Linda Reynolds (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Defence) Share this | Hansard source

Indeed I can, Senator O'Sullivan. Defence is currently growing and reshaping its workforce to meet new and evolving capability requirements for our nation. As I can personally attest, the ADF is an excellent career for young Australians who wish to serve, whether it be full or part-time. Defence has been incredibly agile throughout COVID-19, adapting its recruitment practices and procedures to allow for online testing and selection.

Between March and May this year, Defence Force recruiting applications were up by a staggering 35 per cent compared to the same period last year. The Defence Work Experience Program and our ADF Gap Year program both continue to provide young Australians the opportunity to sample a career in defence. Defence is also attracting an increasingly diverse talent pool through the APS Defence Graduate Program, the Indigenous training development program and STEM undergraduate cadetships, all of which are continuing. (Time expired)