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Pay rise drought over for Defence Force

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Pay rise drought over for Defence Force

3News NZ

Most will get pay rises but those on above-average rates won't (pic:Lloyd Burr / 3 News)

Most will get pay rises but those on above-average rates won't (pic:Lloyd Burr / 3 News)

By 3 News online staff

The Defence Force has announced a $45 million pay rise allocation, meaning some personnel will get their first increase since 2008.

But those already on higher rates are likely to miss out, as the increase is not across the board.

Defence Force Chief Lieutenant General Rhys Jones says everyone will have their pay brought in line with average 2012 market rates.

“The total remuneration of those already above the mid-point is being protected,” he says.

The increase comes amid a drive by the Government to save $400 million by 2015. So far this year, they have made savings totalling $143 million.

“This was always one of the promised rewards of finding efficiencies – reinvesting in our frontline, which is our people,” says Mr Jones.

An additional $40 million is being spent on buying-out special leave and allowance entitlements which have been phased out. 

Mr Jones also says rent for personnel living in Defence Force-owned houses may increase later this year, to remove the “rent advantage” they have over those living off-base.

3 News

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Comments

18/09/2012 6:24:05 p.m.

G wrote:

the payrise was a joke, personnly It looked like I got an extra $2000 per year but after tax and compulsory super payments it works out to be $0.28 a fortnight and I know of people that have actually lost up to $13.00 a pay. they have taken away our long service leave entitlements uped rent for those lucky enough to have service housing and removed payments for extra skill factors that personnel have taken time to upskill to carry out and will now be asked to do for the love of the force. Senior officers have come off very well. If Morale was low after civilianisation last year I expect more people will leave after this.

18/09/2012 5:32:57 p.m.

Philip wrote:

Ok so got my payslip today, i got a payrise on paper, but its all going in to my super annuation. but on top of that im losing my extra skill payment, so im actually losing just under $80 a fortnight. Yes i get more money in the end, but cash in the hand to pay the bills im actually losing out. i do wish i was one of the 11 brigadiers who got a $22,000 payrise. don't know how they can justify it seeing as there is only one full brigade.

17/09/2012 9:20:53 p.m.

Ghone wrote:

These increases were a complete joke unless you are a Senior Officer in that case you have done very well, It's disgusting actually the disparity between junior and senior personnel the only senior pers that took pay cuts were the Warrant Officers they probably don't care but the baggies should they will start losing money and incentives to stay in very short order starting now.

17/09/2012 8:16:59 p.m.

zac wrote:

This is just like the national party 2008 election bribe tax cut. Give it with one hand and take it away with the other hand in gst. This one, give it with one hand with pay increase, then take it away with the other hand by increasing their rents. Who are they kidding?

17/09/2012 5:50:25 p.m.

Robert M wrote:

Who advocated the defence force pay freeze in 2008. Treasury, or was it an Act party initiative and an attack on the intelligent officer core, by the usual pacifist factions in Act, disguised as warriors or privates.

17/09/2012 5:31:11 p.m.

Phil wrote:

Looks great from the outside but in reality its probably the straw that will break the camels back. there is just about nothing left that they can take from us now.

17/09/2012 4:43:52 p.m.

DIMIT wrote:

Great to see some Salary increases here. Our defense force do us all proud

17/09/2012 4:39:12 p.m.

j wrote:

Crap... its all just smoke and mirrors, anyone on the inside can tell you that. they are taking more away that what they are giving. AND no once can do anything

17/09/2012 1:54:49 p.m.

Allan Lather wrote:

Salary increases well deserved, particularly those overseas.