Hosted by Deputy Chief of Army Major General Natasha Fox and Deputy Secretary Defence People Group Justine Greig, the inaugural Defence People Symposium was held on 29 and 30 June, with the theme ‘Harnessing the best of Australia’s talent together’.
Held in the Plaza Ballroom of Brisbane’s Convention and Entertainment Centre (BCEC), the two-day event attracted no fewer than 660 people who attended in person and a further 500 who joined from across Australia via a live video stream.
In her welcome address, MAJGEN Fox noted that Defence was undergoing significant recapitalisation due to changing strategic circumstances. “Defending Australia and assuring our national interests in an era marked by strategic complexity which has not been seen for generations is a great challenge,” she said. “And it’s a challenge that can only really be addressed by people.”
The opening address of the symposium was delivered by Minister for Veterans' Affairs Matt Keogh, who said he accepts the responsibility of ensuring Defence has the people it needs and, when the time comes, they successfully transition to retirement or other employment. “I do not take that responsibility lightly, because our people are the most important sovereign capability we have. I and the Albanese Government are focussed on policies and initiatives that will provide better outcomes for Defence personnel and the families,” Keogh told delegates.
The proceedings of the first day were focussed on the challenges faced by Defence in the recruitment and retention of the skilled personnel needed for a modern defence force. Recruitment in particular was the subject of a number of presentations, noting the tight labour market Australia is already facing.
DEPSEC Greig noted in her address that Defence has experienced an increasing separation rate over the last 12 months, which currently stands at 10.9 percent for the ADF personnel and 14.6 per cent in the Australian Public Service. “That is well out of what we know as our normal experience,” she said. “We are currently working on a range of retention initiatives.”
DEPSEC Greig also noted that the total defence workforce currently stands at over 100,000 people, but will need to grow by a further 18,500 people by 2040.
In his presentation, Head of the Nuclear Submarine Task Force Vice Admiral Jonathan Mead noted the challenges Australia is facing with the training of adequate numbers of skilled personnel to build, operate and sustain the new submarines the government is pursuing and develop what he termed a ‘nuclear mindset’. “Establishing a nuclear-powered submarine enterprise is not a ‘business as usual’ program, it is not just another Defence capability project,” VADM Mead said. “This nuclear mindset is an intangible set of qualities and principles that shape the way we think, act and learn. It is about individual responsibility, it is an unwavering commitment to security, safety and stewardship of nuclear propulsion technology. It is non-negotiable and must be at the centre of everything we do.”
The second day of the symposium largely focussed on the wellbeing of serving members, veterans and their families and included presentations from the Secretary of the Department of Veterans' Affairs Liz Cosson and CEO of the Gallipoli Medical Research Foundation Miriam Dwyer. Liz Cosson’s address provided insights into the work DVA is currently doing in support of veterans and their families, which includes the employment of 500 additional staff members; and Miriam Dwyer presented an interesting study into how serving members wishing to transition to civilian life can be helped by a simple questionnaire, which will indicate areas where the individual may need support.
A more detailed report of the Defence People Symposium will appear in the September issue of ADM.
