A parliamentarian
will get up-close and personal with some of the Army's heaviest
hitters this week, during the first attachment of the ADF
Parliamentary Program, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister
for Defence, Senator Sandy Macdonald said today. "The
ADF Parliamentary Program provides a unique opportunity for
parliamentarians to gain a more informed appreciation of the
Australian Defence Force (ADF), giving them a taste of what
it is like to serve in the ADF," Senator Macdonald said.
"The program also provides for an exchange of ADF members,
who will spend time in a MP or Senator's office during a parliamentary
sitting week in August," he said. "Parliamentarians
are able to spend time with Defence personnel in the field,
allowing them greater insight into the conditions of service
and to gain an understanding of the current responsibilities
of the ADF, while ADF members have the opportunity to understand
how a political office operates.
"This week, Mr Bernie Ripoll will view Army personnel,
tanks and Light Armoured Vehicles (ASLAVs) in realistic training
situations, including live
firing and range shooting practice at the Combat Arms Training
Centre at Puckapunyal in Victoria." Eighteen different
attachment options are programmed for this year with more
than 25 MPs and Senators applying to take part. Attachments
include deployment on board Navy ships both around Australia
and overseas, training at the Combat Arms Training Centre
and assisting remote Aboriginal communities through the Army
Aboriginal Community Assistance Program (AACAP).
"In gaining this type of experience, parliamentarians
will be able to contribute to debate on Defence and National
Security issues in a more
informed manner," Senator Macdonald said. Around 50 parliamentarians
have taken part in this program since 2001.