Anthony Chisholm (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Assistant Minister for Education) Share this | Hansard source

The government does not support this motion. Members of the Australian Defence Force, at all ranks, volunteered to serve this nation in difficult and dangerous roles. They sign up for the burdens and demands that service requires of them. Their families make regular and profound sacrifices as postings and deployment alter the rhythms of family life.

Members of the Australian Defence Force, at all ranks, deserve our admiration and support. On 24 April this year the government released the public version of the Defence strategic review, the government response to the review and the National defence statement 2023. Commissioned in the first 100 days of government, the review sets the agenda for ambitious but necessary reform to Defence's posture and structure. The government's response to the review sets out a blueprint for Australia's strategic policy, defence planning and resourcing over the coming decades.

The Albanese government has agreed or agreed in principle with further work required to the review recommendations and has identified six priority areas for immediate action. These priority areas include initiatives to improve the growth and retention of a highly skilled defence workforce. The Defence strategic review identified the fact that the ADF is facing a personnel crisis. There are significant workforce challenges for Defence and defence industry. We have committed to addressing these challenges and investing in the growth and retention of a highly skilled defence workforce.

One of the six immediate priority areas identified in response to the Defence strategic review is the need to both grow and retain our ADF personnel. The Albanese government is moving to immediately respond to the Defence strategic review by investing almost $400 million to establish a continuation bonus initiative. This initiative will be available to permanent ADF members, at the end of their initial mandatory period of service, who have served a minimum of four years. Near the completion of their initial contract, members could be eligible for a $50,000 bonus payment if they serve another three years.

The continuation bonus is expected to benefit approximately 3,400 ADF personnel in the first three years of the scheme. The bonus will be implemented from 2024 and reviewed after two years, to ensure it is contributing to increased retention rates. To complement this initiative, the Albanese government is also committing $2 million this financial year for a review into defence housing. The government recognises the challenges facing all Australians, when it comes to homeownership. This is particularly prevalent for a mobile workforce such as the ADF.

The Albanese government is already delivering important reforms in this area, including through the $46.2 million expansion of the Defence Home Ownership Assistance Scheme, announced at the October budget. But we know there is more that can be done to improve these systems. It is clear that current Defence homeownership benefits are struggling to keep pace with the Australian property market and meet the changing needs of our service personnel and their families. The government deeply appreciates those who serve in the ADF. Investing in those members and increasing support ensures Australia has the defence structure and posture needed to meet our strategic circumstances. That is the government's objective.