Defence

Marshalling Point

New year, new challenges

ACM Angus Houston
Chief of the Defence Force

Welcome back for the beginning of another year. I hope everyone in Defence was able to take some time over Christmas and the New Year to spend time with loved ones and to relax. To those who were unable to do this as they were working during this time, I thank you for your dedication and ask that you take the first opportunity you can to enjoy a well deserved rest.

We enter 2007 with a new Secretary, Nick Warner. I welcome Nick to Defence and look forward to working with him closely as we employ our unique diarchy partnership in leading our organisation. Nick is a wonderful addition to Defence’s senior leadership and I know he will perform exceptionally well.

I am certain that 2007 will be another busy and challenging year for Defence, but I have no doubt that as an organisation we will rise to meet every challenge. I remain committed to my vision and intent for the Australian Defence Force (ADF). My vision is that we will be balanced, networked and deployable, staffed by dedicated and professional people, excelling at joint, inter-agency and coalition operations. I am very comfortable with this vision – it reflects who we are and where we need to go.

My themes of intent also remain unchanged. In terms of ‘our people’ I remind everyone of our ‘People Matter’ philosophy. I expect all our people to be treated with care, compassion and consideration. Whilst this applies to everyone within Defence, I ask all in command and management positions to particularly take note of this philosophy. Make sure all under your control are receiving your personal attention and make sure each and every subordinate is taking care of themselves and each other.

Another important aspect of this theme is retention and recruiting. In December the Government announced a $1 billion retention and recruiting package, key aspects of which are: maintaining the ADF as an employer of choice; streamlining the ADF recruitment process; increasing the number of people who want to join the ADF; creating more pathways to ADF careers; and providing mechanisms to evaluate and adjust policies and programs. This year we must implement the first phase of this new strategy to sustain and grow our military workforce. Additionally, we need to get our separation rate below 10 per cent across the three Services and we must achieve our workforce priorities. Despite a skills shortfall in some areas, we must maintain the directed level of operational capability.

In regards to ‘our values’ I remind you of our PLICIT framework and ask you to ensure these values are at the heart of the way you do business. This framework emphasises the behaviour I expect of all in Defence. By living these values we will obtain the right culture for our organisation.

My third theme, ‘our Operational Performance and Preparedness’ remains of the utmost importance. We currently have around 2,900 personnel deployed on operations overseas, and another 300 deployed in our maritime protection zone. Our deployed personnel continue to do a magnificent job for our country. I do not foresee this operational tempo changing in the near future and I know everyone here at home working in support of these operations has been performing at a high tempo also. This outstanding support will be required again this year – the ADF can’t perform overseas without this assistance here at home. The Services have also been doing a wonderful job with their raise, train and sustain function and this becomes of increasing significance as our current level of operational demand continues. In terms of our operational C2 arrangements, we recently achieved a milestone with the standing up of Headquarters Joint Operations Command (transitional) and the achievement of initial operating capability. These first few months will be a period of both opportunity and risk – we must maximise the benefits of these new arrangements, whilst maintaining effective C2 continuity of current operations and exercises. I seek the support of everyone within Defence in achieving these goals; the safety of our deployed people depends on it.

In 2007, our strategic direction will build on the solid foundations of 2006. Last year we promulgated the Strategy Planning Framework and completed some very demanding work on the Defence Planning Guidance. In the coming year this guidance will be used to inform all other Defence planning documents. As we build on our strategic vision, we will develop military strategic concepts and strategies, which will align our vision with necessary capability enhancements and the improved management of our operational environment. Another priority for this year, as we build on our strategic vision, will be to develop a new set of military strategic concepts and strategies, which will align our vision with necessary capabilities enhancement and the improved management of our operational environment. The challenge for ‘our capability’ in 2007 is to continue to bed down the Kinnaird recommendations and to work to introduce some of our recent acquisitions, such as the M1A1 Abrams and the C-17 Globe Master, into service.

‘Our relationships’ will also continue to require our attention. The provision of timely, accurate and responsive advice and support to our Ministers and their offices is a core responsibility of all in Defence. This advice is crucial in the maintenance of positive relations with Government and will ensure the best outcomes for Defence. We must also remain responsive to our outcome organisations – Joint Operations Command, Navy, Army, Air Force, the intelligence agencies and Strategy. In terms of my final theme ‘our management, governance and administration’ the Defence Management Review, chaired by Ms Elizabeth Proust, is currently examining how efficiently our decision-making, business processes and information systems are working. I look forward to the outcomes of this review, which will offer a roadmap for enhanced Defence management in the future.

As I have outlined, 2007 will present Defence with a number of challenges. Of course, I have great faith in our ability as an organisation to seize every opportunity and to perform at the highest standard. Our mission remains to defend our nation and our national interests, thus Defence’s responsibilities are many. In achieving this mission I ask one thing of each and every Defence member – give us your very best, as you always do.

[ top of page ]