Australia will soon allow non-Australians its army. People from countries such as the UK, Canada and New Zealand can apply to join the Australian Defence Force (ADF). Australia is having problems getting people to sign for its army. The government hopes that opening the army to people other countries will solve its recruitment problem. The ADF currently has a shortage around 4,400 workers. From July, New Zealanders who are permanent residents Australia can apply to join. Next year, those the UK, US and Canada will have their chance. Australia's Defence Minister, Richard Marles, said it was possible that the future, people more countries could join.
Mr Marles said his country was changing its recruitment policy security reasons. He said: "The Australian Government has chosen to grow the Australian Defence Force because it is essential to meet the nation's security challenges the next decade and ." A Defence Ministry spokesperson said: "We're being bold order to grow the ADF. Recruiting a wider pool people will help ensure [the ADF] reflects the full diversity of Australia, and is able to draw the talents of [all] of Australian society." Opposition Foreign Minister Simon Birmingham disagreed with the policy. He said it showed government failure. He said: "We should be seeing more Australians the confidence to sign ."
