Enlistments up, discharges down
Focus on families successful

The Australian National Audit Office has found that Defence is making significant progress in implementing measures to retain personnel within the ADF.

Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence, Mrs Danna Vale has revealed details of the ANAO findings and says the Government welcomes them.

In 2000 the ANAO conducted a performance audit on the retention of military personnel. It made nine recommendations in relation to Defence measures to monitor and control the flow of trained people.

Mrs Vale said that an ANAO follow up audit tabled in Federal Parliament on March 5 found “Defence has made progress, in some cases significant progress in implementing the ANAO’s original audit recommendations.

“Commendable work has begun in evaluating the cost effectiveness of quality of life measures designed to retain personnel, promoting the resolution of issues affecting the education of ADF member’s children and addressing physical training issues.”

Mrs Vale said the findings reflect the increase in Federal Government support for Defence personnel and their families through a range of initiatives.

The Federal Government recognises the strong link between quality of life and family support measures and Defence capability.

“We have funded the development of new and improved accommodation on bases and in areas surrounding them throughout Australia,” she said.

“We have funded the construction and refurbishment of childcare centres on or near bases as well as increased the number of private childcare places open to Defence personnel in the wider community.”

The Minister said that in recognition of the difficulties a mobile Defence lifestyle has on families, and on students in particular, the Federal Government had provided funding for 25 Defence School Transition Aides.

“We have also allocated $300,000 for measures to help address the social and educational issues facing school-aged children within Defence families.”

“One of the ANAO’s recommendations encouraged Defence to manage the retention of personnel deployed to East Timor.

“I am please that Defence’s evaluation of separation rates indicated separation rates did not increase as a result of East Timor deployments.

“Retention of trained personnel is crucial to Defence capability.

“The 2001/02 Defence Annual Report highlighted Defence’s commitment to employing and retaining the right people.

“For example, enlistments were up, and separations were down.” Mrs Vale said people are the key to Defence capability.

“It is important that we have the appropriate measures in place to attract and retain the right people to ensure our Defence Force can meet the challenging strategic environment we now face.”

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