Kate Ellis (Adelaide, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Yesterday I had the great pleasure of attending Reserve Forces Day, which was held in my electorate at the Keswick Barracks. Reserve Forces Day aims both to raise the profile of Navy, Army and Air Force Reserves and to recognise the enormous contribution of past and present reservists. The South Australian event was a great success and was greatly enjoyed by all present, and it included an address by His Excellency the Governor-General. I congratulate the organisers of this event, particularly the chairman of the South Australian Reserve Forces Day Council, Barrie Newman, and add my personal recognition of the enormous efforts made by our reservists.

As I have previously mentioned in this parliament, a proposal is before the federal government to close a number of South Australian bases, including Keswick Barracks and Hampstead Barracks in my electorate. There are great concerns about the impact that such a move may have on the recruitment and retention of reservists. I reiterate my call to the Minister for Defence to conduct a formal study examining the consequences of any such cost-cutting measure, particularly the impacts on reserve numbers prior to any decision being made. I once more commend all those at the Keswick Barracks for their dedication and hard work and for a fantastic day.