Does anyone know what soldiers are actually paid? The newspaper articles I've read just talk about percentage increases. I have no idea what the pay rate is and how that relates to other areas or to the basic wage. This makes it hard to assess whether the claims are reasonable

Cossomby, I am simply suggesting that in times like these, where so many are loosing their jobs, people should be more than happy with any pay rise.

As for soldiers pays, it's my understanding that they have several rates depending on the level of active involvement they are in.

Suze, all I'm suggesting is that in times like these, any pay rise should be seen as a real bonus.

You do know we are headed for trouble don't you! I guess we can be thankful we don't have as many illegals entering our cow try and exhausting our welfare funding.

I'm sorry, but I believe the soldiers deserve all the pay rises they can get.

If going to places like the fun Afganistan, Syria and Iraq to fight insurgents, and the resulting huge mental and physical health problems that inevitably follow, are not enough to deserve more pay rises than the average, then what job is?

Maybe if this Government gave up on expensive schemes like the paid parental scheme, and stopped paying out millions to keep asylum seekers off our shores, then maybe they could pay our soldiers a more decent wage!

Suze, back in 99 I had a nephew go to East Timor. Back then he earned his wage, plus a $1000 tax free bonus for every week he was on active duty, which in his case resulted in an additional $50+ grand.

I think they are well paid.

ADF pay rates can be found on http://content.defencejobs.gov.au/pdf/triservice/DFT_Document_PayRates.pdf.

In summary, Army Base rates:
Other ranks from most junior to most senior:
Private: start $43,766 to $78,799 at 10 yrs.
WO2: start $66,436 to $101,437 at 10 yrs.
Officers: ditto
2Lt/0: start $49,473 to $91,087 at 10 years
Col/1. $140.505 to $182,117 at 10 years.

public servants often bang on about how hard done by they are and yet their are hundreds or even thousands of applicants for each job. They are so hard done by that so many thousands want to join the hardship. Even those who are incompetent receive large payouts when found redundant after years of inactivity. Could not help seeing how quite the luvvies went on the abc when challenged as to why women working in numerous occupations should not get the same leave conditions as teachers/nurses/clerks/abc employmees. Many suck on the public purse all their life and then complain about pay. Special leave, maternity leave, recreation leave,sick leave and on top of that more super than the vast majority. Oh so great to claim victim mentality. Get good enough at it and you will get a top union job (at around $350000 per year) in order to convince those who want to be convinced how hard done by they are.