LEUT
Kirsty Boazman
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WA
Senator David Johnston aboard HMAS Arunta as part of the
ADF Parliamentary Program. Photo POPH Steve Coates
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Two
Federal Parliamentarians and a Senator have taken up the challenge
of life at sea.
Sleeping underneath an 1800 pound torpedo in the weapons stowage
compartment of an Australian submarine has been part and parcel
of an education program for West Australian Senator David Johnston.
At the end of July he took time out from the cut and thrust of
politics to learn about life at sea aboard the submarine HMAS
Waller and in two of Australia’s Anzac Class frigates, HMA
Ships Warramunga and Arunta, as they participated in live-firing
exercises in the Arafura Sea.
He was one of eight politicians who participated in the Australian
Defence Force Parliamentary Program (ADFPP) during the Parliamentary
winter recess.
Sponsored by Defence Parliamentary Secretary, Fran Bailey, the
ongoing program exposes Australian Parliamentarians to ADF activities.
It offers politicians a range of activities with the ADF to enable
them to be better informed about the ADF, its people, systems
and activities during the debate over defence issues in the House.
As a member of the Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs,
Defence and Trade, Senator Johnston used the exchange as an opportunity
to go to the “sharp end” to speak with sailors and officers
in a number of ships.
“From what I’ve experienced, the Collins Class submarines
have turned a significant corner in their development and upgrade.
Any early stage hitches appear to have been ironed out and these
boats now set the world benchmark in this class of submarine,”
he said.
“They are much more than superior naval assets for Australia.
They’re proving their value to regional operations and certainly
the US Navy acknowledges the superior ability of this class of
submarine.
“My time at sea has been an incredible eye-opener. It’s
been an education in the large-scale logistics of running a Navy
and also the human element of looking after our men and women
who work on, and under, the sea.
“Until you actually join the ship’s company in one of
our Navy ships it’s difficult to appreciate the outstanding
level of efficiency and training they bring to our Nation’s
defence capability. They are being continually tested and challenged
to ensure the highest possible state of operational readiness.
“Our Navy people may work in some of the harshest and unusual
job environments imaginable, but they still have everyday concerns.
They need a chance to air those issues and I certainly appreciated
the opportunity to take a look into their lifestyle,” he
said.
Steve Gibbons took part in Op Falconer.
“I was lucky enough to participate in the ADF Parliamentary
Program this year. The attachment involved a tour of duty in HMAS
Melbourne and HMAS Arunta in the Persian Gulf,” he said.
“It was a great privilege not only to see first-hand the
work of the crew on board these warships but also to participate
with them on most of the ships’ activities. I came away with
nothing but the highest admiration for the ships’ companies
on both vessels.
At this stage we have no way of knowing what the future has in
store for our Defence Forces, given the uncertain current international
situation.
“But if all our defence forces are like Melbourne and Arunta,
all Australians can take great comfort in knowing that we have
service men and women who serve their country well.”
Sharon Grierson jumped at the chance
to do work experience on HMAS Warnambool, off the coast of Darwin.
“For the next five days I saw first hand our coastal surveillance
operations,” she said.
“The skilled crew of the Warnambool had many suggestions
but the best advice came from the frank and open discussions.
I came away convinced the Navy has a major role in the Asia Pacific
region.
“Current high operational levels place considerable demand
on our defence personnel and their families.
“ I am convinced our greatest resource is the dedicated Australian
men and women who willingly serve their country. They deserve
the best representation in any decision to commit them to military
action.”
