Defence

Marshalling Point

ACM Angus Houston
Chief of the Defence Force

Focus on strategy and values

The New Year always proves to be a busy time for Defence and 2006 has been no exception. There have been a number of important developments over recent weeks.

Defence Update 2005

On 15 December, I joined the Prime Minister, John Howard, former Minister for Defence, Robert Hill and Secretary of Defence, Ric Smith, in launching Australia's National Security: Defence Update 2005, at Victoria Barracks in Sydney.

This Update builds on the strategic direction of the Defence White Paper 2000 and the Defence Update 2003 and ensures that the Australian Defence Force (ADF) will continue to have the capability to respond to a wide range of tasks and contingencies into the future.

Since 1999 we have had a higher operational tempo than at any time in the previous 25 years and this Update affirms that we can expect this level of demand to continue. Defeating the threat of terrorism, countering the proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction and supporting regional states in difficulty remain our highest priorities.

I am delighted with the focus on values in the Update, both those we bring to the profession of arms and those we share as Australians and members of society. Additionally, I am pleased with the focus on our relationships - in the way we integrate Defence into national responses - across the span of Government, across the nation and across the international community. This is particularly important for our interoperability with friends and allies and the way we contribute to our region.

The direction consolidated in this Defence Update reinforces my vision for the ADF - A balanced, networked and deployable force, staffed by dedicated and professional people, which excels at joint and coalition operations. This vision is one of adaptability - of an ADF equally prepared to win wars and provide disaster relief, equally comfortable in securing Australia's borders and equally capable of leading, or contributing to, coalition operations.

I firmly believe the Defence Update will greatly assist us in shaping our Force for what I am sure will continue to be very demanding circumstances.

Increased contribution to Op SLIPPER

Another important development is our increased contribution to Operation SLIPPER. This contribution is in addition to the almost 200-strong Special Forces Task Group (SFTG) we already have in Afghanistan, who continue to do a wonderful job conducting critical special operations in a dangerous and challenging environment.

Our additional commitment to Op SLIPPER will consist of two Chinook helicopters and about 110 personnel. This team will become part of the SFTG operating under the auspices of the Combined Forces Command in Afghanistan. The Chinook team will operate with other coalition aviation assets and they will provide aero-medical evacuation and air mobility support to our SFTG and other coalition troops who are operating alongside our forces.

We are anticipating our Chinook team will deploy in February following an upgrade of the helicopters. This upgrade will improve their safety and survivability, as well as their ability to work closely with Coalition forces. Our Chinooks will certainly have all the necessary protection and latest technology to be safely deployed into the challenging environment in Afghanistan.

I expect the team will be fully operational by late March and that they will remain in Afghanistan for the remainder of the SFTG commitment. However, our Chinook team's presence in Afghanistan may be extended by the Government if it considers that a Provincial Reconstruction Team should be deployed.

I wish our Chinook team all the very best for their deployment and a safe return. I know they will do us very proud during their time in Afghanistan.

New Ministers and Parliamentary Secretary

Finally, on 24 January, the Prime Minister announced changes to his Cabinet which means we are welcoming a new Minister, Minister Assisting and Parliamentary Secretary to Defence.

As we farewell our outgoing Defence Ministers and Parliamentary Secretary, Senator Robert Hill, De-Anne Kelly and Teresa Gambaro, I thank them for their leadership and dedication during their service to the Defence portfolio. I wish them all the very best for the future.

In particular, I would like to acknowledge the contribution of Senator Hill, who has been Defence Minister since November 2001. Senator Hill has had overall responsibility for the Defence portfolio in a challenging strategic environment during a period of high operational tempo. I would like to thank him for his commitment to Defence and for his high regard for the men and women of the Defence Organisation during this time.

I look forward to working with our new Minister, Dr Brendan Nelson; Minister Assisting, Bruce Billson; and Parliamentary Secretary, Sandy MacDonald; each of whom bring to Defence a great deal of knowledge and Ministerial and Parliamentary experience.

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