Rowan Ramsey (Grey, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

For a very long time, the Australian Army Cadets have been a force for good amongst our youth populations and a source of recruits for our defence forces. So it was with great disappointment that I heard the news last year that the heavy cuts to Defence had resulted in Defence cutting support for Army Cadets. I have a petition to present to the House.

The petition read as follows—

TO THE HONOURABLE THE SPEAKER AND MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

This petition of Supporters of Australian Defence Force Cadets

Draws to the attention of the House: Budget Cuts to Army Cadet Programs and Air Force Cadet Units Facing Possible Closure.

We therefore ask the House to: Reinstate the full cadet force allowance and programs.

We support most strongly, the facilitation of important training to the cadets and future members of the Australian Defence Force.

from 21 citizens.

Petition received.

Mr Deputy Speaker, I can tell you and the Australian people that over 600 people from the electorate of Grey have signed this petition. Unfortunately, owing to clerical error after the first page, only 21 meet the Petitions Committee's strict criteria, but I can assure you that there were 600. It was organised by Gayle Ganley from Jamestown, where there is a cadets unit. The cuts have meant that many have been unable to attend as many camps or as much leadership training as they have been able to do in the past. In the electorate of Grey there are cadet units in Kadina, Port Lincoln, Port August, Port Pirie and Whyalla, and Peterborough cadets travel to Clare. (Time expired)

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