THE HON GREG COMBET MP
Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Procurement
Thursday, 11 September 2008
050/2008
COMBET CONGRATULATES DEFENCE 2020 STUDENTS
Greg Combet, Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Procurement, has praised
the work of around 80 senior secondary school students attending the
Defence 2020 Youth Challenge Forum in Newcastle today.
Mr Combet was the special guest of the event, which asked students to
deliberate on the question, ‘Is the Australian Defence Force a responsible
citizen?’
“This is an important issue to be discussed by young Australians, particularly
as the Navy, Army and Air Force are such vital members of the Australian
community in so many different locations across the country,” Mr Combet
said.
“I have been impressed by the dynamic nature of the students’ involvement in
the discussion and workshops and also want to congratulate the input of those
members of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) who attended the Forum.
They were able to provide valuable on-the-spot advice from their own
personal experiences,” he said.
Schools attending the Newcastle event included All Saints College, St
Joseph’s Campus; Belmont High School; Callaghan College; Hunter School of
Performing Arts; Hunter Valley Grammar School; Toomaree High School; and
Tuggerah Lakes College Berkeley Vale and Tumbi Umbi.
“The challenge for the ADF over coming years is to maintain and build upon
its high degree of acceptance and visibility amongst the wider community,” Mr
Combet said.
“To that end, there is a requirement for the organisation to inform and educate
school students and so demystify the workings of the Services; improve its
interaction with Governments; and cement the role of the Navy, Army and Air
Force in the hearts and minds of mainstream Australians.
“The Defence 2020 program illustrates how the ADF shares the values and
principles that underpin our community,” he concluded.
Media contacts:
Rod Hilton (Greg Combet):
02 6277 4771 or 0458 276 619
Defence Media Liaison:
02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664
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