 Soldiers of the AIF were among the highest paid of the war . The pay for a private was set at five shillings a day , while an additional shilling was deferred to be paid on discharge . As a result , the AIF earned the sobriquet " six bob a day tourists " . Married men were required to allot two shillings a day for their dependents ; however , a separation allowance was added in 1915 . Reflecting the progressive nature of Australian industrial and social policy of the era , this rate of pay was intended to be equal to that of the average worker ( after including rations and accommodation ) and higher than that of soldiers in the Militia . In contrast , New Zealand soldiers received five shillings , while British infantrymen were initially only paid one shilling , although this was later increased to three . Junior officers in the AIF were also paid at a rate higher than those in the British Army , although senior officers were paid considerably less than their counterparts . 
