NEW frameworks covering ADF members’ allowances, categorisation and leave are among the improvements in pay and conditions to be introduced in the coming months, along with a $2000 pay rise to support any impact from the changes.
The frameworks are part of the ADF Employment Offer Modernisation Program, which aims to reduce complexity and increase transparency for members and their families.
Chief of Defence General Angus Campbell introduced the program in 2019, inviting members to contribute ideas for improvements to pay and conditions.
He said changes based on that feedback had been introduced, and there were more to come.
“Over the past two years, improvements have been made to the employment offer, including the introduction of Military Salary and a number of housing and leave initiatives,” General Campbell said.
“An example of this is the Flexible Housing Trial, which commenced in September 2021 and is now being rolled out nationally. You will now have a greater opportunity to access housing outside your posting location and live closer to your partner’s employment or study, or professional services for your dependants.
“These changes were shaped through your feedback, so thank you to everyone who took the time to contribute.
“The ADF Employment Offer Modernisation Program is dynamic. You will see further changes and improvements to your pay and conditions as the program implements more initiatives in the next 12 months, including a new salary-related allowance framework and new categorisation and location frameworks.”
The new 12-tier allowances structure, called Military Factor, will roll the existing ADF disability, environmental and sustainability allowances into a more transparent and simple arrangement.
Other new frameworks will modernise the way members are categorised, and the locations from which they can access benefits. Some of the changes will allow Defence to recognise family members other than those an individual usually lives with.
General Campbell said he was also invested in introducing a new leave framework.
“The enhancements to leave benefits are balanced by improved clarity around leave management policy and practices to empower our commanders and managers to actively manage leave benefits across their workforces and to promote your wellbeing and respite,” GEN Campbell said.
From July 1, basic recreation leave will increase from 20 to 25 days a year.
Members will also have more flexibility in managing recreation leave. This will include the ability to take recreation leave in half-day increments or at half pay, and to take purchased leave upfront. Defence is also finalising details on how dualserving couples can share leave.
The $2000 payment to cover any impact from the changes will apply from early June.
GEN Campbell said more modernisation program initiatives were being considered to improve the ADF Employee Value Proposition.
For more information about the initiatives to be rolled out in 2023, go to: pay-conditions.defence.gov.au and search ADF Employment Modernisation Program.
