Australia Extends Availability of Reserves (Dec. 22)
;The Minister for Defence, John Moore, today announced that the operational availability of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) Reserves will be extended through changes to legislation.
Amendments to the Defence Act and other legislation will enable call-out of Reserve forces for continuous, full-time service, in roles that include combat, peace enforcement and keeping, humanitarian, civil aid and disaster relief.
"As well as extending the operational availability of the Reserves, the Government intends to provide adequate protection measures for both Reservists and their employers. The Government will consider proposals for these measures in the New Year," Mr Moore said.
"We are committed to ensuring better protection for Reservists and their employers under Defence legislation. The dedicated Australians who give up their time to serve in the Reserves are trained to high standards and at considerable taxpayer expense. Most Reservists have indicated a genuine willingness to play a more direct role in ADF operations."
"The changes announced today by the Government are part of a major effort to modernise the organisation and structure of the Reserve component of the ADF."
Mr Moore said that Australia's involvement in the successful INTERFET operation in East Timor had provided lessons for the ADF.
"Our substantial commitment of personnel to INTERFET has highlighted areas where improvements can be made to the ADF's capacity to meet a wide range of possible future operations.
"One major deficiency in the current legislation - the Defence Act 1903 - provides for call-out of Reservists only in direct defence of Australia's territorial integrity. This restricts the flexibility of the ADF to meet peacekeeping and other international roles that Australia could be asked to fulfill.
"The changes to be legislated will enable the Australian Government to be confident that Reservists will not only be permitted to perform a broad range of duties but will be available for a useful period of service."
Mr Moore said that a number of major employers in the public and private sectors had demonstrated a willingness to assist Reservists to serve in East Timor and he thanked them for their support of Australia's role in INTERFET.
Legislation to be amended to extend options available to Government for using Reservists is the Defence Act 1903, Naval Defence Act 1910 and the Air Force Act 1923. The Defence Re-Establishment Act 1965 will be amended to provide appropriate protection to Reservists and employers.
