THE HON. DR MIKE KELLY MP
Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Support
Thursday, 4 January 2010
003/2010
Parliamentary Secretary launches the 2010 Australian
Defence Force Parliamentary Program
The Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Support, the Hon Dr Mike Kelly AM
MP, today launched the 2010 Australian Defence Force Parliamentary
Program (ADFPP). The program allows Senators and Members of Parliament
a unique opportunity to develop a deeper appreciation of the effort it takes to
become a proficient and professional member of the Australian Defence Force
(ADF).
“This year’s ADFPP will be the third that I have launched. The program is a
really positive aspect of my portfolio responsibilities, and I have received
some excellent feedback about it from my colleagues over the past two
years,” Dr Kelly said.
Senators and Members of Parliament are offered a number of ADF
attachment options, which range from 5-10 days. Twenty attachment options
are on offer this year, including attachments to five operational areas including
Afghanistan, East Timor and the Solomon Islands.
Other options available include, opportunities to participate in Exercise
KAKADU, a maritime exercise to be conducted with regional defence forces
out of Darwin; to undertake long range patrolling duties of Australia’s north
with members of the North West Mobile Force, which is comprised of soldiers
drawn primarily from indigenous communities; through to spending a week at
the RAAF’s largest operational base at Amberley which will, this year, become
home to the Super Hornet.
“Since it’s inception in 2001 a total of 105 parliamentarians have participated
in the program, last year there were a record 45 participants, including 15
newcomers,” Dr Kelly said.
“This is an important initiative which offers a unique insight into the world of
the ADF, and an opportunity to experience what it’s like to work alongside the
men and women of today’s modern Defence Force” Dr Kelly said.
Media contacts:
Elyse Gatt (Dr Mike Kelly):
02 6277 4840 or 0437 502 246
Defence Media Liaison:
02 6127 1999 or 0408 498 664
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