADSO voice is being heard and relayed widely via social media. Of particular interest is the increasing number of current serving ADF men and women who commented on the flyer and registered their support to ADSO. It seems that ADF members have awoken to the inequities of their MSBS.
BUDGET 2014/15 – ADSO’S IMPACT ANALYSIS
Our summary has been compiled from the Budget Papers, DVA’s Budget Presentation, and analyses from industry, commercial and community organisations’ reports with the emphasis on those decisions that affect defence families. The full budget can be viewed here
Anyone requiring specific details related to their personal circumstances should contact their financial adviser, tax accountant, DVA Case Officer or the nearest DVA Office.
ADSO will continue to engage with the Government and the Parliament on those matters that require clarification and involve further consideration and negotiation.
NEW MILITARY SUPERANNUATION SCHEME ARRANGEMENTS – ADF SUPER
From the Budget we were surprised to find the news that the Government will introduce a new modern military superannuation arrangement for people joining the Australian Defence Force (ADF). We have conveyed our displeasure directly to the Government about its decision to introduce this new arrangement without consulting ADSO.
The new arrangements will allow ADF members to choose which superannuation fund they belong to and, for the first time, give those members the ability to transfer their accumulated benefits to a new fund if they leave the ADF.
As part of these changes, the Government will establish ADF Super (an Accumulation Fund) on 1 July 2016. ADF Super will apply to: those joining the ADF from 1 July 2016; and serving and returning members of the Military Superannuation and Benefits Scheme (MSBS) who choose to join the new scheme.
Current members of the MSBS who are serving or who re-join the ADF from 1 July 2016 can choose to stay in that scheme, or to join ADF Super. There will be no compulsion to transfer to the new arrangements.
The current Military Superannuation and Benefits Scheme will be closed to new members from 1 July 2016.
Under the new arrangements, the employer (Government) contribution rate will be 15.4 per cent, increasing to 18 per cent during periods of warlike service in recognition of the unique nature of military service.
There will be no requirement for ADF members to contribute to their superannuation under the new arrangements. This will provide greater flexibility for individuals in how they manage their finances at various stages of their working life.
The Government recognises that military service can be a dangerous undertaking and will ensure ADF members continue to receive statutory cover for death and invalidity. Importantly, benefits under the new arrangements for these members will be the same as what exists under the current scheme.
ADF Super will be established and managed by the Commonwealth Superannuation Corporation, which is currently the trustee for the major Commonwealth schemes, including the current and past military superannuation schemes.
The Government says it will work with ex-service organisations such as the RSL, Defence Force Welfare Association and Alliance of Defence Service Organisations to ensure the successful introduction of the new superannuation arrangements.
ADSO in its engagement with the Government will be seeking features of any military superannuation scheme that takes into account the Parliament’s acceptance of the uniqueness of military service while at the same time continuing to press for the removal of the MSBS inequities still existing.
ADSO’s 2014 GOALS
See our priorities and goals here
PLEASE HELP THE FAIR GO CAMPAIGN
We need you to join us. Numbers count for all politicians particularly those in the marginal electorates.
If you’re a Defence Family member and none of the ADSO goals directly affects you or your family, then please get involved to help care for others in our Family.
If you’re not one of our Defence Family then please help those who willingly give their lives for our nation’s defence. Will you help defend the Defenders?
Here’s how:
If you are already a subscriber to receive our Updates, then increase your involvement by volunteering to join your local electorate Action Team.
If you have not yet joined us, then subscribe to receive our Updates and/or volunteer to join your local electorate Action Team.
Donate to fund the Campaign. We need money to pay for our promotions, professional advice and administrative costs.
Become an ADVISOR. Help guide us with your experience and expertise in a particular Campaign activity, such as marketing/public relations, media, investigative journalism, superannuation, legal, health, information services and technology, accounting, financial planning, sales etc.
THANK YOU AUSTRALIA FOR YOUR SUPPORT
From The Fair Go Team our thanks to all our Action Team warriors and supporters.
Campaign Directors: Ted Chitham, Alf Jaugietis
Campaign National Spokesperson: David Jamison
Keep up to date with the Campaign at www.adso.org.au