Page 50 - Australian Defence Magazine Sep 2021

50 SENATE ESTIMATES
SEPTEMBER 2021 | WWW.AUSTRALIANDEFENCE.COM.AU
Secretary’s evidence “he just magically reads this article, decides that he doesn’t want (CDRE Brown) to attend, he says, on the basis of convention—which Senator Patrick has demonstrated is not the case—raises it with the chief of staff or the deputy chief of staff to the Minister for De- fence and makes sure he speaks to the Chief of Navy on the
Much of what he had been doing was highly classified and could not be discussed, CDRE Brown explained, and that, basically, was that.
So far as the review itself was concerned, Moriarty dis- closed it was underpinned by a detailed intelligence assess- ment, and would be looking at the impacts of the changing threat environment and developments in technologies “to determine the suitability of our planned capability invest- ments in meeting our strategic objectives.”
The Secretary confirmed that Defence was undertak- ing ‘prudent contingency planning’ regarding the Future Submarine program, although he dismissed characterising this as a Plan B. The activity involved several departments within Defence and ultimately was being prepared for the Chief of Defence Force and himself, with ministers being kept informed.
Regarding alternative capability pathways, some were submarines and some were not.
“We think about what will this strategic environment look like in decades to come? What are our requirements? They’re sort of identified. The strategic update last year talks about the environment going out decades ahead,” Mo- riarty told the committee.
“We are absolutely committed to providing good advice to government on how we can meet the challenges of our
“AS SET OUT IN THE LEAKED GUIDELINES, RESPONSES TO MEDIA QUERIES WERE TO BE AS BRIEF AND SUCCINCT AS POSSIBLE”
night before Estimates, after he gets the letter from us.
“That’s a lot of transactions and attention from a very se- nior public servant making sure someone doesn’t turn up to an- swer questions.”
CDRE Brown did in fact at- tend the hearing the following day, presumably after the Sec- retary had consulted, as he had
said he would do, with the Chief of the Defence Force, the Head of Navy, and Vice Admiral Jonathan Mead, Chief of Joint Capabilities.
Answering questions, CDRE Brown disclosed that he was focusing on the broad aspects of undersea warfare requirements that were relevant to the Defence Capabil- ity Enhancement Review headed by VADM Mead which, it emerged separately, commenced work in February.
Cam’s Cause is a not-for-profit organization which aspires to honor and remember the amazing life of Corporal Cameron Baird VC MG. By telling his brilliant story, the Cam’s Cause team endeavours to sustain the memory of a great Australian and inspire the leaders of tomorrow with the values that Corporal Baird lived his life by.
Through Cam’s story we also remember and raise awareness for his brothers and sisters in arms who sacrifice their lives for our freedom and bear the enduring scars of war.
Our primary initiatives are to support the Cam’s Cause Konnect program and a range of initiatives that come directly out of SOCOMD, in particular the 2nd Commando Regiment.
These initiatives are designed to keep current and ex-serving commandos socially connected and physically active through camps involving programs such as surfing, hiking, mindfulness and meditation.
In honour of Corporal Cameron Baird VC MG
For the most conspicuous acts of valour, extreme devotion to duty and ultimate self-sacrifice.
camscause.org