Increased funds for cadet volunteers

In support of the volunteer officers and instructors of ADF cadets, Defence has implemented a 5 per cent increase to the Cadet Volunteer Payment (CVP).

The CVP reimburses cadet staff for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses associated with volunteering their time to participate in the ADF cadets. This increase is the first rise to the volunteer honorarium since its introduction in 2019.

Deputy Head of the Reserve and Cadet Support Division CDRE Grant O’Loughlan said the change was an important step in recognising the essential contribution of adult volunteer staff across the Navy, Army and Air Force cadet programs.

“Volunteers are the backbone of the ADF cadet organisations,” CDRE O’Loughlan said.

“They give their time, their expertise and their leadership to help shape confident, resilient young people. This increase is a tangible acknowledgement of the responsibilities they carry and the personal time they sacrifice.

“We know many of our cadet staff contribute volunteer hours to ADF cadets in addition to their civilian jobs. Recognising their contribution is essential to retaining the skilled adults who make these programs possible.”

The current adult volunteer cohort includes around 4900 officers and instructors, who support more than 33,000 young Australians nationwide.

The CVP increase forms part of a wider effort to strengthen Australia’s cadet programs, maintain Defence’s engagement with communities across the country and contribute to nation building through youth development.

To learn more about ADF cadet programs, or how to volunteer, see here.