The Gillard Government has been forced into a humiliating backdown over plans to cancel family reunion travel for troops over the age of 21.
As part of its multi-billion dollar cuts to defence in the May budget , the government and Defence bean counters pushed for a measly $15 million saving by cutting the annual flight home for 22,000 unmarried defence members.
The move outraged the troops and their families, and Opposition defence personnel spokesman and former army officer Stuart Robert launched a motion to disallow the move several weeks ago after News Limited revealed the cut.
His motion didn’t make it to a vote and the government caved in today and reinstated the annual flight home when it realised it wouldn’t have the numbers to defeat the motion.
Mr Robert, who was ejected from the House during Question Time today, said the backdown was a great win for what was right and just.
”22,000 defence personnel will breathe a great sigh of relief today as they will be able to travel home at Christmas to see their families and loved ones,” he said.
Defence Chief General David Hurley, who enjoys extensive taxpayer-funded travel perks, including a full-time personal limousine and chauffeur and extensive free air travel on VIP jets, said the free airfare for older single people was outdated.
”Do we really need to subsidise 30 or 40-year-olds for a trip home each year?” General Hurley said.
Source: news.com.au