Official Opening of New Australian Defence College

The new Australian Defence College to replace the Australian College of Defence and Strategic Studies and the Joint Services Staff College, both previously situated at Weston, will be officially opened on Monday, January 18.

The official opening will be attended by the Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence, Bruce Scott, Chief of the Defence Force, Admiral Chris Barrie, ACT Chief Minister Kate Carnell, and other high ranking military personnel, senior diplomats and politicians.

Founding Principal of the new Defence College, Air Vice Marshal Brendan O'Loghlin, says "the opening of the College at Weston represents a major step in the development of education programs that will support the progression and personal development of Senior Defence and security decision-makers from Australia and overseas."

Initially, the new College will offer two courses: the Defence Staff Course, running from January to April and the Defence and Strategic Studies Course, extending from May to December.

The inaugural academic course has attracted about 60 senior military personnel at the Colonel equivalent rank, from 18 countries, including Australia.

Participants from China and Vietnam will be among those attending the initial course - the first time that senior military officers from either country will take part in a defence education program in Australia.

Participants completing the first course will gain a Masters Degree in Strategic Studies.

"These are the people who are going to be leaders and commanders of the future," Air Vice Marshal Brendan O'Loghlin said. "They are all handpicked by their respective country military leaders to study government workings, strategic planning and leaderships, essential skills for a complex and uncertain strategic environment."

The multi million-dollar facility also represents a significant investment in Canberra, and with further development already planned, it promises a local boost for jobs and for the construction industry.

The new Australian Defence College has signed contracts with the University of New South Wales, the Australian National University, Latrobe University and ADI to provide academic services to the College. Other contracts are currently being negotiated and are expected to be concluded over the coming weeks.

Ross Thomas:                (02) 6266 0601
Director of Studies
Australian Defence College

Declan McGrath:             (02) 6265 3960
Defence Public Affairs       0419 448 100

Issued by the Defence Public Affairs Organisation, Department of Defence, Canberra, ACT, 2600

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