$340.0 MILLION IN 2007-08 DEFENCE FUNDING FOR MELBOURNE PORTS

The strong Defence presence in Melbourne Ports includes a wide range of Australian military units at Victoria Barracks, Melbourne; the St Kilda Training Depot; and at Fisherman's Bend.

The Australian Government through Defence will continue its strong support to the economy of Melbourne Ports based on a continuing significant military presence. The current military population of the electorate includes over 2,000 ADF members and Defence civilians. Defence families make up an integral part of the Melbourne Ports community.

The Government will continue to make an extensive financial contribution of around $340.0 million in 2007-08, to the funding of both Defence facilities and personnel serving in Melbourne Ports.

Valuing our Personnel:

As part of the ongoing commitment to supporting and valuing our ADF personnel and their families the following improvements will be made:

a modern and more flexible pay structure for other ranks;
a new home loans assistance package with higher subsidies and greater choice to encourage home ownership and provide for higher benefits as members serve on for longer periods;
creating a transition and career advice function within Defence Force Recruiting to assist those who might be considering alternative careers;
investment in the professional development of Defence medical officers;
better marketing to showcase the Navy, Army and Air Force as employers of choice;
the introduction of a new Defence Apprenticeship scheme to assist 16-17 year olds commence an apprenticeship and then join the ADF; and,
a boost to the Royal Australian Navy's Sea Change programme.

Facilities:

Defence facilities in Victoria will benefit from $119.7 million in funding for 2007-08.

$49.0 million has been allocated to approved Defence facilities projects. A further $70.7 million will be spent on Defence Estate upkeep works.

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