ADF military remuneration is made up of four components.
Military salary pays for an ADF member's occupation, rank and level of skill, and the unique factors of service life.
Military Factor is the allowance framework that incorporates existing ADF environmental and sustainability allowances. It compensates ADF members for the impacts associated with service in specific environments, above and beyond what is covered by military salary.
Military capability payments are one-off annual payments to address short- to medium-term workforce capability issues, and military bonuses are one-off short- to medium-term bonuses to support critical and at-risk individuals and/or workgroups as required.
The Workplace Remuneration Arrangement (WRA) applies to military salary and Military Factor allowances, and is determined by the Defence Force Remuneration Tribunal (DFRT).
The current WRA, which has delivered an 11.2% pay rise over the past three years, is due to expire on 4 November 2026. Defence has engaged with the government for a new WRA on behalf of ADF personnel.
An initial one-year WRA proposal for a 3% pay increase will be presented to the DFRT at a hearing in September 2026. Pending DFRT agreement, the pay increase will be paid on 5 November 2026 and will be seen in your pay from 19 November 2026.
The proposed initial one-year WRA will provide Defence with more time to consider the impact of recruitment and retention rates, economic indicators and the government's APS pay policy. Following the initial one-year WRA, Defence will present a supplementary submission to the DFRT for a further two years.
The WRA provides the standard across-the-board pay increases for all ADF personnel, but it is not the only way to increase your pay. ADF personnel can also have their pay increased by:
promotion to a higher rank, which brings a higher salary range
incremental progression within your rank, based on time and performance
skill grade advancement within your employment category.
Remuneration is just one part of the overall employment package for ADF personnel. Salary and salary-related allowances sit alongside a broad range of additional benefits and conditions of service that together form a highly competitive employment offer that reflects the nature of service and Defence's commitment to the workforce. These include subsidised housing, comprehensive healthcare, superannuation, paid training and education, structured career development, job security and unique opportunities such as travel and operational experience.
For more information about the proposed one-year 3% WRA, visit the ADF WRA pages on the external-facing Pay and Conditions website at www.pay-conditions.defence.gov.au/adf-wra, or search "ADF WRA" on the intranet. You can also email any questions to wra.dmr@defence.gov.au.
