There
has been a 58 per cent increase in expenditure on Australian Defence
Force (ADF) Cadets over the past three years.
This commitment has seen a rise in funding to ADF Cadets from
$24-million in the 2000-01 financial year to an allocation of
$38-million for the 2003-04 financial year.
This additional investment has enhanced the cadet experience for
Australian youth, and resulted in more opportunities for participation
in ADF Cadets.
Since 2000 the total number of Navy, Army and Air Force Cadet
units around the country has increased from 408 to 465, with cadet
numbers rising from 26,082 to 27,734 in that time.
The Cadet Enhancement Program has:
-
Improved facilities of more than 150 Cadet units (over $2 million
has been provided for this purpose);
-
Provided more than 30,000 uniforms;
-
Provided more than 32,000 sets of boots;
-
Resulted in the installation of 512 computers, printers and
modems in all Cadet units around Australia; and
- Established
a dedicated Cadetnet website.
Initiatives
have also been introduced to increase the participation of indigenous
people in the ADF Cadets, with pilot projects under way in the
Northern Territory and North Queensland.
Navy, Army and Air Force Cadet units are established in communities
throughout Australia.
More than 2,600 adult volunteers lead and supervise personal development
and training activities for cadets.
