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The Royal Australian Air Force has been accused of “colluding” with commercial airlines to delay start dates for transferring pilots.
Senator Malcolm Roberts made the comments, reportedly backed by requested Freedom of Information documents, during a recent Senate committee hearing, alleging that the RAAF had co-ordinated a scheme to delay start dates for ex-RAAF pilots transitioning to civilian airlines.
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In addition, the Queensland One Nation senator alleged that in late 2017, the RAAF director of personnel had established a direct line to carriers, such as Virgin and Qantas, to influence the start dates by six to 12 months in an attempt to keep pilots serving in the Australian Defence Force for longer periods of time.
“I questioned the Defence Department about some serious allegations regarding a ‘collusion’ between the Air Force and major airlines like Qantas and Virgin,” Senator Roberts said.
“I’ve viewed emails from an FOI request suggesting the Air Force has been ‘whispering’ in the ears of HR departments to delay start dates for pilots who are trying to transition to civilian careers. It’s absolutely unacceptable to place invisible barriers in front of veterans who have served their country and just want to provide for their families.
“While the Air Marshal denied any wrongdoing and insisted retention rates are ‘healthy,’ I’ve pushed for a lot more detail. They’ve taken my questions on notice, so I’m currently waiting on the answers. We need full transparency on these backroom deals to ensure our pilots aren’t being held captive by their own employer.”
RAAF leadership at the Senate committee hearing confirmed that Senator Robert’s questions would be taken on notice.
“For Air Force in the last financial year, it grew by more than 824 personnel. Air Force is now above 16,000 personnel,” said Air Marshal Stephen Chappell.
“We are continuing to grow, separation rates are continuing to fall and stabilise at very healthy levels.”
Qantas and Virgin Australia have been contacted for comment.
