Chris Evans (WA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Government in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

I am not sure the characterisation made by the senator is what I said. I did indicate that there was strong support for the cadet programs and that some of the claims made about widespread closures are not true. I did indicate that they were impacted by broader budget decisions and I referred to the allowance changes in Army as one of those changes where, if you like, savings are made as a result of decisions taken. But, as I have indicated, the cadet program remains one that is highly valued. There has been recent growth in the system and all the major high-value activities of the three cadet organisations will continue to be conducted. As part of the general effort across government and across Defence there may well be measures that impact on cadets, but fundamentally there remains strong support for the program.