ANZAC ties are to set to be strengthened with New Zealanders living in Australia able to join the Australian Defence Force (ADF) from next month.
Under changes to eligibility criteria, permanent residents, who have been living in Australia for more than 12 months, will soon be able to join the ADF.
Defence Minister Richard Marles said under this expanded criteria, from July, eligible New Zealanders could apply to join the ADF.
“Australia and New Zealand have a longstanding relationship – opening the Australian Defence Force to New Zealanders living in Australia will increase opportunities whilst strengthening our ANZAC bond,” Minister Marles said.
“Additionally, from January 2025, eligible permanent residents from the United Kingdom, United States and Canada will also be able to apply.”
He said the changes to eligibility criteria was driven by the need to recruit, retain and grow a highly specialised and skilled defence force.
“As well as meeting ADF entry standards and security requirements, permanent residents wishing to join the ADF must have lived in Australia for at least one year immediately prior to applying, not have served in a foreign military in the preceding two years, and be able to attain Australian citizenship,” Minister Marles said.
He said Defence was also streamlining the existing Overseas Lateral Recruitment Scheme, which allowed the ADF to fill capability shortfalls by recruiting skilled military overseas applicants.
