Minister for Defence Materiel and Science - Queenslanders follow Anzac tradition

Minister for Defence Materiel and Science, the Hon Mal Brough MP, today met 29 of Queensland’s newest Army recruits at their Public Enlistment Ceremony at Brisbane’s ANZAC Square.

Minister Brough said that in joining the Australian Army these men and women will build on the heritage of service, mateship and sacrifice of previous generations who served before them.

“The Australian Defence Force will prepare them to respond to the variety of situations where the ADF may be deployed, from combat situations to peacekeeping and natural disaster relief efforts,” he said.

“The Australian Defence Force offers aspiring candidates careers that are diverse, valued and rewarding. As a former member of the Australian Army myself, I wish each of them all the best in their careers.”

The new recruits will start careers in a range of roles, including as combat engineers, artillery observers, commandos, riflemen, combat medical attendants, administration clerks and drivers.

Recruits will farewell their families before departing for Basic Training at the Army Recruit Training Centre at Kapooka, near Wagga Wagga in New South Wales.

Minister Brough also joined academic, business and community leaders to officially open Brisbane’s new Defence Force Recruiting Centre.

“Queenslanders are seeking out ADF careers in greater numbers than any other state, with the Sunshine State representing 37% of full-time nationwide enlistments,” Minister Brough said.

Brisbane accounts for a high proportion of these enlistments and the recruitment centre is one of six in the state, with others located in Cairns, Townsville, Toowoomba, Gold Coast, and Maroochydore.

More information: www.defencejobs.gov.au

Media note:

Imagery will be available through the Defence Image Library: http://images.defence.gov.au/S20153006

Media contacts:

Chloe Petch (Minister Brough’s Office) 0477 395 356

Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999