Official Messages

Air Marshal ANGUS HOUSTON
Chief of Air Force.

With the return home of our people from Kyrgyzstan likely to occur in the not too distant future, it is timely to reflect on why they have been there and what they’ve been doing.

There is no doubt things have changed dramatically over the past year. Australia’s commitment to its obligations as a treaty partner and good international citizen has seen us faced with an operational tempo unknown since the Vietnam War.

Our involvement with the international coalition against terrorism reminds us that the world can be volatile and that the security environment has changed since September 11.

I am proud of how well the men and women of the Air Force have adapted to the new pressures and challenges they have had to face. Not just those who are or have been deployed, but those who have remained behind to ensure the operations were supported in a professional and timely manner.

While this news feature focuses on the efforts of those in Kyrgyzstan – and I am delighted to say I had the privilege of witnessing their dedication and professionalism first hand on a recent visit – I do not want to forget all our other friends and workmates deployed overseas and here in Australia who continue to display the true meaning of Air Force values in all they are doing.

Senator ROBERT HILL
Minister for Defence

The first anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks on the United States is a time for reflection on the horror of that day and on the sorrow it brought to so many people around the world.

But we should also take time to reflect on the great strengths that those cowardly attacks have revealed.

The families of those who perished have shown remarkable strength and resolve to move on with their lives while honoring the memories of their loved ones. Communities around the world have shown their resilience and compassion in embracing and supporting those families.

And peace-loving nations have stood together in a determined show of strength against those who perpetrated the attacks, those who may choose to follow their example, and those who choose to harbor them.

Australia was not a direct target of these attacks, even though Australians lost their lives.

But Australia recognised that these acts of terrorism were not simply attacks on individuals or on the United States – they were attacks on a way of life and on a system of values we all hold true.

Australia’s involvement in the Coalition Against Terrorism is based on our commitment to the principles of peace, democratic government and individual freedom.

The men and women of the Australian Defence Force have been called on to serve as part of that show of strength in support of a free and peaceful world.

I have visited our Special Forces on the ground in Afghanistan, our sailors serving as part of the Maritime Interception Force in the Gulf and our Air Force personnel performing vital air-to-air refuelling over Kyrgyzstan.

I have witnessed first-hand the strength of their commitment and their outstanding levels of professionalism. Our nation also appreciates the strength shown by their families during these long and tense absences.

The efforts of our forces on the ground, of course, have been backed by the vital support of a strong Defence organisation at home.

Australia has played its part, in concert with the United States and other nations, in ensuring our world is not cowered by the senseless acts of terrorism we witnessed 12 months ago.

DANNA VALE
Minister Assisting the
Minister for Defence

The challenge to rid the world of terrorism is a worthy cause to me and, I think, to all Australians.

We all felt the impact of the September 11 attacks on New York and Washington. We all felt the shock, sorrow and anger that goes with such malicious acts, and I think we all identified with the victims, eyewitnesses and relatives as they faced the aftermath of the tragedy.

We are now focused on an all-out effort to prevent such atrocities happening again.

Australians have a proud tradition of banding together to meet threats in time of crisis.

Personally, I am proud to be so closely associated with the men and women of the ADF – exceptional Australians who proudly wear the uniform of the Commonwealth and who shoulder the responsibility of dealing directly with terrorism on behalf of all Australian citizens.

Your Government realises that it is vital work and dangerous at times.

As a mother and spouse, I also appreciate how difficult it is for families when a loved one is away for a considerable period.

Allow me to congratulate you on the excellent work you do, not just in times of heightened crisis, but every day – those who have already returned and those still serving. Keep it up. Your efforts are admired and appreciated by all.

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