 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Tasmanian employers awarded for support
Certificates of Recognition were presented to Shane Hill Electrical and Aurora Energy of Devonport and McCains Foods Pty Ltd of Smithton. The Employer Support Awards function, attended by 50 private and public sector employers, was held at a rather unique venue - the Australian Axeman’s Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame portrays the history, exploits and achievements of Australia’s internationally-renowned sporting woodchoppers. The evening was hosted by the Defence Reserves Support Council’s Tasmanian Chairman, Mr Michael Barrett. The special guests and speakers included Head Reserve and Employer Support Division Major General Greg Melick and the Honourable Shane Stone, National Chair of the Defence Reserves Support Council. The evening was most informative and included a presentation from Chaplain Warwick Cuthbertson, who recently returned from an overseas deployment with the Royal Australian Navy.
 New South Wales office promoting Reserves importance
DRS-NSW’s Liaison Officer Squadron Leader Del Gaudry has arranged for the office to sponsor the 2008 Local Business Awards, as well as continuing involvement with the Western Sydney Business Connection. The Local Business Awards program is run by Precedent Productions and gives DRS-NSW the opportunity to promote the DRS to hundreds of businesses, other sponsors, employees, customers, all levels of government and the media within metropolitan and regional areas of NSW. The DRS-NSW Office sponsors 26 award ceremonies across the state which includes not only the greater metropolitan Sydney, but areas such as Orange, Coffs Harbour, Newcastle, Illawarra and Armidale. SQNLDR Gaudry, Defence Reserves Support Council NSW Committee Deputy Chair, Group Captain Monty Smith and DRS-NSW team member Warrant Officer Class One Tony Finneran recently presented awards to local businesses in Parramatta and Illawarra. SQNLDR Gaudry said the office’s involvement with the Western Sydney Business Connection was also extremely beneficial. “Involvement in functions run by this organisation allows us to meet with employers and explain their rights and obligations in regards to Reservists,” she said. “Western Sydney represents 43 per cent of Sydney’s population and it includes a labour force of more than 900,000 people and 242,000 businesses. “Defence Reserves Support had a need to network and build strong relationships with these employers in Western Sydney – hence the synergy of joining such a group. “Furthermore, it allows our team to speak with community leaders, such as the Premier and other senior politicians, about our work.” Commendation presented to promoter of protection laws Office of Reserve Service Protection Deputy Director, Lieutenant Colonel Chris Grigsby, has been awarded a Vice Chief of the Defence Force Commendation. Lieutenant Colonel Grigsby, who has served both in the Regular Army and Reserves since 1969, received the special award for his work in raising awareness of laws protecting Reservists from discrimination and mediating positive outcomes for Reservists. “It is critical that we disseminate information regarding the protections afforded Reservists so that employers do not inadvertently breach the provisions of the Act,” he said. The Office of Reserve Service Protection (ORSP) was established to provide advice and assistance to Reservists, their units, and employers, in dealing with the provisions of the Defence Reserve Service (Protection) Act 2001. The Act sets out the entitlements and prohibitions that apply to people who are in the Reserves. Lieutenant Colonel Grigsby and the ORSP team are focused on providing advice to employers regarding their obligations under the Act. Reservists, or their units, may bring to the attention of ORSP cases of potential or perceived discrimination and/or disadvantage in their civilian employment, educational status, and partnership or practice rights as a result of their Reserve service. In his civilian life, Lieutenant Colonel Grigsby is Head of Business Relationships for Defence Health, a health insurance company focussed on the Defence community. Lawyer successfully melds civilian and military lives  The Australian Defence Force (ADF) is increasingly calling on the specialist skills of its Reservists to fill specific roles in the Navy, Army and Air Force. One such Reservist is Rachel Baird. This busy mother-of-three is a University Lecturer and also finds time to be a Squadron Leader with the RAAF Specialist Reserve. “My life is hectic, but I wouldn’t have it any other way,” said SQNLDR Baird. The University of Queensland Law Lecturer is an environmental law specialist and a recognised expert in the ‘law of the sea’. “I have a Band 2 posting to Defence Force Northern Command, NORCOM, in Darwin and give advice on border security and illegal fishing in particular. Coming from an academic background, I have developed highly specialised skills which are of direct benefit and use to Defence,” she said.  SQNLDR Baird spent eight years in the permanent Air Force, including three years while she was studying law and was posted for a time to Logistics Command in Victoria. Then followed a stint as Assistant Defence Force Advocate, assisting with pay and allowance matters before the Defence Force Remuneration Tribunal, based in Canberra. One of her highlights was going to sea in one of the now retired Oberon class submarines when the Tribunal was assessing the Submarine Service Allowance. “After I left the permanent Air Force I wasn’t ready to cut all ties with the ADF. Becoming a Reservist was therefore a really simple decision for me,” said SQNLDR Baird. “I felt I still had plenty to offer and have always found the ADF to be interesting and stimulating. My specific skill set is something they can use and I’m happy to serve in this way. “I have three children under the age of 10 and the great thing is the flexible working environment I have as a Reservist. This includes being able to do some Defence work from home, in among my other work and family commitments.” As well as being a Law Lecturer, SQNLDR Baird consults for the law firm Clayton Utz. “It’s a national law firm and I mainly do environmental work. A lot of that work is for the Defence Department,” she said. “With my background, I know and understand the Defence culture and needs. “It’s a win-win situation for me, my employers and the ADF. My civilian skills fit in well with my Reserve duties and the same applies in reverse.” Office of Reserve Service Protection Mr Steve Smith has joined the Office of Reserve Service Protection as the new Assistant Director. Steve replaces Paul Lunn upon the completion of Paul's move to the Directorate of Employer Support Payment Scheme. Once Steve has his feet well and truly under the desk and is fully familiar with the provisions of the Act and its administration, one of his primary roles will become liaison with the State and Territory LOs. Both the Director and Deputy Director ORSP would like to welcome Steve and wish him luck in his future role with the Office. Employers of Reservists visit RAAF Base Williamtown  Twenty-six employers of Defence Reservists headed to RAAF Williamtown recently to see first-hand the benefits that Reserve service brings to their employees and to Australia. Every year Defence Reserves Support - New South Wales sponsors a visit to RAAF Williamtown for Hunter Region employers of RAAF Reservists posted to RAAF Williamtown units. The visit is hosted by the Commanding Officer of No. 26 (City of Newcastle) Squadron and aims to foster goodwill between industry groups who employ Defence Reservists. It is also raises awareness amongst Hunter businesses and employers of the mutual benefits to be gained for themselves and their employees by releasing their employees for RAAF Reserve service. RAAF Base Williamtown is a strategic and vital link in the Defence of Australia and a tour of its facilities was both informative and enjoyable for all involved. Employer Support Employer Support Payment Scheme Expenditure The Employer Support Payment (ESP) expenditure for the month of July and the progressive expenditure for FY 08/09 are detailed in the table below.
Late Waiver – For Claims outside of the six month cut-off. This month’s topic, Late Waivers, follows on from August’s edition where we explained the requirement for ESP claims to be submitted within six months of the start date of the claimed defence Service. Understandably, there may be occasions where submitting a claim within the six month cut-off period is not achievable for one reason or another. Whilst you are required to submit claims within the six month cut-off period, failure to do so may not automatically exclude you from claiming. Claimants who wish to have their claims assessed outside of the six month cut-off may apply for a Late Waiver. When requesting a Late Waiver, claimants must explain the reason for the late submission and detail any special circumstances that may apply. Late Waivers will only be granted when claimant provides an acceptable justification for the late submission. Unless exceptional circumstances exist, claimants should not anticipate approval of late waiver requests when:
Should you require additional information or clarification on late payments 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. Around the Traps
September – What’s happening near you? 19-21 September – EES (North QLD) 25-28 September – Bring a Boss - Exercise Miner's Axe (SA) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
