Australian Defence Force: Cadets Scheme

Mr Robert asked the Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science, in writing, on 9 February 2010:

What has been the Government’s response to the ‘Review of the Australian Defence Force Cadets (ADFC) Scheme’ (Defence Force Review Panel, Canberra, 20 November 2008), and what action is being taken concerning paragraphs 2.8.7 and 2.8.8.

Mr Combet - The answer to the honourable member’s question is as follows:

The Government commissioned a review of the Australian Defence Force Cadets Scheme in June 2008 to make recommendations on actions required to improve the scheme to ensure that it is achieving its specific objectives in an efficient and effective manner.

In May 2009, the Government accepted the Defence response to the review, agreeing to 30 of the 48 recommendations. The Review findings referred to in paragraphs 2.8.7. and 2.8.8. of the report; to establish a single Commander of the ADF Cadet Scheme, was not agreed. Instead, an alternative model was adopted which sees the intent of this recommendation preserved through changes to formalise and enhance the governance and accountability structure for the Cadet Scheme while preserving the administrative responsibilities vested in the Service Chiefs.

The Vice Chief of the Defence Force, through the Cadet, Reserve and Employer Support Division, is responsible for coordinating implementation of the Review recommendations relating to governance, compliance, assurance, reporting and audit, development of joint policy and a shared services approach to areas such as IT, administration and business processes. Significant progress has been achieved in establishing a cadet governance framework through the creation of a hierarchy of strategic guidance committees and several crucial single issue working groups.

Defence’s Management Audit Branch is to conduct an audit of aspects of the ADF Cadet Scheme commencing this financial year, including financial compliance, the adequacy of the processes of allocating funding to Cadets, the effectiveness of Cadet information technology systems and Occupational Health and Safety issues related to Cadets, including facilities and firearms.

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