Mrs HULL (4:58 PM) —I stand today to offer my full support to the member for Wannon for the parliamentary armed forces scheme to be introduced to enable members and senators to be as well informed as possible on all aspects of the operation of the defence forces. I do not have experience as a member of the armed forces—I think I was too short. However, the Australian Defence Force plays a very important role in my electorate of Riverina, as it does in our whole nation. The government defence white paper was constructed after extensive consultation with the greater Australian community, demonstrating the general understanding and appreciation of the armed services among average Australians. The Riverina, in particular Wagga Wagga, is home to the Kapooka Army Recruit Training Centre and the RAAF base Forest Hill, both of which are centres of training excellence and bring many young recruits into my electorate. Getting to know these recruits is one of the more enjoyable aspects of my role as the member for Riverina, and seeing the transformation of these young men and women is a humbling experience. I would dearly love to see my parliamentary colleagues struggling with this transformation. Most residents of Wagga Wagga would have some connection to either facility, be it through family, friends, work or recreational means.

Every year, the people of Wagga Wagga welcome new recruits into the city and into the community. The armed forces are so much an integral and accepted part of everyday life that the sight of many young men and women and their close-cropped counterparts, both in and out of uniform, rarely warrants a second glance. Both the RAAF and Army contribute significantly to the local economy with the provision of employment to the Riverina. The RAAF and Army base combined provide about 460 employment opportunities through contractors and contribute an estimated $55 million annually to the economy of Wagga Wagga.

The freedom of the city was first granted to RAAF base Wagga Wagga in 1961 and to Kapooka in 1962. The defence forces of Wagga Wagga are among the few organisations to be granted this honour. In fact, this Thursday, Kapooka will be granted this honour as part of the Army's 100th birthday celebrations. About 500 troops are expected to march throughout the city of Wagga Wagga, followed by the renowned Australian Army band Kapooka. The purpose of the march is to remind the community of the close linkage between the citizens of the city and the Army. The procession will start in the north end of Wagga and travel to the Wollundry bridge where the troops will be stopped and challenged by senior police. The troops will then be granted entry to the city and will continue to march to the old council chambers where the mayor of Wagga Wagga will inspect the soldiers. They will then carry on along the main street in front of crowds of Thursday night shoppers and onlookers.

The Australian Army band Kapooka members have supported valuable local charities by raising tens of thousands of dollars through their various concert programs. These include over 100 engagements annually for the civilian population—thus bridging the gap between community and Defence. Adding to the educational and cultural life, the band members have branched out to form a concert band, a big band, a Dixie band, a brass choir, woodwind and brass quintets and vocal ensembles. Many of the members also volunteer their off-duty hours to assist in the development of regional musical and social organisations.

Another area of community involvement with the defence forces is through the local service clubs. At present, both the commandant of the Kapooka Army base and the base commander from the RAAF at Forest Hill are members of the Wollundry Rotary Club. It appears that, for many years in Wagga Wagga, an unofficial duty statement has existed, encouraging officers to become involved in service clubs in the city. This association allows service personnel to blend with business people on an even footing in the community, in a non-threatening environment for both the military and the civilians. Over many years, many members of the armed forces have been involved with the service clubs in Wagga Wagga. As a result, the residents consider their presence in the city as an asset rather than a liability.

With such close ties as these to the Defence Force, I reaffirm my support for this motion as it is a means by which we can encourage people to better understand what our Defence Force is all about. I invite to my electorate of Riverina all future participants in the scheme to partake in bonding with the defence forces. It will be an experience that I am sure they will never forget. The city of Wagga Wagga epitomises a true Defence city. We are proud to be part of the defence of this great country. We are proud to partake in any area where we can be of assistance in bringing this to fruition.