Australian Army Cadets

Mr Lindsay asked the Minister for Defence, upon notice, on 18 September 2008:

1. What are the applicable weapons handling procedures for Australian Army Cadets when using weapons, real or replica, in the context of training, drills and ceremonial parades.
   
2. Could he provide an inventory of weapons, real or replica, held by all Australia Army Cadet units across Australia; including the ownership and licensing details of such weapons, as well as the procedures that apply to cadet units for storage, security and access to these weapons.
   
3. Which cadet units have trained or paraded with real or replica weapons in the past 12 months and on average, how often does this occur in each unit each year.
   
4. Did the 14th Army Cadet Unit of North Rockhampton accept a monetary donation from the Capricornia RSL sub-branch for the purchase of replica weapons for the unit; if so, will it be used for the intended purpose.

Mr Fitzgibbon - The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows:

1. Procedures for Australian Army Cadets are identical to those for regular Army personnel.
2. Given the sensitivity of weapons’ repositories, a copy of the Firearms Register has been passed on to the honourable member.  The security policy relating to the Australian Defence Force Cadets holding, and storing of weapons and ammunition is located within the Defence Security Manual, Part 8, Chapter 5, Annex A. As the policy is contained in a ‘Restricted’ document, a copy has been passed on to the honourable member.
3. A list of units who have trained and/or paraded with a real or replica weapon in the past 12 months has been provided to the Table Office.  The amount of times this occurs varies between units.  Please note the average number in some cases includes rehearsals.
4. Yes.  The donation will not be used for the intended purpose.  The unit is in the process of returning the money with an appropriate letter of thanks.

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