Offers for the continuation bonus that have been received, or are expected to be received, before 1 July 2025 are made under the continuation bonus pilot.
Subdivision 1: Preliminary
3.4.1 Simplified outline for this Part
This Part provides a bonus to members who have reached particular career milestones to encourage them to remain in the ADF as a member of the Permanent Forces for an additional 3 years.
An offer of a continuation bonus may be made to a member up to 2 times. Generally, an offer of continuation bonus offer 1 is made after 4 years of service (Division 2) and an offer of continuation bonus offer 2 is made after 7 years of service (Division 3). Each offer has specific conditions.
To receive a continuation bonus, an offer is generally required to be accepted by the member. Specific rules apply to who is eligible and when an offer can be accepted (Division 4).
If a member accepts an offer of a continuation bonus, they may elect to receive the continuation bonus in one payment or in 2 separate payments (Section 3.4.21).
Associated with receiving the continuation bonus is a requirement to complete an agreed period of service (Section 3.4.2, definition). This is 1095 days of effective service in the Permanent Forces, which is the equivalent of 3 years.
Rules relating to how effective service is calculated are provided in subdivision 2 of this Division.
A member may cease to be eligible to receive an unpaid portion of the bonus if they do not complete the agreed period of service associated with the continuation bonus (Section 3.4.21). In some cases, they may have to repay the amount of the continuation bonus they have received (Section 3.4.23).
3.4.2 Definitions
Example: Members who join who have prior service in another countries Defence Force.
The Recommending Authority must be a uniformed military member.
3.4.3 Commencement day
3.4.4 Valid acceptance
The approved form for paragraph 3.4.4.1.a is the following.
- AF213 - ADF Continuation Bonus Election.
- The form of the same name available through SharePoint
3.4.5 Valid offer
The approved form for paragraph 3.4.5.a is the following.
- AF213 - ADF Continuation Bonus Election.
- The form of the same name available through SharePoint
Subdivision 2: Definition of effective service
3.4.6 Effective Service – General
Periods of unpaid leave of 22 days or more, the whole period will be counted as non-effective service.
Periods of unpaid leave of 21 days or less will be counted as effective service.
3.4.7 Calculation of effective service – days not subject to a flexible service determination
3.4.7A Calculation of effective service – days subject to a flexible service determination
Periods of unpaid leave of 22 days or more, the whole period will be counted as non-effective service.
Periods of unpaid leave of 21 days or less will be counted as effective service.
