Subject: Address to the Reserve Forces Day 2002 Dinner
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Date: Mon, 01 Jul 2002 13:45:51 +1000

Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence Media Mail List
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THE HON DANNA VALE MP
MINISTER FOR VETERANS AFFAIRS
MINISTER ASSISTING THE MINISTER FOR DEFENCE

ADDRESS TO THE RESERVE FORCES DAY 2002 DINNER

ACT

29 JUNE 2002
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Admiral Chris Barrie, Chief of the Defence Force

Chiefs of Navy, Army and Air Force

Mr Ron Cahill, Chairman of the ACT Reserve Forces Day Council

Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen.

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to join you here tonight for this celebration of Reserve Forces Day.

It is particularly pleasing to see that there is an active committee of the Reserve Forces Day Council in the ACT, and I acknowledge you for your efforts.  

I look forward to the Reserve Forces Day events both here in the ACT and elsewhere around Australia.

It is a priority for our Government to encourage every Australian to remember the sacrifices and achievements that our Defence force has made, and continues to make, to the security of Australia.

It is also very important to recognise the significant contribution that our Reservists have made to our nation's security.  

Australia's military Reserves pre-date Federation, when each of the Colonies maintained locally based volunteer militia.  

At our nation's Federation in 1901, Australia's Commonwealth Military Forces were formed.

Some 27,000 part-time sailors and soldiers from our six colonies joined together. 

And since Federation, Australia's volunteer military forces have seen service in every major conflict in which we have been involved.

As we are all aware, the global strategic environment has changed dramatically in recent years, especially since September 11.  

Changes that have seen an increasing need for nations to provide forces in support of peace or to provide humanitarian aid.   

In more recent times the War on Terror has added a further dimension to our strategic circumstances.

It is vital that Australia has an efficient and well-trained Defence Force, with the capability to respond to such a wide range of contingencies.

Australia's commitment to global security has been well demonstrated by operations in Cambodia, Somalia, Rwanda, Bougainville and East Timor.

Operations where the skills and qualifications of our Reservists have contributed significantly to force capability.

This is apart from the humanitarian assistance that the Defence Force, including Reservists, provided in Papua New Guinea following the destruction created by the Tsunami in 1998.

And we can not forget the commitment made by over 2,000 Reservists during the Sydney Olympic Games.

The Government will ensure that the Reserves continue to be a vital component of the Australian Defence Force.

Reservists are the most efficient way of providing sustainment and surge to Defence Force operations.  

As a consequence, the Government's 2000 Defence White Paper announced a number of initiatives.

Initiatives to enhance Reserve capability, providing over $20 million per year for ongoing Reserve Enhancements.

The Government has also amended Legislation governing the employment of Reserves.

Amended to allow the Government to call out the Reserves, in whole or in part, for operations ranging from war and peacekeeping, to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

The Defence Reserve Service (Protection) Act became operational on 19 April last year.

It now protects against discrimination and provides employment, education, bankruptcy and financial liability protection.  

This Act protects the jobs of Reservists, and supports their families and employers.

To assist employers, this Government has also introduced the Employer Support Payment Scheme.

A scheme to compensate employers when they release an employee for Reserve service.

Tonight also allows me the opportunity to express my thanks to employers, as the value of a supportive employer cannot be over emphasised.  

The Government recognises that employers are committed to their business enterprises.

And by releasing their employees for Reserve service, they lose the services of that valuable employee for that period.  

But when they return, the Reservist will have gained valuable skills such as teamwork, leadership and management.  

The employer should also realise that their contribution is important to our nation's defence efforts, a fact often not well understood.

One of the Government's other Reserve initiatives was the enhancement of the Defence Reserves Support Council.

The Council plays an important role in providing advice to Government and the Defence Force on Reserve matters.  

I would like at this point to acknowledge the establishment of the ACT Committee of the Defence Reserves Support Council and its inaugural Chairman, Mr Chris Peters.  

I am sure Chris that your extensive knowledge of the ACT Business and Industrial community will greatly enhance the bond between employers and the Defence Force in our nation's Capital.

And we should not forget those husbands and wives, partners, sons and daughters who are affected by their loved one's Reserve service.

Australia thanks you for your tireless support and contribution to this nation's security.

And most importantly, to all Reservists who have served and are still serving.

We remember that you have given the highest service.
Both in peace and war.

And that at times you have paid the ultimate sacrifice in the service of our nation.

We acknowledge that like your fathers, and grand fathers, and for many today, your great-grandfathers before you, you have stepped up to wear the uniform of the Commonwealth of Australia.

In deed, you too are playing your part in making Australia the mightiest little democracy in the world.

Be aware that, by your commitment and service, you continue to uphold the very foundations of nationhood which were forged at Gallipoli and on the Western Front.  These foundations were based on the values of courage, honour, endurance, sacrifice, mateship, and not the least, a great Aussie sense of humour.

Be aware that by your commitment and service, you take your lineage from our original Anzacs.  Never forget who you are are; never forget you are serving in the Defence of the Commonwealth; never forget you are Australian, and we are so very proud of you.

On behalf of the people of Australia, I salute you and wish all members of the Reserve forces, past and present, an enjoyable and memorable Reserve Forces Day celebration in 2002.

Thank you

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