Assistant Minister for Defence - Stuart Robert MP visits Land Systems Headquarters and Defence Vehicle Proving Ground

Assistant Minister for Defence Stuart Robert MP has visited Melbourne where he met with senior Defence Materiel Organisation personnel at the historic Victoria Barracks.

On his first official visit to Land Systems Division, Mr Robert received key briefings on the status of land projects and sustainment fleets.

Mr Robert also visited the Monegeetta Vehicle Proving Ground in country Victoria, to inspect test facilities and view the evaluation of a range of equipment, where the Land Engineering Agency has been providing technical support and expertise to the Australian Defence Force for over 70 years.

“Land Systems Division plays a key role in ensuring everything from vehicles and tanks to clothing and boots are delivered to the Australian Defence Force," Mr Robert said.

"The visit was an opportunity to see the excellent work being done to support our ADF personnel, both in terms of acquiring new equipment as well as supporting and improving existing equipment."

Home to some of the Australian Defence Force’s most iconic land materiel such as the Thales Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicle and newly introduced into service Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon, Land Systems has a combined sustainment and acquisition budget of $1.17 billion in the 2013/2014 financial year.

During his visit, Mr Robert spent time speaking directly with staff to deepen his understanding of the work the Division performs and the challenges it faces in supporting the Australian Defence Force.

Media contacts:

Richard Briedis (Minister Robert's Office): 0477 391 174

Defence Media Operations: (02) 6127 1999