BUDGET 2008-09

MEETING THE ADF RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION CHALLENGE

The Australian Defence Force will look to ‘Generation Y’, women, Indigenous Australians and our diverse ethnic communities as a source of new recruits under a $148.7 million funding package.

“The Rudd Labor Government recognises that people are the Australian Defence Force’s most valuable resource and a critical element of defence capability.  Our troops and potential new recruits will continue to be a top priority for this Government,” Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, Warren Snowdon, said.

Mr Snowdon said the Australian Defence Force, requiring 6,500 recruits each year, is experiencing shortfalls of enlistments in specific areas, including trade, technical and professional employment groups. 

The $148.7 million is the total allocation for Defence Force Recruiting programs and operations.  It includes three major recruiting programs aimed at restructuring Defence Force Recruiting operations, introducing a new Defence technical scholarship program and continuing advertising and marketing campaigns to enhance the image of the Navy, Army and Air Force. 

The importance of retaining the Australian Defence Force’s highly trained and skilled workforce is also affirmed, with funding of $165.1 million allocated for 2008-09.

This includes funding for Defence Force remuneration structure reform, targeted financial incentives for selected Navy and Army personnel with high-value skills, Navy’s ongoing Sea Change program, as well as the new Defence Home Ownership Assistance Scheme.

In addition to these measures, the Rudd Government will continue to support its deployed Australian Defence Force Reservists through the Employer Support Payment Scheme, with claims expenditure estimated at $20 million per year.

“The Employer Support Payment Scheme offers financial assistance to employers and self-employed Reservists, to offset their costs and possible losses due to absence while a Reservist is on Defence service. The objective of the Scheme is to enhance employer support for Reserve service, increasing the availability of Reservists to undertake Defence service,” said Minister Snowdon.

 “This is in addition to work that is well underway to promote Defence as an employer of choice, offering challenging and rewarding careers.”

Media contacts:

Kate Sieper (Warren Snowdon):              02 6277 7620 or 0488 484 689

Defence Media Liaison:                            02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664