Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Support, the Hon Dr Mike Kelly AM MP today congratulated the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) for 89 years of service during a commemorative event at the RAAF Memorial Grove in Canberra. The anniversary is a time to reflect on the sacrifices and commitment of RAAF personnel throughout its history and to recognise the vital contributions Air Force is making to current ADF operations in Australia and around the world, Dr Kelly said. The RAAF is a proud member of the Canberra community. These anniversary celebrations are an important opportunity for the Air Force to acknowledge the support received and partnerships formed during its time in Canberra, Dr Kelly said.

New tropical home for ADF members. The Governments Economic Stimulus Plan has injected over $245.58 million into the construction industry for Defence housing with over $76.2 million being injected into Darwin alone, Mr Combet said. . The primary function of DHA is to supply housing and related services to Australian Defence Force members and their families in line with Defence operational requirements.

NEW LAVARACK HEALTH FACILITIES. Todays opening of the two new primary healthcare facilities at Lavarack Barracks is another step forward in Defences goal to deliver world-class health services to the men and women of the Australian Defence Forces. The Alfred Sutton Health Facility will provide primary health care to units located on the eastern end of the Barracks and the JJ Davis Health Facility, the western end.

Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affair. Defence Indigenous pre-recruitment course graduates in Tasmania. Greg Combet, Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science, said the IPRC provided participants with a vital first-hand defence experience.

Super Hornets - long flight to Australia. Minister for Defence Senator John Faulkner will formally welcome the new aircraft to Australia during a ceremony at Amberley, along with RAAF members, Industry representatives and community leaders. Air Force is acquiring 24 multi-role Super Hornets which will provide a bridging capability during the transition to the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, Senator Faulkner said.

Major opportunity for local industry on JSF. The Government welcomes this significant step toward securing a major opportunity for Australian industry on the JSF Program. In stressing the importance of such long term agreements for Australian companies, Mr Combet said the agreements improve Australian companies business case for investment in capability and capacity to meet the increasing volumes demanded by the JSF Program.

Hifire: Five times the speed of sound. Greg Combet, Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science, today announced that the Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) and the US Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) have successfully completed a second hypersonic flight at the Woomera Test Range. Todays flight represents a significant scientific milestone, enabling scientists to collect fundamental data critical to the design and development of an engine capable of sustained hypersonic flight, Mr Combet said.

Defence Honours and Awards Tribunal Inquiry into recognition for Cadet Officers and Instructors. Dr Mike Kelly AM MP, announced today that the independent Defence Honours and Awards Tribunal will inquire into recognition for Australian Cadet Forces officers and instructors.. Defence Honours and Awards Tribunal.

The Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Support, Dr Mike Kelly, today commended the commitment a group of 33 Victorian employers have shown as they prepare to spend this weekend with the Australian Defence Force (ADF) Reserves at RAAF Base Laverton (19-21 March) when they participate in Exercise Executive Stretch (EES). This is a unique opportunity for employers to experience the military training and lifestyle of a Reservist in the ADF, Dr Kelly said. The weekend is an opportunity to understand the benefits of having a Reservist on staff as well as their rights and obligations as employers, Dr Kelly said.

Royal Australian Air Force supports Australian relief efforts for Fiji emergency. The Minister for Defence, Senator John Faulkner, said the RAAF had made a valuable contribution to the immediate relief efforts after Cyclone Tomas hit the Pacific island nation on the 16 March 2010. Following a request from the Fijian Government, AusAID, with strategic airlift support from the Royal Australian Air Force, moved 8 tonnes of tarpaulins, water purification tablets, tents and water containers to Fiji on 17 March 2010.