Parliamentarians 'called to arms' with ADF

The 2013 Australian Defence Force Parliamentary Program (ADFPP) has been launched at Parliament House by Parliamentary Secretary for Defence, Senator David Feeney.

First started in 2001, ADFPP gives Members of Parliament firsthand experience into what it is like to serve in the Australian Defence Force (ADF), by living and working with members of the ADF.

Senator Feeney said the program gave MPs a rare insight into the ADF, helping them to make informed decisions regarding the ADF.

“The ADFPP provides an invaluable opportunity for Parliamentarians to improve their understanding of defence capabilities, personnel and management issues,” Senator Feeney said.

“Whether it’s on the front line with the crew of an Anzac frigate intercepting smugglers in the Gulf of Aden, undertaking specialist training in the jungle of Papua New Guinea with Army’s Black Hawk pilots, or on the flight deck of a giant C-17 Globemaster transport aircraft at RAAF Base Amberley, Parliamentarians can see firsthand the important work of all three services.

“I am a strong supporter of this program because it’s a great opportunity for MPs to mix with the men and women of our ADF and to hear what they think, one-on-one.”

Vice Chief of the Defence Force, Air Marshal Mark Binskin was also at the launch.

“This program is a great opportunity to further build understanding and relationships between Parliamentarians and the men and women of the ADF. Parliamentarians are offered a number of ADF ‘attachment’ options each year, mainly during the autumn and winter parliamentary recess periods,” AIRMSHL Binskin said.

“The attachments range from 5-10 days and it’s a chance for Parliamentarians to see the highly capable men and women of the ADF at work around Australia and on operations overseas.”

The program has proven popular with many MPs from all political parties. Over the last five years 88 MPs have undertaken more than 140 attachment options.

The ADFPP also includes exchange opportunities for selected ADF members to spend time in Parliamentarians’ offices.