Australian Defence Force Plans to Open Recruitment to Foreign Citizens
On Tuesday, Australia outlined plans to expand recruitment within its defense force to residents (foreign nationals) living within their borders. Initially there was confusion over the policy decision though, with a belief that it would include all foreigners with permanent residency, who have lived in the nation for at least one year. This was eventually clarified by the Defence Minister, Richard Marles who although was open to more nations being included in the future gave a clearer idea of the plan.
The plan intends to, by the 1 July, implement the ability for New Zealanders to enter the Australian Defence Force (ADF). Following this by January next year Australia will extend this privilege to other 5-eyes intelligence sharing network nations, namely the United Kingdom, Canada and United States. Furthermore, individuals that serve in the ADF for at least 90 days will be eligible for Australian citizenship.
So far international responses regarding the policy decision have been limited. New Zealand’s Defence Minister Judith Collins stating the nation had limited concerns about the policy decision affecting their own defense force’s recruitment targets. In recent years New Zealand’s own recruitment and retention programs have struggled.
The Recruitment Crisis Behind the Decision
A major instigator of the decision by Australia’s government has been its inability to effectively recruit the needed personnel to maintain itself. With a population of about 26 million, Australia fields a military of around 57,000 personnel. Historically, increasing this number has been a struggle for the island nation. Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles noted:
“The Australian Government has chosen to grow the Australian Defence Force because it is essential to meet the nation’s security challenges through the next decade and beyond,”
In 2015, the ADF identified the need to grow by 18,000 personnel. In 2022 though it was identified growth had only occurred by an estimated 412 personnel. The Australian government’s federal budget in May showed an estimated defense workforce of 58,600 by June 30, 2025. This was against an expected requirement of 63,597 personnel. This issue is only expected to be exacerbated as projects such as the SNN-AUKUS (nuclear submarines) and replacement of the ANZAC class frigates are completed, over the decade.
The Australian government’s main goal in this regard is to increase the number of permanent ADF personnel to 80,000 by 2040. Currently estimates suggest the foreign recruitment plan will bring in an additional 350 recruits per year. Furthermore, although there was initial miscommunication regarding the policy the government has suggested possible future expansion to other nations. A focus on the Pacific area is expected in this regard, capitalising on Australia’s long relationship with the region.