Matt Canavan criticises Albanese government's new ADF recruitment plan

Nationals Senator Matt Canavan says he disagrees with the government's plans to expand military eligibility to foreign citizens. The Albanese government has revealed it will expand its eligibility criteria to allow more people to join the Australia Defence Force by allowing foreign citizens from New Zealand and permanent residents from the UK, US, Canada, and Pacific Island nations to join. The eligibility criteria is set to be expanded to permanent residents in Australia who have lived in the country for a year. “We've got a proud history of not ever having a conscript army," Mr Canavan told Sky News Australia. “I don't think we should have a mercenary army either. That's what these people would be effectively. “They're just being paid to fill roles and I mean, there's got to be other ways we can fill these gaps.”