Page 48 - Australian Defence Magazine Sep-Oct 2022

48 DEFENCE BUSINESS PEOPLE
SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2022 | WWW.AUSTRALIANDEFENCE.COM.AU
VADM Mead noted that Australia will be the first non- nuclear weapons state to have a nuclear propulsion pro- gram. “That brings with it unprecedented responsibilities to steward, protect and operate this capability safely and in a manner that upholds our obligations under the non- proliferation treaty,” he said.
Adding to the challenges Australia is facing with the training of adequate numbers of skilled personnel to build, operate and sustain the new submarines, VADM Mead said Australia needs to develop what he called a ‘nuclear mind- set’. “Establishing a nuclear-powered submarine enterprise is not a ‘business as usual’ program, it is not just another Defence capability project,” he said. “This nuclear mindset
tors that lead to a mentally healthy transition, specifically from a cultural and psychological perspective.
“We wanted to determine the factors that led to an ef- fective transition and what maybe led to a problematic transition and, using all of that evidence, to develop an as- sessment and intervention, because it was important to un- derstand what we could do about some of these findings,” Dwyer said.
The result is a survey that is able to be completed in a matter of minutes and which can indicate areas where the individual may need support. Known as the Military to Ci- vilian Reintegration Measure, it comprises 21 questions, takes less than five minutes to complete, is self-reported and can be done many times over.
THE IMPORTANCE OF STEM
A further keynote speaker on day two of the symposium was Chief Defence Scientist Professor Tanya Monro, who spoke about what Australia needs to do to enjoy an asym- metric technological advantage over a future opponent. Professor Monro said two things which will help to achieve this advantage are investment in the STEM workforce to drive the research needed to deliver impact to defence; and how the Defence workforce needs to be reshaped to embrace and harness disruptive technologies, enhance hu- man performance and the resilience of the wider ADF.
“We’re in this fast-changing world where we have to work differently to get sovereign advantage and I argue it all comes down to our people. It’s easy to think about our platforms and our programs, but without our people they don’t do much,” she said.
“So, we need an agile workforce with a common purpose that knows how to connect, drive change and deliver and I put it to you that one of the most critical elements of this future workforce is STEM.
“But the research and development workforce is really just a small part of what’s needed. We need a significant uplift in the STEM literacy and confidence of our broader Defence workforce to make sure that we can protect Aus- tralia’s interests in the future.” ■
“WE’VE INVESTED A LOT OF EFFORT AND UNDERSTANDING IN SHOWCASING THAT DEFENCE VETERANS ARE GOOD FOR YOUR BUSINESS”
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 steward- ship of nuclear propulsion tech- nology. It is non-negotiable and must be at the centre of every- thing we do.”
CARING FOR MEMBERS AND VETERANS
One of the major themes during the second day of the symposium was the wellbeing of serving members, veter- ans and their families and the first presentation was de- livered by the Secretary of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs Liz Cosson.
Cosson’s address provided insights into the work DVA is currently doing in support of veterans and their families, noting that the average length of service is currently less that ten years and therefore ADF members need to prepare themselves for life outside the service.
“That’s why in the last few years we’ve invested so much time and effort in transition, but transition for me begins when you enlist – to know what your life is going to be after service, to plan and prepare for that, develop the skills and recognise what those skills are so you can take them to your next employment,” she told delegates. “We’ve invested a lot of effort and understanding in showcasing that De- fence veterans are good for your business: employing a vet- eran is not only good for the nation, but good for business.”
Following on from her presentation, CEO of the Gallipo- li Medical Research Foundation Miriam Dwyer introduced an interesting study into how serving members wishing to transition to civilian life can be helped by a simple ques- tionnaire.
The Gallipoli Foundation is focussed on veterans’ mental health and wellbeing, and the concept she presented is the result of significant research into understanding the fac-
RIGHT: MAJGEN Natasha Fox, Deputy Chief of Army, delivers the closing address of the Defence People Symposium at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre on 30 June 2022
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