THE HON JOEL FITZGIBBON MP
Minister for Defence
Friday, 15 August 2008
099/2008
DEFENCE MINISTER VISITS DSTO EDINBURGH
The Minister for Defence, the Hon Joel Fitzgibbon MP, made his first official
visit to the Defence Science & Technology Organisation (DSTO) in Edinburgh,
north of Adelaide, today.
He was accompanied by the Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, the
Hon Warren Snowdon MP.
Acting Chief Defence Scientist, Dr Ian Sare, briefed the Ministers on the latest
research and development activities at the Adelaide site.
The briefings included presentations on new developments in electronic
warfare research, Nulka anti-ship missile decoy and the innovative Shapes
Vector network intrusion and detection system.
The Ministers were also briefed on DSTO’s critical role in supporting current
operations, particularly the research being undertaken to counter improvised
explosive devices being used in Iraq and Afghanistan.
“The visit is timely given the current Defence White Paper deliberations and
made clear how Defence capability and operations are dependant on the
smart application of science and technology,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.
“The Australian Defence Force (ADF) needs to make every dollar count, and
get every last bit of value from the equipment it operates. DSTO provides
independent, responsive advice and services to reduce the cost of operating
and maintaining equipment, and on extending safe service life to delay
replacement expenses. DSTO is the acknowledged world leader in testing
airframes for metal fatigue and extending the lives of military aircraft.”
Mr Snowdon, said that on deployment, in the laboratory, from the food to the
fighter jets, DSTO puts the world’s brightest minds to work on the challenge of
keeping the ADF cutting-edge.
“If we’re to protect and serve our troops as they protect and the serve the
nation, Defence science expertise is a critical capability.”
Media contacts:
Christian Taubenschlag (Joel Fitzgibbon): 02 6277 7800 or 0438 595 567
Kate Sieper (Warren Snowdon):
02 6277 7620 or 0488 484 689
Colin Blair (DSTO):
02 6128 6385 or 0416 266 843
Defence Media Liaison:
02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664
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