THE
Australian National Audit Office has found that Defence is making
significant progress in implementing measures to retain personnel
within the ADF.
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 personnel.
The
ANAO Report on Retention of Military Personnel Follow-up Audit,
issued on March 7, stated, “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 members’ children; and addressing
physical training issues.”
Defence’s
evaluation of separation rates indicated separation rates did
not increase as a result of East Timor deployments.
Welcoming the ANAO’s findings, Minister Assisting the Minister
for Defence Danna 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.”
