The Howard Government will inject an additional $18 million into the Australian Defence Force Cadets over the next five years to fund upgraded accommodation, adventure training and new technology.

The Defence White Paper established the Cadet Enhancement Program to enhance the Cadet experience for young Australians, providing $6 million per year until 2005/06.

The Cadet Enhancement Program is in addition to the $32 million per year the ADF spends on cadets, mostly for in-kind support such as catering, transport and salaries.

"The Howard Government will extend the Cadet Enhancement Program for a further three years, injecting an additional $18 million into the Australian Defence Force Cadets over the next five years," Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Defence, Fran Bailey, announced today.

"Today’s announcement reaffirms the Government’s strong commitment to providing a worthwhile Cadet experience for Australian youth."

The additional funding will be allocated to upgrading accommodation for Cadet units, increased funding for adventure and leadership training, and upgraded technology and support for the dedicated Cadet interactive website.

The Australian Defence Force Cadets is a partnership between Defence and the community that provides adventurous training for young people in a military context. It teaches young Australians the value of teamwork, friendship, self-discipline, respect and a spirit of adventure.

There are more than 27,000 Navy, Army and Air Force Cadets in 490 units across Australia.