THE HON. GREG COMBET MP
Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science
Tuesday, 18 August 2009
037/2009
DEFENCE FORCE SEPARATION RATE LOWEST IN DECADE
Greg Combet, Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science today
announced that the Australian Defence Force (ADF) is currently experiencing its
lowest separation rate in the last decade, with the 12-month average separation rate
falling to 9.4 per cent in July 2009.
“The Navy, Army, and Air Force have experienced significant decreases in
separation rates with current figures of 10.8, 10.3 and 6.4 per cent respectively, down
from 12.4, 11.9 and 9.0 per cent since July 2007,” Mr Combet said.
“The ADF is expecting further decreases in separation rates throughout the next
quarter, followed by the rates stabilising in 2010.”
“Another pleasing aspect of this result is that more young people are getting first
class training from the ADF at a time when Australia needs to build its workforce
skills base.”
Mr Combet said the decrease in separation rates, and associated increased retention
of trained and skilled personnel with operational experience, will place Defence in a
good position to achieve the growth and capability requirements outlined in the 2009
Defence White Paper, Force 2030.
ADF personnel strength is currently 56,522, representing is a growth of 1,919
permanent members over the last year and including 1,454 Reservists on full time
service. This growth includes 259 more women than last year serving in a wide
variety of roles. The ADF has also benefited greatly from the re-enlistment of
personnel with prior military service.
“Defence recognises the importance of harnessing the skills and experience of its
qualified and professional men and women and is very much focused on enhancing
its overall employment package to support retention,” Mr Combet said.
Media contacts:
Rod Hilton (Greg Combet):
02 6277 4771 or 0458 276 619
Defence Media Liaison:
02 6127 1999 or 0408 498 664
Please note Defence Media has a new phone number: 02 6127 1999.
The existing number will be automatically diverted to the new number for three
months. The existing after-hours duty mobile 0408 498 664 will remain.
NEWS 
