Serving members of the RAAF in the Hawkesbury and Blue Mountains will finally be given a choice when being issued with boots for service, under a Shorten Labor Government.

Member for Macquarie, Susan Templeman, said Labor recognised that ADF members aren’t ‘one size fits all’, and their boots shouldn’t be, either.

“Currently, they are issued standard boots as part of their ‘kit’, but if they want a non-standard issue boot, they have to pay out of their own pocket.

“Our approach will see Defence provide a greater range of pre-approved boots to fit the needs of the ADF personnel and Defence’s requirements. 

Ms Templeman said Labor will establish a panel of providers to let ADF members choose from a range of pre-approved boots that best meet their individual needs while also meeting the requirements of their service.

“Correct fitting boots are essential in the life of a Defence Force member, that’s why Labor will recognise the importance of our ADF personnel being fitted with a more individual approach.

“When I visit our RAAF Bases at Richmond and Glenbrook or meet serving and retired members of our Defence Force in and around our community, it is clear the physical and mental challenges our ADF personnel take on, are very different to those most of us in civilian life face.

“My week at Amberley RAAF Base in Queensland (in 2017 as part of the Parliamentary Australian Defence Force Program) was an entirely new and incredibly valuable experience for me, and included being kitted out in the blue camouflage, complete with heavy standard-issue boots.

“Being able to choose the right footwear for our feet, is something most of us take for granted,” she said.

“We expect a lot from our Defence Force personnel and their safety and wellbeing, must be a priority.

“That is why we are committed to ensuring they have the best possible equipment that meets their individual needs, ensures their physical health, and in turn produces better outcomes for the ADF.

“Labor is also committed to supporting the principle of greater choice for packs and we will work with experts in Government to determine the feasibility of expanding greater access to packs which suit both our ADF personnel and their operational requirements.”