The Defence Reform Program does not go far enough to bring Australia's defence capabilities up to "scratch", the Chief of the Defence Force, ADM Chris Barrie has told service personnel.

Admiral Barrie

"… in my view, the DRP, targeted to provide us with a $1 billion enhancement to our combat capabilities, does not go far enough in addressing the need to get our capabilities right up to scratch," Admiral Barrie said.

"Most of you will have read about some concerns within the ADF and the effects on personnel in the press this week.

"I share with many of you your concerns to get right all the things we need to do to safeguard our future security.

"In conjunction with the service chiefs, action is being taken to address these concerns."

ADM Barrie said the DRP is a government initiative which was launched just in time in July 1997.

"It has my full support with a focus producing a 50,000 strong ADF with enhanced combat power.

"Achieving its objectives does not involve substantial change and finding new ways of conducting our business.

"The magnitude of these changes in many areas inevitably has consequences in generating feelings of uncertainty and concern about the future, both from an individual and an organisational perspective.

"Nonetheless, as I have travelled in many parts of Australia and visited many ADF bases to give my presentations, I have constantly had confirmed my perceptions of the extent of commitment and enthusiasm for our plans."

He continued, " I have spoken to you as well about the values we continue to promote within our new culture: professionalism, integrity, openness and respect for others.

"I have said that our future depends on the ADF being a values-based organisation, not a rules-based organisation, if we are to succeed and I believe this has been well understood.

"It is for these reasons that I am very disappointed that one or two individuals have chosen to breach the trust we must have in each other by leaking several documents to various members of the press recently.

"Such behaviour does not fit with people who are committed to the success of our organisation."