Major investment to expand ADF Cadet Program in WA

The Morrison Government has announced the Australian Defence Force Cadet Program will grow by up to 10 per cent over the next 12 months.

On a visit to Irwin Barracks today, the Assistant Minister for Defence, the Hon Andrew Hastie MP, said the highly valued ADF Cadet Program is a key component of Defence community engagement and youth development in Western Australia, providing significant community reach and regional presence.

“The ADF Cadet Program is the largest youth development program within Defence with over 28,300 participants enrolled in 476 units Australia-wide,” Assistant Minister Hastie said.

“Western Australia currently has just under 5,000 ADF Cadets across the state so expanding this program will provide more opportunities for our young people to maximise their potential and learn lifelong skills in leadership and teamwork.”

“As a former cadet myself, I know first-hand that cadets provide young Australians with opportunities to lead, grow, and serve our country. It is a vital part of Defence’s contribution to building Australia’s future leaders.”

“Successful ADF Cadet Programs broaden community engagement with Defence by bringing together local youth, volunteers and aspects of military culture,” Assistant Minister Hastie said.

The Government will invest more than $1 billion to upgrade 73 Reserve and Cadet facilities across Australia over the next 10 years.

The ADF Cadet Program will be expanded through a combination of increased numbers in existing cadet units and the creation of new units, complementing broader Government initiatives to support youth development and skilling.

“This expansion will be achieved through increased community engagement and support personnel and investing in infrastructure, and information and communication technology,” Assistant Minister Hastie said.

“A future infrastructure investment of more than $115 million over the next 10 years for cadet and reserve facilities across WA will help achieve this growth, including Kalgoorlie Training Depot, Geraldton Training Depot, Albany Training Depot, Palmer Barracks, Rockingham Training Depot, Leeuwin Barracks and for Cadet units at Coodanup.”

The locations scoped by Defence for the proposed new cadet units, include the South Coast NSW, North Queensland, Ceduna and Katherine.

The upgrades would provide opportunities for Australian industry including local suppliers and contractors.

To find out more about volunteering with the ADF Cadets - https://www.defenceyouth.gov.au/youth-programs/adf-cadets/

Imagery available at: http://images.defence.gov.au/S20221076