The Minister for Defence, the Hon. Joel Fitzgibbon MP, today launched the Defence White Paper Community Consultation Program and released a public discussion paper ‘Key Questions for Defence in the 21st Century’ during an event at Parliament House. "The Community Consultation Program is an important part of the White Paper development process. As I have said previously, building stronger community interest in the future of Defence is a priority for the new Government and this program will give the Australian community the chance to have its say in the role of our Defence Force."

"As a key component of this program, the public discussion paper will help us to generate ideas and expand the public debate about Defence and security that is so essential to the White Paper process. The paper will inform and encourage discussion among interested members of the general public as well as the wider Defence community, and will also encourage consideration of the many facets of Defence business and more general Defence policy."

"The Community Consultation Program will include opportunities for public contribution during open meetings in major capital cities and key regional centres across the country. In addition to the community consultation activities, there will also be separate opportunities for dialogue between the panel and State and Territory politicians, industry representatives and Defence analysts and commentators."

During the event the Minister also announced the remaining members of the Community Consultation Panel who will manage the consultation program. "I am very pleased to announce the appointment of Rear Admiral Simon Harrington (Retd), Professor Tanya Monro and Mr Peter Collins to join Chair Mr Stephen Loosley and Deputy Chair Mr Arthur Sinodinos as members of the Defence White Paper Community Consultation Panel. Together, Rear Admiral Harrington, Professor Monro and Mr Collins will bring a wealth of experience to the program with professional backgrounds in the military, business, science, research, legal and political sectors." Mr Fitzgibbon said.

A copy of the public discussion paper, program of consultation activities and biographical details for panel members can be accessed via: www.defence.gov.au/whitepaper