THE HON JOEL FITZGIBBON MP
Minister for Defence
Thursday, 4 December 2008
192/2008
STUDENTS TAKE ON DEFENCE 2020 NATIONAL
PARTICIPATION CHALLENGE
What:
The Australian Defence Force will sponsor the Defence 2020: National
Participation Challenge – an activity where students debate the
question, “Is the Australian Defence Force a Responsible Citizen?”
Minister for Defence, the Hon, Joel Fitzgibbon MP, Minister for Defence
Science Personnel, the Hon. Warren Snowdon MP, and Vice Chief of
Defence, Lieutenant General David Hurley AO, DSC (representing the
Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, AC,
AFC), will be in attendance. Pic-Fac only.
When:
Thursday, 4 December 2008; Media are invited to attend between
11:45am – 1:00pm.
The Minister for Defence will present certificates to students and answer
questions from students during the event.
Where:
National Museum of Australia, Canberra.
Background:
Approximately 18 Year 9-11 students from across Australia, chosen on the basis of
their Participation Tasks, will be attending the Defence 2020 National Participation
Challenge, which has included a trip to Sydney to visit Defence establishments.
The 18 students will be part of a special role-play presentation to Ministers and ADF
Chiefs in Canberra.
Come and see what student representatives from all over Australia think of the role of
the Australian Defence Force, and in particular whether they believe that the ADF
acts as a responsible citizen at home and overseas. What should be the role of the
ADF in 2020? Hear what these students and ADF representatives have to say on
this issue.
Note: due to timings for the Ministers to depart for the funeral of Lieutenant Fussell,
there will not be an opportunity for assembled media to ask questions of Ministers
during the event.
Media contacts:
Christian Taubenschlag (Joel Fitzgibbon):
02 6277 7800 or 0438 595 567
Defence Media Liaison:
02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664
NEWS 
