More Defence news: 16 November 2009 - 22 November 2009

PM thanks troops

21 November - Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has thanked the men and women of the defence force at a welcome home parade marking the end of their six-year mission in Iraq.  

He was joined at the ceremony by Governor General Quentin Bryce, Chief of the Defence Force Air Chief Marshall Angus Houston, Defence Minister John Faulkner and Minister for Defence Materiel Greg Combet.

More than 300 veterans marched past hundreds of onlookers at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra.

They were joined by Australia’s Federation Guard and the Band of the Royal Military College of Australia.

Mr Rudd paid tribute to all those who served as part of Operation Catalyst, commending their courage and exemplary service.

“You are the Anzacs of today, and you should be proud, as we are proud of you,” Mr Rudd said.

Both the Prime Minister and CDF paid tribute to the three men who didn’t come home from their service in Iraq – Warrant Officer Class Two David Nary, Private Jacob Kovco and Flight Lieutenant Paul Pardoel.

Air Chief Marshal Houston, said that Operation Catalyst highlighted the unique mix of determination, practicality and compassion shown by Australian servicemen and women.  

“As your Chief, I am immensely proud of you…your efforts were, without exception, simply superb. I could not have asked, nor expected, any more of you,” he said.

CDF also thanked families for the support they provided on the home front.

“Without their love and encouragement, the men and women of the ADF would not have been able to perform as well as they did.  For that I am most grateful.” Air Chief Marshal Houston said.

Operation Catalyst was the ADF's contribution to the US-led Multinational Force to develop a stable environment in Iraq.  A total of 17 309 ADF personnel deployed to support the operation between 2003 and 2009.

More: Images | Video

CDF plan to drive cultural change

19 November - The Chief of the Defence Force (CDF) Action Plan for the Recruitment and Retention of Women has been released, aiming to improve workplace flexibility, accountability and career management for women across the ADF.

Speaking at the official launch, Greg Combet, Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science, said the ADF was moving to become more representative of the community it served.

“While much has been done to improve the recruitment and participation rates of women, Defence recognises there is more to do,” Mr Combet said

“The plan has at its heart a cultural change program that will impact on everyone in Defence at every level and workplace.

“The next few years will see changes to the performance appraisal system, career management philosophies and practices, and personnel policies for the benefit of the women and men in Defence and the general community.”

CDF Air Chief Marshal Houston said the Action Plan built on previous achievements and initiatives and introduced new measures to increase the attractiveness of, an ADF career.

“Defence wants to be recognised as an employer that values its members and provides them with conditions of service that support, enable and encourage their personal circumstances, whatever they may be,” Air Chief Marshal Houston said.

The Action Plan was developed after nearly 18 months of consultation with the CDF Reference Group on Women and 17 roundtables with 200 ADF women across Australia.

More: Media Release | Action Plan | Video | Images

Navy continues tsunami support

19 November - HMAS Tobruk has anchored off the coast of Tonga to deliver humanitarian aid as part of the ADF’s continued support to the tsunami-devastated island.

Tobruk will deliver more than 500 tonnes of equipment to ensure affected communities have access to essential services such as power, water and health facilities.

Tobruk’s Commanding Officer, Commander Peter Thompson, said that this second part of Operation Samoa Assist would also allow local authorities on Niuatoputapu Island to start rebuilding vital infrastructure.

“After the success of the efforts in Samoa, the ship’s crew is extremely excited about continuing the humanitarian relief work,” Commander Thompson said. 

The AusAID relief package onboard Tobruk includes heavy earthmoving equipment, building materials and gardening supplies. Also on board are items donated by non-government organisations in Australia as well as a large amount of donated goods from the Australian public.

The total assistance by the Australian Government, non-government organisations and the Australian public in both Samoa and Tonga now stands at $13 million.

More: Media Release | Image Gallery

Welcome home parade

18 November - More than 300 current and former ADF Veterans and Defence civilians will take part in a parade at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra on Saturday, marking the end of Operation Catalyst.

Starting at 2:00pm, the parade will feature Australia’s Federation Guard, the Band of the Royal Military College of Australia and the Royal Australian Navy Band. They will be followed by Navy, Army and Air Force contingents, Defence civilians and ex-ADF members in a march-past.

There will also be an F/A-18 flypast and equipment displays including a Rigid Hulled Inflatable Boat, a Seahawk helicopter, armoured vehicles, and an Army communications suite.

Guests will include senior government figures as well as ambassadors of countries involved in the Iraq conflict.

Operation Catalyst was the ADF’s contribution to the US-led Multinational Force effort to develop a secure and stable environment in Iraq and assist national recovery programs.

Defence Budget Audit

18 November - The Government has released the findings from an audit into the efficiency and effectiveness of the Defence budget.

The Minister for Defence, Senator John Faulkner, said the findings from the Defence Budget Audit, or 2008 Pappas Review, were released in response to an FOI request.

“Although far from being the only input into our decision-making, the Defence Budget Audit was a rigorous, high-quality study that gives important insights into how the reform program was developed,” Senator Faulkner said.

“The Government accepted the vast majority of the Audit recommendations and these will be implemented through the Strategic Reform Program.”

Senator Faulkner said he agreed to an alternative funding model that provided funding certainty for planning and real growth to meet the increased cost of military equipment.

“This model is similar to that recommended in the Audit and, we believe, more appropriate given current fiscal circumstances,” Senator Faulkner said.

The Defence Budget Audit also made several recommendations regarding the future of the Defence estate, including consolidating the Defence estate into a super-base model. The Government did not accept these recommendations.

“It would be irresponsible for the Government to agree to base rationalisation without a more comprehensive examination both of national strategic requirements and community considerations,” Senator Faulkner said.

Senator Faulkner has asked Defence to undertake further work on the issue of base consolidation. 

“It is envisaged that a detailed study of this type will take 12-18 months to complete,” Senator Faulkner said.

 “An independent commission will then be appointed to consider Defence's recommendations. This commission will conduct substantial public consultation before reporting back to the Government,” Senator Faulkner said.

Senator Faulkner said that some of the Audit’s material had been exempted from release on grounds such as sensitive military capabilities, privacy and commercial sensitivities.

More: Media Release | Review