 |
| Pledge your support for Reservists today! |
|
Defence Reserves Support (DRS) is contacting employers across Australia, asking them to publicly pledge their support for Reservists.
DRS is also hoping to work with employers to develop supportive leave policies for Reservist employees within their organisations.
“We are asking you to support an overarching principle – that Reservists should have the backing of their civilian employers,” said Reserve and Employer Support Division’s Director of Communication Deanna Nott.
“Companies and organisations of all sizes have already joined our Supportive Employers campaign and their names are listed on our website.
“Details of how you can be included are provided on the recently-launched Supportive Employers section of the website.” Click here
Having a Reservist employee requires a certain level of support and understanding on the part of employers.
“We simply ask employers to support Reservists when carrying out their Defence Service, not to compel them to use their annual or long service leave for Defence Service and to re-employ them afterwards,” said Mrs Nott.
“The process to pledge your support is simple. All you need do is complete a Statement of Employer Support Form that confirms that you are willing to discuss developing a Supportive Leave Policy for Reservists within your organisation.
“Upon submission of this form, a Defence Reserves Support specialist will contact you within two weeks to discuss the details of this important initiative.”
A Reservist leave policy template for private sector employers can be downloaded from our website. Click Here
For more information visit the website or call 1800 803 485.  | 
| Employers support Reserve Apprentices and Trainees |
EMPLOYERS of the latest batch of graduating 8th Brigade Army Reserve apprentices and trainees recently bathed in the reflected glory of their young employees.
The fourth annual ceremony at Wests Leagues Club, New Lambton was sponsored by Defence Reserves Support and saw 12 graduating apprentices and trainees acknowledged for their pride of workmanship and soldierly attributes.
The civilian employers joined parents, friends, Army supervisors and senior officers including one of Australia’s most senior Army Reservists, 2nd Division Commander, Major General Ian Flawith and Newcastle MP, Sharon Grierson.
The military and civilians mixed freely with training providers, including personnel from Griffiths Engineering, Serco Sodexho, Alliance People Solutions & Hunter Group Training, sharing in the success of the newly qualified.
Major General Flawith and the 8th Brigade Commander, Brigadier Iain Spence, said it was a fitting occasion to honour Army Reserve apprentices and trainees.
Each Army Reserve apprentice or trainee completed required on-the-job training with a civilian employer and carries out military training requirements.
Trade areas include heavy vehicle mechanics, fitters, cooks and warehousing.
Major General Flawith said the Army Reserve Traineeship and Apprenticeship Program (ARTAP) had been an enormous success in recent years, allowing Army to produce trade-qualified personnel.
“This has enormous benefits for the career development of the Reservists themselves, the capability of the Army units to operate efficiently and the civilian employers who have apprentices with an edge,” Major General Flawith said.
The evening saw Army apprentices and trainees awarded the top prizes for technical achievement, academic achievement, trainee of the year, apprentice of the year and the commander’s trophy.
Brigadier Spence said enlisting trainees and apprentices under ARTAP provides another important recruiting option within the 8th Brigade.
“The evening acknowledged the efforts of the Army Reserve apprentices and trainees, as well as their trainers, who have all worked hard this year, through a ceremony with a military flavour,” Brigadier Spence said.
“The attraction of gaining a civilian qualification offers a great opportunity to enlist individuals to meet Army Reserve job requirements.” |
 Army Reserve Trainees and Apprentices announced as winners in Newcastle on Saturday night were all delighted to take home massive Doyalson-Wyee RSL Sub-Branch sponsored trophies. Private Nadine Vane – Trainee of the Year (back from left), Private Steven Richards (Wallsend) – winner of the Technical Excellence award, Craftsman James McCorkell (Macquarie Hills) – Apprentice of the Year. Private Nicolaas Siers – Commanders Trophy for best soldier (front left) and Craftsman Mark Andrews – winner of the Academic Excellence award. Photo: Jade Osland.
WINNING APPRENTICES AND TRAINEES
- Apprentice of the Year
Craftsman James McCorkell (8CSSB)
- Technical Excellence
Craftsman Steven Richards (8CSSB)
- Academic Excellence
Craftsman Mark Andrews (8CSSB)
- Trainee of the Year
Private Nadine Vane (12/16HRL)
- Commander’s Trophy
(best soldier)
Private Nicolass Siers (8CSSB) |
| Exercise Executive Stretch - Victoria |
Reserve personnel from No. 21 (City of Melbourne) Squadron and Combat Support Unit Williams recently hosted Exercise Executive Stretch (EES).
EES is designed to give civilian employers of Reservists a taste of Defence life and the chance to experience the type of training that their employees undertake as Defence Reservists.
Forty employers from organisations as diverse as Coca Cola Amatil, KPMG, Virgin Blue, Australia Post, Victoria Police, Transfield, Bunnings and local government bodies undertook activities ranging from abseiling to marksmanship, fire fighting, leadership and problem solving.
Squadron Leader Bill Myatt, Commanding Officer 21 Squadron, said it was important for Reserve employers to have an appreciation of the training, skills and experience provided to their employees by Defence.
“Air Force trains our Reserves to the same standard as the permanent Air Force, and those skills are transferable back to civilian employment, especially skills such as leadership and management,” he said.
For many participants it was a time to push the envelope – undertaking new challenges designed to increase self esteem, personal courage and group trust.
“A few participants had to overcome personal fears but everyone undertook the activities with enthusiasm,” said SQNLDR Myatt.
Sheryl Finch, a participant who works for Virgin Blue, said she enjoyed the experience.
"I now have a greater appreciation of the role of our Defence Reservists. Thanks to an interesting and well-designed program, I have gained a greater awareness of what makes a good leader,” said Ms Finch.
“I was personally challenged and inspired when I fired a weapon, abseiled and participated in other team building activities.
“Whilst I now realise I may not have a killer instinct, I definitely left with a killer smile.” |
Ted Seignior from Skilled Group during the obstacle course.
Steve Hill, civilian Department of Defence employee, on the ropes course.
The group particularly enjoyed their visit to the RAAF Museum at Point Cook, where they became familiar with the Air Force’s proud heritage and traditions.
The Victorian office of Defence Reserves Support conducts EES twice a year. If you would like to sign up for EES or ask any questions related to employing Reservists, contact Major Tony Kelly and his staff on 1800 803 485. |
| Railcorp employee helps keep the peace |
When duty calls, RailCorp’s Ross Duckitt is always among the first to volunteer.
Recently, Ross answered the call of duty to deploy to the Solomon Islands as a peacekeeper.
Ross, otherwise known as Corporal Duckitt, is one of 140 Army Reservists from New South Wales who have deployed as part of the Australian contribution to the Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands (RAMSI).
Corporal Duckitt is employed by RailCorp and was granted leave from his position as Manager at Moss Vale Station. RailCorp is a supporter of Defence Reservists, currently employing 49 serving members.
In the Solomon Islands, Corporal Duckitt has been managing the Army’s fleet of vehicles that includes scores of trucks, rovers and troop carriers.
Corporal Duckitt was recently summoned to the Command Post at the Guadalcanal Beach Resort in Honiara to meet a special visitor – RailCorp management representative Mr Alan Turner.
Corporal Duckitt’s opportunity to enlighten his boss, Mr Turner, about his contribution to the Australian Defence Force (ADF) operation in the Solomons was made possible by Boss Lift, a Defence program designed to expose employers to the training that Reservists undertake and the invaluable skills they gain.
Twenty employers of Defence Reservists visited the Solomon Islands from 8 to 11 November to learn more about the benefits of Reserve service.
While in Honiara and its surrounds, Mr Turner saw Corporal Duckitt and other Army Reservists conduct a number of important security tasks in support of the Solomon Islands Police Force.
Mr Turner said Boss Lift offered a rare opportunity for employers to witness the expert capability Reservists provide to ADF operations.
“I was extremely pleased and honoured to be invited to take part in the exercise, as I felt that this would be a unique and valuable experience for me and provide a great morale boost for Ross,” he said.
Boss Lift also showed Mr Turner and the other employers how military experience enhances their workers’ wider skill-sets including leadership, self-confidence and initiative.
|
“It was a very rewarding experience for the employers of Reservists… I have gained a direct insight into the benefits that Reservists can bring back to the civilian workplace.”
Mr Turner said he saw his role in Boss Lift as one of raising awareness back home about the vital role that Reservists perform.
Deployment Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Glenn Weir, said Reservists such as Corporal Duckitt were bringing increased levels of capability to the ADF.
Lieutenant Colonel Weir said the participation of Reservists in the operation would not be possible without the invaluable support of their families and employers.
The NSW-based Reservists have been deployed for the past three months and are scheduled to return to Australia in December. |
WWII Veterans VIPs at memorial dinner
Three former members of No. 22 (City of Sydney) Squadron who served in the Pacific during World War II have attended the annual Bill Newton VC Memorial Dinner.
The dinner is held in memory of Victoria Cross recipient Flight Lieutenant Bill Newton, a WWII bomber pilot who was shot down by the Japanese and later captured then beheaded in Salamaua, Papua New Guinea. The Victoria Cross is the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to Commonwealth forces.
WWII Veteran Warrant Officer Moss Bailey actually took part on the bombing sortie in which Flight Lieutenant Bill Newton was shot down. Warrant Officer Bailey was in the aircraft following Newton's plane and circled the area after he and other aircrew saw Newton's plane ditching in the ocean.
The evening, which was filled with camaraderie and moving stories, saw Warrant Office Mark Breeze presented with the 22 Squadron Association’s Leadership Trophy while Commanding Officer’s Award went to Sergeant Antony Jenkins.
Squadron Leader Del Gaudry with WWII veteran Warrant Officer Moss Bailey.
|
Responsibility Card to help Reservists and Employers
A special card that highlights protections available to Reservists as well as their obligations to employers is now available.
The 'Reservist Responsibility Card' will be distributed to Active Reservists over the next few months.
The Defence Reserve Service (Protection) Act, introduced in 2001, provides protections for Reservist students and employees in their civilian occupation.
The Act is intended to prevent Reservists experiencing disadvantage as a result of rendering Defence service and to ensure their release for Defence service when required.
The Office of Reserve Service Protection (ORSP) administers the Act.
Director of ORSP, Mr Phil Johnston said “over the past seven years, the Act has worked effectively to protect the
rights of Reservists but employers also have rights in recognition of the support that they are required to provide to Reservist employees”.
One side of the plasticised card lists the 'Protections' and support available to Reservists under the Act and on the reverse side those 'Responsibilities' that Reservists have to their employer to facilitate their own release for Defence service.
“Australian employers have a legal obligation to support their Reservist employees - the overwhelming majority of employers want to but Reservists need to help them do so,” said Mr Johnston.
“This card outlines how both parties can work together to meet those obligations."
To find out more information about the card, please call 1800 803 485 and speak with the Defence Reserves Support specialist in your area. |
| Lives improved thanks to Reservist dentist |
A lifelong desire to improve the lives and health of Australians has led to a dual career for Adeline Chong.
A dentist in her civilian profession, Ms Chong also serves in the Royal Australian Air Force and has risen to the rank of Wing Commander.
“I’ve been in the Permanent Air Force and the Reserves and all that time have focused on improving the health of my patients through dentistry,” Wing Commander Chong said.
“In the Permanent Air Force I was posted to mainly clinical positions. I was Senior Dental Officer at RAAF Bases Tindal, Wagga Wagga and Laverton.
“The range of dental issues I’ve seen is amazing. Dental health is very easy to overlook, in Defence as well as the wider community.”
Wing Commander Chong has also lent her expertise to managing health professionals and developing policies and protocols for use in the Defence environment.
“My last posting was as Executive Officer of the Joint Health Support Agency in Canberra where I worked in health administration and policy in a tri-service setting. It was both challenging and fulfilling.”
When asked why she embarked on a career in dentistry, Adeline Chong smiles and says she’s always been interested in health – oral health care in particular.
“Dentistry is also a family-friendly occupation where flexible working hours and arrangements can be put in place.”
According to Wing Commander Chong, it’s easy to overlook the importance of good dental health in the Defence environment.
“Dental fitness is vital. If someone is deployed and becomes dentally ill, they can quickly become ineffective. Dental pain is quite debilitating and can incapacitate people very quickly.”
For now, Adeline Chong is concentrating on her private dental practise, but she remains an active member of the RAAF Specialist Reserve.
“I’ll remain a Reservist for as long as I can play a meaningful role. I enjoy nurturing and mentoring junior officers, along with the Esprit de corps of working in a large team.
“Sometimes I wish there were 2 of me – one to be a clinical dentist and the other to work as a health administrator. I’m passionate about both areas.”
|
Wing Commander Adeline Chong.
 |
| Employer Support Awards - Victoria |
|
Defence Reserve Support’s Victorian office ‘hit a 6’ at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) when it held its annual Employer Support Awards recently.
The cocktail function incorporated a private tour of the MCG, including the opportunity to walk on the ‘hallowed’ ground.
The MCG has a strong affinity with the Australian Defence Force (ADF), with the MCG being used to accommodate thousands of troops during WWII.
The night reflected on the achievements of not only our committed Reservists but those very supportive employers, whom without their ongoing support, the ADF would not be able to meet its commitments around the world.
The evening gave a wide mix of military, government, industry and community leaders the opportunity to mix freely and renew old friendships. The evening also allowed most to conduct some networking to develop new alliances in meeting common goals of mutual support to the ADF and industry.
The Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Support, the Hon. Dr Mike Kelly AM MP, was the guest speaker with Mr Leigh Purnell, Chair of the Victorian Committee of the Defence Reserves Support Council hosting the event. |
Australian Council for Education Research's Mr Gary Kelly, Defence Reserves Support - Victoria Liaison Officer Major Tony Kelly, Parlimentary Secretary for Defence Support The Hon. Dr Mike Kelly MP and 2/10 Field Regiment's Major Joe Kelly at the function. |
| Employer Support Payment Scheme |
Employer Support Payment Scheme Expenditure
The Employer Support Payment (ESP) expenditure for the month of October and the progressive expenditure for FY 08/09 are detailed in the table below.
| Details |
Month of October 2008 |
Progressive Total FY 2008-2009 |
|
Expenditure ($M) |
Percentage |
Expenditure ($M) |
Percentage |
| Navy Reservists |
$0.42 |
18% |
$1.50 |
16% |
| Army Reservists |
$1.57 |
67% |
$6.50 |
72% |
| Air Force Reservists |
$0.36 |
15% |
$1.00 |
12% |
| Total |
$ 2.35 |
100% |
$ 9.00 |
100% |
Upcoming issues of our E Newsletter will focus on some of the requirements for self-employed Reservists who wish to claim Employer Support Payments (ESP). We will provide information on Principle Source of Income and the Legitimate Business Test, which is an alternative when the requirements for PSI cannot be met.
Principal Source of Income (PIS)
For a self-employed Reservist to be eligible for ESP, your business or company must provide your PIS and have done so for a continuous period of at least the previous six months.
Income means the amount earned, derived or received by the person for the person's own use or benefit, including personal earnings, moneys or profits. Income means income from all sources, including Reserve salary, except any pension received by the member is excluded. The PIS relates to the Reservist's income from the business, not to the business' income, profit, loss or turnover. Potential or projected income cannot be used to satisfy the PIS requirement.
Income received from the business must relate to the activities of the business and, when income is derived from the sale of stocks or assets, the stocks or assets must have been owned by the business.
For sole traders, their income from the business is the net income/loss from the business that would be required to be shown in the member's personal tax return.
For partnerships, a partner's income is their share of the partnership net income, whether profit or loss and whether distributed or not, as would be required to be shown in the partner's personal tax return.
For members employed by a company in which the member has a controlling interest, their income from the business is the member's income from the company including any fees, emoluments and dividends but excluding repayment of loans.
Consideration of Payments of ESP
Employer Support Payments cannot be used to meet the PIS requirements. PIS documentation must relate to a specified period of at least six months in length. If payments of ESP have been made to the member's business or company over the assessment period, then the amount of the payments is subtracted from the member's income from the business.
Example
A self-employed member is a sole trader who provides PIS documentation for a financial year. His/her normal business income is $45k pa with business expenses of $15k pa (net profit of $30k pa). He/she receives $10k in employer support payments and uses these payments towards his normal expenses (thus increasing his net annual profit to $40k). The Employer Support Payments are subtracted from his income for PIS purposes and his income from the business is assessed as $30k over the 12 month period.
Reduction of the member's income from the business by the amount of the payments of ESP may be varied or eliminated by the Director of the Employer Support Payment Scheme (DESPS) or a delegate if:
- the payments of ESP, in whole or part, were provided to other persons who shared ownership or control of the business; or
- the payments of ESP were used to address extra costs to the business that related directly to the member's absence on defence service; or
- DESPS is satisfied that it would be reasonable to include the payments, having regard to the aims of the scheme and provisions of the Defence Determination.
Examples
A self-employed member is one of four partners in a legal practice. The practice receives $10k in Employer Support Payments and divides this equally, with each partner receiving $2.5k. On production of evidence, verified by the partnership's accountant, $7.5k of the Employer Support Payments would not be subtracted from the member's income for PIS purposes.
A self-employed member operates a rural property. He/she receives $10k in Employer Support Payments and uses these payments to pay for a replacement farm manager while he is absent on Defence service. These Employer Support Payments are not subtracted from his/her income for PIS purposes as they were used to meet extra costs to the business that would not have arisen except for the member's absence on Defence service.
Next edition
Next edition we will continue with the PSI topic and cover “Relying on PSI documentation” and “Re-establishing PSI” when required.
Further Assistance
Should you require additional information or clarification on PSI or any other aspect of the Employer Support Payment scheme that is not already covered by our website, you may email an enquiry to esp@defence.gov.au.
| |
 |
 | |
