CALL 13 19 01

Frequently Asked Questions

Leave

Do I get weekends and public holidays off? Can I go home on weekends?

During initial training, you do not normally get leave for the first 3 to 4 weeks. However, after this period (during initial training) leave on weekends and public holidays is granted subject to any training activities being conducted during these periods. Once initial training has been completed, working hours vary between regions. For example, field force units may commence at 0730 and finish at 1600; Headquarter units may commence at 0800 and finish at 1630; other units may commence at 0700 while others may finish at 1700. Hours outside of normal working hours (including weekends and public holidays) are personal leisure periods. However, from time to time ADF members are required to work additional hours during weekdays, weekends, and public holidays subject to Service requirements and some jobs entail shift work.

Do members under Training receive Leave?

Leave is fairly liberal when you are undergoing long-term Initial Employment Training courses. It is designed to fit into the scheduled course breaks or semesters.

Do single members receive free travel when on Leave?

A single member serving in Australia, whose home location is not in the locality of his or her place of duty, is granted travel at ADF expense to and from the address of his or her home location within Australia, for taking Recreation Leave at that home location. In cases where the member's nominated family is permanently resident overseas, the travel entitlement is by entitled means to and from the international terminal in Australia nearest the member's locality of posting from which a flight departs to the overseas locality of the nominated family.

Do Trainees receive Free Travel when on Leave?

A trainee may, subject to Service requirements and course structures, get free return travel within Australia to the address of the member's home location during term or semester breaks in the course, or on graduation, on up to three occasions in any period of twelve months' duration. Conditions apply.

How much time do you spend out bush?

Time spent in the field will depend on the unit you are posted to. For eligible time spent in the field you will receive Field Allowance which varies between $16 and $33 per day.

Is my employment with other Government Departments recognised for Long Service Leave?

Long Service Leave accrues at a rate of nine days per year of service and you may take it after 10 years of service. Employment with Government Departments and Authorities (Government sponsored) such as hospitals, councils etc, also count for Long Service Leave Purposes, providing there is not more than 12 months break in continuity between that employment and your joining the ADF.

What are the work hours and how much leave do I get in the Navy, Army or Air Force?

All ADF personnel get 4 weeks leave annually. Some jobs attract up to 2 additional weeks leave (for example, personnel posted to ships and submarines, and pilots). After basic training, work hours vary but are similar to those worked in civilian jobs. Depending on the job, training or operational requirements, ADF members are required to work additional hours during weekdays, weekends, and public holidays or go away for extended periods. Some jobs also entail shift work.

What Leave is available for Special Purposes?

As the name implies, leave for Special Purposes applies in times when you need leave because of exceptional circumstances. This leave includes leave for working overtime or on weekends, compassionate leave and examination leave.

When do you receive Field Leave?

The purpose of Field Leave is to provide additional entitlement to eligible members to compensate for the cumulative effects of service in the field. Field Leave of up to ten days (not including weekends or public holidays) in each leave year is granted to a member who is entitled to Field Allowance, or Special Action Forces Allowance.

Who is eligible to receive Extra Recreation Leave?

Extra Recreation Leave, of up to five working days per year, may be granted as a form of compensation if you have performed arduous, special or prolonged duty not otherwise compensated for during the year. Most shift workers are usually awarded this form of extra leave.

Who is entitled to Seagoing Leave?

A member serving in a seagoing ship or a seagoing submarine, in a Defence Force vessel or in a Clearance Diving Team is to be credited with Seagoing Leave at the annual rate of ten days (not including weekends and public holidays), based on completed months of such service.

Who receives Flying Leave?

Flying Leave of up to 10 days annually is available to eligible members employed on flying duties or flight duties according to hours or sorties flown.


Defence Jobs Call 13 19 01