Lateral Recruit Families

In May 2009 Defence Families of Australia appointed a Lateral Recruit Officer, Camilla Kerr-Ruston, to examine the issues that affect lateral recruit families where the member has served with another country’s defence force and is now joining the ADF.

Over recent years the Australian Navy, Army and Air Force has actively recruited and sponsored skilled migrants, particularly from the British Army. The Army and Air Force have slowed their recruiting intake, however the Navy is continuing its recruitment campaign.

With the appointment of the Lateral Recruit Officer it has become apparent that one of the biggest  challenges facing lateral recruit partners, and children aged 16 years and over, is the four year delay in being granted citizenship. This delay has implications for employment, education funding and restricts travel.

The 2009 DFA Conference gave in principle support to approaching Defence and the Government to seek an amendment to the Australian Citizenship Act 2007 to allow partners and older children to gain citizenship at the same time as the member.

Defence Families of Australia produced a survey to gather statistical data on common issues and allow lateral recruit families to give feedback on resources provided during the transfer process. The survey was available on the DFA website from November 2009 to April 2010 and attracted responses from just over 60 families.

Only 10% of respondents attended an induction program for lateral recruits run by their unit, headquarters or service. Just less than half of the respondents had a designated sponsor to assist their integration.

About a third of partners found it hard to make new friends in Australia. Social integration was made easier by attending social functions, involvement at children’s schools and starting work. However the biggest barrier to working in their chosen profession was lack of citizenship.

DFA Recommendations:

• Army, Navy and Air Force work together to provide a single recruiting process and induction program for lateral recruits and their families.
   
• A more robust interview and selection recruiting process be developed in conjunction with DFA to facilitate assessment on suitability of the family.

  DFA is working with Transition Support Services on a DVD to be sent to prospective families.
   

• A standard information pack be produced for familieson Living in Australia and Australian Defence Force lifestyle. The pack to be made available to families before they apply to transfer.

  DFA is currently working with the ADF Financial Services Consumer Council to produce a guide on financial matters for lateral recruits.
   

• Defence support agencies, such as DCO, DHA, Overseas Administration Team and overseas High Commission and Embassy staff, work with DFA to create a stakeholder group to discuss the requirements of lateral recruit families.

Please use the General Issues Form for enquiries to DFA regarding lateral transfer families.

DFA Resources

DFA has developed two resources in recent years.

You and Your Money in Australia has been developed in collaboration with the ADF Financial Services Consumer Council to educate lateral recruits about financial and taxation issues related to living and working in Australia.

The publication is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for personal financial advice. For information on seeking financial advice in Australia, visit the Council's website at www.adfconsumer.gov.au.

The second resource, the DFA Factsheet for Lateral Recruit Families, is a general guide which assists lateral recruit families move to Australia and settle into their new life by providing information in areas such as health, housing and Defence support.

Download the two resources here:

You and Your Money in Australia

DFA Factsheet for Lateral Recruit Families

Alternatively you can email convenor@dfa.org.au or call the DFA Infoline on 1800 100 509 to request a hard copy.

Overseas Recruit Families Information and Support An Australian support group for families of ADF members which have been recruited following experience in foreign defence forces. Visit www.orfis.org.au