By Chief of the Defence Force General David Hurley

On November 1, I was privileged to attend Corporal Daniel Keighran’s investiture where the Governor General awarded him the Victoria Cross for Australia.

Corporal Keighran acted with extraordinary courage; he exhibited extreme devotion to duty and an unwavering dedication to his mates. While Corporal Keighran acted under tremendous duress, these are the same qualities I see in our ADF personnel every day. Throughout the year I have enjoyed meeting many talented individuals on operations and in their units. I am proud of our people and the work we do at home and abroad.

My visits to the Middle East Area of Operations this year have reinforced my confidence in the extraordinary group of Australians who have served on Operation Slipper. Our work in Afghanistan reached a number of significant milestones in 2012.

The transition to an Afghan security lead in Uruzgan province formally commenced on July 17. Since that time, our forces have begun moving from a mentoring role at kandak (or battalion) level to an advisory role. Throughout the year, the Afghan National Army (ANA) 4th Brigade has assumed greater responsibility for operations in Uruzgan. To date, three of the four infantry kandaks are now conducting independent operations and have assumed the lead for security operations. We expect that the remaining kandak will also begin independent operations before the end of the year.

On October 7, Australian forces began the hand over of remote bases when the ADF transferred responsibility for Patrol Base Wali to the ANA. The handover means the 3rd Kandak is now operating the patrol base without any Australian presence on the ground.

Another key transition indicator occurred on November 20 with the transfer of authority in Uruzgan from the 3RAR Task Group to the 7RAR Task Group. Members of the 7RAR Task Group are the first to adopt the new advisory role under the smaller Adviser Task Force model.

These milestones demonstrate our progress on the ground over the past decade and the ANA’s growing capability. They are also important steps as we meet the conditions required to complete the transition in Uruzgan.

Our ongoing progress is our tribute to the Australians killed in Afghanistan. In 2012 we remember Sergeant Blaine Diddams, Sapper James Martin, Lance Corporal Stjepan “Rick” Milosevic, Private Robert Poate, Private Nathanael Galagher, Lance Corporal Mervyn McDonald and Corporal Scott Smith, who served with honour and pride.

The soldiers’ families continue to bear their sacrifice with care and support from the Defence community. That care also extends to those who have been wounded in action, including those who are dealing with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or other mental health issues. We have made good progress this year in addressing the stigma surrounding mental health but there is still more work to do to ensure people feel they can reach out for help without fear of prejudice or penalty.

Our reputation on operations is unsurpassed. In 2012, ADF personnel have provided assistance to flood-affected residents in New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland, helped the people of Papua New Guinea and East Timor to conduct successful elections, and built temporary facilities on Manus Island and Nauru.

An increase in unauthorised boat arrivals has placed additional pressure on ADF personnel who are assigned to Operation Resolute. These men and women have done an outstanding job in difficult and dangerous conditions under intense public scrutiny.

All of these activities were conducted in addition to our operations in Afghanistan, Solomon Islands and East Timor.

After six years in East Timor, the drawdown of the Australian-led International Security Assistance Force has commenced parallel with the planned drawdown of the United Nations Mission in Timor-Leste. This will occur as a staggered transition to East Timor authorities in close consultation and coordination with the United Nations, Australia and New Zealand. While there are a number of variables influencing our timeline, the drawdown is expected to be completed during the first half of 2013.

Similarly, Australia’s contribution to the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI) is drawing to an end after almost 10 years. Australian personnel who deploy on Operation Anode are primarily reservists and they have made a lasting contribution to security in the region. Defence is currently working with RAMSI and our international partners from New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Tonga, which make up Combined Task Force 635, to develop a transition strategy that considers the security situation in Solomon Islands.

Those who have deployed on operations this year have made a valuable contribution to the peace, stability and security of our region. So too have the many thousands of uniformed members and civilians who have supported these operations at home and overseas. Our reputation as a highly skilled defence force speaks volumes for the people who have chosen to serve our nation.

After a period of reflection on Defence culture we have started action to address the recommendations raised in various reviews. Under the Pathway to Change strategy, almost 100 recommendations are in progress while more than 30 others have been completed. This action is designed to address our shortcomings and improve the overall culture within Defence.

It is a positive start but we must also recognise that the type of deep and far reaching reform we are seeking will take a number of years to achieve and require a sustained effort from all Defence staff. In addition to these organisational activities, individually we have an obligation to consider the way we think and act to ensure we live up to the Australian public’s standards and expectations.

Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your contribution over the past year and to extend my best wishes for the festive season.