The poem below is written by George Mansford  in response to a rejection by the Government to index ADF superannuation pensions the same as they do for aged pensionsers and politicians.  We have ex ADF GN members here whose incomes are affected by this unjust decision. 

Do Canberra Suits Think Its All A Game ?

I heard the news that the Senate had given old soldiers the flick

Clearly, those past promises were a cruel trick

It seemed there has been betrayal from the Greens who vowed trust

And Senator Lundy who not so long ago preached that the cause was just

The war drums are beating and theres anger in the air

All the military wanted was a fair go and this result is far from fair

The ire is growing and I doubt if it will subside

The warrior fraternity has been taken for a ride

Theyre not asking for riches, perks, or what they havent earnt

Nor like others, seeking new bridges to replace those theyve burnt

Dont Canberra Suits really understand that its about a fair go

Diggers young and old are fair dinkum; this aint a one week show

Let me relate some truths from days gone by

Youngsters volunteered to wear the sacred cloth and eager to try

They believed in each other and their leaders never lied

As soldiers they were ready to fight and knew some would die

With no union rules they followed orders and no questions asked

Even though there were sometimes doubts about the Canberra Brass

Soldiers were told things that were not very nice

The fresh rations arent coming so eat whats left of the rice

Sorry fellas, saddle up, theres no time to rest

Were outnumbered and the enemy to our front is their best

No matter what happens, stand fast, cos were here to the very last

Leaves been cancelledor your bed for the night is this Marsh

Diggers have been used to tough times and even worse

They have always obeyed and got on the task, albeit with a curse

Not enough family giddays and far too many sad hoorays

Over the years, a nomadic life and lets face it, poor conditions and pay

All of this was accepted and there was never hesitation to serve

Now the bloody Senate turns it back on what is their just deserve

The irony of all of this is very clear and far from sweet

Instead of soldiering and compulsory retirement payments to meet

They could have surfed every day and doled for many a year

Then, like the Canberra suits and others, received a better indexation

Is it any wonder that among the warriors there is growing vexation?

By the way, as well as super, the military too pays personal taxation

So as old soldiers prepare for the final phase of life

Many hope that the first to go will be the beloved wife

Cos the reduced pension which a widow officially deserves

Is pathetic recognition of women who kept home fires burning and quietly served

Given Canberras double standards of them and us; is there no shame?

Or do the Canberra Suits think its all part of some bull**** game?

Speaking of which; let me close with the words a recent Prime Minister said

We must always honour those who wore the proud national thread".

George Mansford June 2011

PS. Diggers embraces Matelots, Blue Orchards, Shielas and Blokes and I reckon theyll be still bloody angry long after theyre dead.

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Yes, they give peanuts on the one hand and take bananas (well at the current price) with the other.