HUGS FOR DAD: LCDR Brett Westcott receives a welcome hug from his son, upon HMAS Sheean’s arrival into Fleet Base West.

Photo: ABPH Jarrad Oliffe

ADF personnel will have access to five days’ dedicated carers’ leave per year - in addition to the existing entitlement of seven days’ compassionate leave per year - to look after the health needs of their families.

The dedicated carers’ leave was in recognition of the need for innovative programs to reduce the impact of frequent postings on military personnel and the families who support them.

The carers’ leave would be in addition to other leave entitlements, including compassionate, recreational or sick leave.

Under the initiative special leave will be replaced by two discreet types of leave, being compassionate and carers’ leave.

The compassionate leave entitlement is set at five working days per year, with a higher delegate able to approve more than five working days per annum. Compassionate leave is limited to serious illness or death of an ADF member’s close relative.

Carers’ leave is particularly important for military personnel who often serve far away from extended family support networks that might otherwise be able to provide some assistance in times of need.

The measures build on the recently announced package of service allowances, leave and travel benefits – worth $35 million –designed to help lessen the impact on ADF members and their families serving in northern Australia.

Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence De-Anne Kelly said, “This military leave enhancement will assist further in overcoming the stresses and strains brought about by isolation and recognises the fact that many spouses and partners of ADF members are themselves in the workforce.”

A recent Defence survey found about 90 per cent of military personnel were posted more than 50 kilometres from their extended family and 60 per cent were more than 1000 kilometres away.

“The Government is committed to supporting ADF personnel and their families and will continue to strive to deliver a comprehensive employment package that will contribute to the retention of personnel while also being attractive to those who are contemplating a military career,” she said.

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