Mr Laurie Ferguson asked the Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence, upon notice, on 22 June 1999:

(1) What was the 1998-99 national recruitment target for the reservists for the (a) Navy, (b) Army and (c) Air Force.

(2) How many reservists were recruited for the (a) Navy, (b) Army and (c) Air Force in 1998-99.

(3) How many reservists (a) resigned, (b) transferred to the inactive reserve and (c) were dismissed from the (i) Navy, (ii) Army and (iii) Air Force reserves in 1998-99.

(4) What is the 1999-2000 national recruitment target for the reservists for the (a) navy, (b) Army and (c) Air Force.

Mr Bruce Scott (Veterans' Affairs; Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence) —The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows:

(1) (a) 149

(b) 4465

(c) 146

(2) (a) 30

(b) 2281

(c) 82

(3) (a) (i) 105

(ii) 2567

(iii) 108

(b) (i) 169

(ii) 828

(iii) 57

(c) (i) Nil

(ii) 1661

(iii) 5

Impact of Reserve Under Achievements

While the Australian Naval Reserve (ANR) has, in previous years, experienced under achievement in terms of allocated funds, the reported impact on the readiness of Permanent Naval Force (PNF) units has been manageable. However, the Navy has moved in the last fifteen months to redefine the role of the ANR in a context aligned with the requirements articulated by the Chief of the Defence Force. This redefinition has allowed better integration of the ANR and PNF and will define more clearly the role of the ANR for recruitment and training purposes. In the past, recruitment has lagged significantly behind the sometimes unclear roles of the ANR and inhibited its potential.

As well, the enhanced redefinition and integration of the ANR will consequently result in better utilisation of the ANR in their contribution to the capability of the "Total Force" for a wider range of scenarios.

Army

The current wastage rate of Reserve recruitment is not immediately affecting the Reserve contribution to Australian Defence Force capability, however, it may eventually if not resolved.

Studies are currently underway within Defence to determine how best to address the related issues of recruitment and capability delivery. However, what is clear at this time is that there is rarely one factor that can be attributed to the overall cause.

As studies into enhancing the future contribution by the Reserve to the delivery of capability have developed, it is evident that a holistic approach to the total dimension of Reserve service is warranted. It would be premature to mention specifics at this early stage, suffice to say that study outcomes are expected to propose an array of recommendations covering conditions of employment, conditions of service, remuneration, policy and legislative provisions.

Air Force

The shortfall in recruiting has had no direct impact on current operational capability. However, in anticipation on an expanded Reserve component, recruiting and training practices for all elements of the Royal Australian Air Force Active Reserve are being reviewed by Training Command (Air Force).

The Directorate of Personnel Reserves—Air Force is liaising with the Office of Head Reserves Policy on tri-Service issues seeking to bring about changes to legislation leading to improved conditions of service for Reservists.

(4) (a) 149

(b) 4975

(c) 190.