CALL 13 19 01

Frequently Asked Questions

Family

Are there flexible working hours for parents?

Part time work has been introduced for permanent members of the ADF as a means of assisting personnel to meet changing personal circumstances at different stages in their careers.

By increasing employment flexibility, valuable members who might otherwise have chosen to leave the ADF, may be retained. Through a reduced number of working days in any fortnightly pay period, Part Time Leave Without Pay (PTLWOP) enables Permanent ADF members to:

  • meet carer responsibilities;
  • seek respite from arduous periods of ADF service; and
  • fulfil education, training or other aspirations without ending their ADF careers.

Do you recognise interdependent (de facto) partnerships?

Applications for interdependent partnerships (regardless of gender) are processed at your Defence Force Recruiting Centre prior to attending the recruit training establishment. A person in a recognised interdependent partnership is treated as a married member for entitlement purposes.

How will my children cope with school transition if we move?

Regional Education Liaison Officers are employed throughout Australia to:

  • provide advice to ADF families on placement in state education systems;
  • provide ADF families with information on state and regional education resources;
  • maintain an education information data base; and
  • liaise with state and regional education authorities concerning the problems experienced by ADF families as a result of mobility.

If I have a family, what child care options are available?

The Defence childcare policy recognises the distinction between work-related childcare provided by the employer directly for the benefit of employees and other childcare services that cater for a wider range of childcare needs. There is an interrelationship between work-related and these other childcare services. The policy places emphasis on work-related childcare, but also recognises that the mobility of some personnel and their families, particularly members of the ADF, may create a requirement for other forms of childcare which may not be available or accessible in the general community.

Defence are working towards providing childcare services in locations of high need, however where these services are not currently provided, external childcare services will be required. It is the responsibility of the serving member to ensure appropriate childcare services for their family are in place.

What are the living arrangements if I have a partner/family?

Again, you will live on base during your recruit training, separate from your partner or family.

Once posted, you're eligible for one of three accommodation arrangements, where you're welcome to live with your partner or family. For more information on the type and style of housing available, visit the Defence Housing Authority website.

What happens if I’m away from home and a family member gets sick?

If your next of kin becomes seriously ill, the ADF may provide you with emergency leave and free travel back to your home location.

What happens to my spouse and children if I join?

If your initial employment training (not including recruit training) is greater than six months your family may be moved at Commonwealth expense to the locality of your initial employment training. On completion of initial employment, training your spouse and children will be provided with a removal at Commonwealth expense to your new posting locality. Please note that each individual case will be judged on its merits by the approving authority.

What is available for maternity/paternity leave?

A member is entitled to salary for up to 14 weeks of her maternity leave once she has completed 12 months qualifying service. She is then entitled to a subsequent 38 weeks of non-paid maternity leave, whereby then she may return to her previous job. A member may substitute recreation leave or long service leave for unpaid maternity leave.


Defence Jobs Call 13 19 01