Member for Flynn Ken O’Dowd has described a move by the Federal Government to cut funding for Army Cadet units as “shameful”.
Mr O’Dowd said the move would affect cadet units in his electorate, including the unit based at Wondai.
He said cutting the Cadet Forces Allowance for Cadet staff members would result in less supervision for cadets and would ultimately lead to cadets leaving.
“The Gillard Labor Government’s decision to reduce the Cadet Forces Allowance for staff from 48 days per year to just 33.5 days represents a 30 per cent cut,” Mr O’Dowd said.
“Without staff, cadets will be unable to parade, unable to attend camps and unable to attend leadership development courses that teach them not only about the military but also about being responsible citizens.
“We know the cadet staff have a wonderful ethos and happily volunteer much of their time. However, these cuts will only de-value their important role in educating and enriching the lives of young cadets.”
Mr O’Dowd said the cuts were “a shameful act” by the Federal Government which had “chosen to sneakily push through the cuts at a departmental level, thereby avoiding parliamentary scrutiny”.
“An internal Defence memo has confirmed the cuts are inevitable, but what it also shows is the Government is willing to force cuts on Defence but is not willing to stand by them,” Mr O’Dowd said.
“The Departmental memo also makes clear that Australian Army Cadet staff will have a reduced timeframe to submit pay claims; and that all international, regional and local activities, conferences and camps for cadets will be cut, along with access to ration packs for camps.
“This will obviously come as a great shock and disappointment to the cadets and staff at units right across the electorate.”
