The 2008 Defence White Paper

and the Reserves

Major General Jim Barry AM MBE RFD ED (Retd)

National DRA President

DEFENCE RESERVES ASSOCIATION2008 ANNUAL CONFERENCE

Conference Keynote Speaker

DEFENCE RESERVES ASSOCIATION2008 ANNUAL CONFERENCE

The Hon Joel Fitzgibbon MP

Conference Keynote Speaker

DEFENCE RESERVES ASSOCIATION2008 ANNUAL CONFERENCE

The Hon Bob Baldwin MP

EVOLVING THEME

EVOLVING THEME

• Enhance Defence Capability

• Better use of Reserve Forces on ADF operations

• Continue integrated development of RAN and RAAF Reserves

• Restructure Army Reserve Units to suit new roles

• Optimise Reserve conditions of service

BACKGROUND BACKGROUND

• 100 years of volunteerism, service and volunteer forces

• World War 1 conscription debate

• World War 2 mobilisation

• Post World War 2 status of overseas service

• First and Second National Service Schemes

• Decline in strengths post-Vietnam

• Successive reorganisations

• Outsourcing of logistics

• Low priority of Reserves

IMPACT OF EAST TIMORIMPACT OF EAST TIMOR

• Catalyst for change

• 2000 Defence White Paper

• Surge in defence spending and capability enhancement

• Rebirth of Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO)

• Pledge of 3% per annum real growth to FY 2017/18

RESERVE DEVELOPMENTSRESERVE DEVELOPMENTS

• Callout legislation in 2001

• Need for Reserve capability

• Generational change

• Use of Reserves for stabilisation operations, non combat operations, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief

• Reconstruction phase of operations

• Need to identify and record Reservists’ civilian skills

POTENTIAL RESERVE CAPABILITIES

POTENTIAL RESERVE CAPABILITIES

• Ports and terminals• Mine clearance• Logistics• Medical and health services• CIMIC• Air defence• Specialist engineers• Airfield support• Air traffic control

CURRENT REVIEWS AND ISSUES

CURRENT REVIEWS AND ISSUES

• ASPI Reserves Study

• Protection review

• Superannuation

• Reserves capability

DRA ISSUESDRA ISSUES

• Quarantine funding• Plan High Readiness and Active Reserve capabilities• Restructure Reserve units• Equipment of Reserve units• Conditions of Service including

modern workplace remuneration system annual part time contracts superannuation better protection for students pay and conditions equivalent to Permanent Forces sunset clause for tax free pay

• Recognition of civil trades and qualifications• Greater use of civilian skills

•

WAY FORWARDWAY FORWARD

• Enhance ADF Capability

• Equity for Reservists

• A truly integrated ADF

• Input into 2008 Defence White Paper

QUESTIONS

DEFENCE RESERVES ASSOCIATION

2008 ANNUAL CONFERENCE

DEFENCE RESERVES ASSOCIATION

2008 ANNUAL CONFERENCE