Dear Minister of Defence and Minister for Defence Personnel,

I am an ex member of the Australian Army and the proud father of a young Australian soldier, who is currently serving away from his family.

The free end of year travel home allowance which has been granted to our defence members for decades is crucial in maintaining family links and to ensuring the highest possible morale within our defence force.

The removal of the allowance is an attempt by the government to recover a few dollars at the expense of the well being of our defence members and their families. The removal of the allowance affects some 22,000 members and will recover the government a measly $15 million.

In a time when our government seems happy to spend hundreds of millions on projects outside Australia, the removal of the allowance is a clear indication of the total lack of value placed upon our service members by the government.

Please reconsider the removal of the travel home allowance, and demonstrate the esteem and value that members of our Defence force deserve.