MEDIA RELEASE

Top End Suport for Front Line Defence Reservists

The most senior Reserve Officer in the Australian Defence Force has congratulated the Northern Territory Government for granting Army Reservists six weeks paid leave to do their training.

"They are the first Government to commit themselves to granting Army Reservists time off to undertake the new six week common induction course since it was introduced," assistant Chief of the Defence Force (Reserves) Major General Daryl Low Choy said today,"It is an example we would urge all state and territory Governments to follow."

Maj General Low Choy added that the Northern Territory Government has also agreed to maintain current Government entitlements of four weeks annual paid leave for Navy, Army and Air Force Reserves.

The NT Government's announcement comes at a time when Federal Workplace Relations Legislation seems likely to remove automatic leave entitlements for Reservists.

"Some employees and community leaders today are not as understanding about the need for reserves," Major General Loy Choy said. "They don't see the value of the training and how this training can relate to their organisation."

He said about 40% of the total strength of the Australian Defence Force is made up of Reserves.

"And the total strength of the Reserves is mooted to reach 50% by the year 2002 as more Reserves are recruited to take on work at present being done by full-time members of Navy, Army and Air Force" he said.

Currently the ability of Reservists to meet the challenge of greater responsibility and achieve higher capabilities is limited by their availability to serve in the Reserve," Maj General Low Coy explained.

"It is very difficult to meet this challenge with employers less willing than they have been in years gone by to release their staff for Reserve service, "he said.

"We believe it is not a 'one way street' with employers merely donating an employee's time to the Reserves. Reserve service will improve the worth of an employee and, for the community, it lifts standards making those who do the training much more capable of contributing to and achieving within society.

"The Northern Territory Government has led the way and for good reason. They understand the benefits of the training and the necessity for a well trained and capable Defence Force."

Further information or to arrange interviews with Major General Low Choy contact . . .

Lieutenant Commander John Hearps: (02) 6265 4222