The price of freedom

[newhue]

The following came to via an email, I have just cut and pasted it. I can’t agree more. Not sure if this is true in Australia, but I think I will find out. Maybe write a few letters.

paste
No one has been able to explain to me why young men and women serve in the British Military for 20 years, risking their lives protecting freedom, and only get 50% of their pay on retirement, while Politicians hold their political positions in the safe confines of the capital, protected by these same men and women, and receive 
full-pay retirement after* serving one term.* This is the same in Canada, the US and Australia.

It just does not make any sense.

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/823/5cjj.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/mv5cjjj)
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/191/0bwr.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/5b0bwrj)

If each person who receives this will forward it on to 20 people, then in three days, most people in the U.K., Canada, United States and Australia will have the message.* This is one proposal that really should be passed around, and then as a strong body of irate citizens we should confront the politicians. 

I passed it on, will you ?

"If you choose not to pass it on, you still have made a choice," and these brave soldiers have given you that right !

[Mick_Marsh]

Politicians make the rules.
Simples.

[ramblingboy42]

It's preposterous.

When one of our latest Victoria Cross receivers was awarded, our Department of Defence couldn't even fit him out in a new tailored Dress Uniform.....he had to borrow an ill fitting one from another soldier.

Meanwhile all the politicians and those who thought they were so important to be seen at such an honourable presentation all wore expensive tailored attire.

[jimr1]

It's the politicians that make the decisions to send , the armed forces into conflict , very few let there own kids go , they would father pack them off to Uni. When It comes to pensions of course they look after themselves , they always have , just ask any polly how important they are ? The sad with the armed forces is this is not new It's been going on for ever , and It is wrong . Lets hope that with social It will bring this issue more into the spotlight ...

[jimr1]

It's the politicians that make the decisions to send , the armed forces into conflict , very few let there own kids go , they would father pack them off to Uni. When It comes to pensions of course they look after themselves , they always have , just ask any polly how important they are ? The sad with the armed forces is this is not new It's been going on for ever , and It is wrong . Lets hope that with social media It will bring this issue more into the spotlight ...

[Chucaro]

Politicians make the rules.
Simples.

An the electorate does not complain if the issue does not affect them.
The seating on the fence, "bugger you Jack I am ok" attitude
Bugger that it is hard to post in an issue like this without brake the forum rules.
Back to the thread: "and in a GOOD Note" it is more enjoyable IMO :D

[newhue]

I know politicians make the rules, but they also change them. I'd imagine with a growing trend to be more open or transparent, its getting harder for them to live the life of wryly.

To spend 15 minutes writing a letter to both sides of politics, with various news papers CC's in, maybe a radio station or two, it is possible to make a difference. This is why I put this up. Maybe get 10, 30, 100 letters over a week or two and ears start to listen.

15 minutes from your usual life, and perhaps away from this great forum can also be a good thing. We all choose how to contribute to the world we live in.

[Landy Smurf]

I totally agree with you there Jason.

[d2dave]

If each person who receives this will forward it on to 20 people, then in three days, most people in the U.K., Canada, United States and Australia will have the message.

And it would make no difference, sad as it may be.

Politicians don't care about emails.

The only way to get any recognition from government is to to form a minority group and the spend a few weeks breaking the law while conveying your message.

[Bigbjorn]

Work in the private sector for twenty years and see if you get a pension for no reason when you resign.

[newhue]

Work in the private sector for twenty years and see if you get a pension for no reason when you resign.

I know what you are say Brian, I am one of those private sectors, and I intend on being a self funded retire.

But all I risk is make no money. I think long term service people who have laid it on the line for the good of their fellow country men deserve better than one day a year. I'd imagine 1 jet plane would cover the bill. So we have 23 instead of 24 or whatever measly number of fighter planes we have. The realities of these service people lives is far more real than using that plane in anger.

[jc109]

Work in the private sector for twenty years and see if you get a pension for no reason when you resign.


I'm sure you don't really mean it when you say "no reason"...

[numpty]

Whilst I agree with you Jason, I would make one small correction while at no time defending our politicians. It is my understanding that Australian pollies (federal at least) have to serve 3 terms before receiving those entitlements.

[V8Ian]

Whilst I agree with you Jason, I would make one small correction while at no time defending our politicians. It is my understanding that Australian pollies (federal at least) have to serve 3 terms before receiving those entitlements.

Perry, I think they have to serve two terms and run for a third. If defeated at the third, they still receive full benefits.

[newhue]

You know, I have a bro in law who will know the answers to terms and pays for polies and defence. I'll find out and report back.

[goingbush]

I think is pretty poor taste that this guys image is being handballed around the internet for political purposes, Does he approve ? probably not.

Wonder how many even know his name and story ?

Lance Cpl. William Kyle Carpenter - the man who threw himself in front of a grenade in Afghanistan to protect his best friend

Kyle Carpenter - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

[Bigbjorn]

I'm sure you don't really mean it when you say "no reason"...

Well, what is the qualification for the twenty year service pension? Is it for courageous deeds in the face of the enemy or meritorious military service in harm's way in a war zone? Or is it for turning up and collecting your pay for twenty years? It is paid whether the person was up the sharp end in Afghanistan or counting socks in a depot. Whether they crossed the Indian Ocean or never crossed the Murray River. There are plenty of labourers, drivers, plant operators, clerks, cooks, barmen and waiters working in the private sector who would be delighted to receive a pension after twenty years service. Most would be delighted to have had a job that lasted twenty years. That sort of pension is morally indefensible.

[RedDef]

All for 6 dollars a week.

Australian Army PTSD Doco - Casualties Of War - Part 1 - YouTube

Australian Army PTSD Doco - Casualties Of War - Part 2 - YouTube

Australian Army PTSD Doco - Casualties Of War - Part 3 - YouTube

[jc109]

Well, what is the qualification for the twenty year service pension? Is it for courageous deeds in the face of the enemy or meritorious military service in harm's way in a war zone? Or is it for turning up and collecting your pay for twenty years? It is paid whether the person was up the sharp end in Afghanistan or counting socks in a depot. Whether they crossed the Indian Ocean or never crossed the Murray River. There are plenty of labourers, drivers, plant operators, clerks, cooks, barmen and waiters working in the private sector who would be delighted to receive a pension after twenty years service. Most would be delighted to have had a job that lasted twenty years. That sort of pension is morally indefensible.


Brian, while I count to ten and work out whether or not I should bother responding in full I will ask you one thing: precisely what "service", other than to self and family, is it that you are suggesting is performed by those in the private sector who you've just referred to? Service is the key word in this thread, and I don't think you understand what it truly means. Particularly not when it comes to Defence. BTW (and I'm already getting sucked further into this than I'd planned), I am well aware of the difference between pointy and blunt end operators (Are you? Honestly?) but I'd still rather reward some who aren't quite so deserving than deny all and have those who are very deserving miss out.

I might also mention that there is no pension on offer anymore and there hasn't been for some time. A lucky few are still eligible for the old scheme.

The point is, these people sign a form that says they are willing to die for their country and fellow man. My plumber didn't have to do that. You seem to expect that unless we actually cash that IOU in the individual shouldn't receive anything.

Oh and lastly, I have experience in both worlds, and am not entitled to or feel deserving of a pension. I am now totally self serving in the private sector and am making money that would make my former colleagues weep. I am not serving my country. I therefore expect nothing from the government except to see its hand out for more of what I have earnt. Those I left behind deserve our support whether that be for losing a limb or for having foregone untold earnings (these people are highly intelligent and capable of anything) by deciding to serve.

I'm not sure why I bothered with that as I am sure that you will never see the light. Alas, that is your prerogative, afforded you by these same people whether or not you care to admit it.

[bob10]

Work in the private sector for twenty years and see if you get a pension for no reason when you resign.


Brian, you know as well as I do, The Military Super Pension is/was a condition of service. It was what was promised when you signed the dotted line. When you joined the Public service, you knew what your entitlements were. You could have signed up for the Military, but that life may have been too hard for you, mate. Anyway, a couple of reminders, Bob

edit, click on the photo icons for more information

http://www.youtube.com/v/-OxZUV6cYjA&fs=1&autoplay=1 (http://www.youtube.com/v/-OxZUV6cYjA&fs=1&autoplay=1)


Just to remind you, a timeline of the Military DFRB/ DFRDB military super system.








http://www.standto.org/images/IndexationLink.png (http://www.standto.org/military-superannuation/indexation)http://www.standto.org/images/vetdisability.png (http://www.standto.org/disability-pensions)http://www.standto.org/images/milcompensationLink.png (http://www.standto.org/military-compensation)http://www.standto.org/images/healthcareLink.png (http://www.standto.org/veterans-health)http://www.standto.org/images/worplaceRemArr.png

(http://www.standto.org/fgcampaign/legistlative-history/46-products/74-bumber-sticker)









Military Superannuation – Legislative History (http://www.standto.org/fgcampaign/legistlative-history)

Written by Super User (http://www.standto.org/component/contact/contact/) | https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/07/130.jpg (http://www.standto.org/component/mailto/'tmpl=component&template=adso_3_2&link=783f489281f0395463d939b7b849d6af5686186a)
The Legislative History

Trace the Legislative history of military superannuation in this table and see the event, the dates and the Government in power at the decision time.

LEGISLATION / UNDERTAKINGRESPONSIBLE PARTYALPCoalition1909. Commonwealth (Central Staffs) Public Service Association proposed a superannuation scheme for PS, could apply to Naval and Military Forces.PROT
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/07/130.jpg
1922. Scheme introduced into Parliament under the Defence Act for Army and Air Force personnel + civilian officers of the Commonwealth. Separate benefits for Navy.https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/07/130.jpg
NAT/CP1924. Compulsory contributory superannuation scheme designed to provide half of the member’s salary at retirement. Same as PS two years earlier.https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/07/130.jpg
NAT/CP1935-36. Compulsory retirement ages redefined – popular move.https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/07/130.jpg
UAP/CPJuly 1947. Revised common pay scales and closer alignment of retirement ages for the three services.https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/07/130.jpg1948. The DFRB Act – 15,300 contributors and 107 pensioners; pension geared to the conditions of service, surrender values equal to contributions without reduction, available for officers at retiring age or 20 years, OR on completion of engagement after 20years, generally higher pension than PS, 3 classes of invalidity benefits and commutation options for a lump sum in certain circumstance.https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/07/130.jpg1959. Contributors total 39,330 with 3110 pensioners. Reduction in compulsory retiring age from 60 to 47 (officers) 55 (OR) creates tension. No compensation paid – virtual breach of contract. Death benefits questioned; widows left with pension. Pensioners not represented on DFRB Board. The fund made bigger profit than expected; surplus returned (eventually) to members.https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/07/130.jpg
LIB / CP30 June 1959. Regular Defence Forces Welfare Association (RDFWA) formed to fight inequities in the DFRB scheme.https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/07/130.jpg
LIB / CP14 December 1959. New retirement pension schedules and a new method of financing the scheme became effective. 5% of salary adopted.https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/07/130.jpg
LIB / CPNovember 1960. RDFWA pension rights, Repatriation Services, War Service homes, the Canteens Trust Fund, Social Services, welfare for dependants of deceased personnel supported by responsible Minister and Treasury.https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/07/130.jpg
LIB / CP1960-63. RDFWA active and successful in obtaining additional reforms. Salary increases addressed. Each remedy created new problems – the Act became very complex to interpret. By 1970 the gov’t had to act.https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/07/130.jpg
LIB / CPSep 70 – May 72 Jess Committee sat and reported. DFRB Act incomprehensible. Recommended compulsory contributions, 5.5% rate, retired pay or invalidity pay not pension, retired and invalidity pay to be expressed as a percentage of final pay, adjusted annually to ensure relativity with average weekly earnings, scheme not funded, payable to Commonwealth and Government guarantees the benefits, after 20 years service, commutation up to 4 years of retired pay. # Bitterly opposed by the PS #. .https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/07/130.jpg
LIB / CP1 October 1972. The DFRB Scheme closed to new members.https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/07/130.jpg
LIB / CP2 December 1972. The new Government opted for CPI indexation. However, the CPI became a central plank in the centralised wage fixing system over this period and so effectively a condition of employment became a superannuation system with a cost of living index that maintained real purchasing power. https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/07/130.jpg
(Post Dec 1972)1973. Defence Forces Retirement and Death Benefits Act (1973). The May 72 Jess report was fundamentally adopted except provision for relativity with average weekly earnings omitted. Some teething problems, especially relating to ‘No Detriment’ provisions. Jess recommendation for automatic annual adjustment of retired invalidity pay and widows pensions to maintain relativity with average weekly earnings rejected. Nov 73 Defence Minister promised amendment for ‘Notional’ years of service. Nothing happened until Nov 77.https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/07/130.jpgCirca 1973. $126 million in accumulated DFRDB /DFRB superannuation funds reallocated into consolidated revenue. Funds declared untaxed. (The DFRB fund had approximately $160M as at 30 June 1972 but adjustments were required) The final balance of $126M was actually transferred into Consolidated Revenue in 1975 by the Whitlam Government.https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/07/130.jpg1976. New Government in 1976 did not rescind the move into consolidated revenue. # A new Commonwealth Superannuation Act for PS. # Indexation to CPI changes introduced, along with contributions at 5% and widows to receive 67% of pension – better conditions/provisions than DFRDB.https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/07/130.jpg
LIB / NCPFebruary 1977. DFRDB act amended to reflect some PS entitlements including CPI provisions but with 5.5% contributions remaining, many complex provisions and still with detriment, especially to widows. Most of these inequalities still exist today.https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/07/130.jpg
LIB / NCP1986. The Veterans’ Entitlement Act (VEA) under which all entitlements for veterans are administered enacted. The VEA Act excluded the principles of equity (fairness and natural justice) from the administration of all veterans’ entitlements, pensions and otherwise. (Federal Court of Australia ruling).https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/07/130.jpg23 October 1986. Indexation unilaterally and arbitrarily cut by 2.0% from military pensions below the CPI percentage that then applied.https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/07/130.jpg1989. Government accepted and adopted the new international standard for the compilation and calculation of the CPI, which introduced such things as “quality” into the calculation and which resulted in a major downward shift in inflation.https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/07/130.jpg4 November 1989. CPI indexation restored but no compensation paid for the three year loss of retirement income from the cut in indexation.https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/07/130.jpg30 September 1991. DFRDB ceased to be an option for new members joining the ADF. Military Superannuation Benefits Scheme only option for new recruits. Existing members given the option of staying with DFRDB or transitioning to MSBS.https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/07/130.jpgCirca 1991-93. (i.e. Prices and Incomes Accords (Mark VII-VIII). With the end of centralised wage fixing, CPI began to delink from wages and become a measure of inflation rather than cost of living.https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/07/130.jpg1997. CPI acknowledged as no longer protecting purchasing power of Age Pension, after a major campaign by pensioners because of falling standard of living. New measure adopted but military superannuation pensions excluded..https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/07/130.jpg
LIB / NPA2001. Australian Bureau of Statistics declares that CPI is a measure of inflation, not purchasing power.https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/07/130.jpg
LIB / NPAApril 2001. The Government ignored various Senate select committee recommendations for fair indexation made in Apr 2001 and again in Dec 2002. Finance used the same arguments then as current ministers. The Government did nothing about fair indexation despite the Senate committee recommendations and despite its welfare pension indexation reforms in 1998.https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/07/130.jpg
LIB / NPAFrom 2004 ‘salary’ used to calculate entitlements included all income (Service, Specialist and other allowances + basic salary). The effect is significant. DFRDB and MSBS superannuants discharged pre 2004 receive a pension as much as 50% less than their post 2004 counterparts.https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/07/130.jpg
LIB / NPAMay 2006. Superannuation “reforms” declared that military/APS super were ‘untaxed funds’ (see Circa 1973); beneficiaries are liable for income tax on their military super pension (unlike other Australians)..https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/07/130.jpg
LIB / NPANov 2007. Parliament, with bi-partisan support, recognised loss of purchasing power for Veteran Disability Pensioners and provided a “one off” catch up increase and also brought their indexation arrangements into line with the other pensions. This “one off” increase did not fully recover the erosion suffered by Veteran Disability Pensioners particularly in the previous 10 years when revised indexation arrangements were introduced for Age and Service Pensions.https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/07/130.jpg
LIB / NPA2007. ALP ‘promised’ to fix the indexation in lead up to the 2007 Federal election.
Result in power: Nothing (Matthews Review with constrained TOR recommended CPI be retained for Commonwealth & Military super – (Review widely condemned as superficial and inaccurate)https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/07/130.jpg2007. ALP released the Podger Review into Military Superannuation, commissioned under the previous government. The Review Team determined there was an in-principle case for changing the indexation arrangements of DFRDB Pensions. It found the original scheme contained a wage-based indexation element that was removed in mid-1970s when CPI was adopted. It found no case to increase the benefits payable prior to age 55, but it found there was a case for older DFRDB pensioners – “Government should consider indexing DFRDB pensions on a similar basis to that applying to Age Pensions”. It also recommended fixing the MBL limits for MSBS members and other anomalies. “There should be no change to the MSBS pension indexation arrangements.” For over three years, both Labor Governments have sat on the report and done nothing.https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/07/130.jpg2009. The Harmer Review of Pensions confirmed that at certain times, the rate of change in out of pocket living costs experienced by age pensioner households has moved faster than the rate of change in living costs of households as measured by the CPI. Age pensions indexation further adjusted by adding a pensioner and beneficiary living cost index (PBLCI) together with introducing a structural adjustment of pensions by increasing MTAWE benchmark to 27.5%. Military superannuation pensions ignored.https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/07/130.jpgBudget 2009. The 2007 Veteran Disability Pension benchmark broken in the Federal budget of 2009. The legislation suspended the benchmark for one event only, that of the 2.7% of MTAWE increase of 20 Sep 2009 afforded to all other pension’s arising from the Harmer review in which DPs were promised they would be included – see 23 October 1986 entry – the 2.7% loss is a lifetime loss as was the Keeting loss of 2% for 3 consec years.https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/07/130.jpg2009. Coalition pre-election statement: “if elected to government with a majority, they would on 01 July 2011 submit a Bill to provide for ‘Fair Indexation” of DFRB/DFRDB pensions to a higher level than just CPI indexation.”https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/07/130.jpg2 June 2011. House of Representatives unanimously supported (on voices) a coalition member’s motion acknowledging the unique nature of military service and the need for fair indexation of pensions.https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/07/130.jpghttps://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/07/130.jpg16 June 2011. the Government, The Greens and Senator Xenophon rejected Senator Ronaldson’s Fair Indexation Bill in the Senate

[ramblingboy42]

JC109, can you paste a copy of the form that says they are willing to die for their fellow man?

[jc109]

Their signature on the form that compels them to do whatever it is that is asked of them is what "says" they are willing.

Am I on crazy pills? Do you seriously think that this is not the substance of the commitment that is made?

If you want to see the form you can go look for it yourself. It won't tell you anything you don't want to see. I'm afraid that, as already stated, I'm no longer engaged in service (there it is again). Maybe you can pose your question to someone in uniform as they'll have ready access to such paperwork. I doubt you'd be game.

[bob10]

Note the oath of allegiance says until enlistment finishes, or " until retiring age " which ,I think, is now 54. You can be called back in, in an emergency. Bob I believe the core principle is " according to law"


https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/01/633.jpg (http://www.austlii.edu.au/) Commonwealth Consolidated Regulations

[Index (http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/cth/consol_reg/)] [Table (http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/cth/consol_reg/dr2002274/index.html#sch2)] [Search (http://www.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/sinoform.pl)] [Search this Regulation (http://www.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/sinoform.pl/au/legis/cth/consol_reg/dr2002274/)] [Notes (http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/cth/consol_reg/dr2002274/notes.html)] [Noteup (http://www.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/sinosrch.pl?query=cth+consol_reg+dr2002274+sch2)] [Previous (http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/cth/consol_reg/dr2002274/sch1.html)] [Download (http://www.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/download.cgi/au/legis/cth/consol_reg/dr2002274)] [Help (http://www.austlii.edu.au/help/legis-help.html)]
DEFENCE (PERSONNEL) REGULATIONS 2002 - SCHEDULE 2

Oath or affirmation for enlistment of member
(regulation 24)
Part 1 -- Form of oath
I, (insert full name of person) swear that I will well and truly serve Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second, Her Heirs and Successors according to law, as a member of the
(insert Australian Navy , Australian Army , or Australian Air Force )
(insert
for the period of (number of years) , and any extensions of that period,
or
until retiring age, )
and that I will resist her enemies and faithfully discharge my duty according to law.
SO HELP ME GOD!
(person's signature)

Taken and subscribed before me on (insert date)
(insert signature, name and title of the person before whom the oath is taken and subscribed)
Note: The oath may be taken before an officer of the Navy, Army or Air Force, a Warrant Officer of the Navy or Air Force, a Warrant Officer Class 1 of the Army, a Justice of the Peace, a Commissioner for Affidavits or a Commissioner for Declarations.
Part 2 -- Form of affirmation

I, (insert full name of person) promise that I will well and truly serve Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second, Her Heirs and Successors according to law, as a member of the
(insert Australian Navy , Australian Army , or Australian Air Force )
(insert
for the period of (number of years) , and any extensions of that period,
or
until retiring age, )
and that I will resist Her enemies and faithfully discharge my duty according to law.
(person's signature)
Made and subscribed before me on (insert date)
(insert signature, name and title of the person before whom the affirmation is made and subscribed)
Note: The affirmation may be made before an officer of the Navy, Army or Air Force, a Warrant Officer of the Navy or Air Force, a Warrant Officer Class 1 of the Army, a Justice of the Peace, a Commissioner for Affidavits or a Commissioner for Declarations.

[newhue]

I think is pretty poor taste that this guys image is being handballed around the internet for political purposes, Does he approve ? probably not.

Wonder how many even know his name and story ?

Lance Cpl. William Kyle Carpenter - the man who threw himself in front of a grenade in Afghanistan to protect his best friend

Kyle Carpenter - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kyle_Carpenter)

Good point, and no I don't. Thank you for bringing that up though.
I do now know, and very appropriate to the point of the thread; that around the time he suffered his injuries, I was taking delivery of my 130. So I have a lot to be thankful for, and the point of the post really.

[bob10]

This attitude from Governments is not something new. Allow me to print an extract from the book WEARY, the life of Sir Edward Dunlop, by Sue Ebury.


Chapter one, " beginnings".


"When Weary Dunlop emerged from his 'Long dark night of captivity' in the prison camps on the Burma-Siam railway in August 1945 , he carried with him a tattered packet of papers. Discovery by his former Japanese captors of any one of those closely written sheets of paper would have led to his execution, so detailed and damning were the contents. These papers formed his medical diary , ' maintained simply as a military duty ..in no sense designed for publication...' , and on his return to Australia that October they were consigned to a desk drawer.


For the next forty years this little pile of folded pieces of paper, exercise books, and notebooks was concealed from all but a few. Marriage, a busy surgical practise and an increasingly full public life eased the pain of his War "


Now comes the message,


" But the attitude of successive Governments towards Returned Soldiers and the gradual whittling away of pension benefits from survivors , began to cause him grave disquiet. The diaries time had arrived : surely their publication would focus attention on an aging and increasing incapacitated group of Australians - former prisoners-of-war of the Japanese in World War Two. "


Goingbush, don't think the Kyle Carpenters story is for one side of politics or the other, the message is all about how all colours of government has let down Veterans, here & overseas, since 1918. Kyle would be fighting for his mates, now, as he did then, believe me. BTW, if any one has not read Weary Dunlops' book, grab a copy, you wont regret it, Bob

[bob10]

This says it much better than I could, Roger Moore, in an interview, Bob Well worth listening to


Tommy Atkins, by Roger Moore - YouTube (http://youtu.be/yNMHOc9xfKQ)