The Wire

Soldiers in the Australian defence force sign up knowing that they can be sent into dangerous territory where their lives may be at risk; but do they know that the Australian Government can pay some soldiers more, depending on whether the situation is classified as “warlike enough”. This week it has been revealed that soldiers in East Timor are being paid less than those in Iraq, as well as receiving less entitlements and lower service medals. Elise Kuchel spoke to Neil James about what makes one place more “warlike”.