The Federal Government is hoping to convince more teenagers to take up a career in the Australian Defence Force in a bid to solve its skills shortage.
The Australian Defence Force (ADF) currently has a shortfall of 3000 personnel, while the Defence Department is 1000 staff under its budgeted capacity.
Defence Personnel Minister Matt Keogh said Australia was in a critical race to fill and upskill its defence vacancies at a time when the country was facing some of its most serious security threats in decades.
“Our people are our most important capability, and we are now in the most important strategic circumstances since the second world war, so getting our people right, and growing our force is incredibly important,” Keogh said.
Defence policy expert Dr Malcolm Davis, from the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, said now was not a time the ADF could afford to be understaffed.
“We are facing looming prospects of war and the nation needs to be ready for that, and it’s not just about having the kit, it’s having the people to operate that capability,” Davis said.
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The defence industry skills gap is so dire the government is reported to be considering giving closely monitored security clearances to experts from foreign countries.
Davis said the idea had some merit as long as the clearances were offered to the right people.
“I think it’s a good idea, providing it’s targeted at our key allies and partners,” he said.
“It has to be sensible and wise, and yes those people can bring in lots of valuable experience.”
Defence Minister Richard Marles will meet with his US and UK counterparts in Washington this week.
