Sydney - Australians were shocked to learn Tuesday that the Navy ships that protect their shores were taking most of the southern hemisphere summer off so sailors could holiday with their families.

"It's about getting a culture in place that's about working smarter not harder, and I think we owe that to our people," Navy Chief Vice Admiral Russ Crane told The Sydney Morning Herald.

Having all hands off deck over December and January has incensed opposition Liberal Party defence spokesman David Johnson.

"I just find it incredible," he said. "I've never seen a Defence Force that is charged with the protection of Australia saying 'we're going to have six to eight weeks off over Christmas because we think it's a good thing for the mums and dads.'" (dpa)