New Zealanders who call Australia home will soon be able to apply to join the ADF, while eligible applicants from the UK, US and Canada will be able to join up from 2025.
The plan to expand eligibility criteria, announced by the Government on June 4, aligns with the National Defence Strategy’s requirement for Defence to recruit, retain and grow a highly specialised and skilled workforce.
It will enable more people to join the ADF, including permanent residents who have been living in Australia for 12 months.
From July 2024, eligible New Zealanders who are living in Australia can apply to join the ADF.
Additionally, from January 2025, eligible permanent residents from the UK, US and Canada will have the same opportunity.
As well as meeting ADF entry standards and security requirements, permanent residents wishing to join the ADF must have lived in Australia for at least one year immediately prior to applying, not have served in a foreign military in the preceding two years, and be able to attain Australian citizenship.
Defence Personnel Minister Matt Keogh said people were Defence’s most important capability and addressing shortfalls in recruitment required innovation.
“We’re being bold in order to grow the Australian Defence Force,” he said.
“Recruiting from a wider pool of people will help ensure our Australian Defence Force reflects the full diversity of Australia and is able to draw on the talents of the entirety of Australian society.”
Defence Minister Richard Marles said opening the ADF to New Zealanders living in Australia would increase opportunities while strengthening the Anzac bond.
“The Australian Government has chosen to grow the Australian Defence Force because it is essential to meet the nation’s security challenges through the next decade and beyond,” he said.
Defence will also streamline the Overseas Lateral Recruitment Scheme, which allows the ADF to fill capability shortfalls by recruiting skilled military overseas applicants.
For information about ADF careers, go to adfcareers.gov.au
