Navy's $80,000 bonus to keep sailors (Australia)

The Australian ^ | September 22, 2011 | Cameron Stewart

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Navy's $80,000 bonus to keep sailors

Cameron Stewart

From:The Australian

September 22, 2011

THE navy has been forced to offer an unprecedented $80,000 bonus to engineers on its submarines and Anzac-class frigates to stop them being poached by cashed-up mining companies.

The move will lead to some non-officer submariners being paid up to $177,000 a year, almost as much as an experienced submarine commander, in a move the navy privately concedes could cause tension in the ranks.

The bonuses of between $40,000 and $80,000 will be paid over two years to 200 selected non-officer marine technicians "who possess key operator qualifications" in return for two years' service. The Australian understands the drastic step was taken after the navy concluded the shortage of qualified engineers was so grave it threatened the ability to put some submarines and Anzac-class frigates to sea.

A Department of Defence spokesperson said the bonus, announced internally to navy personnel this week, was aimed at easing "critical" workforce issues.

"Each workgroup is facing critical personnel shortfalls at both rank and qualification levels, with high and increasing separation rates that are impacting on navy's ability to deliver Anzac and Collins capability," the spokesperson said.

In particular, the navy is anxious to stem an exodus of engineers, who are being offered big pay to work for mining companies wanting their technical skills. "The mining boom is part of the broader economy's demand for skilled workers, which continues to impact on the navy's capacity to retain highly skilled engineers," the spokesperson said.

The navy says the bonus payments will be targeted at those marine technicians who have the abilities to operate the propulsion systems of specific submarines and Anzac frigates. "The bonus being