The Minister for Defence, John Moore, today announced that an unprecedented public consultation process on defence and security issues would be held prior to the release of the Defence White Paper later this year.
The Government will release a Public Discussion Paper on Defence on Tuesday 27th June, as part of the community consultation process to develop the White Paper.
"This paper will outline the key questions and options facing our future defence needs so that the public can have an input into, and better understanding of, issues the Government must make decisions about," Mr Moore said.
As part of that process, the Public Discussion Paper will consider:
**Australia's current and future strategic environment and interests; ** The reform process and efficiency within Defence; ** Current capabilities and the technological options for future planning, and; ** Options for capability development over the next 15 years.
In order to obtain public feedback on the discussion paper, the Government will also appoint a high level, Community Consultation Team (CCT), chaired by The Hon. Andrew Peacock, and including David MacGibbon, Stephen Loosely and Major General Adrian Clunies-Ross (retired), Chair of the RSL's Defence Committee.
The CCT will identify and consolidate key elements of the community response to issues raised in the Discussion Paper, and produce a report that will provide a valuable resource for Government during the development of the Policy Statement.
The Community Consultation Team will consult extensively with a wide range of Australians from industry, academic and community groups, as well as other individuals who might not usually be part of the Defence community.
"Given the high level of public interest in the East Timor deployment, it is appropriate to encourage a broader discussion within the community on defence and security issues," said Mr Moore. "Going directly to the Australian public will extend the discussion beyond a small group of Defence specialists. A wide-ranging debate, within the parameters of financial and strategic realities, will be encouraged."
An in-depth review of our nation's Defence policy has not been carried out since the mid-1980s. It is timely for the Government to update the way Australia defines the future role, structure and capability of the Australian Defence Force (ADF)," Mr Moore said.
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Minister Announces Public Consultation Process on Defence
