Defence Force to enlist non-Australians for the first time

For the first time, non-citizens will be eligible to join the ADF, as the Defence Force struggles to meet recruitment targets.

Eligibility criteria is being expanded for the Australian Defence Force, with some non-citizens to be allowed to join. Source: AAP / Dave Hunt

Key Points

• The Australia Defence Force will take non-Australian recruits for the first time from July 1st, starting with New Zealanders before expanding to all permanent residents from January next year.
• Foreign nationals who join the Australian Defence Force could have their citizenship fast tracked after 90 days of service.
• Defence Personnel Minister Matt Keogh hopes this measure will boost ADF recruitment which is currently about four and a half thousand people short.