The Australian Defence Force is looking to New Zealanders and other foreign citizens to boost its ranks, after struggling to recruit the personnel needed.
From July this year, New Zealanders who have permanent residency in Australia will be able to apply to join the ADF.
From January, permanent residents from countries including Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom will also be able to apply.
Other permanent residents may be eligible too, so long as they meet security checks, have lived in Australia for at least one year (immediately prior to applying) and have not served in a foreign military in the preceding two years.
The government says the move is “essential” to meet Australia’s security challenges in the years ahead.
The defence force is currently about 4,400 personnel short.
It’s worth noting the ADF currently does transfers with other partner countries, but that only brings in about 70 people a year and the government hopes this new change will see 350 extra people join the ranks annually.
Why? Because there’s been “significant” interest from New Zealanders who’ve been living in Australia a long time.