Full Time ADF Numbers Increased

Defence 2000 White Paper Our Future Defence Force

Hon. Bruce Scott, MP Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence

Wednesday, 6th December, 2000 MIN343/00

Full Time ADF Numbers Increased

The Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence, Bruce Scott, today said the Defence White Paper, Defence 2000: Our Future Defence Force laid down the framework to increase full-time ADF numbers to 54,000.

“A mix of the right people, with the right skills and experience will be the backbone of an even stronger full-time Australian Defence Force,” Mr Scott said. “An increase in the number of full-time servicemen and women is fundamental to the enhanced force structure which is identified in the White Paper.

“As we develop the ADF for the 21st Century, it is essential that the ADF recruit, train and retain servicemen and women of the highest calibre,” Mr Scott said.

“The ADF’s weapons, equipment and systems cannot become world class capabilities without first class people to operate them. In two World Wars and numerous other deployments, Australia’s armed forces have earned an enviable reputation for toughness, resilience and resourcefulness.

“A strong Australian economy has created a very competitive recruiting market, and it is true that the ADF faces major challenges in recruiting and retaining the right people. However, the Government and Defence are addressing these challenges to meet the ADF’s future manpower needs.

“Issues such as good leadership and policies that recognise the unique nature of service in the armed forces are high on the Federal Government’s agenda. Job satisfaction, remuneration packages, health and safety, as well as career and lifestyle aspects need to be addressed in terms of the ADF’s evolving role.

“The Government also recognises that high levels of education and training are fundamental to a modern ADF, and improvements on this front will help Defence to attract and retain the people it needs for the future,” Mr Scott said.

Initiatives outlined in Defence 2000: Our Future Defence Force include:

 a review of ADF Remuneration to look at ways of providing more flexible and efficient arrangements;

 a new recruitment marketing campaign;

 continuation of a pilot scheme utilising a private recruitment agency. If this trial is successful and is extended Australia-wide, the number of recruitment offices could increase from 16 to 90;

 major improvements in education services at the Australian Defence Force Academy;

 aligning Defence education and training to the National Training Framework to enable Defence people to obtain nationally recognised qualifications.

“In recent years, the men and women of the ADF have made an essential contribution to stability in the nearer region and around the globe.

“Defence 2000: Our Future Defence Force makes clear the Government’s intention to maintain the ADF as a first-class military force,” Mr Scott said.

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