Parliamentary Secretary for Defence - Parliamentary Secretary for Defence visits Army’s 1st Brigade

Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Darren Chester MP today visited the Australian Army’s 1st Brigade at Robertson Barracks, Darwin. 

Mr Chester began the visit with an overview of the Brigade Headquarters, before extensively touring Robertson Barracks and meeting some of the officers and soldiers of the 1st Combat Engineer Regiment as well as patients and medical staff of the Robertson Health Centre.

“Today I have had an opportunity to visit Robertson Barracks and learn a little more about what the Army's 1st Brigade does on a daily basis,” Mr Chester said. 

“I very much enjoyed meeting the talented and skilled men and women of the Brigade, and gaining an insight into the work of the Brigade’s Armoured, Cavalry, Infantry, Artillery, Engineering and Signals Regiments.

“I am aware that there are many members of the 1st Brigade currently on deployment in Afghanistan, and I wish them all a safe return.”

Brigadier John Frewen, Commander of the 1st Brigade, welcomed the Parliamentary Secretary taking an active interest in the Brigade.

“This visit was an excellent opportunity for Mr Chester to gain first-hand experience of Army life, and to showcase the Brigade’s many attributes and accomplishments,” Brigadier Frewen said.

“The 1st Brigade maintains a high tempo of training and readiness which contributes to our proficiency and capability as a Multi Role Brigade of the Australian Army.

“Our 3,400-strong team of military and civilian personnel located in Darwin, Adelaide and currently on Operation Slipper in the Middle East Area of Operations, all contribute to the Brigade’s success.”

Mr Chester’s visit to the 1st Brigade was his first as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Defence.

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