David Johnston (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Defence) Share this | Hansard source

I sincerely do thank the senator for his question, and may I say that this is an extremely important issue that was very parsimoniously glossed over at Senate estimates last week. It was barely touched on. The Commonwealth position taken before the Defence Force Remuneration Tribunal reflects the unique nature of military service. The proposed offer to the next ADF workplace remuneration arrangement agreed between the Chief of the Defence Force and the government has been put before the independent Defence Force Remuneration Tribunal. On 15 October the DFRT, the remuneration tribunal, heard submissions from the Australian Defence Force, the Commonwealth and service organisations. In accordance with standard practice in complex cases, that decision has been reserved and it would be premature to speculate on the outcome. If agreed by the Defence Force Remuneration Tribunal, the workplace remuneration arrangement will see more than 70,000 permanent and reserve ADF personnel receive an increase in their pay each year for three years. The first pay rise will take effect from 6 November this year and will be paid on 20 November.

The proposed workplace arrangement does not alter the conditions of service for ADF members serving on operations, who will continue to be supported through additional remuneration and preferential tax treatments reflecting the nature of the operations they are undertaking. The proposed workplace arrangement also supports Defence's intention to streamline ADF salaries and allowances and simplify administration for ADF members and Defence. This will be achieved by rolling a range of discretionary leave and other benefits into salary increases which will benefit all ADF personnel.