THE HON ANDREW HASTIE MP
SHADOW MINISTER FOR DEFENCE
SHADOW MINISTER FOR DEFENCE INDUSTRY
SHADOW MINISTER FOR DEFENCE PERSONNEL
FEDERAL MEMBER FOR CANNING

MEDIA RELEASE
LABOR CUTS $1 BILLION FROM CADETS AND RESERVES

Tuesday 19 March 2024

The Albanese Government continues to degrade the Australian Defence Force (ADF) by slashing $1 billion in upgrades to 73 Reserve and Cadet facilities across Australia.

The investment, made by the former Coalition Government in 2022, included $53 million in infrastructure upgrades to 18 cadet facilities, set to support the growth of the program.

After nearly a year of requesting a briefing from the Defence Minister, Defence officials finally confirmed to the Shadow Minister for Defence, Defence Industry and Defence Personnel, that Labor had scrapped the investment.

The Hon. Andrew Hastie MP said the cut was a massive blow to young Australians, including in his own electorate.

“Young Australians need the opportunity to grow in leadership, service and resilience. Our national cadet program delivers that opportunity to our youth across the country, including in regional and disadvantaged communities. That’s why Peter Dutton and I invested in cadets whilst in government. It was the right thing to do for our country,” Mr Hastie said.

“Locally, I secured $3.67 million to build a new tri-service facility in Mandurah to consolidate ADF cadets onto a single site and support local growth. This was a vital investment in our community.

“Growing ADF numbers, including cadets, is a priority of mine, as it should be for the Albanese Government. Instead, Labor continues to degrade the ADF, and our future leaders, by cutting important programs and investments.

“I’m calling on Labor to explain why they have cut this $1 billion investment and immediately reinstate funding to cadets in Canning, and across Australia.”

To show your support for cadets in the Mandurah and Peel region, sign Mr Hastie’s petition here.

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