Defence Force Welfare Association not happy with 1.5 per cent payrise Photographer: Corporal Jamie Osborne Source: Supplied FURIOUS soldiers today are condemning their 1.5 per cent pay rise formally approved by an independent tribunal. "Government thanks ADF members for their hard work by reducing their pay," said a banner headline on the Facebook site of the Defence Force Welfare Association. And public service civilians are expected to join the discontent as the Government warns it has no choice but to offer wage rises below the inflation rate. Prime Minister Tony Abbott today said the stinginess could not be avoided and he expected low pay rises similar to that given the Defence Forces across the public sector. "I regret that but you can't do as much with a $40 billion deficit than you could with a $20 billion surplus," said Mr Abbott. Comments on the Defence Force Welfare Association Facebook site made clear Diggers are not happy with a pay increase which will not keep pace with inflation, now running at 2.3 per cent. "C'mone," said one cynical serviceman, "it's just to motivate us all to work that little bit harder, maybe in another 3 years we will get another pay cut." The Government is blaming the previous Labor governments for economic mismanagement forcing the puny pay rise, and at least one commenter agreed: " Don't like the effect this has on ADF pay? Don't vote in Labor next time. But another disagreed: "The truth is they have the money to give the ADF a real pay rise." The Prime Minister said in Sydney there had to be "very tight pay restraint across the public sector including with Defence personnel." "Obviously until we get the Budget back under control there has got to be general pay restraint across the public sector," he said. Opposition Leader Bill Shorten also has condemned the pay decision which follows pay increases of around three per cent over the past three years. "Our Defence Force shouldn't have to fight the Abbott Government for fair pay and acceptable leave - they sacrifice enough and they deserve better," Mr Shorten said yesterday when the pay decision was released. The Budget papers show that a wage increase of almost four per cent has been provided for in the Defence budget. By offering a pay deal of 1.5 per cent the Government is essentially taking a saving at the expense of our Defence personnel. The special benefits and tax-free pay for personnel serving in combat zones overseas are not affected by the salary decision.