The Military Pay Scales, which are contained in Defence Force Pay & Allowance Accounting Circulars (DEFSAACs), set out the annual and fortnightly salaries applicable to a member's rank and pay group/increment.
For the purposes of the Incapacity Calculator, the gross weekly salary, including Service Allowance, applicable to the period being assessed is required. The weekly salary including Service Allowance is known as the “Military Salary”. Note that, before 1 July 2002, the Military Salary was collected as a fortnightly amount.
The ADF salary structure allows for payment of Service Allowance, in addition to the basic salary, to members holding certain ranks. According to Defence Determination 0201 covering Service Allowance, members holding the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, Wing Commander or Commander, and above, are not eligible to receive Service Allowance. These members receive a “consolidated salary (only) which gives full recognition to the responsibilities within the rank...”.
Service Allowance has not been payable for the rank of LTCOL, WGCDR or CMDR and above, since 5 November 1981. Service Allowance remains payable for the rank of Major, Squadron Leader or Lieutenant Commander and below, and should be included in NWE for those ranks.
Converting annual salary to a weekly amount
Annual salary is converted to a weekly amount using the following formula adopted from the Department of Finance:
Annual salary X 7
365
Requests for Information on Pay Groups
Refer to Standard Letters and DCI 29 for the Office and address to which requests for information on pay and pay groups should be forwarded.