Minister for Defence, Peter Reith.

The new Minister for Defence, Mr Peter Reith addressed a gathering of senior Defence officials recently, outlining his vision for the future and paving the way for a smooth transition of power to the top job.

During his address to the Defence Senior Leadership Summit in Canberra the newly-sworn-in minister laid out what he expected from, and planned to deliver to, his new portfolio.

Mr Reith said that while the implementation of the White Paper was a high priority, he was also the first to acknowledge there were a lot of challenging issues ahead.

'There has been, and still is, a fair amount of angst about cost-cutting programs in Defence and I understand that some people don't like change or the idea of it,' he said.

'Of course, change for the sake of change is counterproductive but as far as I am concerned continuous improvement is not only inevitable, but also essential, if we are to have a modern, leading-edge Defence force.

'However, I have come here to offer the message that I am very committed to the tasks ahead. It is a great challenge and a great portfolio.'

He said the White Paper also acknowledged the quality of ADF leadership in military operations, particularly at the tactical level. While he was open to advice and counsel on all matters relevant to Defence, at the end of the day he, as the representative of the Government, was ultimately responsible.

'I will, on more occasions than not, rely upon good professional advice solidly based. I am open to arguments and options, but I require sufficient information to enable me to make decisions.

'Defence is a unique organisation but it is not a government within the Government. It is responsible to the Government.'

He said he would be a forceful advocate for the credibility of Defence in Cabinet, but establishing and maintaining confidence in its financial management and accountability would be a prerequisite to gaining the co-operation particularly of Treasury and Finance.

'We have got off to a new start and that's very good but we've got to keep it up.'

He acknowledged that the success of East Timor had underpinned greater public interest and support for Defence and that the Community Consultation team had shown the Australian public was knowledgeable about defence issues.

'Let's look at our strengths and remember to nurture them, because I think we are in a strong position to go forward with the guidance provided [by the White Paper] to maintain general public support.'

By CPL Brian Hartigan