The Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence Bruce Billson announced today that Australian Defence Force members will have more flexibility in choosing geographical stability for their families to reduce the impact of postings on children’s education and spouse and partner employment. “The new ADF Family Stability Initiative gives military personnel who are required to relocate on posting the opportunity to choose geographical stability for their families,” Mr Billson said.

“This means that families may elect to remain at their present localities to maintain housing and employment continuity for spouses and partners. Upheavals associated with packing up the household and moving away from friends, extended family and other community networks may also be avoided. “Importantly, this initiative also allows children to remain at their current schools in familiar education programs and among their friends.”

Under the Family Stability Initiative, ADF members who choose locational stability for their families will proceed to their new posting locations unaccompanied. To help overcome difficulties associated with family separation, ADF members will receive a comprehensive conditions of service package that includes accommodation or rent and meals assistance, up to six family reunion visits a year and assistance with additional costs associated with living away from their families.

“The ADF has a highly mobile workforce and Defence is mindful of the impact that frequent relocations might have on military personnel and their families,” Mr Billson said. “Recent ADF surveys have shown that locational stability for families increasingly is becoming a key retention factor and I am confident that this Family Stability Initiative, along with the range of other family-friendly Defence programs, will go some way to encouraging continued military service.

“This significant initiative is all about giving flexibility and choice while maintaining military capability needs. It is a great advance and I am sure that it will be welcomed by ADF members and their families. “Nevertheless, leaving your family in one location while going on a posting unaccompanied is a big decision and one that should not be taken lightly. The mutual benefits to the ADF member and their family accompanying each other on posting will continue to be emphasised, as together they consider the options under the Family Stability Initiative,” Mr Billson said.

“Advice and professional guidance through Chaplains, Defence Community Organisation social work staff and the military chain of command will be readily available to help ADF members and their families reach the right outcome for them.” Mr Billson said that the Family Stability Initiative will be introduced before the ADF’s end-of-year posting cycle and removes previous policy and administrative limitations for unaccompanied postings.

“The ADF remains committed to keeping family units together where possible and ADF members whose families accompany them on taking up their new postings will continue to be supported by the full range of existing relocation and housing entitlements. “The Family Stability Initiative delivers alternative ways of meeting family needs and gives the ADF members and their spouses the power to choose what is best for them.”