Defence

The official magazine

September 2006

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In the know

Kokoda foundation—new essay competition for young strategic thinkers

Security Challenges, the Kokoda foundation magazine, has announced a new competition for young scholars or professionals writing on Australia’s national security challenges. The winners of the Australian Defence Business Review competition will be awarded cash prizes of $1000 for first, $500 for second and $250 for third place in
November this year.

Winning articles will be published in forthcoming issues of Security Challenges, and certificates will be presented by the Minister for Defence, the Hon. Dr Brendan Nelson, MP, at a Kokoda Foundation seminar–dinner at Old Parliament House in Canberra on 2 November 2006.

Articles submitted for this competition must be future-oriented and deal with a national security issue of relevance to Australia or the wider Asia-Pacific region.

The competition is open to all young scholars or professionals under 35 years of age.

Submissions must be received by Friday, 20 October 2006, and can be made as comments of 1000–2500 words, or as full-length articles of 4000–6000 words.

Please send submissions by email to editor@kokodafoundation.org or by mail to:
The Kokoda Foundation, 46 Baracchi Cres,
Giralang, ACT 2617 Australia.

For further information and author guidelines visit www.kokodafoundation.org/journal/guide.htm.

Safe Work Australia Week in Defence

Occupational health and safety is an overriding priority for the Australian Defence Organisation—from our forces deployed on operations or undertaking training exercises, to personnel working in workshops or office-based environments.

On behalf of Defence, the Personnel Executive’s Occupational Health, Safety and Compensation Branch is working with the Australian Safety and Compensation Council in promoting Safe Work Australia Week 22–28 October 2006. This is a national week aimed at promoting workplace safety issues around Australia and encouraging employers and employees to focus on safety in the workplace.

The Occupational Health, Safety and Compensation Branch is supporting this week to raise awareness of the safety practices across Defence in order to continually improve these practices. You are encouraged to get involved by conducting an activity that highlights commitment to safety at work. By participating in a safety event or activity in your workplace, you could help reduce the number of work-related injuries or illnesses within Defence.

Interested areas can register planned or previous activities at http://ohsc.defence.gov.au/SafeWorkAustraliaWeek/default.htm

For further information please contact: OHSC Communications, Occupational Health, Safety and Compensation Branch, BP3–1–A005 or email ohsc.comms@defence.gov.au.

In the news

8 September

A Navy team will travel to Christmas Island in an attempt to locate the remains of an unknown sailor thought to be a crew member from HMAS Sydney that sank with all hands on 19 November 1941.

Announcing this archaeological expedition, the Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence, the Hon. Mr Bruce Billson, MP, said that since an earlier expedition in 2001, additional evidence has come to light. This warranted a further investigation of the possible site of the grave in the Old European Cemetery on Christmas Island, thought to contain the unknown sailor.

One of only two witnesses remaining who have seen the actual grave site, Mr Brian O’Shannassy, who photographed the site in 1950, will accompany the Navy team to Christmas Island to undertake this expedition.

‘For over 60 years people have speculated over who occupies this unmarked grave and indeed, where the grave is precisely located,’ Mr Billson said.

12 September

The Department of Defence, in conjunction with Hawker de Havilland and The Boeing Company, has conducted the successful initial testing of an extended range Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) variant. The successful tests were conducted at Woomera, South Australia, in mid August.

The development activity was conducted under the Concept Technology Demonstrator Program managed by the Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO).

The Joint Direct Attack Munition Extended Range is a conventional JDAM, enhanced with an Australian-designed wing kit that has the potential to significantly increase its range. The wing kit was developed by Hawker de Havilland, based on technology licensed from DSTO.

Consideration will now be given to further develop the wing kits to bring them to commercial production. If the wing kits prove to be commercially viable, there is likely to be significant Australian Industry input in the required manufacturing activities.

16 September

The Navy’s Underway Replenishment ship, HMAS Westralia, departed naval service in a historic ceremony today at Fleet Base West. The ceremony was held in conjunction with the commissioning of the Navy’s newest ship, HMAS Sirius.

Maritime Commander Australia, Rear Admiral Davyd Thomas, AM, CSC, RAN, and the Commanding Officer of HMAS Westralia, Commander Tim Crawford, RAN, and the Ship’s Company of both Westralia and Sirius took part in a joint decommissioning and commissioning ceremony. Senator Judith Adams representing the Minister for Defence, and the Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Russ Shalders, AO, CSC, RAN, joined family and friends of the Ship’s Company.

‘HMAS Westralia has provided 17 years of dedicated underway replenishment support to the Fleet through provision of fuel, food and stores, thus significantly extending its operational reach and endurance at sea. She has provided sterling service and will be fondly remembered by Ship’s Company both past and present,’ said Commander Crawford.

22 September

The Australian Government has taken delivery of the first 18 of 59 Abrams Tanks. This project is an investment of more than $500 million in Australia’s security.

The Abrams tanks represent a significant step in providing Australia with a stronger Defence Force with which to protect our people, interests and values.

Abrams tanks are a key component of the Hardened and Networked Army initiative announced last year. They will also enable the ADF to coordinate and network with allies.

The Abrams project is ahead of schedule, and within budget. These tanks are the most advanced and capable in the world. The new tanks will be transported to the School of Armour at Puckapunyal, with the remainder of the 59 tanks eventually being based in Darwin.

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