Defence

The official magazine

March 2006

|

In the know

Address to the United Services Institute

Professor James J. Fox, Director of the Research School of Pacific and Asian Studies at the Australian National University, is to address the United Services Institute of the Australian Capital Territory (USI of the ACT) on Friday, 24 March 2006 at 5pm in the Russell Offices R-1 Ground Floor Theatrette, Canberra. The subject of his address is 'Illegal Offshore Fishing and Implications for Australia's Security'.

The aims of the USI of the ACT are to encourage the discussion of national security and Defence matters, and to improve public awareness and understanding of such matters.

Interested persons who are not currently members are welcome to attend. Membership applications will be available at the presentation, via the web or can be obtained from Mr Bob Howe, Secretary, USI of the ACT, via email at act.usi@defence.gov.au or on (02) 6266 2866.

Australian Strategic Policy Institute

The Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) was set up to help Australians understand the critical strategic choices which our country will face over the coming years, and to help Government make better-informed decisions.

ASPI is currently hosting an annual program of ten Defence and Security luncheons to provide a fascinating insight from a variety of speakers on strategic issues.

Guest speaker at the next luncheon is Professor Ross Terrill, Associate in Research, Fairbank Center for East Asian Research, Harvard University, and Visiting Professor (spring term), University of Texas at Austin. It will be held on Thursday 30 March 2006, from 1200–1400 hrs at The Boathouse by the Lake, Canberra. The topic will be 'China Futures'.

Visit the ASPI website at http://www.aspi.org.au/events.cfm or contact them by phone on (02) 6270 5109 to register for this or further luncheons.

In the news

1 March

The Australian Army and the Royal Australian Navy celebrated their 105th birthday with services and celebrations around the country.

"Each year, on this day, we take the time to reflect on the achievements of all Australian soldiers—their courage, dedication to duty and the sacrifices made in the service to this nation," Chief of Army, Lieutenant General Peter Leahy, said.

"The Nation can be proud of its Army, as the Army is proud of its Nation. We look forward to the next 105 years with the same hope and commitment that we have shown for the last 105 years."

4 March

The Commandant of the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA), Brigadier Brian Dawson, congratulated the 2006 intake of 324 ADFA Navy Midshipmen and Army and Air Force Officer Cadets, who were on parade to mark the successful completion of their initial military training program. "The high recruitment to this intake shows promising signs that more young Australians are pursuing a university education through ADFA as a start to their military careers in the Navy, Army and Air Force," Brigadier Dawson said. "I wish these fine Australian men and women every success for their future in the ADF [Australian Defence Force]."

4 March

Chief of the Army, Lieutenant General Peter Leahy, AO, and Special Operations Commander—Australia, Major General Mike Hindmarsh, welcomed home east coast–based members of the Afghanistan Special Forces Task Group in a ceremony at Holsworthy Barracks today. The soldiers, predominantly from the Fourth Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (Commando), formed part of the 190-personnel strong Special Forces Task Group operating in Southern Afghanistan since late last year.

"The task group approach was highly successful and is a hallmark for future operations not just for Special Operations Command, but the whole Army."

14 March

Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Defence, Senator Sandy Macdonald has welcomed the signing of a 5-year Industry Alliance between The Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) and Austal Ships, manufacturer of the new Armidale Class Patrol Boats. The alliance will strengthen Australia's maritime defences.

"This Alliance formalises and strengthens links between DSTO's maritime research and development activities and the design, construction and systems integration carried out by Austal Ships," Senator Macdonald said.

15 March

The first stage of development of the new Darwin suburb of Lyons has been officially launched today at a groundbreaking ceremony attended by Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Defence, Senator Sandy Macdonald.

"The Lyons Development is a joint venture between the Defence Housing Authority (DHA) and Canberra Investment Corporation (CIC), which will see the development of a total of 700 news residential allotments," he said.

|

How to contribute to Snapshot

Use the form provided for Feedback or call or email the Contacts.