$318.5 MILLION IN 2007-08 DEFENCE FUNDING FOR SOLOMON

The strong Defence presence in Solomon includes HMAS Coonawarra (including Darwin Naval base), Robertson Barracks, Larrakeyah Barracks and RAAF Darwin.

The Australian Government through Defence will continue its strong support to the economy of Solomon based on a continuing significant military presence. The current military population of the electorate includes over 5,600 ADF members, Defence civilians and ADF cadets. Defence families form an integral part of the Solomon community.

The Government will continue to make an extensive financial contribution, of around $315.0 million in 2007-08, to the funding of both Defence facilities and personnel serving in Solomon. In addition in 2007-08 a further $3.5 million will be allocated for capital facilities funding.

Valuing our Personnel:

As part of the ongoing commitment to supporting and valuing our ADF personnel and their families the following improvements will be made:

• a modern and more flexible pay structure for other ranks;
• a new home loans assistance package with higher subsidies and greater choice to encourage home ownership and provide for higher benefits as members serve on for longer periods;
• creating a transition and career advice function within Defence Force Recruiting to assist those who might be considering alternative careers;
• investment in the professional development of Defence medical officers;
• better marketing to showcase the Navy, Army and Air Force as employers of choice;
• the introduction of a new Defence Apprenticeship scheme to assist 16-17 year olds commence an apprenticeship and then join the ADF; and,
• a boost to the Royal Australian Navy's Sea Change programme.

Local cadets will benefit from an expansion and enhancement of the Defence Force Cadet scheme - giving our young people the life, leadership and employability skills valued by employers and community leaders.

Facilities:

Defence facilities in the Northern Territory will benefit from $52.5 million in funding for 2007-08.

$14.6 million has been allocated to approved Defence facilities projects. A further $37.9 million will be spent on Defence Estate upkeep works.

Approved capital facilities projects for Solomon includes:

Darwin Naval Base Patrol Boat Facilities

This project provides upgraded facilities at the Darwin Naval Base for the new Armidale-class patrol boats. Construction commenced in early 2005 and is being completed in stages to allow the continued operation of the naval base and to support the staged introduction into service of the Armidale-class patrol boat. The project is scheduled for completion in late 2007.

Significant additional expenditure is expected to be announced during the year as further projects are considered for approval. Projects scheduled for Solomon include: RAAF Darwin Redevelopment Stage 2, Robertson Barracks Redevelopment (including facilities for Land 907 and the Hardened and Networked Army projects) and Control Facilities and the Single Living Environment and Accommodation Precinct Phase 2 proposals for Robertson Barracks and HMAS Coonawarra.

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