The Defence Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade is conducting a new inquiry, focussing on important aspects of the Department of Defence Annual Report 2022–23.

Media release issue date: Friday, 24 November 2023

The Defence Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade is conducting a new inquiry, focussing on important aspects of the Department of Defence Annual Report 2022–23. Key themes of the inquiry’s focus include: Assistance to Ukraine Defence Health System Capability Assurance Mechanism Artificial Intelligence and Autonomous Weapons related issues Armaments manufacture, procurement, and inventory Other issues as communicated to Defence. Chair of the Subcommittee, Mr Julian Hill MP, explained “the Committee has decided to exercise its oversight powers and conduct a public review of the Department of Defence Annual Report 2022–23. “Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022 was the most significant hostile act against a European country since the end of World War II. The international community of NATO and non-NATO contributors, including Australia, are continuing to aid Ukraine’s efforts in its fight to retain its sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Subcommittee is interested in examining Australia’s response to this crisis; specifically, the facilitation of military aid focussed on platforms, munitions, and the contribution to Operation Kudu which is the ADF commitment to the training of armed forces of Ukraine recruits in the United Kingdom. “A comprehensive and well-equipped health care system for our serving personnel remains a critical enabler to ensure the ADF’s warfighting preparedness. Defence is currently undergoing structural change based on the force posture requirements as detailed within the Defence Strategic Review. This is occurring at a time of significant workforce challenges, and it is through this lens that the Subcommittee is interested in analysing Defence’s approach to health care, considering the recent report by the Auditor-General and current performance issues. The focus for this line of inquiry will include the general architecture of its uniformed and contracted health related capabilities, supporting both current personnel and the recruitment function, and the interrelationship with external providers. “It is imperative that Defence can effectively identify and manage the complexities associated with material procurement and sustainment including the acceptance of new capability into service. The Subcommittee is interested in reviewing Defence’s approach to capability assurance including ‘test and evaluation’ and how that impacts and informs accountability and risk identification considering case studies to identify potential systemic issues for attention. “Artificial Intelligence and Autonomous Weapons have an ever-increasing role within militaries worldwide. From systems capable of predictive analysis, to platforms that can prosecute targets without human intervention, careful consideration is warranted as Defence continues to evolve its capabilities by integrating emerging technologies. The Subcommittee is interested in examining the role of Artificial Intelligence and Autonomous Weapons within the ADF and the requisite policy settings that need to account for and address relevant moral, legal, ethical, and regulatory matters within Australia and internationally. This may be informed by a case study to be identified. “The Defence Strategic Review references the importance that Australia possesses a diverse array of munitions capable of long-range strike across the Sea, Land, and Air domains. The Government has announced plans for the rapid procurement of High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems and Precision Strike Missiles, as well as the creation of a newly appointed Head of Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance. The Subcommittee is interested in examining the plans and process for the acquisition of specific munitions from coalition partners, the requirements to enable domestic manufacturing and storage, and the comparison of current stock holdings vice what is required during high intensity conflict”. The Subcommittee is now inviting written submissions by Monday, 5 February 2024. Media inquiries Laura Hooper, office of Julian Hill, MP (Member for Bruce; Chair, Defence Subcommittee) Ph: 0422 851 127 For background information Committee Secretariat Ph: 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track this Committee’ button in the bottom right-hand corner of the page.

The Defence Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade has completed its examination on the Department of Defence Annual Report 2021–22. The examination focused on themes of Defence workforce recruiting and retention, Defence support to domestic crises, Space Command and capability and other issues as communicated to Defence.

Media release issue date: Thursday, 14 September 2023

The Defence Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade has completed its examination on the Department of Defence Annual Report 2021–22. The examination focused on themes of Defence workforce recruiting and retention, Defence support to domestic crises, Space Command and capability and other issues as communicated to Defence. Defence Subcommittee Chair, Mr Julian Hill MP, explained the Committee had found the “near-persistent” requirement for Defence to respond to domestic crises was unsustainable and had created concurrency pressures that would soon degrade the Australian Defence Force (ADF)’s warfighting capabilities. “Over 50% of Defence members have been assigned to domestic disaster relief tasks in recent years. “The climate is changing, and State and Territory Governments need to lift their collective game in building resilience and resourcing natural disaster responses. “The ADF cannot continue to be seen as some sort of ‘shadow workforce’, especially in circumstances where certain States or Territories have not adequately resourced and increased their own capabilities, and community resilience and responses.” Concerns were also raised regarding Defence’s response to date to the Inspector-General of the Australian Defence Force Afghanistan Inquiry (IGADFAI), particularly around difficulties and delays in accessing and making redress to Afghan victims and their families. The Committee has recommended improvements to how Defence addresses these issues. More broadly, regarding the long shadow of Afghanistan on the Special Air Services Regiment, Mr Hill said it was “time to draw a line in the sand and rebalance our national conversation about this period. “The events of concern occurred well over a decade ago, yet public discourse and some media reporting in relation to these events has implicitly and wrongly conflated the past and the present. “The rightful acceptance of institutional and collective responsibility for cultural failings, and the process of holding individuals to account, must not be allowed to tar the reputations of the majority of those who served then and who serve today. “As a society, Australia risks repeating another Vietnam and callously increasing Veteran suicide if we lose perspective and balance in how these matters are reported and discussed.” Defence’s continued underperformance in meeting recruitment and retention targets also concerned the Committee, with personnel 5.6% below guidance from the last financial year. 42 workforce categories and occupations were classified as critical by Defence in 2023, an increase of 18 from 2022. “While acknowledging Defence is taking this seriously and that it is difficult to address in the current strong labour market, the slide in the ADF’s numbers and growth in critical skills shortage areas must not continue,” Mr Hill said. “If more needs to be done, then more must be done as skilled people are the ADF’s most important fundamental input to capability.” The Committee visited several bases during its investigation, noting critical infrastructure upgrades at remote airbases and bare bases had been neglected. Committee members were particularly disturbed at the state of disrepair while visiting the pier supporting diesel refuelling of the Harold E Holt Naval Communication Station. “The old adage ‘prevention is better than cure’ seems to have been ignored, and urgent action is required within the next few months as this is a critical capability for Australia and the United States,” Mr Hill said. Australia’s Space Command and capability in relation to warfighting domains was also examined, with the Committee making several recommendations regarding how Australia could best position itself as technology and competition continues to rapidly evolve. Further information in relation to the inquiry and a full list of its recommendations is available from the JSCFADT’s website. Media inquiries Patrick Lee, office of Julian Hill MP (Member for Bruce; Chair, Defence Sub-committee) Email: patrick.lee@aph.gov.au For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au

On 20 June 2023, the Defence Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will conduct its fourth and final public hearing in support of its inquiry into the Department of Defence Annual Report 2021–22.

Media release issue date: Tuesday, 20 June 2023

On 20 June 2023, the Defence Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will conduct its fourth and final public hearing in support of its inquiry into the Department of Defence Annual Report 2021–22. The Subcommittee will hear evidence from the Department of Defence on the inquiry’s second focus item: Space Command and capability. Chair of the Subcommittee, Mr Julian Hill MP, explained “Like cyber, space is both a warfighting domain as well as a key enabler for military operations in other land, air, sea, and cyber-space. Space is also critical to the functioning of modern societies and economies. “The Department of Defence will have a chance to respond to leading experts who have critiqued Australia’s approach to Space-based operations. Australian Space Command is in its infancy, just 18 months old, and the Subcommittee is exploring its evolving role and mandate, relationship and interoperability with coalition partners, Defence’s space-based operations, and approach towards capability realisation in light of the Defence Strategic Review. “The Subcommittee will hear how Defence is readying itself for the ever-changing operating environment in this increasingly contested, important, and emerging domain. Further information is available on the inquiry webpage. Media inquiries Patrick Lee, office of Julian Hill, MP (Member for Bruce; Chair, Defence Subcommittee) Ph: 03 9791 7770 For background information Committee Secretariat Ph: 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right-hand corner of the page.

On 13 Jun 2023, the Defence Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will conduct its third public hearing in support of its inquiry into the Department of Defence Annual Report 2021–22.

Media release issue date: Tuesday, 13 June 2023

On 13 Jun 2023, the Defence Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will conduct its third public hearing in support of its inquiry into the Department of Defence Annual Report 2021–22. The Subcommittee will hear evidence from an academic panel as well as the Department of Defence on the inquiry’s third focus item: Support to domestic crisis. Chair of the Subcommittee, Mr Julian Hill MP, explained “In recent years Defence has been used increasingly as part of national responses to domestic crises. Recent examples include support to the COVID-19 pandemic, and numerous floods and bushfire events. “The Subcommittee will hear how this seemingly near persistent requirement is impacting the organisation from a preparation, training, and capability perspective, as well as reviewing current policy and approaches to resourcing. “Leading experts and senior Defence representatives will publicly share their views on this important matter which will also provide useful context as respective authors consider the 2024 National Defence Strategy.” Further information is available on the inquiry webpage. Media inquiries Patrick Lee, office of Julian Hill, MP (Member for Bruce; Chair, Defence Subcommittee) Ph: 03 9791 7770 For background information Committee Secretariat Ph: 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right-hand corner of the page.

The Defence Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will conduct its second public hearing in support of its inquiry into the Department of Defence Annual Report 2021–22.

Media release issue date: Tuesday, 30 May 2023

On 30 May 2023, the Defence Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will conduct its second public hearing in support of its inquiry into the Department of Defence Annual Report 2021–22. The Subcommittee will hear evidence from an academic panel on the inquiry’s second focus item: Space Command and capability. Witnesses will also be invited to contribute to Defence workforce recruiting and retention issues. Chair of the Subcommittee, Mr Julian Hill MP, explained “Space is now a contested domain. Defence must be able to rapidly adapt to the ever-changing operating environment as well as ready itself for future competition and conflict. “Leading experts will publicly share their views on Australian Space Command’s relationship and interoperability with coalition partners, its evolving mandate, space-based operations, and its approach towards capability realisation in light of the Defence Strategic Review.” Further information is available on the inquiry webpage. Media inquiries Patrick Lee, office of Julian Hill, MP (Member for Bruce; Chair, Defence Subcommittee) Ph: 03 9791 7770 For background information Committee Secretariat Ph: 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track this Committee’ button in the bottom right-hand corner of the page.

On 23 May 23, the Defence Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will conduct its first public hearing in support of its inquiry into the Department of Defence Annual Report 2021–22.

Media release issue date: Tuesday, 23 May 2023

On 23 May 2023, the Defence Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will conduct its first public hearing in support of its inquiry into the Department of Defence Annual Report 2021–22. The Subcommittee will hear evidence from the Department of Defence on the inquiry’s first focus item: workforce recruiting and retention. Chair of the Subcommittee, Mr Julian Hill MP, explained “Defence personnel remains the greatest capability for the defence of Australia and its national interests. Defence’s approach to workforce planning, inclusive of specific recruiting and retention initiatives will be publicly examined. “Frankly, in recent years, targets for annual net growth of the ADF have not been met. Workforce planning makes clear the scale of the challenge in key technical areas especially. “Stemming the loss of key talent while also attracting new recruits is of critical importance given the recently released Defence Strategic Review and deteriorating strategic circumstances. A strong economy always provides a tough environment for Defence to keep and recruit people. “Public hearings are an important method of parliamentary scrutiny and senior departmental representatives will appear.” Further information is available on the inquiry webpage. Media inquiries Patrick Lee, office of Julian Hill, MP (Member for Bruce; Chair, Defence Subcommittee) Ph: 03 9791 7770 For background information Committee Secretariat Ph: 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track this Committee’ button in the bottom right-hand corner of the page.