Cassidy, Laureen (SEN)
From:	Kevin Pattison [pattisonfamily@ozemail.com.au]
Sent:	Tuesday, 17 April 2001 1:21 PM
To:	fadt.sen@aph.gov.au
Subject:	Inquiry into Recruitment and Retention of Defence Personnel
Dear sir/madam
 
With reference to the "Inquiry into Recruitment and Retention of Defence Personnel" I would like to offer a few suggestions and observations. The basis of these observations is as a parent of a member of the ADF, and that of a secondary teacher involved in the supervision of the delivery of career programs.
 
The recent recruitment media drive has been focussing on attracting young people from across the spectrum of Australian youth. This must continue. I also suggest that in addition, there needs to be quite specific foci on the identification of those segments of Australian society who already have a significant positive attitude towards service  in the Defence forces. If the object is to increase recruitment, then some extra effort in particular states, or suburbs of major cities, or communities would be beneficial. It is in these communities that service in the ADF is recognised as a valid worthy career. What is sometimes missing is clear access to the recruiters. Why the Dandenong recruiting centre was closed down is a mystery to the wider community. I understand that up to 20 - 30% of the total recruits from Victoria used to pass through that centre.
 
 In some parts of the Australian community there is a negative attitude to the ADF. This can even surface within the education sector. This requires a different approach. I would suggest that the results of the recent recruiting campaign would indicate that the pitch towards "adventure" or "salary" has not been as successful as anticipated. Young people are still idealistic.  They clearly wish "adventure" and a tempting salary package.  However they wish to be part of a caring community. They are not afraid to be "of service" to others if they recognise the worthiness of the activity.  Any recruitment campaign should recognise this idealism.  Recent events and persistent poor media coverage has raised reservations in our youth and their parents. This poor image can best be addressed not by media campaigns but by more direct presence of ADF personnel in the community.  The privitization  of recruiting in Victoria has created negative ADF presence. There is concern that through lack of ADF experience, some of the advice given is not as clear or accurate as required. Recruits need the contact with ADF staff to start the process of identification with the "community" that they are joining. Once schools had regular visits from ADF recruiting staff  - due to the Dandenong closure and the outsourcing program this no longer occurs.
 
Our young people do have problems with commitment in many aspects of their daily lives. This is an aspect of modern youth. It is neither good nor bad. They are still sorting through their values and their focus on life. Earlier I made mention of the need to be more focussed in the recruitment drives.I suggest that the ADF should focus on those who may be interested in a change in career - the post school leaver group. The recent effective recruitment drive for Victoria Police indicates that such a source of personnel exists.
 
The changes in the superannuation /pension packages for defence force personnel has removed incentive to stay for an extended period of time. Being a member of the ADF is not the same as being a member of APS or a large company. It is a service to the Australian community and has an permanent impact both on the personal life of the ADF member and their family. It must be treated differently. The philosophy of economic rationalism where a price can be determined for any aspect of "employment" is clearly having a negative affect on retention. Being a member of the ADF is more than a job -it is more than a life style. It is a commitment to serving one's country. There needs to be  permanent systematic and sympathetic superannuation/pension systems which encourages ADF members to aim to serve for longer periods of time than currently available. It may be that the notion of an Active Reserve targeting older members may have a place.
 
I wish you success in your inquiry
 
Yours sincerely
Kevin J Pattison
ph: 03 9789 6426
email: pattisonfamily@ozemail.com.au <mailto:pattisonfamily@ozemail.com.au>