Issue 1, 2010

m a g a z i n e ›

ADF stars at Military Tattoo

Australia Day honours list Page: 16-19

Major Brendan Kellaway leads the Australian Federation Guard at the Sydney Football Stadium during the lead-up to the Edinburgh Military Tattoo - an event that celebrated 60 years of valour, mateship and glory. See pages 12-13. Photo: LACW Casey Gaul

Defence magazine

editor: Michael Weaver

Phone: 02 6265 7117

Deputy editor: Jack Foster

Phone: 02 6265 1949

Imagery support: Public Affairs Branch

Defence Magazine is produced by the Directorate of Internal Communication,

Public Affairs Branch.

ISSN 1446-229X

Design and layout: Graphics Services

Defence Publishing Service DPS: JAN016/10

How to contribute to DeFence MAgAzIne

Contact Michael Weaveror defence.magazine@defence.gov.au

Phone: 02 6265 7117http://www.defence.gov.au/defencemagazine/

editorialFirstly, welcome to 2010. Now, a question.

What’s changed?

This year, Defence embarks upon its most significant period of change to find better ways of doing the job. Suffice to say, change will be a major part of the year ahead as the Strategic Reform Program moves into its implementation phase.

But enough of that for now, as we intend to fill an entire edition on reform in April.

Change is the theme for this first edition of 2010 and we hope you notice a few subtle changes to the pages of Defence Magazine. It would also be remiss of us not to use this space to inform you further of our contribution to reform.

Late last year, Defence Magazine and Defence Publishing Service signed an agreement to design, print and distribute 10 editions of the magazine each year. We no longer need to rely on external contracts and can now use the skills of Defence’s talented graphic designers and directors who have extensive knowledge of the industry, but most importantly, have experience within Defence.

Whether the end product has improved is for you to judge – and we want your feedback via our online survey – but we definitely wouldn’t have entered into the agreement if we didn’t firmly believe we could do the job more efficiently. An added bonus is that we’ve saved money in the process.

There will be many more stories such as this emerging from the width and breadth of Defence and we aim to give due recognition to them as best we can.

The photo below however, depicts the perfect example of one thing that hasn’t changed, and illustrates an impromptu moment that provides due recognition for one of Defence’s most enduring leaders.

- Michael Weaver, editor

PHOTO OF THe MOnTH:The Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, and the Minister for

Defence, Senator John Faulkner, present the Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal (ACM) Angus Houston,

with a congratulatory card for achieving 40 years of service in the Australian Defence Force. The visit to

Defence Headquarters was organised as a surprise event, with ACM Houston’s wife, Mrs Elizabeth Houston, also

presented with a bunch of flowers for her support to her husband during his military career.

Photo: Steve Dent

3www.defence.gov.au/defencemagazined e f e n c e m a g a z i n e ›

CONTENTS

i n s i d e t h i s e d i t i o n

columns

secretary: In-stride adjustment 10

chief of Defence Force: Turning the tide in Afghanistan 11

news

Snapshot 4

Pictorial: Edinburgh Military Tattoo in Sydney 12

Stalwart bows out of public affairs arena 14

Defence celebrates disabilities 15

Australia Day honours list 16

Features

navy: Countdown to new expeditionary capability 20

Ministerial and executive services: Better advice to ministers 22

greg combet: Minister heralds climate of change 24

People in Defence: Families first in ADF survey 26

Army: Army adapts to thirst for improvement 28

Records Management: Change sparks new era 29

People strategies and Policy: Workforce intelligence 30

spotlight on Reform: Science and Technology stream 32

Defence signals Directorate: Defending cyber security 33

DMO: Better advice – better project management 34

Joint Logistics command: Improvements locked and loaded 36

Army: Indigenous soldiers graduate in Northern Territory 38

Operations: Role of peace-keepers in the Solomon Island 40

The Last Word: Former Director General Public Affairs, BRIG Brian Dawson 42

14

38

24

snapsHOT

4 www.defence.gov.au/defencemagazine

SnipShOTNEwS

Share your storyAre you a current serving ADF member and from a culturally or linguistically diverse background? Then you are encouraged to sign up for the ADF Multicultural Recruitment Strategy Alumni Program. Defence Force Recruiting is aiming to boost the numbers of people from culturally diverse backgrounds in the ADF and make the idea of a career in the Services more attractive.

The new Alumni Program will support members from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds to speak at schools, universities and community events about their experiences in the ADF.

In coming weeks, Defence Force Recruiting will be providing more information regarding the Program. If you want to help raise awareness about life in the ADF, then you are encouraged to volunteer for the alumni program.

For more information, please email DFR.alumni@defence.gov.au

LeFT: Officer Cadet Jahan Barr has signed up for the ADF Multicultural Recruitment Strategy Alumni Program.

Seven years for OrionAir Force’s AP-3C Orion aircraft have marked seven years crucial support to Australian and coalition forces in the Middle East.Chief of Air Force Air Marshal (AIRMSHL) Mark Binskin said the Orions had flown more than 1750 missions involving 16500 flying hours supporting Operations Bastille, Falconer, Catalyst and Slipper.

“This milestone is a great tribute to the men and women of Air Force’s Surveillance and Response Group who have worked long hours flying and maintaining the Orions,” AIRMSHL Binskin said.

“Maintenance staff have often worked in 50C-plus temperatures to achieve a very high aircraft availability rate.”

The RAAF Orion detachment in the Middle East includes approximately 88 people and two aircraft.

AIRMSHL Binskin said that AP-3C Orions were among the best intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft in the world, and could transmit real-time surveillance pictures, providing essential situational awareness to commanders on

the ground.

“Many of our AP-3C Orion people have done four and in some cases five deployments to the Middle East,” AIRMSHL Binskin said.

“I understand the impact this has on personal lives and I thank their families and friends in Australia for the vital support they provide.”

Female leadership tops agenda A program promoting female leadership in the Royal Australian Navy is being expanded into 2010, and will for the first time include a women’s mentoring program for 50 Navy women.Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science Greg Combet said the Navy Women’s Leadership Program was the first of its kind in the Australian Defence Force and had involved 28 women in 2009.

“The Program provided the opportunity for female leaders, from the rank of Leading Seaman to Commander and APS equivalents, to participate in five Australian Women and Leadership Forum events,” Mr Combet said.

He said the Government was committed to improving opportunities for women in the ADF to undertake leadership roles.

“The female officers, sailors and public servants who completed the program provided extremely positive feedback and have indicated strong enthusiasm and motivation to implement their new skills in the workplace.”

Mr Combet said the Program followed the objectives of the Chief of Defence Force Action Plan for the Recruitment and Retention of Women in the ADF, and was being run as part of the New Generation Navy initiative in a bid to improve the Navy’s culture, leadership and structure.

Professional recognition for Defence engineersDefence engineers can receive formal recognition from Australia’s peak professional body for engineers following the renegotiation and signing of an agreement between Defence and Engineers Australia.The renewed agreement provides opportunities for all Australian Defence Organisation engineers to undertake funded professional development to achieve Chartered or Engineering Executive status.

The signing of the agreement continues the strong collaboration between Engineers Australia and Defence. The new all-of-Defence agreement also provides direct savings to Defence, arising from discounts negotiated with Engineers Australia.

The agreement is win-win for Defence and Engineers Australia, as it provides follow-on benefits to the broader community. Defence and the broader community receive direct benefits from having upskilled engineers. Defence also retains its engineers as they further their professional development, and Engineers Australia increases its membership base.

On 18 August 2009, the Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, and the-then Acting Defence Secretary, Stephen Merchant, confirmed Defence’s commitment to the Engineers Australia professional development program, in

signing an overarching Memorandum of Agreement between Defence and Engineers Australia.

For more information on these new arrangements, including how Defence members can obtain Chartered or Engineering Executive status, refer to http://www.defence.gov.au/defence_engineers_pdp/

Soldiers return home from East TimorMore than 70 soldiers from Townsville-based 2nd Battalion Royal Australian Regiment have returned home to Australia following a successful deployment to East Timor.Another 180 soldiers will also soon return and be replaced by soldiers from the 8/9th Battalion RAR based in Brisbane.

The Minister for Defence, Senator John Faulkner, applauded the achievements of the returning personnel in assisting one of Australia’s closest neighbours.

“I congratulate the soldiers returning to Australia on the success of their mission,” Senator Faulkner said.

“The improved security conditions that have emerged during the deployment of these soldiers has enabled the ISF mission to evolve.

“Our soldiers now perform fewer direct security tasks and increasingly focus on capacity-building and training of the East Timorese Defence Force.

“This shift could not have been considered were it not for the excellent work completed by these service men and women.”

LeFT: AP-3C Orion ‘Lara’ commences a night mission over Iraq. The aircraft has just marked seven years of service to Australian and coalition forces in the Middle East.

soldiers meet with Afghan eldersThe Australian Special Operations Task Group (SOTG) and Afghan partner forces recently met with village elders and religious leaders in Chenartu, north-east of Tarin Kowt.

During the meeting, village leaders and representatives were consulted to gain an understanding from the community of their key needs and ideas for development proposals.

The Commanding Officer of the SOTG hoped to continue to reap the benefits of the combined operations with Afghan partners,

“Our partner force bring with them a unique understanding of local conditions,” he said.

“Conducting these operations in close cooperation with our partner force allows us greater clarity and understanding of the community’s needs.”

New submarine office A new Australian Submarine Program Office will be established in Adelaide next month to manage submarine availability required by Government.

Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science Greg Combet said the new office was a vital step towards achieving the submarine output Government expects.

The Office will commence work in March and operate as an integrated product team of Navy, Defence Materiel Organisation and Australian Submarine Corporation personnel led by DMO’s Director General Submarines Commodore Bronko Ogrizek.

HMAs Success inquiryA fresh inquiry into a range of equity and diversity issues on board HMAS Success was launched in February.

The Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, said that while he remained confident that the military justice system was working well, aspects of the system needed to improve.

The Chief of the Defence Force also announced the appointment of the Hon. Roger Gyles AO QC to conduct a new Commission of Inquiry into a range of matters arising from equity and diversity issues on board HMAS Success.

Chief of Navy Vice Admiral (VADM) Russ Crane said that appropriate behaviour from personnel ashore and at sea was fundamental to the New Generation Navy program.

“Equally important is my commitment to ensuring that all my personnel have access to a fair, robust and just inquiry system and that they are supported throughout the process,” VADM Crane said.

snapsHOT

6 www.defence.gov.au/defencemagazine

SnipShOTNEwS

International Counter IED awardTwo Defence personnel have received the Technical Cooperation Program (TTCP) Award for their collaborative work to improve information exchange on integrated Improvised Explosive Device (IED) protection programmes between Australia and other partner nations.

The Chief Defence Scientist, Professor Robert

Clark, presented Tim McKay and Tim Heenan with

their awards at ceremonies held in Adelaide and

Canberra recently.

Professor Clark praised the work of both Dr McKay

and Mr Heenan in synchronising efforts across the

TTCP CIED Science & Technology (S&T) work-

streams, to provide increased levels of protection

against the IED threat to coalition forces deployed

on current operations.

Tim Heenan said that he was honoured to have

had the opportunity to work with DSTO, and their

international Defence Science colleagues.

“We know of a number of specific instances

where CIED work undertaken within DSTO has

saved the lives of Australian soldiers deployed on

operations,” Mr Heenan said.

“This ongoing work within DSTO, and the wider

TTCP community, is critical to the continued

success of Defence’s CIED program, which draws

on staff from across all three Services, the

Capability Development Group and the DMO.”

The TTCP presents awards annually to scientists

from all five member nations who are working on

specific collaborative projects.

For further information go to: http://www.dtic.

mil/ttcp/

Troops back home from Afghanistan More than 700 members of the Second Mentoring and Reconstruction Task Force (MRTF-2) have returned home after an intensive eight-month deployment to Afghanistan.

“They have helped to expand our mentoring and

training effort of the Afghan National Army, build

the security capacity of the Afghan Government,

and delivered more reconstruction activities for the

local community,” Defence Minister Senator John

Faulkner said.

“This progress was made in a difficult and

challenging environment. Our troops worked under

the threat of road-side bombs and attacks by

insurgents.”

Alongside the Afghan National Security Forces

(ANSF), the MRTF confiscated 90 weapon caches,

provided security support for the Afghan National

Elections, and expanded the security presence in

the Mirabad Valley, Baluchi Valley and the Chora

district.

“Australia’s focus remains on mentoring the ANSF

in order to build their capacity to take responsibility

for the security in Oruzgan province. This work is

proceeding well,” Senator Faulkner said.

The mostly Townsville-based MRTF-2 is being

replaced with Brisbane soldiers from the Army’s

7th Brigade.

A welcome back ceremony for MRTF-2 will be held

in Townsville on 10 April 2010.

Medical officers boostedThe ADF has entered a new partnership designed to increase professional development opportunities for Defence medical officers. Vice Chief of the Defence Force, Lieutenant General David Hurley signed an agreement with the Australian General Practice Network (AGPN) that will ensure the ADF continues to provide top quality health care to its personnel.

The first is an accredited online mental health training pack. The Surgeon General, Major General (MAJGEN) Paul Alexander, said the Active Learning Module would provide ADF Medical Officers with additional training to diagnose and treat common mental health issues.

“The program will be accredited under the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners,” MAJGEN Alexander said.

An ADF version of the AGPN’s Online Lifestyle Management Program is also being considered.

MAJGEN Alexander said the program covered risk factors for chronic disease; nutritional advice and information to help maintain a healthy lifestyle, while a family-oriented program could also be modified to offer guidance on the unique pressures facing ADF families including frequent relocations and deployment.

“This partnership will further strengthen the ADF’s commitment to our people providing advanced training for medical officers and first-class health care for personnel,” MAJGEN Alexander said.

International women’s Day 2010Defence will join in the International Women’s Day (IWD) celebrations on 12 March, with guest speakers set to speak at the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA).

IWD is a global day celebrating the economic,

political and social achievements of women in the

past, present and future—a day when women are

recognised for their achievements.

To celebrate, Defence will hold an event for

women and men at Adams Hall at ADFA. A range

of stalls will showcase IWD supporters such as

Women’s Information Referral Service, Defence

Community Organisation, Defence Force Recruiting,

padres/chaplains, Defence Housing Australia and

Defence Special Needs Support Group.

The theme for the day is Engaging Everyone in

Gender Issues and will feature a seminar, followed

by prominent speakers including Vice Chief of the

Defence Force Lieutenant General David Hurley,

Professor Kerryn Phelps and Dr Michael Flood.

Funds are available for regions to also get

involved, so for more information contact Gender

Diversity Policy Officer Rose Hays no later than

2 March.

RIGHT: Defence Secretary Dr Ian Watt (left) and Chief Defence Scientist Professor Robert Clark (right) congratulate Tim Heenan on his work to improve information exchange on integrated Improvised Explosive Device protection programs between Australia and other partner nations.

Touch footy funds for haitiThe response to the devastating January earthquake that claimed the lives of thousands of Haitians has been remarkable to say the least. And recently, it was Defence’s turn to lend a hand.

The dark and threatening skies did not prove a

deterrent for more than 40 personnel who united to

raise money for the victims with a game of touch

football.

With teams representing Navy, Army, Air Force, and

the Public Service, it was a genuine Departmental

effort.

From the first tap, all matches were evenly poised

with the ball travelling from end to end as teams

battled for ascendancy.

While lacking the star-studded line-up of recent

telethons, matches were played in good spirit with

players giving their all before shaking hands and

sharing a cool drink.

A sausage sizzle was held to help raise funds

with crowds braving the weather to watch their

colleagues in action.

All proceeds raised from the event will be donated

to the Red Cross for the victims of Haiti.

ABOVe: Defence personnel at Russell Offices participated in a touch football competition and sausage sizzle to raise funds for the Red Cross Haiti Appeal. Some of the winning side (L-R) Corporal Aaron Rawnsley, Sergeant David Walsh, Corporal Simon Dawson and Sergeant Matthew Hinse. Photo: LSIS Paul McCallum

Full military honours in FromellesNinety-three years after they fell in the Battle of Fromelles, the first of 250 Australian and British soldiers have finally been buried with full military honours at a ceremony in France.

The Australian public is being encouraged to pause and reflect on the sacrifices of those who serve in the Armed Forces.

The soldiers are being buried in individual graves in the purpose-built Fromelles (Pheasant Wood) Military Cemetery. The new cemetery is the first the Commonwealth War Graves Commission has constructed in more than 50 years.

The burials took place throughout February and have been conducted by members of both the British and Australian Armies.

A commemorative event to open the cemetery is scheduled for the 94th anniversary of the Battle of Fromelles on 19 July 2010.

Mr Combet said the Government was hopeful that anthropological, archaeological, historical and DNA information will lead to the identification of some of the men.

“While identification of the remains is an extremely complex process, I remain hopeful that we will be able to identify a number of those that we have found,” said Mr Combet.

The battle on 19 July 1916 was the bloodiest 24 hours in Australian history with 5,533 Australian soldiers killed, wounded or missing.

Centaur found, relatives soughtThe discovery of the wreck of the Australian Hospital Ship Centaur (AHS Centaur) will enable families of the Australians on board the ship to know the resting place of their loved ones, 66 years after it was sunk north east of Brisbane.

A phone hotline has been established to assist relatives of those who were on board the ship when it was sunk in 1943. Relatives can now contact 1800 019 955 to receive information about a memorial service which will be held in March.

A website also has details about the memorial service. It includes details of how relatives can register to receive more information about the memorial service. The website can be found at http://www.army.gov.au/AHS_Centaur.asp

On the morning of 14 May 1943, the Australian Hospital Ship Centaur was sunk by a Japanese submarine east north east of the coast of Brisbane.

The wreck of the ship was found by search teams on Sunday 20 December 2009. The project to find the remains was funded jointly by the Federal and Queensland Governments and with assistance from the Department of Defence.

8 www.defence.gov.au/defencemagazine

NEwS IN rEvIEw: DECEMbEr – jANuAry

snapsHOTWhile many took the opportunity to take time off in December and January, the news emanating from Defence continued to flow at its usual pace. The following two pages highlight some of the significant events that occurred while we were in stand-down mode.

Final flight for Caribou30 November - The Australian War Memorial

received one of the recently-retired Caribou aircraft

after it made its final flight from RAAF Base

Richmond.

One aircraft was also received by the RAAF

Museum at Point Cook.

“Australia’s Caribou have had an illustrious

career over the last 45 years, and their record is

a testament to all who worked on and flew the

aircraft,” Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel

and Science Greg Combet said in tribute to the

Caribou.

As an interim measure, the Caribou fleet has

been replaced by the King Air aircraft, providing a

modern and efficient transport capability.

PNG Diggers laid to rest 1 December - The remains of four Australian

soldiers killed during WWII have been laid to rest

at a cemetery in Papua New Guinea.

Lance Sergeant James Garrard Wheeler and

Lieutenant Talbot Logan were buried beside

two unidentified sets of remains marked with a

headstone Known Unto God.

Lance Sergeant Wheeler and Lieutenant Logan

were a two-man Australian Artillery Forward

Observation Party from 51st Battery, 2/1 Field

Regiment (RAA) acting in support of the US Army.

Lance Sergeant Wheeler was killed during fighting

around Soputa-Sanananda Track in December 1942.

Lieutenant Logan was killed the following year by

a Japanese sniper during the 2nd/12th Battalion’s

attack on Giropa Point at Buna.

The ceremony at PNG’s Bomana Cemetery featured

an honour guard provided by the Australian Army,

with Australia’s Federation Guard firing volleys

over the graves and the Last Post played by a

bugler.

Minister farewells troops4 December - Defence Minister John Faulkner

farewelled 140 ADF personnel as they deployed to

operations in Afghanistan and East Timor.

The deploying members form part of the Force

Communications Unit 3 (FCU 3) and the Force

Communications Element 3 (FCE 3) and will provide

communications and information systems in

support of operations Slipper and Astute.

Senator Faulkner also visited the Sydney-based

2nd Commando Regiment to see demonstrations of

commando capability and to meet with soldiers.

“The commando war roles and domestic counter

terrorism capability demonstrations I have seen

here today certainly highlight their critical role and

unique capabilities,” Senator Faulkner said.

Entertainers put on show for troops

17 December - ADF personnel serving in East Timor have enjoyed a pre-Christmas concert led by Australian musicians and entertainers as part of the 17th Force

Entertainment Tour.

Australian singer-songwriter John Schumann, best known for his song I Was Only 19, said the Tour was something he has wanted to do for a long time.

“It is terrific to be here with this community of men and women who selflessly represent our interests overseas,” Mr Schumann said.

“A lot of these guys have families and I watch them line up at the telephones at night to call

home. I think you really have to come here and see that to understand it emotionally.”

Comedian Gary Bradbury, who served in the Australian Army from 1986 to 1993, praised the troops for their sense of humour.

“In the Army everyone has a pretty good sense of humor and I was always around guys who would want to make wise cracks,” Mr Bradbury said.

“They like a laugh even though they are doing a tough job.”

The tour, known as Tour de Force, is organised to bring cheer to Service personnel who are deployed overseas.

Navy missile launch 18 December - HMAS Melbourne demonstrated the Navy’s updated naval air defence capability with the firing of a Standard Missile (SM 2) off Jervis Bay.

Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science Greg Combet said the SM 2 would be further enhanced throughout the next year.

“This missile firing was the first time a SM 2 has been fired from an Adelaide class frigate,” Mr Combet said.

“The missile was prepared, launched and

supported in flight before engaging a target.”

Mr Combet said Melbourne was now equipped with two modern missile systems to combat anti-ship missiles and aircraft.

“HMAS Melbourne is an Adelaide class guided missile frigate (FFG) that has completed the multi-million dollar FFG Upgrade Program and has recently undergone additional SM-2 related alterations to its combat system,” Mr Combet said

Army band rocks Middle East 07 January - The 1st Battalion’s Royal Australian Regiment Band finished a three-week tour to the Middle East, performing rock concerts, Christmas carols and jazz sessions for the troops.

Musical Director Major Dan Hiscock said the tour was a culmination of almost six months of planning.

“We worked on programs, arranging charts, coming up with not only the concerts, but also music trivia, karaoke and all the different contingencies that we might be faced with,” Major Hiscock said.

“Kabul, which was our first stop, was bitterly cold and we struggled with that.

“Instruments aren’t designed to be played in zero or sub-zero temperatures…but it worked out okay.”

The band then visited Camp Holland at Tarin Kowt to host a carols by candlelight concert on Christmas Eve followed by a rock concert that afternoon.

They also travelled to Kandahar for a series of New Year concerts. Commander of Australian forces in the Middle East Major General Mark Kelly said the tour had been a great success.

“It has been appreciated by all JTF 633 personnel who were able to see them perform, as well as many of our coalition partners,” Major General Kelly said.

Heron takes to Afghan skies13 January - The first Australian-leased Heron

Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) has started initial

operations in Afghanistan.

The UAV will help deliver high resolution, real-time

intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR)

information to ADF commanders.

With a maximum speed of more than 180 kph, the

one-tonne aircraft can operate for more than 24

hours at altitudes of up to 10,000 metres.

Working under a one-year contract with the option

to extend, the UAV was selected after a detailed

examination of available off-the-shelf ISR systems.

It is expected to be fully mission capable in the

coming months following an initial training period.

New Wedgetail agreement19 January - A new five-year, $800 million

contract has been signed to support the Air Force’s

new fleet of Wedgetail aircraft.

Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and

Science Greg Combet said the contract with

Boeing would create more than 100 jobs in the

Newcastle area.

“It will also provide continued and new

employment for more than 100 personnel at

Amberley over the next 12 months, which will have

positive flow-on effects for local businesses,” Mr

Combet said.

Mr Combet said Boeing would also receive

maintenance, engineering and training support

from Boeing Defence Australia.

When fully operational, Wedgetail aircraft will

enhance surveillance, air defence, fleet support

and coordination operations. Defence will

eventually acquire six Wedgetail aircraft at a cost

of more than $4 billion Australian dollars.

Prince William visits Holsworthy20 January - His Royal Highness Prince William joined officers and soldiers for a live fire exercise at NSW’s Holsworthy Barracks.

Drawing on his military training at RMA Sandhurst College in the UK, the Prince headed to the Marksmanship Training Range to fire an Australian-issue F88 Austeyr rifle and the F89 Minimi machine gun.

Reportedly on target, Prince William then made a personal request to meet privately with Special Operations Command soldiers.

The Prince also visited Admiralty House for lunch with the Governor-General Quentin Bryce before travelling to Redfern to meet with Aboriginal elders.

Prince William last visited Australia in 1983 when he was just nine-months-old.

BeLOW: His Royal Highness Prince William chats with soldiers from Alpha Company 3rd Battalion Royal Australian Regiment (3 RAR) at Holsworthy Barracks.

LeFT: Standard Missile 2 Acceptance Test and Evaluation firing in the East Australian Exercise Area on HMAS MELBOURNE, the first firing of its kind. Photo: ABIS Andrew Dakin

BeLOW: The crew of the No. 38 Squadron Caribou A4-140 pose for a photo before they prepare to take off from RAAF Base Richmond for the last time. From left: Avionics Technician Corporal Nick Bordujenko, Pilot Wing Commander Tony Thorpe, Flight Engineer Sergeant Scott Jones, Pilot Flying Officer Matt Sullivan and Aircraft Technician Dan Amiet. Photo: LACW Casey Gaul

10 www.defence.gov.au/defencemagazine

SECrETAry’S COLuMN

For the first edition of Defence Magazine this year, it seems timely to discuss the changes we may be facing in 2010, both big and small, and the views that I have on how best we are to manage them.

In-stride adjustments

I would also like to acknowledge the many changes (for the better) that have taken place across Defence in the past 12 months, and the people that have worked hard to ensure these changes have been successful.

One important change has been the way Defence has started to turn around some perceptions of our ability to manage our finances. We are now seen to be better in a financial and budgetary sense. We have done some hard work and as a result our image has improved. This is an important step forward.

There are others worth highlighting, and that is what this edition of Defence Magazine is about. It focuses on people in Defence who have made an assessment that our business could be improved in some way or another, gaining efficiency and delivering a better service to the ADF, the Department and the Government.

There are articles from PSP (p26-27) about using the Defence Families Survey information for workforce planning and change. A more personal angle on change can be seen in an interview with graduates of the Defence Indigenous Development Program (p38-39), who discuss how their involvement has impacted on their lives.

Much of the progress we have made toward a more efficient business in the past 12 months has not been about the Strategic Reform Program – but in the coming years the SRP will feature as the most important change program ever attempted by this organisation.

CDF, myself and the members of the Defence Committee are aware that we are not yet in a position to share with you the full details of the work that has been done to prepare us for SRP

implementation. The details are soon to go before

Government, and until they are approved, we are

unable to talk to you fully about them.

I am sure that this is frustrating for many of you,

as well as for our industry partners and suppliers.

I am expecting, however, that this situation will

soon be resolved and that an extensive program

of communication will commence about the

implementation details and impact of the SRP once

Government agrees the details of the plans.

I understand the importance of communication in

managing change effectively and we are looking

for ways to improve internal communication in this

organisation.

We face problems in achieving this given

Defence’s size and complexity, but effective

change will not take place unless we focus more,

as leaders, on communicating with our people.

This was very clear to me in my role as Secretary

for the Department of Finance and Deregulation.

People need to understand the context and drivers

for change if they are to support and participate

actively in it.

Another important characteristic of an effective

change program is flexibility. In the coming years,

we must have the commonsense to allow for

adjustments when they become necessary. That

end goal will not change, but we must reach

it in a flexible way. One of the useful phrases I

have learned since I arrived in August last year is

“in-stride adjustment” – those small changes you

make in the course of a journey or mission that

help you reach your endpoint.

Engaging with Defence people will be critical in

making those adjustments – we will talk to you

about what is happening and what we expect, and

we will rely on your engagement and feedback in

making crucial decisions about where to adjust

our plans.

Finally, I would like to draw your attention to the

interview on pages 24-25 with Defence’s Minister

for Personnel, Materiel and Science, Greg Combet.

It is a frank and useful discussion about what he

sees lying ahead for Defence in the area of his

portfolio. This includes better services in ADF

Health, improving the recruitment and retention of

women in the ADF, and improving processes and

links between DMO, DSTO and the relevant parts

of Defence.

Insights such as this into the thoughts and

priorities of our Ministers are valuable to all of us

and a reminder of the wider context in which we

operate every day, and will help us keep our eye on

the end goal.

“One of the useful military terms I have learned since I arrived in August last year is “in-stride adjustment” – those small changes you make in the course of a journey or mission that help you reach your endpoint.”

– Secretary of Defence, Dr Ian Watt

11www.defence.gov.au/defencemagazined e f e n c e m a g a z i n e ›

ChIEF OF ThE DEFENCE FOrCE’S COLuMN

I think Trooper Mark Donaldson, VC, is a very worthy recipient of this great honour, and I am very pleased that he has received further recognition for his bravery under fire.

I don’t think Mark would mind that I also consider his naming as Young Australian of the Year to be representative of all the wonderful young people that we have in the Australian Defence Force (ADF).

In this month’s column, I have chosen to highlight the progress we are making in Afghanistan. I think it is important to bear in mind that, to a large extent, the people that are out there delivering these excellent outcomes are our young people. They are very dedicated and courageous in serving our nation and have a great generosity of spirit. That’s why I think it is very appropriate that our nation’s current Young Australian of the Year is a serving member of the ADF.

Trooper Donaldson is a wonderful ambassador, not only for the ADF, but more importantly, for our nation. I am very proud of him, and indeed, I am very proud of all our young people on operations doing the hard yards for Australia.

On all of our operations, I have no hesitation in saying that our people continue to perform exceedingly well. They are proving flexible, adaptive and responsive to a wide range of challenges and are meeting our commitments diligently and compassionately.

In terms of our largest and most complex operation, I am of the opinion that the tide is now turning in Afghanistan. Following the 60-day assessment by Commander International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), General Stanley McChrystal, last year, there is now a comprehensive civil/military strategy being put in

Turning the tide in AfghanistanAs we begin a new year in Defence, we are celebrating a wonderful individual achievement with the naming of Trooper Mark Donaldson as Young Australian of the Year 2010.

place that will enable the people of Afghanistan to build a better future.

Central to this strategy is: an innovative counter insurgency approach; a focus on protecting the people of Afghanistan; and the need to train the Afghan National Security Forces so they can independently manage their own security.

I also welcome the 37,000 additional Coalition troops and more than 50,000 Afghan Security Forces that will join this operation in 2010. This builds on last year’s almost 30,000 additional American troops. I think we now have the right leadership, the right strategy and the right level of resourcing in order to turn the situation around.

In terms of recent ADF mission progress, I am very pleased that the Australian contingent in Tarin Kowt has adapted well to the change in campaign focus to population support and protection. This has been very evident during the past few months with joint Australian and Afghan operations in the Mirabad Valley region.

A recent operation, called Pelatel Man’a, involved the Oruzgan-based ANA 4th Brigade, Mentoring and Reconstruction Task Force-2, Dutch soldiers, and other ISAF partners. This operation located more than 30 weapons caches, containing rocket-propelled grenades and mortars, Improvised Explosive Device components and thousands of rounds of small arms ammunition. These operations are critical to our training mission.

In fact, the Afghan Platoon commander with the 2nd Infantry Kandak, said the operation has boosted his soldiers’ confidence, reinforcing their belief that they can defeat the insurgency. Additionally, our Special Operations Task Group (SOTG) recently held shuras with community leaders to assess their security needs and

requirements for humanitarian assistance. Also involved in the mission were SOTG medics who conducted several health clinics, treating approximately 200 people in three valleys.

These recent operations have highlighted the benefits of engaging with the local population. In 2010 we will continue to foster positive relations with locals and bolster their confidence in seeking assistance from ISAF and the Government of Afghanistan. This approach is working very well and we are slowly creating the conditions required to transition security to Afghan security forces. This transition will be a key consideration for our operational planners as we monitor progress during the coming 12 months.

“On all of our operations, I have no hesitation in saying that our people continue to perform exceedingly well. They are proving flexible, adaptive and responsive to a wide range of challenges and are meeting our commitments diligently and compassionately.”

– Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston

12 www.defence.gov.au/defencemagazine

INSErT TITLE

13www.defence.gov.au/defencemagazined e f e n c e m a g a z i n e ›

INSErT TITLEPICTOrIAL - rOyAL EDINburGh MILITAry TATTOO

Tattoo honours for Federation GuardBy Andrew Stackpool

3

Australia’s Federation Guard (AFG) obtained a double honour recently when it mounted guards at the opening and closing ceremonies of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

The AFG performed a tri-service Guard of Honour and Royal Guard that saluted the visiting dignitaries, including the CDF and Governor-General, each night.

Some 130 members of the AFG’s 170-strong unit participated in the Tattoo. Of these, 106 were on parade as the AFG, 15 were seconded to a joint Australian/British contingent and the remainder undertook other ceremonial duties.

Officer Commanding Major Brendan Kellaway described the Tattoo as a spectacular event.

“Australia’s Federation Guard has now served alongside the most exclusive drill, pipe and drum units in the world.

“We formally opened the Tattoo with a 100-rifle volley and then a Royal Salute. We also led the Grand Finale each night, which was an honour and experience that our sailors, soldiers and airmen will not forget,” MAJ Kellaway said.

While the Tattoo celebrated 60 years of valour, mateship and glory between the defence forces of Australia and the United Kingdom, 2010 also marks the 10th birthday of the AFG - Australia’s premier ceremonial unit.

The Guard was first stood up in March 2000 to provide ceremonial support to the Centenary of Federation; hence the name, and that year, also supported the Olympic Games in Sydney.

It has since provided a wide range of Royal, Vice Regal and other special guards, welcomes

to visiting heads of state, and a variety of ceremonial performances, both in Australia and overseas.

Coming from the three services, the AFG’s men and women bring with them a diversity of skills and backgrounds. All members of the Guard must meet the selection criteria, which are a pass for service fitness tests, a BMI of less than 30 and a recommendation from their former Commanding Officer.

The top 10 reasons why ADF members should consider a tour in the AFG are:

› travel around Australia and the world

› interact with the men and women of the

sister services

› the pride of being part of the ADF’s premier

ceremonial unit

› undertake adventure training and personal

development programs

› challenging, exciting and rewarding

experiences not available to other units in

the ADF

› opportunities to study

› the chance to join the ADF’s precision drill

team

› welcoming all visiting heads of state and

government to Australia

› provide some family stability following

any high-tempo posting or operational

deployment, and

› honour Australia’s military history and

traditions.

1

2

4

5

6

7

1. Members of the Australian Army Band perform in the Edinburgh Military Tattoo at the Sydney Football Stadium. Photo: LACW Casey Gaul

2. Members of the Middlesex Country Volunteers, from the United States of America, perform at the Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Photo: LACW Casey Gaul

8

9

3. Members from the Military Band of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army perform in the Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Photo: LACW Casey Gaul

4. Members from Switzerland’s Top Secret Drum Corps perform in the Edinburgh Military Tattoo at the Sydney Football Stadium. Photo: LACW Casey Gaul

5. Members from The New Zealand Army Band perform in the Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Photo: LACW Casey Gaul

6. Members of The OzScot Highland Dancers perform in the Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Photo: LACW Casey Gaul

7. The full cast of the Military Tattoo at the end of the show. Photo: LAC Luke Morris

8. Members from the Royal Australian Navy Band perform in the Edinburgh Military Tattoo at the Sydney Football Stadium. Photo: LACW Casey Gaul

9. Members from the New South Wales Police Mounted Detachment perform in the Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Photo: LACW Casey Gaul

14 www.defence.gov.au/defencemagazine

NEwS

Riding the media storm during the 1997 rescue of British sailor Tony Bullimore remains a career highlight for Defence public affairs stalwart Vic Jeffery, retiring after nearly three decades of peaks and troughs at HMAS Stirling on Garden Island.

Taking part in a non-stop round-the-world race,

lone yachtsman Tony Bullimore was found

by HMAS Adelaide days after going missing,

reportedly surviving on chocolate in a small air

pocket underneath his capsized vessel.

“We had the eyes of the world on HMAS Adelaide

and other support elements of the ADF for a week

in 1997,” Vic said. “I was getting phone calls in

the middle of the night from foreign journalists

with thick accents from across the globe.

“The HMAS Stirling switchboard recorded 895

calls to our public relations office and 477 outgoing

calls in a 44-hour period. That of course did not

include the out-of-hours calls from the UK and

France.”

His efforts during the rescue earned Vic an award

for excellence from the Public Relations Institute

of Australia.

Stalwart bows out of public affairs arena

Other career highlights include seeing the first four

female RAAF pilots to graduate at No. 2 Flying

Training School at RAAF Base Pearce, handling the

commissioning of HMAS Collins in Adelaide, and

the opening of Stirling’s submarine escape training

facility and submarine school.

“I have been lucky enough to watch Stirling’s

growth from a fleet support facility to the

magnificent fleet base and environmental

showpiece it is today,” Vic said.

Nearly a year after the Bullimore rescue, Vic said

managing the media in the days following the

HMAS Westralia fire, during which four Navy

personnel died, were professionally some his

darkest.

“In company with HMAS Stirling’s Commanding

Officer, Commander Alan Johnston, we were

holding back the media hordes on that terrible day

and night, and the subsequent follow up,” Vic said.

“There were many acts of gallantry and mateship

aboard Westralia and I must admit it’s never far

from the surface.”

Traced back to summer holidays spent watching

Royal Australian Navy corvettes port close to the

once sleepy town of Rockingham, Vic’s Garden

Island career has also allowed him to pursue a

passion for naval history in the region.

“One of my proudest achievements was creating

the Western Australian Naval Museum and

Environmental Centre at Garden Island,” Vic said.

“It is a history of Garden Island and the Navy in

WA and not part of the Naval Historical Collection.

It is very popular with tours and school groups and

is obviously something I am extremely proud of.”

ABOVe: Commanding Officer of HMAS Stirling Captain Brett Dowsing congratulates Vic Jeffery after almost 30 years of service to Fleet Base West. Photo: Defence Public Affairs-WA

By Jack Foster

15www.defence.gov.au/defencemagazined e f e n c e m a g a z i n e ›

Defence supports people with disabilitiesDefence celebrated International Day of People with Disability with a series of events across the country on 4 December 2009.

• HMAs Newcastle celebrated the day with the Hunter Orthopaedic School – the ship’s nominated charity. The school provides support for 40 local students with disabilities from pre-school to Year 12. Through Operation Think Big, which included a black tie event on board the ship, HMAS Newcastle raised more than $53,000 for the school and purchased a 12-seat Ford Transit school bus, including maintenance coverage for three years.

• Defence support Liverpool Military Area (DS-LMA) at Holsworthy Barracks celebrated with a morning tea attended by more than 40 staff and raising $84 for Vision Australia. Kristy Quigg, Defence Disability Network member and host of the morning tea, spoke about what the day meant. Kristy explained her disability and that, thanks to support from Defence, she was able to be a valuable team member at DS-LMA. Kristy highlighted that disabilities can be temporary or permanent and range from physical disabilities to things that may not be outwardly visible. Kristy is looking forward to the 2010 event and potentially expanding the celebrations to the whole of Holsworthy Barracks.

ABOVe: CDG Celebrates - Chief Capability Development Group Vice Admiral Matt Tripovich (centre) celebrated International Day of People with Disability with Defence Disability Network members Virginia Dixon and Scott Monson.The day also marked the first anniversary of the

launch of the Defence Disability Action Plan and provided an opportunity to reflect on achievements thus far, including the establishment of the Defence Disability Network and also Defence participation in the Stepping Into… Program.

The Defence Disability Network is open to APS and ADF with and without disabilities. Network members are not required to disclose their disability status – the only criterion for joining is that you be committed to progressing disability issues in Defence.

The Stepping Into... Program provides work experience to university students with disabilities. In addition to providing experience for students with disabilities, it has also benefitted Defence by developing the supervisory skills of staff.

Placements are Canberra-based and occur during the mid-year or end of the year university holidays for a period of four to eight weeks.

Fairness and Resolution (FR) Branch would like to hear from Defence areas and staff interested in joining the Defence Disability Network, or participating in the Stepping Into… Program. Further information is on the Fairness and Resolution Branch Intranet site.

One opportunity can change a life Capability Development Group (CDG) celebrated International Day of People with Disabilities with a group morning tea.

Chief CDG Vice Admiral Matt Tripovich highlighted the story of Director Capability Support Scott Monson, whose former supervisors Colonel Neil Greet and Lieutenant Colonel Bob Gibson supported him to undertake specialist training to improve his communication skills to manage a stutter.

Scott addressed the crowd, saying that while he never saw his stutter as a disability, he certainly understood what it was like to be treated as somebody different and to be judged solely on his inability to speak fluently.

Scott also spoke about dealing with perceptions and how some people automatically judged his abilities as a stutterer. Scott emphasised that his supervisors saw underlying capabilities and, although the stutter was not caused by Defence, they supported him undertaking training that could improve his ability to communicate effectively at all levels.

Scott summed up the impact of this support with the statement “one opportunity can change a life”. Since undertaking this Defence-supported training, Scott has become a confident speaker who has enhanced his contribution at work and developed personally. He can now confidently present his ideas and is establishing a program to help teens who stutter.

VADM Tripovich commended Scott and his former supervisors for their forward thinking. The rewards of this foresight have been reaped by Scott and by Defence in the enhanced contribution Scott is able to make. VADM Tripovich closed the event by emphasising the support that Defence provides its people and their families, saying: “If we don’t look after each other, who will?”

ABOVe: The ship’s company of HMAS Newcastle presented a new school bus to the Hunter Orthopaedic School.

16 www.defence.gov.au/defencemagazine 17www.defence.gov.au/defencemagazined e f e n c e m a g a z i n e ›

NON OPErATIONAL AwArDS

Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) in the Military DivisionLieutenant General David John Hurley AC DsC - ACTFor eminent service to the Australian Defence Force as Chief of Capability Development Group, Chief of Joint Operations and Vice Chief of the Defence Force.

Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in the Military DivisionVice Admiral Russell Harry Crane AO CsM RAN - ACTFor distinguished service as Deputy Chief of Navy and as Chief of Navy.

Major General Anthony Peter Fraser AO CsC - ACTFor distinguished service to the Army in the fields of aviation and project management as Director General Army Aviation Systems Branch and Head Helicopter Systems Division in the Defence Materiel Organisation.

Major General David Lindsay Morrison AO - NSWFor distinguished service to the Army in the fields of training and education, military strategic commitments and force structure and capability, in particular as Commander Australian Defence College, Head Military Strategic Commitments and Deputy Chief of Army.

Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the Military DivisionRear Admiral Trevor Norman Jones AM CsC RAN - ACTFor exceptional service as the Director General Navy Capability, Performance and Plans and as the Director General Military Strategic Commitments.

Air Vice-Marshal Mark Alan skidmore AM - NSWFor exceptional service as the Air Commander Australia, as the Director General-Air Joint Operations Command, and as the Joint Force Air Component Commander.

Commodore Ian Richard Middleton AM RAN - ACTFor exceptional service to the Royal Australian Navy in a range of demanding Command and management appointments and particularly as the Australian Navy Surface Force Element Group Commander.

Commodore Robyn Margaret Walker AM RAN - ACTFor exceptional service as a medical officer in the Australian Defence Force.

Brigadier Ian Ross errington AM CsC - ACTFor exceptional service to the Australian Defence Force as a Project Director in the Multinational Security Transition Command-Iraq and as Head of Australian Defence Staff in Jakarta.

Brigadier Andrew Alexander Nikolic AM CsC - ACTFor exceptional service to the Australian Defence Force in the field of operations and international policy.

Colonel Bruce Mcewan Murray AM - VICFor exceptional service to the Army in the fields of career management,

personnel and training, in particular as the Commanding Officer of the School of Military Engineering and as the Commanding Officer of the Soldier Career

Management Agency.

Lieutenant Colonel Benjamin Nicholas James AM - ACTFor exceptional service and leadership as the Staff Officer Grade One Personnel of Headquarters 1st Division from 2005 to 2007 and as Commanding Officer of the 2nd Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment from 2007 to 2009.

Wing Commander Jason Gregory Murray AM, NSWFor exceptional service to the Royal Australian Air Force in the fields of project management, aircraft engineering and technical training.

Wing Commander simon Cullen sauer AM CsC, QLDFor exceptional service to the Royal Australian Air Force as Staff Officer Force Protection at Headquarters Combat Support Group and as Commanding Officer, Royal Australian Air Force Security and Fire School.

Conspicuous service Cross (CsC)Captain Raymond John Leggatt CsC RAN - NSWFor outstanding achievement as the Commanding Officer HMAS Watson and as the Training Authority Maritime Warfare.

Captain scott Jeffrey Lockey CsC RAN - ACTFor outstanding achievement as the Officer-in-Charge of the Rotary Wing Section in the Directorate of General Technical Airworthiness and as the Chief Engineer of the Naval Aviation System Program Office.

Colonel William Parker Monfries CsC - NSWFor outstanding achievement as the Commander’s Education, Training and Development advisor at Headquarters Training Command-Army.

Colonel Cameron Leigh Purdey CsC - ACTFor outstanding achievement in providing logistics support as Commanding Officer 10th Force Support Battalion.

Group Captain Gary James Martin AM CsC - ACTFor outstanding achievement as the Director C-17A Transition Team during the introduction of the C-17A Globemaster III aircraft into service.

Commander Paul Karpo Mandziy CsC RAN - ACTFor outstanding achievement as the Commanding Officer of HMAS Manoora.

Lieutenant Colonel Matthew Charles Brumley CsC - VICFor outstanding achievement over time as a Staff Officer in the Force Development Group of the Land Warfare Development Centre.

Lieutenant Colonel Mark Gerard Flanagan CsC - QLDFor outstanding achievement as Commanding Officer, 42nd Battalion, Royal Queensland Regiment and Rotation 15 of Combined Task Force 635, Operation ANODE.

Lieutenant Colonel Timothy David Griggs CsC - ACTFor outstanding achievement as Deputy Director Combat Support in Land Development Branch, Capability Development Group, since January 2005.

Lieutenant Colonel Henry William Marr CsC - VICFor outstanding achievement as Staff Officer Grade One and Acting Director Supply Chain Operations, Headquarters Joint Logistics Command, Melbourne.

Lieutenant Colonel James Angus McTavish CsC - NSWFor outstanding achievement as the Chief of Staff, Headquarters, Army Recruit Training Centre.

Wing Commander Philip Blair Arms CsC - NTFor outstanding achievement as Deputy Director, Aircrew Sustainability Project.

Wing Commander David Russell Ashworth CsC - ACTFor outstanding achievement as Commanding Officer Number 1 Recruit Training Unit.

Wing Commander Nicholas Clarke CsC - ACTFor outstanding achievement as the Staff Officer Grade 1 Satellite Communications in the Directorate of Communications and Network Operations within the Chief Information Officer Group.

Major Peter sean Francis Carnes CsC - VICFor outstanding achievement as the Staff Officer Grade Two Simulation Operations in Army Simulation Wing, Land Warfare Development Centre.

Major Wayne Lee Gough CsC - QLDFor outstanding achievement as the Chief of Plans, Unit-level Mission Rehearsal Exercises, Combat Training Centre Live, Combat Training Centre.

Warrant Officer Paul Robert Martin CsC - ACTFor outstanding achievement as the Warrant Officer Engineer at Number 37 Squadron.

Petty Officer Richard Allan Currie CsC - QLDFor outstanding achievement as the Catering Services Manager, Fleet Logistic Support Element, HMAS Cairns in the provision of Catering Services and training.

Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the Military DivisionGroup Captain Alan David Holtfreter CsC OAM - NSWFor meritorious service in the field of Military Air Traffic Control capability.

Commander Michael Dermot MacNeill OAM RAN - NSWFor meritorious service to the Royal Australian Navy in the field of Simulation and Systems Support and Development, HMAS Watson, Commanding Officer of the Australian Joint Acoustic Analysis Centre and as Director of the Air Warfare System Centre, HMAS Albatross.

Major Ruth Margaret Hayes OAM - VICFor meritorious service as the Employment Category Process Manager, Army Logistic Training Centre and for service to the Australian Army Catering Corps.

Warrant Officer Brendan Andrew Woodsell OAM - WAFor meritorious service in the field of Combat Systems and as an outstanding Warrant Officer in the Royal Australian Navy.

Warrant Officer Class One Raymond John Holze OAM - NSWFor meritorious service as the Unit Sergeant Major while employed at the Defence National Storage and Distribution Centre.

Warrant Officer Class One Craig Thomas Howe OAM - NTFor meritorious service as the Regimental Sergeant Major of the 10th/27th Battalion, The Royal South Australian Regiment from 2006 to 2007 and the 5th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment from 2008 to 2009.

Warrant Officer Class One Peter George Marsh OAM - NTFor meritorious service as the Regimental Sergeant Major of the 9th Battalion, The Royal Queensland Regiment from 2005 to 2006 and the 1st Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment from 2007 to 2008.

NEwS

vC winner named young Australian of the yearTrooper Mark Donaldson VC hopes being awarded the 2010 Young Australian of the Year earlier this year will inspire all Australians to do more for their country.

The honour comes a year after Trooper Donaldson became the first Australian Defence Force member in almost 40 years to be awarded the Victoria Cross – Australia’s highest military honour.

Trooper Donaldson described the award as a great honour.

“Even though I have been singled out, I feel the award is a reflection of the pride Australians have for their men and women in uniform,” Trooper Donaldson said.

“Not many other professions or trades demand as much of its members, and the contribution they make to society is unique.”

Trooper Donaldson was awarded the Victoria Cross for acts of bravery in Afghanistan. His actions ensured the safety of his comrades, and saved the life of a coalition force interpreter.

Trooper Mark Donaldson, VC, can now add the title of Young Australian of the Year after the honour was bestowed at the 2010 Australia Day awards.

18 www.defence.gov.au/defencemagazine 19www.defence.gov.au/defencemagazined e f e n c e m a g a z i n e ›

NEwS

Warrant Officer Class One David Anthony Quirk OAM - VICFor meritorious service as the Regimental Sergeant Major of the 1st Combat Engineer Regiment, Squadron Sergeant Major of the 21st Construction Squadron and Engineer Task Group, 2nd Reconstruction Task Force, and as Career Manager Royal Australian Engineers.

Warrant Officer Kevin Patrick Leahy OAM - QLDFor meritorious service to the Royal Australian Air Force in the field of ground engineering.

Warrant Officer Anthony James Lock OAM - NTFor meritorious service in the field of aircraft maintenance and in establishing revised Royal Australian Air Force maintenance governance requirements.

Chief Petty Officer Kelvin Harris OAM - WAFor meritorious service to the Anzac Class ships and as the Chief Petty Officer in charge of Propulsion Systems onboard HMAS Toowoomba.

Conspicuous service Medal (CsM)Commander Wendy Anne Bullen CsM RAN - ACTFor meritorious achievement as the Navy Graded Other Ranks Pay Case Coordinator in support of Navy personnel.

Lieutenant Colonel Gregory Kohlmeyer CsM - VICFor meritorious achievement as the Senior Instructor-Ordnance and Staff Officer Grade One Development, Army Logistic Training Centre.

Wing Commander stephen Trevor Mallett CsM - QLDFor meritorious achievement as Staff Officer Technical Capability at Headquarters Combat Support Group, Royal Australian Air Force Base Amberley.

Lieutenant Commander scott Anthony Houlihan CsM RAN - NSWFor meritorious achievement and exceptional devotion to duty as the Port Services Manager, Fleet Base East, HMAS Kuttabul.

Major James William Robins CsM - ACTFor meritorious achievement as Head of the Intelligence Section of the Counter Improvised Explosive Device Task Force.

Major selina Rowland CsM - ACTFor meritorious achievement as the Senior Instructor External Training Wing, Royal Military College, Duntroon.

Major Mark Anthony scully CsM - ACTFor meritorious achievement as the Staff Officer Grade Two Employment Management, Directorate of Workforce Management-Army.

squadron Leader stephen William Clarke CsM - QLDFor meritorious achievement as a Qualified Flying Instructor within Number 82 Wing.

squadron Leader Nicholas simon elliott CsM - SAFor meritorious achievement as the Senior Engineering Officer at Number 11 Squadron.

squadron Leader Adam Joshua Loong CsM - NSWFor meritorious achievement as ‘B’ Flight Commander at Number 2 Operational Conversion Unit.

Warrant Officer Class One Paul Michael Casey CsM - ACTFor meritorious achievement as the personnel establishment subject matter expert in the Army Headquarters Organisation Section Review Team.

Warrant Officer Class One Birralee Ann King CsM - TASFor meritorious achievement as the Regimental Quartermaster Sergeant of the 3rd Combat Service Support Battalion.

Warrant Officer Class One Colin Friar speirs CsM - QLDFor meritorious achievement as the Electronics Counter Measures Warrant Officer of the Army Explosive Hazards Centre.

Chief Petty Officer Neil Ian Chaplin CsM - WAFor meritorious achievement as Deputy Marine Engineering Officer (Chief Artificer) in HMAS Farncomb.

Chief Petty Officer Benjamin Mark MacQueen CsM - NSWFor meritorious achievement while employed as Chief Boatswain onboard the Landing Platform Amphibious HMAS Manoora.

Flight sergeant Adrian James Lee CsM - NSWFor meritorious achievement as the Senior Non-Commissioned Officer-in-Charge of Avionics Section at Number 3 Squadron.

Corporal simon Lawrence Majewski CsM - NTFor meritorious achievement as a Section Commander and Acting Platoon Sergeant within the 7th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment and in the development, training and deployment of the first Operational Mentoring and Liaison Team.

Public service Medal (PsM)Mister Kevin Douglas slade PsM - NSWFor outstanding public service in the fields of hydographic charting and nautical information.

OPErATIONAL AwArDSDistinguished service Cross (DsC)Lieutenant Colonel shane Leslie Gabriel DsC - NTFor distinguished command and leadership in action while Commanding Officer, Mentoring and Reconstruction Task Force 1 in Afghanistan from October 2008 to June 2009.

Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the Military DivisionLieutenant Colonel stuart David Yeaman AM - QLDFor exceptional service as the Commander, Reconstruction Task Force Rotation Four, during Operation SLIPPER in Afghanistan from April to October 2008.

Conspicuous service Cross (CsC)Brigadier Michael John Arnold CsC - VICFor outstanding achievement as the Commander Joint Task Force 662 on Operation VICFIRE ASSIST in February and March 2009.

Medal for Gallantry (MG)sergeant John Matthew Lines MG - NTFor gallantry in action in hazardous circumstances while acting as an Operational Mentoring and Liaison Team member at Kakarak on 4 January 2009.

Lance Corporal David William Cox MG - NTFor gallantry in action in hazardous circumstances while a rifleman and combat first aider in Mentoring and Reconstruction Task Force 1 at Kakarak, Afghanistan on 16 March 2009.

Lance Corporal Giancarlos Brasil Taraborrelli MG - NTFor gallantry in action in hazardous circumstances while an Operational Mentoring and Liaison Team member at Kakarak, Afghanistan on 16 March 2009.

Distinguished service MedalMajor David William McCammon DsM - NTFor distinguished leadership in action while Officer Commanding, the Operational Mentoring and Liaison Team, Mentoring and Reconstruction Task Force 1 from October 2008 to June 2009.

Captain Paul William Graham DsM - NTFor distinguished leadership in action as Officer Commanding Operational Mentoring and Liaison Team 1, on Cemetery Hill West, Chora, Afghanistan 23 - 25 November 2008.

Lieutenant Jacob Alexander Kleinman DsM - NTFor distinguished leadership in action as Officer Commanding Operational Mentoring and Liaison Team 3 in Kakarak, Afghanistan on 16 and 18 March 2009.

sergeant Adam John West DsM - NTFor distinguished leadership in action as a platoon mentor on Operation SLIPPER with Mentoring and Reconstruction Task Force 1 in southern Afghanistan.

Corporal Leon David Gray DsM - NTFor distinguished leadership in action while a section commander in 2 Platoon, Combat Team Tusk, Mentoring and Reconstruction Task Force 1, in action in the Chora Valley, Afghanistan on 29 December 2008.

Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the Military DivisionCorporal Michael Anthony Cole OAM - NTFor meritorious service as the Senior Combat Engineer Mentor for the 4th Kandak Battalion, Afghan National Army in Mentoring and Reconstruction Task Force 1 in Uruzgan Province.

Conspicuous service MedalCaptain Brendan Fredrick Hayward CsM - NSWFor meritorious achievement as the Battle Group Intelligence Officer, ANZAC East Timor Battle Group Four.

Commendation for GallantryCorporal Bernard Ronald Ryan - NTFor gallantry in action while an advanced medical technician in the Operational Mentoring and Liaison Team, at Kwajeh Ahmed, Afghanistan on 24 March 2009.

Corporal scott Philip Tampalini - NTFor gallantry in action while an Operational Mentoring and Liaison Team member in Afghanistan at Chora 19 December 2008, Kakarak 16 March 2009 and Sorkh Morgarb 18 March 2009.

Corporal Nathen Fane Albion Webb - NTFor gallantry in action while a section commander in 2 Platoon, Combat Team TUSK, Mentoring and Reconstruction Task Force 1, in the Chora Valley Afghanistan on 29 December 2008.

Commendation for Distinguished serviceCaptain Michael Joseph Noonan RAN - ACTFor distinguished performance of duties as the Chief of Staff, Headquarters Joint Task Force 633, Middle East Area of Operations from September 2008 to March 2009.

Commander Jonathan David sadleir RAN - ACTFor distinguished performance of duties as the Commander of Task Group 633.1 and Commanding Officer, HMAS Parramatta, Middle East Area of Operations from August 2008 to January 2009.

Lieutenant Colonel Andrew John Hocking - ACTFor distinguished performance of duties as the Lead Planner, Coalition Joint Plans Branch and as the Australian Senior National Representative on Headquarters International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan.

Major Michael Lee Murdoch - QLDFor distinguished performance of duties while the Operations Officer, Reconstruction Task Force Rotation Four during Operation SLIPPER in Afghanistan.

Warrant Officer Class Two Nathan Cole - NTFor distinguished performance of duties in action as the Gun Line Section Commander, Royal Australian Artillery Troop and Second-in-Command, Kajaki Gun Troop in Afghanistan.

Lance Corporal Jack Kade Mcewan - QLDFor distinguished performance of duties in action while a sniper team leader in Mentoring and Reconstruction Task Force 1 in the Chora Valley, Afghanistan on the 23 November 2008.

Lance Corporal Thomas Bao-Jin Price - NTFor distinguished performance of duties as a combat first aider in a mass casualty situation in the south of the Baluchi Valley, Afghanistan on 12 January 2009.

Note: In addition to the above gazetted awards, the following awards have been received, but the recipients cannot be identified for security reasons.

1 x Star of Gallantry 3 x Distinguished Service Cross 6 x Distinguished Service Medal 2 x Conspicuous Service Medal 1 x Commendation for Gallantry 6 x Commendation for Distinguished Service

LeFT: Corporal Ann Young from the Second Mentoring and Reconstruction Task Force, applies some tomato sauce to her Australia Day barbecue lunch at Camp Holland, Afghanistan. Photo: SGT Mick Davis

RIGHT: HMAS Stuart celebrates Australia Day with a barbecue and cricket on the flight deck whilst on patrol in the Gulf of Oman. Photo: LEUT Stuart Cayzer

20 www.defence.gov.au/defencemagazine 21www.defence.gov.au/defencemagazined e f e n c e m a g a z i n e ›

NAvy

COuNTDOwN TO NEw EXPEDITIONAry CAPAbILITy

By Michael Brooke

2010 Sea Power Conference

In 2014, the ADF will take into service a new expeditionary capability that will literally tower overhead like a giant colossus.

The arrival of the 27,000-tonne HMAS Canberra, the RAN’s first amphibious ship (LHD), will mark the delivery of the initial elements of a transformational capability that will form the centre-piece of the ADF’s new expeditionary capability.

The amphibious assault ship and her landing craft will, in one step, replace the entire current ADF amphibious shipping capability and exceed its capacity for personnel, vehicle and aviation force protection.

With her sister ship, HMAS Adelaide, and in due course with a strategic sealift ship and replacement heavy landing craft, the ADF will possess the heart of a world-class amphibious warfare capability.

The enormity of the challenge of integrating this new capability has been realised by the ADF which will take delivery of the LHDs in 2014 and 2016.

The opportunities and challenges were discussed by more than 250 senior ADF officers as well as foreign military delegations and defence strategists at the 2010 Sea Power Conference in Sydney recently.

The three Service chiefs told the Sea Power Conference, entitled Combined and Joint Operations from the Sea, that a new amphibious capability not only poses many challenges but will need to be a centrepiece of both Navy and Army, requiring changes in thinking, priorities and training.

Chief of Navy VADM Russ Crane said the LHDs will form a key part of the ADF’s broader amphibious deployment and sustainment system.

A single LHD with 1000 embarked force bunks, dedicated amphibious command and control facilities, six helicopter operating spots and hangers for more aircraft will rapidly embark a combat team as its landing force, a small joint amphibious task group HQ, a small aviation element and other vital enablers such as medical and logistic capability. This will have enormous flexibility and utility in humanitarian aid, disaster relief and evacuation contingencies.

VADM Crane said the future ADF amphibious capability will be a truly joint capability.

He said the ADF must be ready for this leading-edge expeditionary capability which is essential to an expeditionary maritime strategy in the Australian context.

CN said that the key elements of expeditionary maritime power projection are maritime strike and a littoral manoeuvre capability.

“This maritime contribution to a joint campaign is integrated joint expeditionary capability that delivers rapid intervention and manoeuvre from the sea and into the littoral,” he said.

VADM Crane said the LHD ships’ company is testament to this with a significant number of soldiers permanently posted to the ship as well as members of the Air Force.

“To ensure that the amphibious capability continues to develop and maintain a high level of readiness, the optimum balance for embarking landing force personnel is required,” VADM Crane said.

ABOVe: United States Commander Navy Sea Systems Command, Vice Admiral Kevin M. McCoy, meets with Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Russ Crane at the 2010 Royal Australian Navy Sea Power Conference at the Sydney Convention Centre. Photo: ABIS Hayley Clarke

“This has been recently discussed between the Chief of Army and me, and we share the aspiration to have landing force elements embarked whenever a LHD puts to sea.”

Chief of Army Lieutenant General Ken Gillespie and Chief of Air Force Air Marshal Mark Binskin spoke in detail about the challenges for the Army and Royal Australian Air Force.

Lt-Gen Gillespie said that Army needed to prepare itself for the arrival of the first LHD in March 2014.

“This large-scale platform improvement must be accompanied by an equally large cultural and doctrinal change if our nation is to best benefit from this significant investment in capability,” he said.

“Within Army we are currently having the necessary broad-based debate about what change is required to maximise on our emerging amphibious capability.

“If we are to remain the best small Army in the world then we need to be able to demonstrate an ability to adapt, prepare, sustain and excel as a component of a future ADF and regionally dominant amphibious capability.”

The discussion about how the ADF can best integrate its new expeditionary capability coincided with the announcement that Navantia of Spain has commenced construction of Australia’s

second LHD hull (Nuship Adelaide) at Navantia’s shipbuilding yard in Ferrol, Spain.

“This is a great achievement with the steel being cut by Navantia seven weeks ahead of schedule,” Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science Mr Greg Combet said.

The Commonwealth has contracted BAE Systems Australia to provide two large Amphibious Ships (LHDs) that will form part of the ADF’s broader amphibious deployment and sustainment system.

“Under the project the Spanish shipbuilder Navantia is the design authority and is subcontracted to BAE Systems Australia to construct and fit out the hulls of two large amphibious ships for the ADF,” Mr Combet said.

“I am pleased to report that the LHD project is on schedule, with whole of ship design reviews completed and the keel laying of LHD 01 taking place exactly one year to the day from first steel being cut.

“After completion of LHD 01 and 02, both hulls will be transported to Australia.”

The superstructures will then be constructed, fitted out and integrated with the hulls at BAE Systems Australia’s Williamstown dockyard.

“Once the hull arrives at Williamstown dockyard, the combat system will be installed by SAAB

Systems Australia, which will also integrate the combat management system,” Mr Combet said.

“The communications system will be supplied by L-3 Communications.”

The next milestone will be the launch of LHD 01 in Spain in March 2011. LHD 01 will arrive at Williamstown dockyard in 2012, with LHD 02 arriving in 2014.

INseT: Members of the Royal Australian Navy, Australian and foreign Defence Forces at the 2010 Royal Australian Navy Sea Power Conference held at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre. Photo: ABIS Hayley Clarke

ABOVe: Midshipmen on board HMAS Kanimbla look at a model of the new Landing Helicopter Dock ship. Photo: LS Helen Frank

22 www.defence.gov.au/defencemagazine

MINISTErIAL & EXECuTIvE SuPPOrT

QuALITy, TIMELy AND TArGETED ADvICE By Michael Weaver Improving Defence’s parliamentary workflowMinisterial and Executive Support (MES) Branch has reviewed the parliamentary workflow in conjunction with the Ministers’ offices, and has identified processes that will improve the provision of advice to our two Ministers and the Parliamentary Secretary.

During the last financial year more than

10,000 pieces of advice were processed by

MES in the form of ministerial submissions

and representations.

Managing this complex workload is a challenge

according to Assistant Secretary Ministerial and

Executive Support (MES) Ms Karen Creet. While

the feedback from the Ministers is generally

positive in terms of the quality of advice, there is a

concern that some of the material that is presented

to Ministers is not necessary, sometimes it is

directed to the wrong Minister, and the timeline for

consideration is too short.

“While the development of quality and timely

advice is core business for Defence, more

consideration needs to be given towards the

nature of advice to be provided, the need for that

advice, and the best means for it to be conveyed,”

Ms Creet said.

Working with the ministers’ chiefs of staff and

advisers, the MES team developed initiatives

to reduce the volume of paperwork so that

advice is relevant to the respective minister and

submissions include critical information only.

One of the main areas identified to lessen the

flow of paperwork is to reduce the need for copies

of advice to be sent to other ministers for their

information. With some 3000 information copies

provided in 2008/09 financial year, action areas

have now been directed to only copy the other

Minister or Parliamentary Secretary by exception.

However, Ms Creet said judgement must also be

exercised to ensure the reduction in paperwork

does not compromise the ministers’ ability to

perform their duties.

“Clearly there will be a need to exercise judgement on this matter and there will be instances in which those drafting or signing the submission will seek to err on the side of caution.

“As a rule though, we are seeking to reduce the significant burden on ministers that comes with them being copied in to a large volume of paperwork that is not of direct relevance to their particular duties,” Ms Creet said.

Ministerial submissions are required where there is a need for ministerial approval, at critical milestones on a project or the development of an issue where there are major sensitivities. Email updates or a meeting with advisers should be considered as this may be sufficient to keep the relevant office informed.

In addition, our departmental liaison officers are well placed to provide specific guidance to action areas on the best means of getting information to Ministers, and to assist on the nature of advice required.

Which Minister?

One of the other major challenges in supporting our ministers is ensuring that advice is addressed to the minister who has responsibility for the subject matter based on their allocated portfolio responsibilities.

“Defence is a large and complex organisation, and knowing which minister is responsible for a particular matter can sometimes be difficult to determine, but it is imperative that we get this right,” Ms Creet said.

Ministers are sometimes frustrated when

a submission within their allocated portfolio

responsibilities is addressed to another minister,

potentially delaying the consideration of advice.

In some instances the minister is only aware of an

issue when advised by his ministerial colleague, or

provided an information copy of a submission when

they should have been the primary addressee.

Staff across MES, in particular the Directorate

of Ministerial and Parliamentary Liaison Services,

are available to provide advice on allocated

portfolio responsibilities and the requirements of

our two Ministers and the Parliamentary Secretary.

Regular updates on the website also reflect the key

preferences of the ministers, along with policy and

procedures for ministerial advice.

Advice to ministersTo improve the quality and reduce the quantity of paperwork going to ministers, as a rule, advice should always be:

› Succinct and direct

› Well-coordinated

› Considered

› Accurate

› Timely

› Necessary.

Who needs to know?Before drafting advice, originators should answer the following three questions:

› Is the advice really necessary? Why does the Minister/Parliamentary Secretary need it?

› Who should receive this advice?

› What is the best means to convey the advice: ministerial submission, email, phone call, meeting?

Division of Portfolio Responsibilities between the Ministers and the Parliamentary secretary

Minister for Defence› General

- Oversight of all aspects of Defence portfolio

- Lead on all Cabinet submissions

› Strategic Policy

› Operations and Intelligence

› International Policy

› White Paper Implementation

› Force Structure

› Strategic Reform Program

› Budget and Finance

› Defence estate policy and major projects

› Military Justice System

› Defence Legal

Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science› Personnel policy

- Workforce planning

- Recruitment and Retention

- Pay and superannuation

- Equity and diversity policy

- Personnel support

- Housing policy

- Health

› Defence Materiel and Industry Policy

- DMO

- Tendering and Contracting

- Sustainment issues

- Industry capacity, structure, policy and engagement

- Skills policy

- Equipment Disposal

› Defence Science and Technology Organisation

Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Support› Garrison services and administration

of Defence estate policy

› Facilities, infrastructure and property

› Reserves policy

› Cadets

› Asia-Pacific Civil Military Centre of Excellence (APCM-COE) and Asia Pacific Centre Military Law

› Honours and Awards

› Nature of Service Review

› Defence education and training

› ADF Parliamentary exchange program

› Assist the Minister for Defence on Information Technology

Tell your story in Defence MagazineArticle submissions are welcomed from all areas of

Defence. All articles should have relevance to the

whole of Defence and, while describing the activities

or achievements of a particular Group or Service,

authors should consider how the content of their

article will affect Defence personnel at all levels and

the wider community.

Themes for 2010The editorial team has introduced monthly themes as

a way of streamlining content and providing cohesion

to each edition. The 2010 themes are as follows:

Issue Theme

Issue 1 (FEB) Change

Issue 2 (MAR) Innovation

Issue 3 (APR) Governance / Reform

Issue 4 (MAY) Leadership

Issue 5 (JUN) Enablers

Issue 6 (JUL) Community

Issue 7 (AUG) Developing Our People

Issue 8 (SEP) Diversity

Issue 9 (OCT) Collaboration

Issue 10 (NOV/DEC) Year in review / Open

Where possible, monthly themes should be adhered

to by contributors. Should your Group or Service

have a message with relevance to the whole of

Defence that does not match the applicable monthly

theme, please contact the Editor on (02) 6265

7117. If the subject of an article means it requires

timely publication in a particular edition, this may

be accommodated provided the editorial team is

contacted early enough.

Deadlines for submissionsAll submissions should be made to the editor team

via email to defence.magazine@defence.gov.au by

the deadline nominated for each month:

Issue Deadline

Issue 2 (MAR) 3 MAR for publish week of 22 MAR

Issue 3 (APR) 2 APR for publish week of 26 APR

Issue 4 (MAY) 5 MAY for publish week of 24 MAY

Issue 5 (JUN) 2 JUNE for publish week of 21 JUNE

Issue 6 (JUL) 2 JULY for publish week of 26 JULY

Issue 7 (AUG) 4 AUG for publish week of 23 AUG

Issue 8 (SEP) 3 SEP for publish week of 20 SEP

Issue 9 (OCT) 1 OCT for publish week of 25 OCT

Issue 10 (NOV/DEC) 12 NOV for publish week of 6 DEC

“While the development of quality and timely advice is core business for Defence, more consideration needs to be given towards the nature of advice to be provided, the need for that advice, and the best means for it to be conveyed.”

– Assistant Secretary Ministerial and Executive Support (MES) Ms Karen Creet

DeFeNCe MAGAzINe suRVeY

Defence Magazine seeks your input to help create

a product that reflects the views of its readers.

We have put together a quick survey that will

take no longer than five minutes to complete, and

will help shape the look and feel of Defence’s

primary corporate publication.

The survey is online only and can be accessed

from the following link:

www.surveymonkey.com/s/defencemagazine

24 www.defence.gov.au/defencemagazine 25www.defence.gov.au/defencemagazined e f e n c e m a g a z i n e ›

Minister heraldsCLIMATE

of CHANGE

Much has changed since Defence’s Minister for Personnel, Materiel and Science The Hon. Greg Combet made his first public speech as the newly-appointed Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Procurement in January 2008.

Not only has Mr Combet’s appointment since

changed, so too has the breadth and depth of

issues in his portfolio, which also includes the

non-Defence aligned role as Minister Assisting the

Minister for Climate Change.

With change also in the air for the Department

of Defence, Mr Combet has little time to test

the water in what has been heralded as an

election year.

Mr Combet will this year oversee some major

objectives dealing with future capability

development and acquisition, as the Department

begins building the force of 2030.

There will also be short and long-term measures

introduced to ensure the Minister’s core areas

of personnel, materiel and science remain robust.

And then there’s the Strategic Reform Program (SRP).

To ensure SRP success, Mr Combet told Defence

Magazine that new relationships are being forged

between Defence and industry, which will produce

far greater savings than mere budget cuts.

“Budget cuts across the board will not deliver the

long-term reform envisaged, mainly because such

cuts tend to reward inefficiency. It is important that

SRP is seen as a strategic reform program and not

a strategic savings program,” Mr Combet said.

“A shift to long-term, performance-based

contracting, for instance, could deliver significant

efficiencies at reduced cost. This will deliver real

efficiencies to the Defence Materiel Organisation

and at the same time give more certainty to

”It is important that SRP is seen as a strategic reform program and not a strategic savings program”

– Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science,

the Hon. Greg Combet.

MAIN: Greg Combet and Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Russ Crane chats with Petty Officer Clearance Diver Steve Flint about the function of the wrist-mounted computer, used for the communication of a diver’s vital signs to the surface. RAN Clearance Diver Able Seaman Dave Wyatt watches on in the background. Photo: LSPH Brenton Freind

industry with stronger incentives to perform

and innovate.”

An example of this was announced at the Pacific

2010 International Maritime Exposition in Sydney.

The initiative under the Start Sustainment program

involves reforms to the naval ship repair sector. Mr.

Combet said they will help shape Defence and its

relationship with the ship repair industry for the

next decade.

The principal element of the reform program is the

establishment of long term performance based

contracts for repair and maintenance activities in

lieu of the current arrangement that is based on

awarding a contract under a panel arrangement for

each and every maintenance activity.

These reforms will lead to greater certainty in the

naval ship repair sector allowing for increased

investment and better performance. This is good

for jobs, good for the taxpayer and good for the

Navy, Mr Combet said.

Under these reforms, the Defence Materiel

Organisation will reform the Navy’s Major Fleet

Unit Repair and Maintenance program as outlined

in the Smart Sustainment initiative by the batching

of our requirements.

The Australian Government spends $150 million

per annum on major surface ship repair and

maintenance. We would expect to see significant

savings from this reform because the companies

who win these three large, long term contracts

will be able to invest in their infrastructure, capital

equipment and their workforce. This initiative will

The year ahead:

Three key areas of Greg Combet’s Defence portfolio include personnel, materiel and science. Here he outlines the year ahead in each of these areas:

Personnel:

“We are looking to improve services in ADF health, to increase diversity across the ADF and examine how the ADF can better support Defence families.

“Since the Government delivered the Dunt Review into Mental Health and Transition Services, Joint Health Command has been working very hard to drive reform and change in the mental health area. This year I would like to see us deliver on these recommendations with more mental health staff engaged and a stronger focus on regional mental health support.

“CDF and I launched his Action Plan to recruit and retain more women in the ADF. I would like to see this plan implemented this year. We got off to a strong start with Navy committing to expand its Women’s Leadership Program, and include a mentoring program.

“We’re looking to deliver a multicultural recruitment strategy, which will outline some ideas on how we might expand diversity in the ADF.

“Finally, I want to deliver further programs and support services to Defence families during this time of high operational tempo, when so many of our personnel are away from their partners and children.”

ABOVe: Penny Davidson of Defence Families Australia, Greg Combet and former National Convener for Defence Families Australia Nicole Quinn inspect a completed DHA home ready for a family to move in. Photo: Mark Brennan

MINISTEr DEFENCE PErSONNEL, MATErIEL AND SCIENCE

Materiel and science:

“In the materiel and science portfolio, the Mortimer reforms will streamline DSTO/DMO contributions to capability decision-making.

“By bringing the DMO and DSTO into the capability development cycle earlier, we will improve the process, reduce risk and ensure closer links between all parts of Defence involved in capability development.”

also provide better notice to Navy and ships’ crews

of the planned location of maintenance patterns,

Mr Combet said.More broadly, Mr Combet

foresees SRP challenges in the area of shared

services, and he is very encouraged by current

participation and cooperation across Defence to

produce efficiencies in this area.

“I think we can achieve a great deal if the three

Services and the Defence Department work

together, with a clear focus on systems reform,

cultural change, organisational development and,

most importantly, leadership,” Mr Combet said.

“The entire organisation has to get right behind

the Secretary, the CDF and the Service chiefs.

Alignment is critical if these reforms to succeed.

“Minister Faulkner and I, and indeed the

Government as a whole, are absolutely convinced

that without these reforms, our future capability

plan as announced in the White Paper is

unachievable. We are equally convinced that the

ADF and the Department can achieve the reform

targets.”

ABOVe: Greg Combet chats with Corporal Paul Walkington (left) and Corporal Rory Algate (right), with Caribou tail behind, while visiting Defence and BAE Systems facilities in Townsville. Photo: Mark BrennanBy Michael Weaver

26 www.defence.gov.au/defencemagazine 27www.defence.gov.au/defencemagazined e f e n c e m a g a z i n e ›

PEOPLE IN DEFENCE

shared how they feel about deployment lengths and tempo, their relocation experiences, and communication with Defence (both at the strategic and regional levels). They also provided great insight on how the ADF work and family domains interact.

Respondents provided very constructive feedback on what families value and need most to help them adapt to the ADF way of life. Some notable examples include:

being made to feel welcome in units and on ›Defence establishments

provision of family-oriented activities and ›

facilities on Defence establishments

having open, reliable and consistent means of ›

communication with commanders, particularly

when the serving member is deployed

predictability of deployment departure and ›

return dates

being well informed of support services, ›

member and family entitlements, and conditions

of service policies, and

being well-informed about who to contact at ›

the unit or other organisational level for help or

information if they need it.

how findings are influencing People initiativesLife satisfaction: How respondents rated their satisfaction with various aspects of their lives was very encouraging.

Findings indicate that respondents were, generally, a high-functioning group of people who were likely to at least have good potential to cope with, and adapt to, the unique pressures of the ADF way of life.

To build on this strength in families and further help families adjust to the ADF way of life, DCO is in the process of implementing a self reliance strategy. This features a community capacity building initiative that aims to help ADF families develop the skills needed to form social and community support networks in their posted locations.

Communication and engagement: Findings showed that families value lots of communication with unit and ship commanders, particularly around the stages of deployment and leading up to other periods of absence.

As a result of this insight, commanders will be

coached and guided on ways to improve the quality

of their communication with families and minimise

the impact that service has on ADF families.

Many spouses and partners want commanders to

better acknowledge the responsibility members

have for their own families, and support and

enable members to fulfill both their family and

Service commitments. Through the CDF’s Action

Plan for the Recruitment and Retention of Women,

improvements to work flexibility will benefit both

women and men in the ADF.

Additionally, misinformation and lack of

information about policies and entitlements

appeared to be a major source of concern for

families, highlighting how important it is for ADF

members to help their spouses and partners access

and understand such information.

The existing online eLearning course, Getting the

most out of PACMAN for Partners and Families,

is specifically designed to assist ADF families

to access the information about ADF pay and

conditions of service. This course will be more

heavily promoted through family communication

channels, and at the same time work will continue

on removing the complexity of the pay and

conditions package.

84.7% were spouses and partners of ADF members, ›

11.1% were dual ADF couples, and 4.2% were single parents

Almost half (49.4%) of the married/partnered respondents were ›

married to/partnered with Army members

48.5% of the respondents were in full-time employment, while ›

31.2% were part-time or casual

Almost half (46.8%) of the married/partnered respondents had ›

spouses/partners with 16 or more years of service

42.5% of the respondents were aged between 31 and 40 years. ›

The average age of respondents was 36.

10.5% of the respondents were male ›

28.3% of respondents were residing in NSW, 25.3% in QLD, ›

and 13.3% in the ACT at the time of the survey

30.0% of the respondents reported having a Certificate ›

or Diploma level qualification, while 38.0% reported having

a Bachelor degree or Post-Graduate qualification

11.8% of respondents reported that they were not living with ›

their spouse/partner and/or other dependants for service reasons

(classified as Member with Dependants (Unaccompanied)

67.8% of respondents reported having dependants other ›

than a spouse/partner

Defence recently released results of the inaugural Australian Defence Force (ADF) Families Survey. Through the survey, Defence asked families to share their thoughts and experiences on a wide range of Service-life topics, including life satisfaction, communication and engagement, and deployments. Sponsored jointly by Chief of the Defence Force (CDF) and Director General Defence Community Organisation (DGDCO), Mr Michael Callan, the inaugural ADF Families Survey was mailed to the homes of all permanent ADF members classified as having dependants.

Survey responses reflect the experiences and attitudes of 5,749 ADF families including spouses and partners of ADF members, dual ADF couples and single-parent ADF members.

Summary of survey findingsADF family respondents provided insights about how they and other members of their families adjust to the demands of service. They have

Families first in ADF survey

Deployments: Although support for deployments lasting for longer than six months was not high, around 44 per cent of respondents were willing to accept a period of six months or less between deployments.

Almost half of all respondents are married or partnered to Army members. Monitoring and managing the impact of longer deployments

on Army families is one focus of the Army

People Plan. Army has recently increased its standard time for deployments from six to eight months. This change is designed to support individuals to be at home for longer periods between deployments.

Findings showed that respondents who had attended pre-deployment briefings were significantly less likely to experience difficulties in coping with the challenges of having their ADF spouse or partner absent from home. This highlights the value of pre-deployment preparation for families.

Pre-deployment briefings are available to all ADF families – commanders and members need to encourage their spouses, partners or other next-of-kin to come along to these briefings.

Families and retention: Consistent with findings from the Defence Attitude Survey and the ADF Exit Surveys, the results showed that families

are important to retention. Intention to leave the

ADF was significantly more likely among families

reporting high work-family conflict and where

spouses and partners were pressuring ADF

members to leave.

The feedback provided by members and

their spouses and partners is already being

used to develop and improve DCO services,

such as absence from home support and the

aforementioned self reliance strategy. The results

are also shaping the 20-year ADF Housing and

Accommodation Strategy so that more flexible

housing options are available to ADF families.

Characteristics of the respondents:

By Samantha Atkins

Further informationThe 2009 ADF Families Survey General Report and Summary of Results can be downloaded from the following sites:

via the PSPG Intranet site ›

Internet - › http://www.defence.gov.au/dpe/

For enquiries regarding the survey findings, please contact:

Ms Jenny Reich, Director Strategic Personnel ›Policy Research, on (02) 612 72201 or by emailing jenny.reich@defence.gov.au, or

Ms Samantha Atkins, Project Manager, ›on (02) 612 72159 or by emailing samantha.atkins1@defence.gov.au.

“I want to get to the stage where the SRP is embedded in all the Adaptive Army streams.”

Penned as key priority for 2010, MAJGEN Symon said that smarter, more efficient administration systems would be dependent on harnessing new technology.

“We have to hit that sweet spot between Defence administering its people effectively and empowering our people to take personal responsibility for their own administration,” MAJGEN Symon said.

Working with new technologies found in Web 2.0 will also be central to a changing Australian Army.

“We’ve now got a Facebook presence, we’ve got content web management systems for collaboration and internal communication and we’re using blogs to provide forums for our people,” MAJGEN Symon said.

“Army is not afraid of these mediums.

“This is an exciting time for Army as we evolve and continue to achieve operational excellence.”

www.defence.gov.au/defencemagazine28

ArMy

Army ADAPTS to thirst for improvement

By Jack Foster

When the Deputy Chief of Army, Major General (MAJGEN) Paul Symon, recently discussed the Adaptive Army initiative, he was struck by the comment from one of the officers who said: “It’s a great time to be in the Australian Army”.

“We’re changing a lot right now and I think there is a real thirst for improvement. I also think we’re empowering our soldiers”

– Deputy Chief of Army Major General Paul Symon

“You can tell that the mood for change has well and truly found its way right through the organisation,” MAJGEN Symon said. “There is a strong desire to adapt.”

A key characteristic of the initiative is that Army must continually review and change its ways to remain fit for a changing environment. It means new approaches to training and education, better use of technology and better management of land material.

“There was very much a concern that our adversaries were adapting faster than us and we have positioned ourselves to turn that around very quickly,” MAJGEN Symon said.

“We’re changing a lot right now and I think there is a real thirst for improvement. I also think we’re empowering our soldiers.”

Effecting such significant change comes with its challenges, none bigger than matching rhetoric with reality.

“With any change, senior leadership will talk about it and communicate it, that’s their job,” MAJGEN Symon said.

“But we must match the rhetoric with what people see on the ground as quickly as possible.”

MAJGEN Symon said recent changes to Army’s force structure have been critical to being seen as delivering results not just talking about it.

“The force structure changes we’ve made were done extraordinarily quickly and efficiently,” MAJGEN Symon said.

“These structural changes among other things provide a unified approach to individual and collective training under a single command, and more closely aligns Army’s training continuum with its preparation for operations.”

Other changes set in Adaptive Army include a renewed focus on drug and alcohol awareness, mental health programs, as well as continued reform of the promotion board system—now giving personnel opportunities to be promoted into specialist rather than generalist streams.

Underpinning the Adaptive Army will be Defence’s Strategic Reform Program (SRP) and the effort to deliver the force of 2030.

MAJGEN Symon said the Adaptive Army framework would be utilised to incorporate SRP implementation into business-as-usual work practices.

“The SRP and Adaptive Army are intertwined,” MAJGEN Symon said.

“We will ensure that Adaptive Army reforms are led, managed, and communicated within the Defence-wide SRP.

“Reform in the Army will be strongly encouraged from the bottom up, where these and other practical ideas thrive.

29www.defence.gov.au/defencemagazined e f e n c e m a g a z i n e ›

rECOrDS MANAGEMENT

ChANGE SPArKS NEw ErA FOr DEFENCE rECOrDS By Jack FosterFinding even the most obscure file is set to become a simpler task thanks to initiatives penned in Defence’s first Records Management Strategy.

“A best practice records management framework will support our commitment to providing timely, quality and accurate advice and support to Government”.

– First Assistant Secretary Ministerial Support and Public Affairs Neil Orme

Released late last year, the Strategy comes after a 2007 report found deficiencies with recordkeeping in Defence and that the organisation did not comply with critical Government legislation.

First Assistant Secretary Ministerial Support and Public Affairs Neil Orme said the new Strategy was the beginning of an ambitious journey to fix records management across the Groups and Services.

“Full compliance with relevant Government legislation will reflect positively on our Department, and in turn assist to protect our reputation,” Mr Orme said.

He said that records were an essential part of transparent and accountable government, helping to provide evidence, explain actions, justify decisions and demonstrate the process followed.

“The Strategy captures the scope, current situation, risk and implementation of the work needed to bring Defence recordkeeping up to Australian and international standards for electronic document and records management,” Mr Orme said.

“A best practice records management framework will support our commitment to providing timely, quality and accurate advice and support to Government.”

Some of the key initiatives include a mid-2010 upgrade and roll-out of the electronic Document and Records Management System (DRMS), and the release of the revised and now easier-to-read records management policy document, POLMAN3.

Senior records/information managers will also be appointed, and will act as champions to drive significant cultural change in Defence.

Defence has more than100 kilometres worth of physical files stored at various Defence repositories across the country. Mr Orme said approximately 200 kilometres of other records are

not stored appropriately, proving almost impossible to locate or retrieve in a timely manner.

To help with this problem, another of the Strategy’s key initiatives is the implementation of an easy-to-use electronic content management system that enables long-term preservation of archived records.

Mr Orme said that these and other technologies have shifted the responsibility for records management from the professional to the end user.

“In the past, the processes of classifying, storing, securing, retrieving and destroying documents have largely been left to professional record keepers,” Mr Orme said.

“But technology has made record managers of each of us and we are all responsible.

“Everyone in Defence should know about their record management responsibilities, and I strongly encourage all personnel to complete the online Responsible Recordkeeping course on CAMPUS.”

ABOVe: Aisles of files at Defence Business Support’s Queanbeyan warehouse.

30 www.defence.gov.au/defencemagazine

PEOPLE STrATEGIES AND POLICy GrOuP

workforce Intelligence Projects

The commander faces key questions in any operation: what are the threats, what are my choices and which choice has most to recommend it? Military

intelligence informs their decisions.

Like the operational commander, Defence relies on quality intelligence about its workforce and its competitors – or workforce intelligence – to ensure the best

decisions are made. Like the operational commander, a workforce intelligence failure can threaten current or future capability, in this case people capability.

Defence has a range of products

about its workforce, from workforce

reports to attitudinal surveys and the Defence

Census. However, there are important gaps

in Defence’s knowledge which limit its

ability to deal effectively with threats to its

workforce capability.

Given an increasingly competitive market for the

skilled people Defence requires, the 2009 White

Paper directed Defence to develop an integrated

workforce intelligence model. The establishment

of the Directorate of Workforce Intelligence in

Workforce Planning Branch of People Strategies

and Policy Group reflects this direction.

what is workforce intelligence (wI)?WI is the synchronised process of defining,

gathering, analysing and disseminating

quantitative and qualitative information that

supports decision-making on people matters.

The aim is to provide better evidence to decision-

makers, enabling them to more cost-effectively

address current or emerging workforce issues.

WI fills gaps in knowledge, prevents duplication,

directs effort to areas of priority, exposes

key projects to all stakeholders, and aligns

effort across Services and Groups to reflect

executive direction.

Development of the workforce Intelligence CapabilityIn 2009, a WI Project Team was established to develop and implement a Defence WI capability. Senior HR officers in each of the Groups and Services are members of the WI Steering Group and the new Directorate of Workforce Intelligence was established by end-2009. A draft work plan outlines the priorities for WI and takes into account higher level planning requirements, committee directives and outcomes, and the yearly planning cycle.

Strategic guidanceAligning with White Paper and Strategic Reform Program requirements, the People in Defence vision and blueprint defines success for Defence People Capability. This, in turn, guides activities, including WI, to achieve this vision.

Another key document within the hierarchy of Defence People Strategies and Plans is the Defence Strategic Workforce Plan 2010-20 (DSWP2010-20). Building on the previous iteration, the DSWP2010-20 identifies a range of workforce issues, challenges and risks which may be

ABOVe : Mr Alexander Grant and Ms Julie Ryan discuss their workplace at Russell Offices in Canberra. Photo: ABPH Jo Dilorenzo

INTELLIGENCE

FIrST IN ThE wOrKFOrCE By Commander Wendy Bullen

encountered by Defence in achieving and meeting Defence People Capability requirements and achieving Force 2030.

The DSWP2010-20 outlines action items and generates WI research tasks to address these issues and actively support Defence in meeting strategic people goals. The DSWP2010-20 also introduces a workforce planning cycle to provide systematic guidance for considering workforce issues in strategic and operational planning – to ensure timely decision making based on robust WI.

Defence employment OfferTo identify, regularly re-validate and, as necessary, refine the key elements of the Defence employment offer which will ensure that Defence can recruit and retain the workforce required to meet its capability needs.

ADF Recruiting successTo identify the major factors - internal and external to Defence – which impact on the numbers of new recruits joining the ADF, and model these factors to enable Defence to predict future recruiting success over a rolling five-year period.

Defence Impacts of economic Resurgence

in WA – Focus on Navy

To examine the expansion of the mining industry, with a degree of focus on Chevron’s Gorgon project, and its effect on the WA and national economies. The project will also identify potentially adverse effects across occupations within the ADF and the impact on already critical categories.

Remuneration Benchmarking To identify, regularly update and refine external remuneration benchmarks for the ADF and Defence APS, so that Defence can understand its market position and refine its employment offer to meet capability needs in an increasingly competitive employment market.

ADF Initial Mandatory Period Of service (IMPs) Attrition Project

To evaluate attrition in the ADF in the initial period of service, and propose ways to improve capability and the return on investment in the recruitment and training of ADF personnel.

Defence Census 2011To gather accurate data from all Defence personnel on their personal and family situations which can be used to support personnel decision making.

Attitude survey Benchmarking To acquire external benchmark data on attitudinal measures included in the Defence Attitude Survey, so that Defence results can be compared those of other organisations. This will allow ongoing assessment of the competitiveness of Defence’s employment offer.

external labour market trends and developments

affecting Defence’s ability to attract and retain its

desired workforce.

Examples of WI are long-term studies of labour

market shortfalls, the impact of technology, and

investigations into short-term issues such as increased

separations in critical categories. Major projects

underway in 2010 are detailed in the table below:

There are several major WI projects in the 2010

Work Plan reflecting Defence priorities.

WI projects include assessment of internal

Defence workforce issues, current and future, and

hrMeS updateA previous article (Defence Magazine, Issue 8,

2009) outlined the implementation and role of a

new Defence HR Metrics System (HRMeS).

It provides an electronic dashboard which enables

senior managers, HR professionals and analysts to

monitor a large range of HR measures, or metrics.

HRMeS is a key WI tool, as its metrics assess the

delivery and impact of Defence’s employment offer,

including the brand promises, on the workforce.

Workforce intelligence informs the development

of new metrics, which in turn allow early

identification of new workforce issues which may

be the subject of further studies.

Over time, knowledge increases and the ability to understand developments in the workforce, and take effective early action, improves. As WI projects mature, the ability to develop predictive metrics will also increase.

The futureThe work to date on WI and HRMeS provides a solid basis for growth in HR knowledge and expertise which will enable better, timely, evidence-based decision-making in workforce matters.

The result will be a greater capacity to attract, retain and sustain the workforce Defence needs, and to proactively identify and mitigate workforce risks which will inevitably arise.

31www.defence.gov.au/defencemagazined e f e n c e m a g a z i n e ›

32 www.defence.gov.au/defencemagazine

SPOTLIGhT ON rEFOrM

reforms to the Defence science and technology programAs one of 15 streams within the Strategic Reform Program, the way Defence conducts its science and technology (S&T) business is under the spotlight.

The science and technology stream, led by the Chief Defence Scientist Professor Robert Clark, has designed a number of significant reforms intended to provide a more efficient, effective and transparent delivery of S&T.

As lead agency for Defence S&T, the Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) has been tasked with implementing the S&T stream reforms, which focus on four key areas:

› Future proofing Defence

› Enhanced governance

› Reforms to business and funding models

› Supporting non-Defence National Security

Director General Science Strategy and Policy Dr Lynn Booth oversees DSTO’s implementation of the S&T Stream reforms. She says that the SRP has provided DSTO with a unique opportunity.

“The Strategic Reform Program has helped DSTO understand how we need to position ourselves for the future. We’ve been able to look objectively at the way we do our business and to identify how we as an organisation can more efficiently deliver high quality S&T support to Defence,” Dr Booth said.

“For Defence, the S&T reforms will ensure more timely and transparent delivery of S&T outcomes. These will be underpinned by a cutting edge research program, which will maximise the ADF’s effectiveness in operations, as well as maintain a leading Defence capability into the future.”

Future proofing DefenceDSTO is undertaking a series of activities to strengthen S&T investment in early stages of the capability life cycle. This will reduce the potential risk (e.g. timing and cost) in later phases of acquisition or platform upgrades.

Changing the way we do business

Research into future technologies will build skills, capacity and capability within DSTO to enable delivery of key S&T outcomes to support operations, acquisitions and force-in-being, as well as shape Defence’s future capability.

A significant number of these reforms are complete. Key achievements include:

› reinvigorating and strengthening DSTO’s Corporate Enabling Research Program (see Figure 1)

› establishing strategic partnerships with Australian and international partners

Enhanced governanceDSTO is enhancing its governance arrangements to provide greater visibility and independent oversight of Defence S&T, greater accountability and a more transparent S&T program.

A key achievement is the establishment of the DSTO Advisory Board, whose role is to provide advice and support to the Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science and to the Chief Defence Scientist on strategic issues relating to the effective delivery of S&T to Defence. The board, chaired by former Secretary Dr Allan Hawke, has met four times to date.

reforms to DSTO’s business and funding modelsDSTO has made changes to its business and funding models designed to simplify processes and to improve consistency and coordination across the organisation, with a view to enhancing the effectiveness of DSTO’s scientists. This reform has already realised efficiencies through reducing planning and reporting overheads.

Supporting non-Defence National SecurityDSTO is delivering an S&T program that meets the needs of non-Defence National Security agencies and which leverages S&T capabilities developed through DSTO’s Defence research program.

DSTO’s National Security program aligns with Defence priorities and resources, with a focus on critical non-Defence S&T that only DSTO can provide.

Delivering benefitsDSTO has identified a number of benefits, including:

› a research program into forward-looking enabling technologies that will enhance future Defence capability

› simplified S&T planning, managing and reporting processes

› greater transparency of DSTO’s program, process and performance, and

› better use of strategic partnerships to deliver S&T for Defence.

Most of the S&T reforms are now in place, with the remaining items due to be completed within the next few months. While the stream is expected to formally close once the reforms are complete, DSTO will continue to drive and implement further reforms necessary to deliver future S&T support to Defence. This will include adjusting S&T business to take into account any impacts from activities undertaken by other streams during the reform program.

Figure 1

DSTO’s Corporate Enabling Research Program initiatives

cyber warfare

intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance

electronic warfare

over the horizon radar

antisubmarine warfare

systems integration

force protection and counter-improvised explosive devices

signatures, materials, power and energy

micro unmanned airborne systems

undersea warfare

chemical, biological and radiological protection

DEFENCE SIGNALS DIrECTOrATE

DEFENDING CYBER SECURITY..................................Defence has opened its new Cyber Security Operations Centre (COSC), aiming to better protect Australian government information and networks from cyber threats. Defence Minister John Faulkner said the new Centre, based in the Defence Signals Directorate (DSD), is a key part of a national cyber security initiative set by Government.

“Cyber security is one of the Government’s top national security priorities,” Senator Faulkner said.

“Cyber intrusions on government, critical infrastructure and other information networks are a real threat to Australia’s national security and national interests.

“Any technology can be turned to serve malicious purposes – and the more pervasive and accessible a technology is, the more easily it can be abused.”

A prime example of a cyber attack on government occurred in September last year when the online group Anonymous attempted to launch attacks against the websites of the Prime Minister’s Office and the Department of Broadband, Communications and Digital Economy.

The Prime Minister’s Office website was only disrupted for a very short period of time however,

cYBeR secuRITY:

› In 2009, DSD received more than 220 reported incidents and tip-offs relating to the Australian government

› The most common incidents against Defence networks involved spoofing and phishing

› Spoofing is a way of attacking a computer program, in which the program is modified

› Phishing is the criminally-fraudulent process of attempting to acquire sensitive by using information, such as usernames, through the use of socially engineered emails that appear to be genuine (know as spoofing) to convince the user to open it and download malicious software.

DSD briefed the potential target agencies on the threat and the likely execution of the attacks, suggesting mitigation strategies to protect their websites and information.

Director of the CSOC Lynn Moore said the unit draws on expertise and high-powered computing resources to understand cyber threats.

“CSOC operations and response teams react to significant threats to government information and networks,” Ms Moore said.

“We also assist agency information communication technology staff to developing mitigation strategies.”

Senator Faulkner said the new Centre would fit naturally with DSD’s important role as the Commonwealth national authority on information security, providing government with protective security advice and assistance.

“The Cyber Security Operations Centre will employ around 130 highly skilled information technology experts, engineers and analysts drawn from the DSD,” Senator Faulkner said.

There will also be representatives from the Defence Intelligence Organisation and the ADF and scientists from the Defence Science and Technology Organisation as well as representation from the Attorney-General’s Department, ASIO and the AFP.

TOP: Officers get familiar with equipment at the Defence Signals Directorate Cyber Security Operations Centre.

BOTTOM: The Minister for Defence, Senator John Faulkner, at the opening of Defence’s new Cyber Security Operations Centre in Canberra.

..........................................................

34 www.defence.gov.au/defencemagazine 35www.defence.gov.au/defencemagazined e f e n c e m a g a z i n e ›

Better advice - better project managementBy Terry Oldfield

Defence projects are traditionally tough, however the Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO) is ensuring that the successful management of these projects is a critical contributor to the ADF’s reputation as one of the best equipped defence forces in the world.The DMO is currently managing more than 200 projects with an annual expenditure of some $5 billion, with responsibility resting with the Chief Executive Officer of the DMO, Dr Stephen Gumley.

To meet the Government’s expectations and the ADF’s goals, Dr Gumley demands assurance that his project teams can deliver to plan, with better advice being a focus in planning for success.

As a result of the implementation of the Government-agreed recommendations of the Defence Procurement and Sustainment Review (also known as the Mortimer Review), Dr Gumley commenced providing independent, quality advice on the cost, schedule, risk and commercial aspects of new projects being considered for Government approval.

“Better performance will be the result of a number of factors coming together,” Dr Gumley said.

“The expertise and high work rate of our people across Defence and DMO needs to be reflected in the best advice we can give Government about the costs and risks of investment decisions. From there, we need to manage projects in a way that delivers on the agreed outcome of Government’s deliberations.”

Dr Gumley and his executives sit on various higher Defence committees. They advise on commercial aspects of all projects and alert the Government, through its committees, of issues that need to be considered. Consequently, DMO senior executives need to be certain of the quality and comprehensiveness of any project proposal and to have an understanding of the key issues.

This requirement for accountability and governance was a strong focus of the Mortimer Review and is also a key element of the Strategic Reform Program for Defence.

In response to the Mortimer reforms, the Capability Development Group and the DMO are working on initiatives including mechanisms for DMO’s advice to be clearly presented to Government. Other reforms being implemented include project directives to clearly outline the Government-agreed scope of a project, and charters for managers of the most complex acquisition projects and support products.

Within DMO, the CEO is progressively putting in place a set of initiatives to deliver strengthened independent reviews, more robust senior line management of projects and enhanced advice to government. Core elements include a framework of assurance checklists, comprehensive briefings to DMO senior executives and independent and robust reviews of projects, submissions and business cases.

The assurance process starts with the project manager. A checklist process seeks the project manager’s specific assurance on feasibility, schedule, cost, programming, legal, business and commercial matters associated with any first or second pass capability proposal.

The checklist also seeks to ensure that appropriate management planning for implementation has

been considered and documented, including appropriate consultation and the availability of necessary resources. As part of the Capability Committee review process, project managers are required to personally and comprehensively brief the senior executive prior to the relevant committee meeting.

An equally robust process ensures thorough senior executive review of Cabinet and Ministerial submissions in order to provide Government with accurate and succinct information. As the executive leading the largest number of DMO projects, the Acting General Manager Systems in DMO, Shireane McKinnie, stressed the need for consistent and reliable information and a whole-of-life approach to project implementation. A high quality submission ensures Government trust and confidence.

Independent and line management project reviews provide the next layer of assurance. The DMO has established gate reviews as a key process through which senior line managers oversee projects. These reviews incorporate both Mortimer Review recommendations and the functionality previously undertaken by the DMO Domain Assurance Boards.

The focus of the gate reviews is on the future performance of the project, particularly its achievement of its agreed objectives and its capacity to adjust proactively to a changing environment. Gate reviews also provide advice and

assistance to the project manager on actions and

strategies to improve project outcomes.

General Manager Programs Warren King, who

chairs many of the key gate reviews, emphasises

that to successfully identify and manage project

risk, project managers must not see these reviews

as an inquisition. The objective in gate reviews is

to assist the project manager to improve project

outcomes.

Project managers should come prepared to discuss

project issues and concerns and to seek analysis

and feedback that will provide the best capability

and commercial outcomes.

“There can only be two sins in the review – for a

project manager not knowing the current status of

their project, or failing to disclose information fully

and accurately,” Mr King said.

The reviews have been strengthened with the

inclusion of independent members from outside

Defence, drawn from both the public and private

sector. These members bring high levels of

expertise, commercial acumen and independence

to gate review boards and help to ensure

objectivity.

With no line management accountability for

the project, they provide a different perspective

and help to avoid ‘group think’. Importantly they

provide Government and Defence with greater

confidence in the rigour of the project management

process.

The gate review board’s considerations are also

underpinned by external reviews of projects in

the lead up to board meetings. These reviews

canvas stakeholder views, identify issues and

provide a level of assurance on the quality and

comprehensiveness of information. Their findings

are used to focus board considerations on the

major issues confronting a project.

Projects of concern

The vast majority of major projects are executed

as planned. Given the high level of complexity

that characterises many Defence projects, a

small number of projects with cost, schedule or

other difficulties may require a greater level of

management oversight, focused particularly on

their remediation.

The Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel

and Science and the DMO have implemented a

framework of intense management, oversight and

reporting for these troubled projects, which are

DMO

formally identified as projects of concern.

Listing a project as a project of concern is decided

by Minister Combet on the advice of CEO DMO.

The sole reason for including a project on the

list of Projects of Concern is to get it off that

list, preferably through remediation but also, if

necessary, by cancelling the project or the contract

involved.

Successful remediation has been achieved for

projects such as AIR 87 Armed Reconnaissance

Helicopter, LAND 106 M113 Upgrade and, more

recently, SEA 1390 Phase 2.1 FFG Upgrade. A

notable cancellation was the SEA 1411 Seasprite

Helicopters.

Warren King works closely and collaboratively with

General Manager Systems, project managers and

industry to successfully resolve difficulties and

return them to the standard management regime.

The progress with projects of concern is reported

directly to Minister Combet on a monthly basis.

All these initiatives reflect the DMO’s commitment

to continuous change and improvement and are

excellent examples of the ways in which the DMO

is becoming more businesslike and commercial in

its approach to project management.

Air-to-air imagery of the Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter – one of the projects that benefitted from successful remediation.

“The expertise and high work rate of our people across Defence and DMO needs to be reflected in the best advice we can give Government about the costs and risks of investment decisions. From there, we need to manage projects in a way that delivers on the agreed outcome of Government’s deliberations.”

- Chief Executive Officer of the DMO, Dr Stephen Gumley

Improved and sustainable logistics services for Defence have been locked in following the signing of a substantial contract change between the Commonwealth and contractor BAE Systems Australia (BAESA).

In a year of change for the Defence Integrated

Distribution System (DIDS) contract, the two

parties were involved in a lengthy period of

mediation and negotiation.

Since its inception in 2004, the DIDS contract has

delivered distribution services to Defence, taking

over from the previous ADF Line Haul service;

warehousing services across the majority of

Defence Warehousing facilities and maintenance

of primarily land materiel.

In 2008, BAESA acquired the original DIDS

contractor, Tenix Toll Defence Logistics (TTDL), and

announced that TTDL would be integrated within

the BAE Systems Australia Land Business.

opportunity for increased equipment availability ›

due to increased workshop throughput with

mean time to repair for mainly land materiel

reduced to less than 30 days

30 per cent reduction in cost of spares in ›

support of maintenance activities, through new

spares model enabling utilisation of current

Defence arrangements and Standing Offers

incorporation of Regional Service Stations ›

providing better support to Army 1st and 2nd

line resources

savings to Defence through removal of ›

adhoc charges relating to use of information

technology and management systems

multi-million dollar savings in insurance costs ›

contractor use of the MIMS Maintenance ›

Module, providing Defence full visibility of fleet

usage and repair costs

consistent use of Defence Transaction Processor ›

across the Defence warehousing network

a new pric › ing model that directly links costs and savings to policy and decision making, providing

control and visibility to Defence, and

inclusion of an efficiency incentive program. ›

jOINT LOGISTICS COMMAND

The mediation presented a unique opportunity to:

clarify rub points in the contract ›

move to a performance based focus ›

shift to a transaction based fee structure ›

introduce improved and more efficient ›

distribution arrangements

redesign the materiel maintenance processes ›

to improve performance of the materiel

maintenance system

rewrite the contract to the contemporary ›

Australian Defence Contracting standard, and

remove adhoc charges. ›

On 8 October 2009, former Commander Joint

Logistics Major General Grant Cavenagh (now Air

Vice Marshal Margaret Staib) and Director Land

Business Unit, BAE Systems Australia Mr Ian

Sharp signed a substantial amendment to the DIDS

contract that marked the resolution of all historical

contractual issues and ensures that Defence has a

sustainable logistics contract in place to continue

to support Defence through to the transition of

existing arrangements to the eventual White Paper, storage, distribution and material maintenance solution.

“Signing of the DIDS contract amendment reflects on the dedication of the DIDS Remediation Team, lead by Commodore Clint Thomas (Director General Supply Chain) and marks an important milestone in the life of this contract,” Commander Joint Logistics MAJGEN Grant Cavenagh said.

“I am confident that we have secured an arrangement with BAESA that offers great benefits to Defence and will provide an excellent platform for future Defence logistics services through to the White Paper solution.”

benefits to DefenceThe key benefits to Defence that have been negotiated through this process include:

8 – 10 per cent reduction in distribution per ›kilogram costs, based on reduced rates for most commonly used routes and services

Benefits will flow to all Defence Groups and

Services and directly contribute to the following

key Defence objectives:

to enable Defence to continue to ›

deliver logistics support to operations,

Australian Defence Force exercises and

directed contingencies

to continue the good work in Defence’s ›

logistics and inventory compliance, assurance

and performance, and

to provide a solid platform on which to deliver ›

the Strategic Logistics Reform Program.

Transition to new arrangementsTransition to the new arrangements occurred

progressively throughout 2009 and in the main

was relatively seamless to customers. In fact, the

new distribution rates were applied throughout

2009 and new maintenance arrangements were

gradually implemented across the Joint Logistics

Units through an extensive joint training and

implementation program conducted with BAESA.

LeFT: The DIDS Mediation Team: (L-R) CDRE Clint Thomas, Denis Bevans, Adrian D’Amico (Deacons), John Glenn (Kiah Consulting), David Frith, Marion Abada (Deloitte), MAJGEN Grant Cavenagh.

BeLOW: At the DIDS Contract Signature on 8 October 2009: (L-R) Wayne Pollock, John Glenn, Steve Eastwood, David Frith, Adrian D’Amico, Rosemary Parsons, Lindsay Cailes, MAJGEN Grant Cavenagh, CDRE Clint Thomas, Dr John Barclay, Ian Johnson, Ian Sharp, Mark Jenkins, Mark Lincoln, Natasha Flanigan, Marion Abada.

The DIDS remediation and Transition TeamsThe DIDS Remediation Team was awarded a CDF

Commendation for its great achievement for Defence.

Director General Supply Chain Branch Commodore

Clint Thomas led the team from the outset with

great support from lead negotiator John Glenn

(Kiah Consulting), specialist legal advice and

support from Adrian D’Amico (Deacons), DIDS

Contract Manager David Frith, and Denis Bevans

providing contract management expertise from

a Joint Logistics Unit perspective with Marion

Abada (Deloitte). The team as a whole produced an

outstanding result.

The contractual achievements of the remediation

team were translated into actions by the DIDS

Transition Team, lead by Natasha Flanigan and

including Dennis Bevans, David Hooper, Lieutenant

Colonel Glenn Taylor, Lindsay Cailes and Ian

Johnstone. The DIDS Transition Team called upon

the expertise and cooperation of many personnel

across Joint Logistics Command to implement

these significant changes.

IMPrOvED logistics locked and loadedBy Natasha Flanigan

ABOVe: The Defence National Storage and Distribution Centre at Moorebank is the centre of Defence joint logistics, providing warehousing, distribution and maintenance services to the Australian Defence Force on a regional and national level.

37www.defence.gov.au/defencemagazined e f e n c e m a g a z i n e ›36 www.defence.gov.au/defencemagazine

38 www.defence.gov.au/defencemagazine 39www.defence.gov.au/defencemagazined e f e n c e m a g a z i n e ›

DEFENCE INDIGENOuS DEvELOPMENT PrOGrAM

Indigenous soldiers a force to be reckoned with

Ten NORFORCe soldiers from remote indigenous communities across the Northern Territory have graduated from the pilot Defence Indigenous Development Program (DIDP) at the Katherine Rural College.

One of the graduates, 19-year-old Private (PTE) Harvey Ladd was mentored by local police in his home community of Tenant Creek, and found the program a great opportunity to improve his employment prospects.

“I wanted to get away from some of the troubles back in the community, like the grog, it’s got a lot of people fighting,” PTE Ladd said.

“Most of all, I wanted the knowledge to become a policeman.”

One of the more senior members of the seven-month pilot Defence Indigenous Development Program (DIDP), 31-year-old Private Cedric Blitner realises his opportunities in life have been limited with poor language, literacy, numeracy skills, and little belief in himself.

“I was shaking at the knees sometimes trying new things, but now it’s nothing,” PTE Blitner said.

“This is my chance to make something of myself.”

Looking at the framed photos of family on his bedside table, PTE Blitner said he thinks often about his wife and kids waiting for him back in the community.

“I don’t want to let them down again,” PTE Blitner said.

The changes in PTE Blitner are just one of the many experiences from the soldiers graduating from this

seven-month journey, most of it spent away from the familiarity of their traditional country.

The Program’s successful graduation of 10 soldiers with improved language, literacy, and numeracy standards, self-confidence and general life skills could never have been achieved without the experiences of its architect and shepherd, the North West Mobile Force (NORFORCE).

With nearly 30 years of history training and working with indigenous Australians, NORFORCE’s experience in the outback, Northern Territory, and

Kimberley coastal regions, has been an invaluable asset for the initiative’s pilot year.

NORFORCE Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel (LTCOL) Chris Goldston is proud of the program’s achievements and his unit’s hand in such an important concept.

LTCOL Goldston was a Kimberley Squadron commander working on the ground with many of the soldiers he now commands early on in his Defence career. He understands first-hand the warrior ethos that attracts young indigenous males

MAIN: In the time-honoured style of graduating military officers, the Norforce soldiers throw their hats into the air and cheer to mark the end of class formalities for the Defence Indigenous Development Program at the Katherine Rural College in the Northern Territory.

INseT: Norforce soldiers graduating from the Defence Indigenous Development Program ‘dress-right’ during their final parade for the seven-month program at the Katherine Rural College in the Northern Territory.

All photos: Gunner Shannon Joyce

to proving their manhood through service in the unit.

“Throughout our unit’s history, we’ve succeeded in providing effective training, but had difficulty adequately addressing the poor education standards that are limiting the opportunity of many of our soldiers to advance in their lives,” LTCOL Goldston said.

“The unit has always offered an opportunity for military service through RFSU employment, and has long nurtured relationships with remote communities, but this hasn’t improved soldier career progression within the military or at home.”

The DIDP is now addressing this shortfall, and the resulting graduates will be equipped with the tools, experience and qualifications to seek long-term employment in their communities and promotion in the army.

“We are shaping the next generation of potential young leaders from these communities, through the continuum of Army Cadets, RFSU employment and initiatives such as the DIDP,” LTCOL Goldston said.

NORFORCE’s experience and influence will see many similar success stories such as Privates Blitner and Ladd come to fruition through the DIDP.

ABOVe: The Defence Indigenous Development Program’s recruiter Major John Lotu holds the graduation cake up for Norforce soldiers to cut at the Katherine Rural College in the Northern Territory.

Norforce soldiers await their opportunity to perform a horsemanship display for visiting family and staff on the Defence Indigenous Development Program graduation day at the Katherine Rural College in the Northern Territory.

40 www.defence.gov.au/defencemagazine 41www.defence.gov.au/defencemagazined e f e n c e m a g a z i n e ›

OPErATIONS

One of the most highly-coveted roles in peace-keeping missions across the world is easily that of the Civil Military Liaison (CML) Operator. However, if you were to ask many soldiers to define the role of CML, they will mumble something about “winning hearts and minds” before swiftly changing the subject.

Five people who know the ins and outs of the job are Army Reservists Lieutenant Brett Fowler, Sergenat Francesco Mazzella, Signaller Julieanne Horsman and two full-time Senior National Officers, Tongan Lieutenant Semisi Tapueluelu and Papua New Guinean Captain Nonge Serum, the current CML Team for Operation Anode in the Solomon Islands.

more than hearts and minds in Solomon islands

By the Civil Military Liaison cell in the Solomon Islands

Operation Anode is the Australian Army’s contribution to the Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands (RAMSI). After political problems and ethnic fighting left the nation vulnerable, soldiers and police from 15 countries in the Pacific region were invited into Solomon Islands by the Government to help restore law and order.

The Army’s role was not to provide aid, rather to help maintain a stable environment while programs to build local capacity and long-term, sustainable skills of Solomon Islands police and Government are implemented.

The CML team operates out of the main RAMSI base, located on the island of Guadalcanal, home to approximately 110,000 people. The

team’s role in Operation Anode is to help build a strong relationship between RAMSI’s military, international police, the local police (Royal Solomon Islands Police Force) and the Solomon Islands community.

A key part of the CML team’s role in building these relationships within the community are its involvement in village/community talks – known as RAMSI Outreach. These talks take the CML team to villages throughout the country, where they can explain the work of RAMSI, its role in the country, and talk through the country’s progress as it moves forward following a period of much turmoil.

These Outreach sessions are always lively, and community questions cover anything from the purpose of RAMSI’s mission, to when RAMSI will leave the country. Other activities such as face-painting or volleyball will usually be incorporated with RAMSI Outreach meetings to encourage community engagement.

The RAMSI military’s CML is also involved in a weekly Auskick (AFL) clinic in Honiara, which has helped build strong relationships with the community. The social nature of the role, as well as the frequent travel opportunities, makes the CML position one of the most sought-after positions in overseas deployments.

“It is a great gig, because it means I get to see a lot of this beautiful country while doing something I love; talking to people,” SIG Horseman said.

The Australian group working as part of the CML team consists of LT Brett Fowler, a 26-year-old

detective with the Western Australian Police

Force, SGT Francesco Mazzella, a 49-year-old

high school teacher and father of three, and SIG

Julieanne Horsman, a 25-year-old journalist from

Sydney. The three were selected from a large pool

of applicants based on their personalities and

diverse backgrounds.

All three undertook Solomon Islands Pijin lessons

during pre-deployment training, which has been

an important factor in their positive reception by

the locals.

Each of the team are Army Reserve soldiers

who have taken leave from their normal jobs to

participate in the deployment to Solomon Islands.

They have found they often utilise skills from their

civilian jobs for the Army work.

“My job outside of the Army Reserves as a

detective with WA Police regularly involves me

speaking with victims, witnesses and offenders of

serious crime,” LT Fowler said.

“The people skills I have gained from this have

greatly assisted my CML role. It has helped me

interact at all levels with villagers in the different

communities, from the Chief of the village through

to the small pikininis (kids).”

This is LT Fowler’s second overseas deployment,

having previously served at Rifle Company

Butterworth in Malaysia, while for the deployment

is a first for SGT Mazzella and SIG Horsman.

“My civilian work as a teacher at Bunbury Senior

High School has given me some great skills for

working here with the Solomon Islanders,” SGT

Mazzella said.

“I’m also proud that I’m playing a part in Australia’s

role in helping out one of its closest neighbours.”

However, it is the multi-national focus of the

team that boosts its effectiveness. During patrols

and community meetings, Solomon Islanders see

different uniforms from throughout the Pacific,

reflecting the truly regional nature of the mission.

New Zealand’s military Padre, Captain James

Molony is a regular attendee with the CML patrols

Combined Task Force - 635

The Army component of RAMSI comprises of troops from four contribution nations which make up the Combined Task Force 635: Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Tonga.

alongside many of his fellow New Zealand military

colleagues.

Every time the CML team engages with the public

it is aiming to win hearts and minds, but not for

the sake of being perceived as good guys, rather to

assist the overall RAMSI mission of building long-

lasting capacity and confidence within the police

and Government of Solomon Islands. And this work

is much more than just smiling and waving; it is an

important weapon that is highly beneficial to the

overall operation.

ABOVe: A Verahoi child at a RAMSI outreach meeting. LeFT: Captain Nonge Serum and Lieutenant James Tapueluelu paint faces during an outreach meeting at Verahoi.

ABOVe: The Civil Military Liaison Cell (L-R): Sergenat Francesco Mazzella, Papua New Guinean Captain Nonge Serum, Lieutenant Brett Fowler, Tongan Lieutenant Semisi Tapueluelu and Signaller Julieanne Horsman.

RIGHT: Sergeant Francesco Mazzella and Tony Inben, an elder from New Valley Guadacanal.

ABOVe: Signaller Julieanne Horsman with some young local girls at Gilbert Camp.

Photos: Trooper John Bain

42 www.defence.gov.au/defencemagazine 43www.defence.gov.au/defencemagazined e f e n c e m a g a z i n e ›

ThE LAST wOrD

RIGHT: Former Commanding Officer of Overwatch Battle Group (West) 4 Lieutenant Colonel Chris Websdane chats with former Deputy Commander Joint Task Force 633 - Iraq Brigadier Brian Dawson during a tour of Camp Terendak, Tallil, in 2008. Photo: CPL Michael Davis

LeFT: Former Director General Public Affairs Brigadier Brian Dawson answers questions on the return of Australian Defence Force explosives detection dog Sabi in Afghanistan during a media doorstop at Russell Offices.Photo: Kevin Piggott

Outgoing Director General of Defence Public Affairs Brigadier Brian Dawson is now heading for NATO headquarters in Brussels on promotion to Major General. Before he left he talked to steve Ridgway about his time in the Public Affairs hot seat.

Breaking from cover

BRIGADIER (BRIG) Brian Dawson applied to join the

Army during his Year 11 at Rochester High School,

in northern Victoria, at a time when Australians

were greatly divided over the Vietnam War. “At the

time, it was one of the most unfashionable careers

I could have chosen,” BRIG Dawson said.

The future infantry and special forces officer won a

scholarship to Duntroon in 1973 and, right from the

beginning, he and his classmates were taught the

military value of camouflage and concealment.

But almost 40 years later, in the world of Defence

public affairs, all that learning had to be turned on

its head. Like the redcoats of old, BRIG Dawson

was now obliged to stand up in public and take

whatever was coming.

Job offer“I was on duty in Basra in 2008 and the Chief of

Army rang to offer me the job,” BRIG Dawson

said. “I’d been an infantryman, then involved with

special forces for some of my career but never

public affairs — in the SAS you want the opposite.

The job offer was definitely a mould-breaker!

“I was prepared to take it on but, beyond media

training at Staff College and the normal formal

training, I knew it would mean acquiring a whole

new set of skills — and, after a working life not

telling people what we were up to, even a new

way of thinking.

“It meant I would be working closely with the

Defence senior leadership and in constant contact

with Minister’s offices. It would mean new insights

into the Department-Government relationship and

the ramifications of ‘big’ policy — as well as a

number of pitfalls for the unwary.

“Being DGPA has meant having to stay as current

as possible to meet the demands of the media’s

24 hour cycle, the need to be politically aware, but

also remembering I was a professional military

officer.

“But in many ways the job itself was essentially a

normal staff officer job. As DGPA, just like any staff

officer, I would need to be able to write and speak,

to process and prioritise information.

“Coming back from operations also meant I had a

good insight into the realities of the Middle East

— and Middle East operations remained the focus

of most big issues during my term in the DGPA job.

Integrated organisationDefence Public Affairs is an integrated

organisation where military and civilians work

closely together — and there are more civilians

than military in the Canberra headquarters. But

protecting and promoting Defence’s reputation is

a 24/7 occupation, driven by the media’s own TV,

radio and newspaper deadlines, not to mention

the burgeoning social media such as Facebook,

Youtube and the blogosphere. No-one is ever

far from their mobiles, which are never, never

switched off.

“I had worked in integrated uniformed and civilian

organisations before so the essentials remained

the same. The key is recognising the skills that

people have and leveraging off those skills,

leveraging off their strength. In my experience

most people want to do a good job and work best

when they are willing contributors to a shared

endeavour.

“In fact I’ve found the best advice in public affairs

was often counter-intuitive. The real art is to

recognise the linkages and effects of a particular

course of action that are not immediately apparent.

“But the changing character of the ADF

deployment to the Middle East Area of Operations

also enabled us to change the way we interfaced

with the media.

Winning hearts and minds“Many of our operations in the early 2000s

involved our special forces so we couldn’t say

much anyway. But as more troops were committed,

we could become more open about the non-

special forces elements. We weren’t just trying

to win hearts and minds on the ground but be as

transparent as possible to the Australian public

through the media,” BRIG Dawson said.

“The men and women of the ADF have been

doing great work for a number of years in the

Middle East Area of Operations in general and

Afghanistan in particular. We needed to facilitate

telling their story as best we could.

“Rather than just talk about helping ordinary

Afghans, we could actually show more of what

Australians were doing on the ground, like

repairing mosques and schools, running health

clinics or building bridges. Embedding journalists

with units — letting them see for themselves —

was an important initiative, and I am sure it will be

developed in future.”

Internal Defence communications was also

part of BRIG Dawson’s remit. In late 2009 his

communications task group identified 51 ideas for

improving the situation.

“Defence-wide internal comms is very different

from soldiering in 3RAR. As a young soldier your

world is limited to your platoon and your mates.

Your immediate boss is a young lieutenant and,

way over there, is an impossibly old major aged at least 30.

“But, in the Ministerial Support and Public Affairs organisation where I worked, the demographic was the other way round. Only 10 staff out of 290 were under 25 while 179 were aged 35 or over. Even the way they communicated was different. The oldest had learned to write using a proverbial slate when Sir Robert Menzies was Prime Minister. The youngest have never not had internet.

“Most organisations develop ‘stovepipes’ to define areas of responsibility, accountability and cope with complexity. These ‘stovepipes’ are there for good reasons, but they inhibit communications. We need to seek opportunities to tunnel through the walls of the organisational stovepipes to enhance communications and to develop a wider sense of team. Building a common purpose is the key.

“Above all, our solutions should not make even more work for people who already have a lot to do.

“A major aim now is to improve the user-friendliness of Defence’s internal website which is currently organised more by organisation than by function. Information can be hard to find unless you already knew where to look — a structural Catch-22. We must make our intranet easier to use so key information is more easily available.

“Work on this has already started. I hope that in the coming months things will be much easier to find.

“But, while the net now has a key role, it can never

be the only communication system. There will

always need to be meetings, management by

walking around, even simple posters in the break-

out areas.”

The futureEurope will certainly bring more changes for the

Dawson family but there are positives they are all

looking forward to.

“My son Callum wants to go walking in the

Alps, my daughter Caitlin wants to see European

circuses, my wife Jacqui wants to shop in Paris

— and I will be seeing a bit more of my family in

daylight.”

The job of Australian Military Representative in

Brussels will involve working closely with NATO

members on areas of shared interest especially

Afghanistan. NATO is bilingual: English or French

are both spoken. Documents have both English and

French versions. “Unfortunately for me, I failed 4th

Form French, but I will now need to make an effort

to learn quickly,” BRIG Dawson said.

“There will be lots of meetings, lots of liaison and

reporting back to Russell, and lots of dinners,”

BRIG Dawson said. “Developing and maintaining

relationships with the representatives of NATO

countries will be an important part of the job.”

The former Chairman of Defence Aussie Rules

(from 2001 to 2007) is also hoping to see some

top-level sport, but he might have to miss out on

his favourite game for a while. “I will need to track

down Aussie Rules on cable somewhere,” he said.

“Here’s hoping.”

“Embedding journalists with units - letting them see for themselves - was an important initiative, and I am sure it will be developed in future”- Former Director General Public Affairs

Brigadier Brian Dawson

ABOVe: Brigadier Brian Dawson outside the headquarters at Camp Victory in Baghdad during 2008. Photo: Capt Cameron Jamieson

m a g a z i n e ›

n e x t m o n t h ' s i s s u e

( t h e m e : i n n o v a t i o n )

> Defence Systems Integration

> Geospatial Analysis Centre

> Navy’s Navy Continuous Improvement program

> Air Force in Exercise Red Flag

d u e o u t m a r c h 2 6