September 14, 2012
A plan to strip East Sale RAAF personnel of the opportunity to fly home to see their families at Christmas has been scrapped.
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester, who fought the proposal, said the Gillard Government backflipped on the plan yesterday.
The travel cuts would have affected recreation leave travel for approximately 22,000 single Australian Defence Force members aged 21 years and over.
Mr Chester said the result was a win for local Defence Force personnel.
“Men and women at the East Sale RAAF Base can now start making their Christmas holiday plans with the knowledge that their recreation leave entitlements won’t be stripped,” Mr Chester said.
“It’s a win for armed services personnel but the Gillard Government didn’t budge on compassionate grounds, it backflipped to avoid an embarrassing defeat on the floor of Parliament.
“When you take into account the role that our Defence personnel play in protecting the interests of our nation, it’s not a big ask to support them when they head home to visit their families.”
Shadow Minister for Defence Science, Technology and Personnel Stuart Robert thanked all those who rallied behind Australia’s military personnel and acknowledged the hard work of those who secured 15,000 signatures in support of the troops.
“Support from the community and those who rallied around this just and right cause is to be applauded and I thank all those who flew the flag on behalf of our troops,” Mr Robert said.
“This will not only serve to boost troop morale but will ensure more troops make it home safely as they won’t be forced to make dangerous cross country trips in their cars to see their families.”