Retired Brigadier Neil Weekes, holder of the Military Cross, has come out fighting in a Call to Arms in Independent Australia.
And the comment he posted that calls for more support from his fellow retirees:
I am concerned, but not surprised, that not one, not one, of our retired two star, or three star, Generals have come out in support of our fight, at least as far as I can ascertain!
I find this very strange as it was the loyalty, the dedication, the couage and the commitment of their soldiers, their sailors, their airmen/airwomen, their NCOs and the support of all their families, that assisted our two and our three star Generals (and the equivalent ranks in the RAN and the RAAF)that got them to their final rank.
In saying this I do not denigrate the personal ability or the commitment of these senior officers, but where are they now when we need them so much to speak with their authority and with their vast experience to our politicians on our behalf?? I understand that some of these retired senior officers may have ambitions to become State Governors or Directors of large companies and any public exposure on our behalf may jeopardise these aspirations?
Perhaps we can suggest to the economic rationalists that, as most of these retired senior two star or higher officers, retire on a DFRDB superannuation “pension” in excess of $80,000, their “pension” should not be indexed at all. The money saved could be redirected to those whose “pensions” are below $30,000.
Just a thought but I challenge our retired senior officers to join our fight for a “fair go” or to come out publicly and tell us why they are not prepared to do this. Some will say that I am stirring the pot and that they are doing a great amount “behind the scenes.” That may be so, and if so, good on them. However we need them to come out publicly, to let the troops know that they are on our side. After all many of us popped out of our shell scrapes and cover for them!
What say you, Generals?
Read his article in full here: –
http://www.independentaustralia.net/2011/defence/diggergate-campaign-a-call-to-arms/#comment-22371
