DISAPPOINTING WAGE INCREASE FOR ADF MEMBERS
Defence Force Welfare Association (National)
The Defence Force Welfare Association (DFWA) is disappointed that members of the ADF will receive only a 3% pay increase for the coming year, the result of a joint ADF / Commonwealth Offer made under the 2026-29 ADF Workplace Remuneration Arrangement (WRA) and recently approved by the Defence Force Remuneration Tribunal.
DFWA queries why only a one-year increase was tabled instead three years, as has been the usual practice in past WRAs. Offering a one year pay rise instead of the usual three year arrangement is both surprising and disappointing.
In its submission to the Tribunal on the Offer, the DFWA stated that the 3% increase will not make up for the increased Cost of Living that has impacted on all ADF Members and their families; and that it compares unfavourably with recent pay increases awarded to other deserving sectors of the community. Surveys commissioned by the DFWA share the DFWW’s concerns. The surveys found that ADF members and their families are uncomfortable with the one-year arrangement; disappointed with the 3% offer; and suspicious of the link to APS wage fixing arrangements
The DFWA also surmises that the increase will do little to address the continuing failure to meet the target strength of the permanent ADF. We also bought to the attention of the Tribunal the urgent need to review Reserve pay arrangements and to address the declining relativity of employer superannuation contributions for ADF members.
As an approved intervener in the ADF wage fixing arrangements, the DFWA presented its views to the Tribunal in its written submission dated 2 September 2026 and at its Hearing on 17 September 2026.
The DFWA will continue as an intervener in the 2026-29 WRA as further wage offers under the WRA are considered by the Tribunal. Further information on the DFWA’s views, provided in our written submission to the Tribunal and in our opening statement at the Tribunal Hearing on 17 September 2026, are available on the DFWA website. The Tribunal’s decision as well as the ADF / Commonwealth Offer are available on the Tribunal’s website dfrt.gov.au.
About us:
About the Defence Force Welfare Association
The Defence Force Welfare Association (DFWA) is an Australia wide organisation, formed in 1959, for the purpose of promoting and protecting the welfare and interests of serving and former members of the Australian Defence Force and their families.
Our advocacy areas include:
· Rehabilitation of injured veterans
· Compensation for Service-related injuries
· ADF pay and conditions
· Retirement and superannuation
· Improving service delivery
· Veteran recognition
Since formation, successive Australian Governments have supported and appreciated this important role.
DFWA has Branches or representation in each State and Territory, with the National Office located in Canberra.
DFWA is a non-partisan organisation – we advocate for good policy.
Contact details:
Deputy President DFWA, Les Bienkiewicz 0411 444 248