By
LEUT Aaron Matzkows
THE
Budget provides a “tremendous” boost to the ADF, according to
CDF General Peter Cosgrove and CAF Air Marshal Angus Houston.
GEN Cosgrove said modernisation, improved quality of life for
service people and an increased logistics spending were highlights
of the $16.35 billion earmarked for Defence in the Budget.
“It confirms the force modernisation we were aiming for through,
first of all, the White Paper in 2000 and, secondly, the Strategic
Review of 2003,” he said.
“In each of those we looked for some significant improvements
in the way we do business and the way we resource our business.
“I see that the modernisation of our fighting systems and our
logistic systems as being absolutely key to the powerful modernisation
of the future force.”
AIRMSHL Houston described the Budget as “really good for Air Force”,
especially the purchase of two more AEW&Cs, enhancements to the
Hornets’ bomb-delivery capabilities and improved defensive countermeasures
for the C-130s.
“The major announcements, combined with existing projects, give
us a solid foundation to move into the future with the capability
we will need to become truly networked to ensure the warfighting
edge,” he said.
“Importantly, I am delighted that the logistics funding shortfall
that we’ve been managing over recent years has been addressed.”
GEN Cosgrove said he believed the increases in pay and conditions
of $458 million over four years would assist the Services’ drives
in recruitment and retention of members.
“There’s been a major boost to the quality of life aspects of
our service in Navy, Army and Air Force,” he said.
“The huge cash injection to increase rental assistance and to
improve the quality of live-in accommodation is a major boost
to both recruiting and retention.
“It will come on-stream as quickly as we can do it, to help improve
the quality of life for those people who are single and who live
either on-base or wish to have Rental Allowance and live off-base.”
He said the $80 million increase in pay and conditions would help
keep the ADF’s overall remuneration package at a competitive level
with the corporate and public service sectors.
The investment in the ADF Reserves Enhancement Program through
the provision of employer support and the Cadets Enhancement Program
was a wise expenditure, he said.
Accomodation
improvements
Extra aimed at retention
Funds for personnel
What we get
Committed to global help
Logistics injection
Two extra Wedgies
