By Alisha Welch

DEFENCE has been good to Terry Weston who, up until October 19, was Assistant Secretary Environment and Engineering in the Defence Support and Reform Group's Infrastructure Division. Terry has had a varied career since he first joined the Department in 1976, including four years in Washington D.C., but his recent work driving Defence's environmental agenda has been among the most rewarding.

"I've worked in the environmental area for the best part of the past decade but the issue of organisations having a strong environmental capability really came to the forefront 13 years ago when new legislation was passed emphasising its importance," Terry says.

"At that time, Defence had less than 10 people specifically working on environmental issues here in Canberra - in addition to the great work being done by people in the regions - but we weren't conducting in-depth environmental impact assessments.

"The legislation - the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 - meant Defence had to comply, so work began to establish an environmental capability that is very strong today."

In fact, Defence's environmental work now covers the full sphere of issues and, according to Terry, it is leading edge.

Defence's environmental initiatives include the establishment of a nation-wide Environmental Management System, a comprehensive program of environmental impact assessments, as well as work in water management, energy efficiency, waste minimisation, climate change, biodiversity conservation, heritage management, ecologically sustainable development and soil conservation.

While Environment and Engineering Branch has the lead in the management and development of Defence's environmental capability, Terry says its effectiveness relies on collaboration with the Groups and Services.

"I chair the Defence Environmental Management Forum, which has representatives from across Defence and meets quarterly to discuss issues and specific deliverables.

"Environmental awareness hasn't traditionally been the culture of 'warriors', but it has been extremely rewarding to see the Services embrace proactive environmental management. The cost of cleaning up pollution far outweighs the cost of effective planning, so from a fiscal perspective it is also very important. Most people are pragmatic and understand the significance and, through a process of engagement, strategic planning, educational and outreach programs, Defence now has a robust environmental management capability."

It is obvious Terry has enjoyed his work in Defence but he says it's the people he'll miss the most.

"All my jobs have been professionally satisfying and interesting, but watching people grow and develop is more rewarding," he says.

"Seeing a young graduate start with the Department straight out of university, then move through different areas and emerge a few years later as a very competent Executive Level 1 officer knocking on the door of a directorship, is great. Similarly, I place great emphasis on work-life balance. Watching people transition through different stages of their lives but still contribute 100 per cent to the organisation is one of the main things I'll miss."

He says he truly believes Defence is a great place to work.

"I'm living proof that Defence provides opportunities for multiple careers in the one organisation. Before starting as Assistant Secretary Environment and Engineering, I had no specific environmental or engineering experience but had managed those activities in other roles. Defence offers diverse careers and values different skill sets, so I encourage everyone to make the most of it."

Although Terry is not retiring from the workforce altogether, he plans to take some time off - the "gap year" he never had - and has his eye on a cooking course in Italy.

"I'll certainly look back on my 36 years with Defence with a great sense of satisfaction."