BUDGET 2005-06

FOCUS ON PEOPLE A FEATURE OF DEFENCE BUDGET

Government spending on Defence people and their families is at a record high, Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence De-Anne Kelly said in the wake of the 2005-06 Federal Budget.

"This is welcome news for Australian Defence Force personnel and their families. Funding has been allocated for a range of support programmes as well as traditional expenditure on salaries, allowances, housing and other conditions of service," Mrs Kelly said.

The 2005-06 Budget initiatives include:

$3 million for Army recruitment
$8 million for retention
$10 million for remuneration reform
$7 million for preventative health activities and studies
$3 million for the Defence Childcare program

"Other programs, such as 'Single Leap', are continuing to improve the lifestyle on bases for our people this financial year. Enhancement of living-in accommodation is a priority for the Howard Government.

"The 2005-06 budget continues the commitment to ADF personnel funding made over previous Budgets in recognition that people are a critical element in Defence capability and that they should receive priority.

"As part of its Workforce and People plans, Defence is looking at a range of measures to attract and retain its personnel, including remuneration reforms.

"The focus on family support has been maintained and enhanced, with greater access to childcare, the funding of teachers' aid positions and spouse-employment initiatives.

"The ADF must have a mix of the right people with the right training and skills to undertake the complex range of military operations that face a contemporary defence force such as ours.

"The Australian Government is maintaining its funding initiatives to ensure that the ADF can enhance its programmes and look at innovative ways to recruit and retain skilled personnel," Mrs Kelly said.

Media contacts:
Craig Clarke (Minister Kelly) 02 6277 7820 0417 889 423
Defence Media Liaison 02 6265 3343 0408 498 664

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