Assistant Minister for Defence - ADF pay offer approved

The independent Defence Force Remuneration Tribunal (DFRT) today approved the 2014-2017 Workplace Remuneration Arrangement for Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel.

Assistant Minister for Defence, Stuart Robert, said the decision will see ADF members receive a 1.5 per cent pay increase each November for the next three years, starting this year.

“The 2014 Workplace Remuneration Arrangement gives ADF members a fair and economically responsible pay rise,” Mr Robert said.

“The DFRT’s decision validates the approach taken by Defence and the Government to delivering employment conditions that recognise the service of ADF personnel while also delivering an affordable offer in the context of the current economic environment.”

In agreeing with the proposed pay offer the DFRT made clear the offer was the best outcome for ADF personnel in the current circumstances.

“The comprehensive employment package agreed to today by the independent DFRT represents a balance between recognising the unique service provided by ADF personnel and the need to operate within the current economic environment,” Mr Robert said.

“When we are burdened with a current interest bill of over $1 billion a month and debt rising to $667 billion unless we take action, it is simply not feasible to borrow yet more money to pay for higher wages.

“Defence and this Government value the dedication of our service men and women and this is the best offer and outcome in a fiscally constrained environment.”

The employment package includes reforms that simplify conditions of service, easing the administrative burden on ADF members, their families and Defence.

The proposed agreement does not change any overseas conditions of service for deployed ADF members.

Media contacts:

Richard Briedis (Minister Robert’s Office) (02) 6277 7730 or 0477 391 174

Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999