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Wednesday, 14 September 2011
Page: 10191

Mrs PRENTICE (Ryan) (11:42): I rise to speak briefly on the Defence Legislation Amendment Bill 2011 and, in doing so, endorse many of the comments made earlier by my colleagues in support of the Australian Defence Force Cadets program. It is an outstanding program, and I know that many of the children in our communities benefit from the outstanding work that it does. My own son, as the member for Herbert indicated, was an active member of the air cadets. The flight of which he was a member benefited from the support of the Sherwood-Indooroopilly RSL subbranch. I know that many of the cadet groups around the country also enjoy the benefit and support of returned servicemen. In contrast to the member for Herbert, I suggest that, because of his involvement in the air cadets and scouts, my son was never a problem child. Indeed, as the member for Robertson just said, the attributes that are learnt through these programs play a vital role. Qualities like leadership, responsibility, good citizenship and teamwork are all great qualities that can be instilled at an early age and can be carried through to their future careers. I think that the Australian Defence Force Cadets program is quite outstanding in this way. I wholeheartedly support this legislation and, indeed, anything that improves the existing program.

Debate adjourned.