Like all areas of Government, the Australian Defence Force Cadets (ADFC) organisation is working hard to ensure our world standard youth program remains affordable said Senator David Feeney, the Parliamentary Secretary for Defence.

The program has been expanding with newly formed units across the country. Recent data shows that ADFC have increased across the three services by over 1,000 cadets.

However, funding within ADFC has been prioritised to ensure the three services can still deliver a world standard youth development program.
 
Claims that Australian Army Cadet (AAC) supervision is being cut by 30 percent are untrue.  Claims that Navy and Air Force Cadet units will be amalgamated and may be closed down in a sweeping or widespread manner as a result of Budget cuts are untrue.

Experience shows that from time to time Cadet units close down as a result of lack of cadets, volunteers or community support, just as new Cadet units emerge because of community support and cadet interest.

Up to six Australian Navy Cadet (ANC) units may have to close due to a lack of ANC staff, cadets and community support.

ADFC volunteers, officers and instructors are currently able to claim a payment known as a “Cadet Forces Allowance” (CFA). Due to internal priority decisions, AAC has changed the maximum day limit for CFA for Army Cadets Instructors from 48 to 33.5 days per year. There have been no cuts to CFA in ANC or AAFC.

Many ADFC Instructors do not claim the CFA. This is because the prime motivation for instructors is to support and develop our future generation of leaders - not financial gain.

“The Government is planning for an enhanced future for the ADFC not a reduced one. We understand the importance of the ADFC in the Australian psyche and we will continue to plan for a great generation of future leaders.

“The Gillard Labor Government is committed to the Australian Defence Force cadets; it is a youth development program that provides young Australians with a unique military experience and embodies strong values, such as honour, honesty, integrity, courage, loyalty, teamwork and citizenship,” said Senator Feeney.

Media Contact:
Jeffrey Von Drehnen 0477 348 476