$73.8 MILLION IN 2007-08 DEFENCE FUNDING FOR EDEN-MONARO

The Defence presence in Eden-Monaro will focus on the development of the Headquarters of the Joint Operations Command.

The Australian Government through Defence will continue its strong support to the economy of Eden-Monaro based on a continuing military presence. The current military population of the electorate includes over 170 Defence employees. Defence families form an integral part of the Eden-Monaro community.

The Government will continue to make an extensive financial contribution, of around $30.0 million in 2007-08, to the funding of both Defence facilities and personnel serving in Eden-Monaro. In addition in 2007-08 a further $43.8 million will be allocated for capital facilities funding.

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.

Facilities:

Defence facilities in New South Wales will benefit from $322.2 million in funding for 2007-08.

$208.6 million has been allocated to approved Defence facilities projects. A further $113.6 million will be spent on Defence Estate upkeep works.

Approved capital facilities projects for Eden-Monaro include:

Headquarters Joint Operations Command – Provision of Command, Control, Communications, Computing and Intelligence Systems

This project will equip the new Headquarters Joint Operations Command facility near Bungendore NSW (being provided under private financing arrangements) with systems necessary to effectively command and control Australian Defence Force operations. These works in total cost $80.9 million, with approximately $43.8 million dollars of that work programmed for the coming year.

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