Centenary of Battle of Polygon Wood
I urge people to stop and think about Australia’s wartime sacrifices today on the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Polygon Wood.This battle was part of a wider series of battles collectively known as the Flanders Offensive, which included the Battles of Messines and the Third Battle of Ypres—sometimes referred to as the Battle of Passchendaele.In eight weeks of fighting between September and October 1917 the Australian Imperial Force suffered some 38,000 casualties, including more than 5,700 at Polygon Wood.
Businesses urged to nominate for Vets’ awards
In the Australian Defence Force (ADF) our personnel work in high-pressure environments and learn skills such as problem-solving, teamwork, leadership and the ability to adapt to new technologies.Those talents are in demand in a modern economy and I know businesses in Townsville are employing veterans and using their skills to succeed.I’m encouraging local businesses and local veterans to look at the award categories and nominate so their achievements can be recognised.
Vietnam Veterans’ Day and the anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan
Later today I will join with our Vietnam Veterans at a memorial service in Mackay which marks Vietnam Veterans’ Day and the 51st anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan.Today we remember nearly 60,000 Australian men and women who served in the Vietnam War between 1962 and 1975, including 521 who lost their lives and more than 3,000 who were wounded.Today is also the 51st anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan involving 105 Australians and three New Zealanders of D Company 6RAR in one of the fiercest battles of the Vietnam War.In the Battle of Long Tan a total of 17 Australians were killed in action and 25 were wounded, one of whom later died of his wounds.
Funding available to assist younger veterans
I would encourage community and ex-service organisations to apply for grants which are now available for projects that deliver sustainable services for younger veterans.The Supporting Younger Veterans (SYV) grants program recognises the importance of the transition phase for Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel as they leave the military.$1 million is available in the second round for projects that build community support and service the unique needs of younger veterans transitioning to civilian life.Applications are invited for a range of initiatives including mentoring, team building, self-improvement, and creative activities that promote social inclusion and peer-to-peer support for younger veterans.
Navy and Airforce ready to help the north
The deployment of the Defence Force’s humanitarian aid ship to the region as well as Navy and Airforce helicopters and planes on standby are some of the latest measures being taken to ensure a rapid response to Cyclone Debbie for residents of North and Central Queensland.I have just received the latest advice from the Minister for Defence Marise Payne and the Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin, on preparations being taken at a Federal Government level to provide assistance to communities which may be impacted by Cyclone Debbie.He has advised that Defence is ready and able to respond and support local emergency authorities and the people of the affected area between Townsville and Mackay.As a precaution, HMAS Choules, the nominated HADR (Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief) ship, departed Sydney this morning and is heading north to Queensland to be ready to support recovery efforts if needed.
Defence investment brings jobs and growth
I joined with Assistant Minister for Defence Michael McCormack and Foreign Minister Julie Bishop in Townsville today to discuss how Defence investment and international partnerships were contributing to our national security while generating growth and creating local jobs.National security is the Government's number one priority, and it was great to meet with locals to discuss how the Government’s investment in Defence infrastructure and equipment is supporting our troops.Not only is our region contributing to Australia’s national security through bases such as RAAF Townsville and Lavarack Barracks, but the capital investment by Defence in the area is giving local businesses a boost through building and equipment supply contracts, and most importantly, it is creating jobs for local people.
Pitch for Defence business and jobs
I will investigate the possibilities of attracting Defence work for businesses in the Mackay region following the release of the 2016 Defence White Paper.To that end, I have invited Defence Materiel Minister Dan Tehan to Mackay to pitch the case for the city’s engineering support businesses, as well as the city’s building and construction businesses.The Defence White Paper outlines that $29.9 billion will be spent over the next decade, and that includes a considerable boost to Defence spending and infrastructure in the Townsville region.There will be Mackay businesses that either already have the capabilities to do this work, or could diversify into those capabilities.
School’s salute to service
THE Townsville Grammar Junior School at Annandale will soon be sporting an impressive new ANZAC memorial thanks to funding from the Australian Government’s Saluting Their Service grants programme.I met with school principal Noel Nethery this week to hear about their plans to honour our servicemen and women.Mr Nethery said the grant of more than $2,200 would be used for a large sandstone centrepiece topped with a plaque and badges of the Australian Army, Air Force and Navy.