Random Analytica

9^th September 2022

By email: foi@defence.gov.au

Dear FOI Coordinator,

Before I make the declarations, I’d like for you to consider the following.

I won’t be able to point to a single document or set of events that would assist in this search. I’ll try but I’m likely to fail the direct request you are seeking. That said. I put forward this FOI request because it is important.

So, a quick story before the declarations.

It is the 6^th June 2019. I have recently been released from the Cooinda Mental Health Service, my first MH hospitalisation (unfortunately, not my last). I am trying to work out the MyService website. It is almost as awful as the Centrelink services I have become accustomed to as my health deteriorates.

I fckn hate medals. Hate the glorification of the military. Hate ANZAC Day. Anyways, I finally got a gong and Wayne Swan pins it on me, so I think it is all good. Except, it isn’t good. I wear it once and I’m so shitty wearing it I give it away to my second son (who thinks it has some value). Back to 2019…

I’m doing the whole MyService thing on the MyGov site and they ask me do you want to sign up for the Covenant and I’m like, OK… Should be cool right?

I’m going through the process to get a nice letter from the DVA Minister, the Secretary (oh, Liz) and a pin I could wear instead of the gongs. Even though I hate it all I can find a way through. Until…

Some fuckwit at DVA doesn’t understand rank. There is no drop-down for Signalman. Signaller sure. Bombardiers aplenty… Language matters.

I go berko of course. Even put in an official complaint (completely ignored).

Back to official declarations.

This is a request for the purpose of the Freedom of Information Act 1982 for access to the following documents:

Any Australian Army documents that detail the last document that included Signalman

Should you have any questions in relation to this request, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

For your review and consideration

Shane Granger

9^th September 2022

If you need help…

Thank you for your interest. More Mefloquine Dispatches can be found here.

UPDATES

13^th Sep 2022: Permission for administrative release of documents

12^th Sep 2022: Defence FOI Acknowledgement