HEALTH CARE FOR DEFENCE FAMILIES: Before I reproduce the contents of a press release issued by Defence recently, Id like to say a few words of my own. This health-care rollout for Defence dependants was flagged late last year. At the time, the government announcement said it was for all ADF families. The good editor of CONTACT magazine asked Defence for clarification at the time and was told it was for the dependants of full-time ADF and reservists on continuous full-time service - and did not apply to reserves generally. Fair enough I say. But, confound it, an alert was sent out the other day inviting media to the launch of this thing. But again the words all ADF were used, and one was jolly well miffed at the impertinence. I asked that young whipper snapper editor fellow to reminded Defence of their earlier clarification, which he did. Then - much later in the day, I might add - the editor fellow got a phone call from a very high office assuring us that it was just a case of someone being overly frugal with words in a simple media alert, but that the actual press release would be more accurate. He was further assured that the assistant minister for Defences staff were fully aware of the inaccuracy inherent in the words and there would be no such confusion at the big event. Well bugger me - and do excuse my indignation - but when one received the official press release one is immediately struck by the headline... GOVERNMENT DELIVERS FREE BASIC HEALTH CARE TO ALL DEFENCE FAMILIES Well I assure you my dear and loyal followers, after I retrieved the old monocle from the cup of English Breakfast and dried it off sufficient to replace in its rightful, I proceed to read the rest of this communique. Trying to ignore the-government-did-this-and-the-government-did-that self-aggrandisement of it all, I get to the direct quote from Assistant Minister for Defence Stuart Robert saying, ...I am determined to get the word out to ALL ADF members and their families about this terrific program - and had to retrieve the old monocle from the tea again. Breakfast and a planned day of relaxation ruined, I assure you. My dear plebs, one is not suggesting that the program should be extended to all ADF families including reservists - that, of course, would be unreasonable and unjustified. What one is saying - and, regrettably, will no doubt be forced to repeat many more times in the future - is that ministers of the Crown, assistant or real, should be more accurate in their official communications with the public whom they serve and should refrain from using attention-seeking headlines that over glorify their message - especially when they know and have been reminded that those headlines are indeed inaccurate and therefore potentially misleading and confusing. Here is the unedited press release in question... Government delivers free basic health care to all Defence families The Assistant Minister for Defence, Stuart Robert MP, today officially launched the Government’s National Australian Defence Force (ADF) Family Health Program. Speaking at the launch at Brisbane’s Gallipoli Barracks, Mr Robert said he was delighted to be providing additional support to the families of ADF members. Today’s launch of the National ADF Family Health Program fulfils one of the Government’s key defence election commitments and acknowledges the service and sacrifice families of ADF members make to support our nation,” Mr Robert said. ADF members and their families face unique challenges, such as regular postings every two to three years, which means access to routine health care may be disrupted. This initiative will help ease the pressures on Defence families who fulfil the vital role of supporting their uniformed loved ones.” Mr Robert was joined by the Federal Member for Brisbane, Teresa Gambaro MP, who also expressed her strong support for the national roll out of the program. I am delighted to be at Gallipoli Barracks today supporting this important Government initiative, which will provide 5,700 dependants of ADF members in and around the region of Brisbane with free basic medical services,” Ms Gambaro said. Under the Government’s National Program every dependant of full time ADF members, and Reservists on Continuous Full Time Service, will be eligible no matter where they live in Australia. Each eligible ADF dependant will be reimbursed for their out of pocket expenses when visiting their local general practitioner, and in addition may claim up to $400 per year for allied health services such as physiotherapy, dentistry and mental health support. The National ADF Family Health Program, which began operating this month, currently has some 22,000 ADF family members registered and I am determined to get the word out to all ADF members and their families about this terrific program,” Mr Robert said. ADF personnel are the most important military capability we have and looking after our personnel and their families is my number one priority. This initiative will provide practical support to the dependants of ADF members.”
Posted on: Sat, 01 Feb 2014 09:33:56 +0000
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