Australian sailors told to take time off

Osaka News.Net
Tuesday 18th November, 2008

Most of Australia's navy will be given two months off over Christmas as part of a new strategy to cope with crew shortages.

Rejecting claims the move will affect national security, Australia’s defence secretary has said he wants the sailors to take a more active role with their families over the festive season.

Joel Fitzgibbon said the extended break is a way of encouraging sailors to stay in the service.

The opposition has said the venture will impact on operations and is an admission that the government had failed to recruit enough sailors.

David Johnston, the opposition spokesman on defence issues, said he had never seen a defence force saying 'we're going to have six-to-eight weeks off over Christmas because we think it's a good thing for the mums and dads.'

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