ADM Congress 2020

Last week BCT attended the ADM Congress 2020. It was great to hear from speakers, LTGEN Rick Burr, Marcus Hellyer from ASPI and Vice Admiral Michael Noonan.

LTGEN Rick Burr recognised the importance of the reserves in their readiness and capability of the Australian Defence Force, which was demonstrated in response to the bushfires. The bushfires provided a unique opportunity to validate the capacity and capability of the reserve units. He also spoke about how Defence is renewing its focus on ensuring sovereign industry capability in the face of increasing instability within the Indo-Pacific.

Vice Admiral Michael Noonan acknowledged the Navy is in transition and will be for the next 50-60 years. They are focused on ensuring the successful sustainment of existing capabilities through modernisation as well as introducing new capabilities. He pointed out that submarine capability is in great shape with most platforms already operational, a strong submariner work force and a very low separation rate. Navy is striving to maximise AIC, overcoming skill shortages.

Marcus Hellyer from ASPI spoke on the Defence budget, which is increasing and getting close to 2% of GDP. He noted, that the Government has been delivering on the DWP 2016 funding and is forecast to continue beyond 2021 even with increasing costs.