More Defence news: 14 September 2009 - 21 September 2009

Bomb-strike on Bushmaster | Enhanced global communications for ADF forces | Interim military justice system | Cat wins 2009 AFL Army Award | Panther takes stride in the Middle East | Update on Collins Class Submarines

Bomb-strike on Bushmaster

An Australian Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicle has been damaged after being struck by an Improvised Explosive Device north of Tarin Kowt, Afghanistan.

The road-side bomb did not cause casualties to Australian troops and there are no reports of Afghan locals being injured.

The Mentoring and Reconstruction Task Force soldiers were operating north of Tarin Kowt when the incident occurred on the morning of Wednesday 16 September 2009.

The number of improvised explosive devices is a reminder of the ongoing dangers faced by local nationals and ADF personnel in Afghanistan, and the importance of countering violent insurgents.

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Enhanced global communications for ADF forces

Defence has signed a $94 million contract for the construction of three satellite communications earth terminals that will improve global communications for deployed ADF forces.

Greg Combet, the Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science, said the new terminals will be built at the Australian Defence Satellite and Communications Station near Geraldton in Western Australia.

“The completion of the new capability in 2013 will significantly enhance the wideband strategic communications support available to Australian forces overseas,” Mr Combet said.

“This includes those forces on distant deployments in the Middle East and also on operations closer to home in the Indian and Pacific Oceans.”

The contract, awarded to BAE systems, also includes five years of support for the new terminals and an enhanced network management system to enable the terminals to be controlled remotely from HMAS Harman in Canberra.

The new facility will increase the amount of data that will be able to be provided over the Wideband Global Satellite (WGS) System that Australia accesses, through a partnership with the United States Department of Defence.

Interim military justice system

Legislation has been passed that will give effect to an interim military justice system following the High Court decision handed down on 26 August 2009 in the case of Lane v Morrison.

The High Court of Australia declared the provisions establishing the Australian Military Court in the Defence Force Discipline Act 1982, to be invalid.

The Minister for Defence, Senator John Faulkner, said it was critical that the ADF has a functioning military discipline system.

“This interim system provides that, by reintroducing the former system of trials by court martial and Defence Force magistrates,” Senator Faulkner said.

“The interim military justice system has a number of safeguards within it to ensure that ADF members are treated fairly.”

A second Bill, dealing with past Australian Military Court sentences and orders, was also passed by the House of Representatives today.

The Government is now preparing a permanent judicial solution in which serious service offences will be tried by a court which meets the requirements of Chapter III of the Constitution.

“The move to a Chapter III court will be considered in close consultation with the Attorney-General,” Senator Faulkner said.

More: Media Release

Cat wins 2009 AFL Army Award

Tom Hawkins from the Geelong Football Club was last night announced the winner of the 2009 AFL Army Award at a gala event in Melbourne.

Representing the Chief of Army, Major General David Morrison, Commander Forces Command, presented the award at the AFL All-Australian Awards Dinner.
“Tom was selected by football fans who voted on the AFL website each week across the season,” Major General Morrison said.

Army and the AFL asked the fans to examine three acts performed by players in each round and to nominate the act they felt best exhibited Army’s core values of Courage, Initiative and Teamwork.

 “These are values Army has relied upon for over 100 years,” Major General Morrison said.
The plays nominated for the AFL Award throughout season 2009 were team lifting, game changing, or those requiring a player to put his body on the line—plays that inspired the public to act by voting on the AFL website.

“I congratulate Tom for his efforts and am proud to present him tonight with a medallion, a $10,000 travel package and an invitation to be a guest of the Army,” Major General Morrison said.

“We will give him an Army experience money can’t buy.”

Panther takes stride in the Middle East

14 September - Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) firefighters are now working along side their Coalition partners to support air operations in the Middle East with the deployment of the new frontline fire-fighting machine—the Panther.

The Panther 6x6 TFA (Truck, Fire, Aircraft) Fire Truck allows RAAF fire crews to handle any aviation or structural fire or other emergency incident from the base on which they operate.

For Sergeant (SGT) Andrew Saveliev, the RAAF’s senior firefighter in the Middle East Area of Operations, the deployment of the Panther represents one of his career highlights.

“After 19 year’s as a firefighter in the RAAF, the chance to lead a team equipped with the latest equipment is extremely satisfying both personally and professionally,” SGT Saveliev said.

“…this is the first time a contingent large enough to operate the Panther and a RAAF fire-fighting section has been deployed to the Middle East in its own right.”

While in the Middle East, the RAAF firefighters are working with other air force firefighters.

“One of the most enjoyable aspects of this deployment is getting to work with our Coalition partners,” SGT Saveliev said.

“There are a few little differences, but the core elements of the business are the same and we have melded together extremely well.

“It’s really a reflection on the international brotherhood of firefighters, and being here, united in a common cause to help in the fight against international terrorism makes it all the better.”

The basic manning for the Panther is a driver, operator and fire controller. In order to constantly man the truck 24/7, a rotating shift is required.

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Update on Collins Class Submarines

14 September - Defence has provided an update on Collins Class Submarines after concerns were raised about cadmium contamination during maintenance operations.

Greg Combet, Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science, said the Government has been concerned with the operation of the Collins Class Submarines and the safety of Navy personnel.

“From the time that this issue arose, the Rudd Government acted immediately with Defence and the Navy to identify the source and extent of any hazard, and to ensure the safety and well being of the maintenance workers and submariners who have been working on the Collins Class Submarines,” Mr Combet said

As has been publicly reported, staff of ASC, the prime contractor for maintenance of Collins Class Submarines, raised concerns about cadmium contamination while undertaking maintenance of submarines.

“To allay staff concerns, ASC stood production staff down on Friday 28 August 2009 and undertook initial testing on those submarines which were in deeper maintenance in South Australia,” Mr Combet said.

“The Government then immediately ordered the testing of cadmium levels on all submarines, including operational boats.”

Cadmium has always been used in Collins Class Submarine electrical components to minimise corrosion, and is a well documented hazardous material.

The main risk to personnel is through inhalation of cadmium dust or vapour. The risk to personnel is mitigated by its use in areas of infrequent access, warning signs and good hygiene practices.

“Testing of a sample of ASC maintenance workers who were working on the submarines has now also been conducted,” Mr Combet said.

“ASC has tested 52 personnel. Results received thus far are all below the Australian defined limits.

“ASC has sent letters to all ASC subcontractors notifying them of the issue and providing a contact for any concerns they may have.”

More: Media Release | Image Gallery