George Mansford

DO CANBERRA SUITS THINK IT’S 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 there’s 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
They’re not asking for riches, perks, or what they haven’t earnt
Nor like others, seeking new bridges to replace those they’ve burnt
Don’t Canberra Suits really understand that it’s about “a fair go”
Diggers, young and old are fair dinkum; this ain’t 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 aren’t coming so eat what’s left of the rice”
“Sorry fellas, saddle up, there’s no time to rest”
“We’re outnumbered and the enemy to our front is their best”
“No matter what happens, stand fast, ‘coos we’re here to the very last”
“Leave’s been cancelled” or “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 let’s 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 Canberra’s double standards of them and us; is there no shame?
Or do the Canberra Suits think it’s all part of some bullshit 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”

Author’s Note: Diggers embraces Matelots, Blue Orchards, Shielas and Blokes and I reckon they’ll be still bloody angry long after they’re dead.