.... The Australian Defence Force is concerned that media reporting today has misrepresented the intent of a letter outlining the opportunity to obtain additional personal insurance provided to troops preparing to deploy from Townsville.
The Australian Defence Force takes its responsibility to care for its people and their families extremely seriously.
“Defence will continue to work to ensure that our people who deploy into harms way, and their families, receive the best possible support that we can provide,” Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston said.
“The purpose of the letter provided was to ensure that soldiers are aware that private insurance is available, that they should consider their personal circumstances and have the option to take out additional cover if required”.
Personnel deploying on operations complete a comprehensive pre-deployment program that is designed to prepare them and their families for the job they are going away to do and the significant strains that the deployment will impose on them and their loved ones.
Ensuring that family financial arrangements are prepared to cope with the deployment is a vitally important aspect that deploying personnel are encouraged by their Commanders to work through with their families.
All Australian Defence Force members are covered by the statutory ‘Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Scheme’. This scheme has been in place since 2004 and it provides for a comprehensive range of benefits in the event of service-related injury, illness or death. Superannuation benefits may also be payable in these circumstances. Nevertheless, The Australian Defence Force also recognises that each member has differing personal circumstances, financial needs and commitments.
Deploying personnel are also encouraged to seek independent professional advice when considering insurance matters and before making any commitment to purchase ....
