Anglesea Barracks

Senator Abetz asked the Minister for Defence, upon notice, on 11 January 2010:

With reference to Anglesea Barracks, Hobart, Tasmania:

1. Can the Minister confirm that the senior officer at Anglesea Barracks is to be removed from the Commander’s Quarters where that senior officer and predecessors have been housed for approximately 150 years; if so, why has this decision been made.
2. Who will now occupy that space.
3. Why was this change made.
4. Was any consideration given to the potential impact on recruitment.
5. Will the senior officer still have a separate discreet office, or will the senior officer’s first station be in a shared office situation; if not either, what are to be the arrangements.

Senator Faulkner - The answer to the honourable senator's question is as follows:

1. In June 2009, as part of Defence reform, the position of Regional Manager Defence Support was disestablished. The role is now incorporated into the Regional Director Victoria and Tasmania position which operates out of Melbourne. As a result, the Commander’s office in Anglesea Barracks is no longer occupied and consequently there is no ongoing requirement for a Commander's office at Anglesea Barracks.
   
   Also located at Anglesea Barracks is a service residence (quarters) which has historically been occupied by the senior military officer (Commander). The Commander’s residence is currently occupied by the senior Army officer of Anglesea Barracks.
2. The former Regional Manager’s office (Commander's office) is to be used as a meeting room. The ongoing use of the room will enable it to be maintained appropriately.
3. The changes flow from the structure and staffing decisions made as a result of the Defence reform process.
4. No adverse impacts on recruitment or retention are anticipated.
5. All single service Area Representatives and the senior military officer occupy individual discreet offices appropriate for their roles.

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