Member for Blair, Shayne Neumann MP, has announced that under a Shorten Labor Government ADF members including service men and women at RAAF Base Amberley will be given the choice to select their issued boots for service.
Welcoming the announcement, Mr Neumann said this is a much-needed step and responds to feedback he has received from ADF personnel in Blair.
“What I hear when I meet local serving personnel at events and mobile offices is that ADF members aren’t one size fits all, and their boots shouldn’t be, either.
“Labor agrees.
“Our military personnel are our most critical ADF capability. It is vital they are well equipped to perform at their best and deliver on their mission.
“ADF members work hard every day in their kit and, just like civilians, our ADF personnel are not one-size-fits-all.
“That’s why Labor will recognise the importance of our ADF personnel being fitted with a more individual approach.”
Labor’s approach will see Defence provide a greater range of pre-approved boots to fit the needs of the ADF personnel and Defence’s requirements.
Labor will establish a panel of providers to let ADF members choose from a range of pre-approved boots that best meet their individual needs while also meeting the requirements of their service.
This will give members more choice and flexibility to suit their individual needs while maintaining ADF requirements.
The success of the ADF depends, in part, on the quality and appropriateness of personnel clothing and equipment.
Mr Neumann said Labor is committed to supporting the principle of greater choice for packs.
“We will work with experts in Government to determine the feasibility of expanding greater access to packs which suit both our ADF personnel and their operational requirements.
“Ipswich is a garrison town, and I’m proud to be part of a Shorten Labor team that has made the safety and wellbeing of our ADF personnel a priority.
“We are committed to ensuring our ADF members have the best possible equipment that meets their individual needs, ensures their physical health, and produces better outcomes for the ADF.”
