Assistant Minister for Defence Tours Tassie

Assistant Minister for Defence Stuart Robert and Federal Member for Bass Andrew Nikolic today visited important Defence and research establishments in Northern Tasmanian to gain a better insight into the significant work undertaken to support the Australian Defence Force (ADF).

As part of the visit Minister Robert and Mr Nikolic visited the Defence Science and Technology Organisation’s (DSTO) Scottsdale nutrition research laboratory.

“The work carried out at DSTO Scottsdale focuses on food technology research in support of the Defence Force’s current operational requirements and nutritional research for future Defence needs,” Mr Robert said.

“Given that an army marches on its stomach, the work done here at DSTO Scottsdale in the areas of food and nutrition science and in specialised food production provides a significant contribution towards the future capability of the ADF.”

DSTO Scottsdale produces a range of freeze-dried meals used in the ADF's reduced weight ration packs, as well as freeze-dried rice sachets for a wider range of ADF ration packs.

Last year DSTO Scottsdale produced approximately 80,000 freeze dried meals and 175,000 freeze dried rice sachets.

Federal Member for Bass, Andrew Nikolic, said the day-long visit provided an excellent opportunity to showcase the potential of Tasmania.

“Today’s visit was most valuable in demonstrating Tasmania’s potential as a leading food research and production location,” Mr Nikolic said.

In Launceston, Mr Robert and Mr Nikolic also visited the Centre for Food Innovation at the University of Tasmania.

The centre has a strategic alliance with DSTO and CSIRO to increase research and development capacity for innovative food production aimed at both Defence and civilian applications.

Minister Robert and Mr Nikolic also visited the Australian Maritime College, which collaborates with DSTO on hydrodynamics research, before visiting Paterson Barracks where they were briefed on the current training and operations of the 6/13 Light Battery.

Media contacts:

Richard Briedis (Minister Robert’s office) 0477 391 174

Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999