Local Federal Member Scott Buchholz donned army fatigues and a buzz cut this week to be “deployed” with Australian Defence Force personnel participating in Operation Talisman Sabre in Shoalwater Bay in north Queensland.
Mr Buchholz is part of the Australian Defence Force Parliamentary Program observing the biggest joint exercise by Australian and American military personnel, which this year included participants from New Zealand, Japan and Canada.
“It is a privilege to be on the ground and a part of these military exercises as a parliamentary observer,” Mr Buchholz said.
“The opportunity informs the work I do on various parliamentary committees and gives me a deeper understanding of what our ADF personnel experience during active warfare.”
Over 30,000 Australian and American military personnel are testing amphibious landings, parachuting, land force manoeuvres and the coordinated firing of live ammunition during the exercises.
Mr Buchholz said the experience he had gained also gave him an insight into the lives of the Defence community living in Wright.
“We have an active Defence community in our electorate with the Amberley Airforce base close by and the Landwarfare Centre in the heart of my electorate at Canungra.”
“This opportunity has given me a greater appreciation of the service and sacrifice of the many defence families and veterans in the local area.”
“Importantly, the exercise improves the defence capability of our nation and means our military has the practical experience that boosts our defence readiness.”
