Opposition slams 'low' defence pay rise proposal

Defence force personnel deserve better than a 1.5 per cent pay rise and shouldn't have to sacrifice leave for the offer, Opposition Leader Bill Shorten says.

Mr Shorten says he will ask the government to reconsider a proposal for defence personnel to give up leave in return for the below inflation wage offer.

"I believe 1.5 per cent is on the low side," Mr Shorten told reporters in Flemington, in Sydney's west.

"I think it's important when our men and women serve overseas they don't lose some of their leave arrangements.

"Everyone deserves a holiday."

Fairfax reports that just days after Australian forces were committed to Iraq, some 57,000 defence force personnel were told they will have to give up some Christmas and recreational leave in exchange for the below inflation pay rise.

The 1.5 per cent a year pay rise will be spread over the next three years.