Jane Prentice (Ryan, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I was honoured recently to address an assembly of secondary school children and teachers at the Australian Defence Force 2015 gap year launch hosted by Mitchelton State High School. With a 'try before you buy' mantra in mind, the Assistant Minister for Defence, Stuart Robert, offered student attendees at the launch the chance to view and interact with army equipment, including helicopters and our famous Bushmasters. Students also had the opportunity to meet serving defence personnel from the Gallipoli Barracks in my electorate, who were happy to share their stories and experiences.

The ADF Gap Year Program attracts government funding to the sum of $191.8 million dollars over the course of four years, allowing young Australian school leavers to experience military training and lifestyle whilst gaining new skills and pay over their gap year. The life skills and job training acquired during the gap year experience are invaluable to students regardless of the career they ultimately undertake. Completion of the program will, however, offer participants the chance to continue in the services or transfer their knowledge to the ADF Reserves.

I am delighted that the government has chosen to re-establish this initiative and believe it will help to deliver on the coalition's promise of stronger defence for Australia. If the enthusiasm of the students is anything to go by, I am looking forward to a strong uptake from the Ryan electorate.