Australian Defence Force personnel sign on to continue to serve

The Albanese Government is delivering on its commitment to invest in a highly skilled Defence workforce, with eligible personnel from today able to receive a one-off $50,000 payment in exchange for an additional three years of service.

Approximately 85 per cent of eligible personnel have accepted the offer of this continuation bonus, an incentive for junior ranks to continue in the Australian Defence Force (ADF) beyond their initial service obligation.  

The bonus, established in response to the Defence Strategic Review, is a part of a suite of initiatives aimed at retaining and growing our highly skilled and experienced Defence workforce.

There is no doubt that the greatest capability in our Defence Force is our people, we are committed to making sure they and their families are well looked after.

The program helps to retain people in the early to middle ranks, providing more opportunities for personnel to undertake future career and training activities.

This continuation bonus complements a number of other retention payments and initiatives across Defence services and ranks.

While the first payments will flow from today and throughout January and February, offers will continue to be processed as personnel become eligible for this bonus.

Payments under this initiative will continue over the next two years. The two-year pilot will be reviewed to ensure it is supporting junior and middle ranks to continue their careers in the ADF.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Defence Personnel, the Hon Matt Keogh MP:

“The Albanese Government is committed to growing our Defence workforce but there’s no doubt that in this current low unemployment environment it is more difficult than ever to recruit and retain staff.”

“This initiative will help ensure Defence retains its greatest capability – its people.”

“It’s no secret that we need to recruit more people to join our Defence Force. But critically we need to keep those people that we have invested so much in training, who have gained such great skills in our Defence Force to continue to contribute to our capability.”

“We have listened to the needs of ADF personnel and are implementing a range of initiatives to encourage the continued service of our highly skilled, trained and capable people.”

Media can access imagery of ADF personnel at Defence Imagery: Search: S20230001.