THE FIRST NATIONAL ADF FAMILIES SURVEY LAUNCHED

The Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, the Hon. Warren Snowdon MP, formally launched the ADF Families Survey today at Gallipoli Barracks in Brisbane. 

The survey invites spouses and partners of Australian Defence Force (ADF) members to provide feedback about how service life impacts on their family needs, and how they view the range of family support services offered by Defence.

“Defence has a wealth of information about how military service may affect families, but this is based on information gained from serving ADF members rather than obtained directly from their families,” Mr Snowdon said.

“The ADF Families Survey is the first of its kind in Defence and it offers a real opportunity for families to share their thoughts on a range of issues such as frequent relocations on posting, separation due to deployments and children’s education.

“Information from the survey will help improve existing family support programs and policies and give Defence a better understanding of the significant role that families play in the recruitment and retention of ADF members.”

Mr Snowdon said that it was important for Defence to take an evidence-based approach when developing conditions of service and employment packages that seek to meet the needs of ADF members and their families.

“I encourage all ADF families to take part in the survey and help enhance the quality of life for the whole Defence community,” Mr Snowdon said.

Defence Families Australia (DFA) also welcomed the survey.

“It is extremely positive that Defence is formally examining the issues concerning ADF families, and I urge everyone who is eligible to take advantage of the opportunity,” said Nicole Quinn, DFA President. 

The ADF Families Survey has been mailed to a range of participants, including spouses and partners of full-time ADF members, couples where both parties are full-time ADF members, and full-time members who are single parents. 

Completed surveys must be returned by 19 December 2008.

Eligible participants may also elect to complete the survey online at www.defence.gov.au/dco or through Defence Families of Australia at: www.dfa.org.au

Media contacts:

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

Defence Media Liaison:                            02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664