Australia is expanding a $600 million plan to retain military personnel with a cash bonus scheme.

The Australian government is expanding a $600 million strategy to retain military personnel by extending a cash bonus scheme. Initially offering $50,000 for permanent Defence Force members nearing the end of their service, the bonus will decrease to $40,000 from July 2025. The plan aims for a permanent workforce of 69,000 by the early 2030s and 100,000 overall by 2040, increasing annual enlistments from 5,500 to 9,000 and extending service length from seven to twelve years.