Independent Senator for Tasmania Jacqui Lambie has welcomed the small victory that Defence families have enjoyed with the announcement by the Abbott of an increased offer in Defence pay.
“ While I’m glad the our diggers have been awarded in total a 2% pay offer or an increase of .5% on Mr Abbott’s original offer – it still means that he is stealing money from our defence forces – it just means that with this announcement Mr Abbot is stealing less money.” said Senator Lambie.
“Mr Abbott still needs to answer a number of important questions before I decide how I’ll approach this matter while voting in the Senate.
1) Will the ADF personnel receive back pay?
2) Over what period of time will that back pay be calculated?
3) Will Mr Abbott give with one hand and take with the other – i.e. what will happen to the costs of defence housing for single and married ADF members?
Some have asked if I deserve credit for today’s announcement. The people who deserve credit are all the Tasmanians who have contacted my office and encouraged me to fight for our Diggers.
And the other people who deserve praise are all the wives, husbands, relatives and friends of our ADF personnel who have also contacted me and urged that I continue to speak out for Australian patriots who remain voiceless.” said Senator Lambie.
“Tony Abbott may try and make political mileage out of this announcement for his Liberal members of parliament, but the Australian people are smart enough to make their own minds up about why he back flipped.
Unfortunately this decision was forced on Mr Abbott. He’s not made it out of genuine care for our ADF families and Diggers. Mr Abbott has made it in a desperate attempt to save his own political career.
I’ve placed a request with officials from the Treasury for a briefing where they will detail the exact cost and benefits of this new offer. I look forward to consulting with Tasmanians and receiving advise on how they would like me to vote on legislation in the future.” said Senator Lambie.
Rob Messenger
