Bridget Archer (Bass, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

[by video link] Northern Tasmania has a proud history of training Australian Defence Force cadets that continues to this day. The cadet program is the largest youth development program within the Department of Defence, and one that has provided a strong connection and important pathway for many young Northern Tasmanians who are interested in exploring a career in our defence forces.

In Bass there are around 120 cadets and 31 adult volunteers across five cadet units, including Training Ship Tamar, the 508 Squadron and the 62 Army Cadet Unit, all in Launceston; the Training Ship York in George Town; and the 67 Army Cadet Unit in Youngtown.

Our government proudly supports the cadet program in regional areas, and in Launceston the Paterson Barracks is home to one of the cadet units and the 16th Field Battery—the oldest artillery unit in Australia—which will soon move all units to the Youngtown Barracks. This will bring an end to our city's long history with the barracks. With many sections of the building underutilised for several years, the move is a great opportunity to revitalise the building through the Launceston City Deal.

Beyond exposing cadets to the possibility of a career path in the forces, the program contributes to the development of youth in rural and regional communities. Importantly, the programs broaden community engagement with Defence by bringing together local youth, volunteers and aspects of military culture. In Tasmania, the cadets participate in school holiday programs with a difference, with robotics, abseiling and weapons training some of the activities on offer to young cadets across Tasmania. Combined with other training aimed at building the character and skills of the individuals involved, the program assists cadets in meeting future life and career goals in study and employment. Despite COVID, many ADF cadet programs have been able to continue in northern Tasmania and across the state in compliance with restrictions.

Just recently, 17 cadets and five adult volunteers from both TS Tamar and TS York participated with both Army and Air Force cadets in a combined training activity at Stony Head Military Training Area, just north of Launceston. Captain (AAC) Jorden Gunton, Second in Command, Alpha Company, Tasmanian AAC Battalion, has been involved in programs for many years and told me of his love for the program, saying, 'Cadets have the opportunity to undertake military-like activities such as field craft, navigation, radio communications and survival techniques, all in a safe, controlled environment.' The AAC has recently modernised the training to include electives such as flying remotely piloted aerial vehicles, cyberskills, robotics and more. The cadets also undertake a range of community service and remembrance activities, such as providing the catafalque party for a number of RSL sub-branches on Anzac Day to pay attribute to our soldiers, both past and present, and by supporting Legacy during the annual Legacy Week badge sales.

Within the Launceston region we have over we have over 60 cadets supported by members of the ADF and Army cadet staff members. We also receive fantastic support from the veteran community and the wider community. The Australian Army Cadets provide a fantastic opportunity for youth to be involved in our community, to gain leadership and teamwork skills and to make new friends. We are always looking for more cadets to join our ranks. We parade on Wednesday nights during school term, conduct weekend activities throughout the year and week-long camps during the school holidays. It's the opportunity to see a 13-year-old cadet recruit walk in the door, shy and nervous, and then, a few years later, see them rising to the challenge of commanding 200 youth on the parade ground or outfield. Seeing the cadets grow into their self-confidence and independence is one of the most rewarding parts of being an officer of cadets.

In March of this year, the City of Launceston bestowed a unique honour, granting cadets the freedom of the city, the highest honour that any Australian city can award. Coinciding with the 80th anniversary of the Air Force Cadets, northern Tasmanian cadets proudly paraded through the city streets from Princes Square to Paterson Barracks—a wonderful sight to see.

Thank you to all ADF cadets in northern Tasmania who continue to contribute to our community, I commend you.

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