Shayne Neumann (Blair, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Veterans' Affairs and Defence Personnel) Share this | Hansard source

I'm pleased to rise to support this motion. I want to thank the women in the Australian Defence Force, including those in Air Force and Army units based at RAAF Base Amberley, for their contribution to the defence of our nation and the contribution they make to the Ipswich community.

Just as Labor celebrates the contribution of women to Australian society more broadly, we also acknowledge the outstanding contribution made by women in the Australian Defence Force, from the Air Force to the Army to the Navy, from those who serve on the front line to those who serve at the home front, and our defence partners and families in the wider defence community. Women have made an invaluable contribution to Australia's military history: from conflicts in the First and Second World Wars through to contemporary service in Afghanistan and Iraq, on the front line in medical specialisations, and in critical support and non-combat roles where they ensure our fighting forces can be the best they can. They have served, and continue to serve, with distinction, courage and selfless dedication. They do us proud. While we need to acknowledge there have been issues around the treatment of women in the ADF over the years, we must also recognise the significant cultural change in recent years, such as through initiatives like the Pathway to Change reform program established by the former Labor government. Today's ADF is a much more diverse, inclusive and egalitarian organisation that aims to recruit and retain women who can support Defence to better reflect the community it serves. Just as in other spheres of society, it is pleasing to see that women today are participating more and more in defence life and getting the recognition they so deserve. Women represent about 18 per cent of the ADF, up from 13 per cent in the early 2000s. While historically women were excluded from most military roles outside of nursing, there's been expansion of the role of women in all aspects of service, so that now females can serve in any capacity. These are great achievements and we have made tremendous progress in this country.

We know Defence is having trouble sustaining this growth and meeting its female recruitment targets, so we can't afford to be complacent. Labor is calling on the government to do more to boost the number of women in the ranks, so that the ADF can attract the widest available talent and be more representative of Australian society.

We know service in the defence of our country touches the lives of many—not only those who serve but those who know them: their family, friends and colleagues. We should recognise the particular burden faced by Australian women who, for more than 100 years, maintained families while their partners have been deployed and who have supported the health of those partners when they have returned and have suffered from their loss, whether as partners, mothers or sisters. It's important to acknowledge the nature of military service and the sacrifice demanded of all who commit to serve in the ADF and their partners and families. To that end, I welcome the establishment of a new Council for Women and Families United by Defence Service and chaired by BAE Systems Australia Chief Executive Officer and Army veteran Gabby Costigan.

Labor knows well that the needs of women and families that are affected by defence service are not always understood or visible to the community and that their voices are not always heard when it comes to discussions about support and assistance. That's why we took to the last election a policy for a national family engagement and support strategy to better engage and support families who experience mental health and other issues both pre- and post-military service. We need to better understand the service and sacrifice of women who have either served in the ADF themselves or been impacted by the service of a loved one. This is something the Productivity Commission highlighted in its recent inquiry into veteran support systems, and it's something Labor fully supports. In addition to the council, related initiatives—such as the Honouring Women United by Defence Service event, which I was delighted to attend here in Parliament House in August—are another way to celebrate and pay tribute to the wonderful women who have given their all for their country for over a century.

Labor wants to work together with the government and adopt a bipartisan approach and, with other groups, help deliver better outcomes for women in the ADF. And Labor wants to deliver better services and support for women and families impacted by defence service.

I want to take this opportunity to congratulate, honour and acknowledge all women who have contributed to the defence of Australia and whose lives have been impacted by defence service. I thank the member for the motion and commend it to the chamber. I want to particularly thank Lieutenant Colonel Megan Olding who heads the Joint Logistics Unit at the South Queensland RAAF Base Amberley, who leads that unit with distinction, and who helped host me at the ADF Parliamentary Program in July this year.

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