SENATOR JOHN FAULKNER
Minister for Defence
Friday, 22 January 2010
003/2010
MINISTER FOR DEFENCE VISITS VICTORIAN
DEFENCE ESTABLISHMENTS
The Minister for Defence, Senator John Faulkner today completed a two day
familiarisation visit to Victorian Defence bases and facilities.
Senator Faulkner visited the Defence Science and Technology Organisation at
Fishermans Bend where he received an overview by the Chief Defence Scientist,
Professor Robert Clark and Deputy Chief Defence Scientist (Platform and Human
Systems), Dr Ian Sare.
The Minister toured laboratories at the Fishermans Bend site to see demonstrations
of some of the work being undertaken, including life extension for RAAF aircraft,
research into enhanced protection for deployed soldiers and investigations to support
the acquisition of future air and maritime capabilities.
The Minister also met with personnel from 2 Company 1 Commando Regiment at
Fort Gellibrand.
He also visited RAAF Base Williams, Laverton, where the Minister for Defence was
given a tour of the Base and met with international students attending the Defence
International Training Centre. The Defence International Training Centre fosters
English language training and cross-cultural awareness for foreign military students
as they prepare to undertake ADF training.
The Minister was briefed by staff of the ADF Gap Year program for Air Force as they
prepare for the arrival of 116 students due to commence on the 25 January 2010.
Yesterday Senator Faulkner visited Victoria Barracks, Melbourne, where he was
briefed by Head Land Systems Division, Major General Grant Cavenagh and given
an overview of Land Systems Division.
The Minister also received a brief on support to operations by the Joint Logistics
Command Supply Chain Branch, an overview of the Command’s Defence Integrated
Distribution System contract arrangement and other operational contracts.
Media note: Imagery is available at:
Media contacts:
Colin Campbell (John Faulkner):
02 6277 7600 or 0407 787 181
Defence Media Liaison:
02 6127 1999 or 0408 498 664
NEWS 
