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Defence Minister Linda Reynolds has presided over the official opening of a new training and education centre, aimed at supporting Defence capability and Indigenous development.
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The Morrison government has officially opened a new Training and Education Centre (RTEC) in Darwin for the Army’s Regional Force Surveillance Group.
In opening the new centre, the government aims to “border protection capability” while delivering new education and employment opportunities for Indigenous Australians.
“The RFSG are charged with patrolling the vast, remote landmass and waterways of Australia’s north and north-west – approximately 40 per cent of our country,” Minister for Defence Linda Reynolds said.
“I met with RFSG soldiers during my recent visit to the Top End in September, and was struck by their unity, support of one another and passion for the land.”
Minister for Indigenous Australians Ken Wyatt AM said the centre would support the new National Agreement on Closing the Gap.
“The Morrison government is committed to Closing the Gap, which is why today’s opening of the new training and education centre in Darwin is so important,” Minister Wyatt said.
“Army’s Indigenous Development Program lifts the general education standards of participants, which supports employment pathways for Indigenous Australians. It’s a testament to Army that its program has an 86 per cent graduation rate.”
According to Minister for Defence Personnel Darren Chester, the new training centre is a moderation of the Army’s commitment to the Defence Reconciliation Action Plan.
“The contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to our modern military history dates back to the Boer War over 120 years ago and today the Indigenous Army Reserve soldiers make up almost one-third of the RFSG units,” Minister Chester said.
“The units draw heavily on the local knowledge of the Indigenous Army Reserve soldiers; however, some potential recruits may be disadvantaged by insufficient education due to the remoteness of where they live.”
He added, “This centre will help turn that around.”
Attending the official opening, senator for the Northern Territory Dr Sam McMahon commented, “I’m pleased to see this centre now officially open in the Top End, which will provide professional training and development for Indigenous soldiers through a number of different courses, including the Army Indigenous Development Program.”
[Related: West Australian government launches Cyber Security Operations Centre]
