DEFENCE MEDIA RELEASE
Issued by Ministerial Support and Public Affairs, Department of Defence, Canberra, ACT
Phone: 02 6265 3343, Fax: 02 62656946
MSPA 131/09
Thursday, 16 April 2009
NEW PAY STRUCTURE FOR ADF OTHER RANKS MEMBERS
Australian Defence Force (ADF) enlisted personnel have a new pay structure with today’s
roll-out of the final phase of the Graded Other Ranks Pay Structure, known as ‘GORPS’.
Over 9,000 Navy sailors and warrant officers have received their first salary payment under
GORPS today, to be followed in coming weeks by Air Force, Army and Reserve other ranks
members.
GORPS represents a 10-year $2.4 billion investment that will see over 37,000 ADF members
from the ranks of private to warrant officer and their service equivalents placed in new pay
grades based on their skills and experience and contribution to delivering ADF capability. It
also offers greater reward for promotion.
The new ADF other ranks graded pay structure meets contemporary industrial standards by
better recognising the work value of different military employment groups, market factors and
skills shortages. It also provides a solid foundation for a more responsive pay-setting
mechanism.
About half of the personnel under GORPS will be placed in higher pay grades and receive
increased salaries to reflect the capability they provide the ADF. The other half will simply
transition from the previous structure without a significant increase in pay, while a very small
number will have their salaries protected so they do not suffer any financial detriment.
Introducing GORPS has been a major undertaking and planning for its introduction started in
April last year. GORPS has required the placement of over 37,000 ADF members into the
new structure following the review and validation of their individual service, training and
competency records.
Great care has been taken to ensure that as far as possible each ADF other ranks member has
been placed correctly under GORPS and that no one would be disadvantaged financially
through the implementation of the new pay structure. However should issues arise, ADF
members and their families have a range of avenues available to them to quickly resolve any
concerns.
GORPS is being introduced in stages across the Navy, Air Force, Army and the Reserve
elements due the extent and complexity of the task. This allows time to correct any anomalies
and ensure that no one is financially disadvantaged during roll-out. Pay will be adjusted back
to 4 September 2008 in line with the Defence Force Remuneration Tribunal determination.
Media contact: Defence Media Liaison: 02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664
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