Defence Determination 2016/19 (Approved forms) Instrument 2021 (No. 1)

Overview

The Defence Determination 2016/19 (Approved forms) Instrument 2021 (No. 1) was enacted to streamline and formalise the process for Defence members to access various services and benefits under the Defence Determination 2016/19, Conditions of service. This instrument was introduced to address the need for consistent and approved forms to be used for specific actions, ensuring efficiency and uniformity in processing. This notifiable instrument was made by Fiona Louise McSpeerin, Assistant Secretary, People Policy and Employment Conditions, Defence People Group, in accordance with section 1.3.5A of Defence Determination 2016/19. The policy objective is to provide Defence members with clear and approved forms for actions related to their employment conditions, ensuring that all processes are conducted in a standardised and efficient manner.

Scope and Application

The Defence Determination 2016/19 (Approved forms) Instrument 2021 (No. 1) applies to all members of the Australian Defence Force (ADF), including both regular and reserve forces, and sets out the approved forms for various administrative actions related to their service. This instrument is a subordinate piece of legislation that comes into effect on 8 July 2021, replacing all previous instruments made under section 1.3.5A of Defence Determination 2016/19, Conditions of service. The approved forms are to be used for actions such as applying for absence, medical absence, recognition of dependants with special needs, health support allowance, and other related administrative tasks. The approved forms are either accessible through the Defence Personnel Management Key Solutions self-service system or prescribed forms listed in column C of the instrument, which apply when the self-service system is unavailable or when there is no form available for a specific benefit. This instrument ensures consistency and efficiency in the processing of various administrative actions within the ADF.

Key Provisions

This Defence Determination 2016/19 (Approved forms) Instrument 2021 (No. 1) outlines specific approved forms that Defence personnel must use for various applications and notifications. The instrument specifies that the approved forms can either be those found in the Defence Personnel Management Key Solutions self-service system or, in certain cases, prescribed forms listed in Column C of the table. The approved forms are linked to specific actions such as applying for absence, claiming compensation for cancelled leave, or applying for a health support allowance (Section 4). The obligations imposed by this instrument require Defence personnel to use the specified approved forms when making applications or notifications as detailed in the table. For example, when applying for absence or notifying of non-effective service, personnel must use the ADF Absence Application/Non-effective Service Notification form (D097) or the form in the Defence Personnel Management Key Solutions self-service system if available (Section 4, Item 1). Similarly, for applying for a medical absence from duty, the Medical or Dental Fitness Advice form (PM101) must be used (Section 4, Item 2). This ensures consistency and accuracy in the processing of various applications and notifications. Failure to use the approved forms as specified in this instrument can lead to complications or delays in the processing of applications and notifications. While the instrument does not explicitly outline specific penalties for non-compliance, the use of incorrect or unapproved forms can result in administrative inefficiencies and potential issues in the timely processing of Defence personnel’s requests. Defence personnel are therefore required to adhere strictly to the approved forms to avoid such issues (Section 4).