Test of political will

Senators Richard Colbeck and Nigel Scullion look over an F/A-18 Hornet with Corporal Troy Simpson. Photo by LAC Clint Siggins

RAAF Base Williamtown hosts its share of VIP visitors but recently two politicians went there for work experience.

Organised under the auspices of the ADF Parliamentary Program, Senator for Tasmania Richard Colbeck and Senator for the Northern Territory Nigel Scullion spent a week at the base familiarising themselves with the equipment, personnel and roles of a fighter base.

No grand functions or speeches, just an opportunity for elected representatives to witness first hand where the taxpayers’ money goes and to get a better feel for what Defence does.

Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Defence Fran Bailey, who manages the program, said an understanding and familiarity with the Defence Force, its personnel and equipment would help Parliamentarians when making judgements on Defence matters.

“There is always exposure at a senior level, but this program allows all Parliamentarians from either house or any party to participate at the grass-roots level, and see not just how the Defence dollar is spent, but the levels of skill and responsibility of our defence men and women and the pressures of the work,” Ms Bailey said.

“They get to see dedicated, well trained and professional people working in environments which may seem foreign to people without a military background.

“The program also helps parliamentarians gain a better appreciation of military life and what the services do, and in turn, the military gains a greater understanding of the role we play in ensuring our national security.”

She said the Williamtown experience introduced the two participants to the air defence world with background briefings, mission preparation and rehearsing missions in an F/A-18 simulator.

They also had the opportunity to work with Ground Controlled Intercept controllers and observe flight line management including servicing the aircraft, loading weapons and launching aircraft.
Other politicians will visit Amberley and Richmond in July.

.