The Australian Government has adjusted the framework for the 2014 Australian Defence Force Workplace Remuneration Arrangement to include provision for personnel to receive a pay increase.
In a joint statement on 4 March, Prime Minister Tony Abbott and Defence Minister Kevin Andrews agreed to seek approval from the Defence Force Remuneration Tribunal to vary the wage offer for Australian Defence Force personnel from 1.5 per cent to 2 per cent a year, over the life of the agreement, with effect from the next pay day.
This keeps Australian Defence Force pay above the current annual inflation rate of 1.7 per cent.
Chief of the Defence Force Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin said this change would enable him to return to the tribunal to seek the increase.
The Government has changed the framework that applies to the Australian Defence Force and I am now aiming to have a submission at the earliest opportunity. If the tribunal agree to this change, the pay rise will be backdated to March 12, 2015.
Andrews said the amendment more accurately reflected the role Australian Defence Force personnel had in the community.
Abbott said the pay increase would cost the Government about $200 million over the next three years.
Image: Australian Navy