$89.0 MILLION IN 2007-08 DEFENCE FUNDING FOR RIVERINA

The strong Defence presence in Riverina includes the RAAF Wagga and Army units at Blamey Barracks, including the Army Recruit Training Centre, Kapooka, and the Australian Army Band.

The Australian Government through Defence will continue its strong support to the economy of Riverina based on a continuing significant military presence. The current military population of the electorate includes over 1,860 ADF members, Defence civilians and ADF cadets. Defence families form an integral part of the Riverina community.

The Government will continue to make an extensive financial contribution, of around $89.0 million in 2007-08, to the funding of both Defence facilities and personnel serving in Riverina.

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.

Local cadets will benefit from an expansion and enhancement of the Defence Force Cadet scheme - giving our young people the life, leadership and employability skills valued by employers and community leaders.

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 include:

RAAF College Relocation – RAAF Wagga and RAAF East Sale

This project will relocate the RAAF College from RAAF Williams (Point Cook) and RAAF Edinburgh to RAAF East Sale and RAAF Wagga. The project will provide working accommodation, training facilities, and living-in accommodation for College staff and students. Construction commenced in April 2006, and is on schedule for completion by mid 2008.

Printer friendly version

Top

Receive media releases automatically via email. Register your address here