Fed: Pollies invited to jump out of aeroplanes

AAP General News (Australia)
02-12-2004
Fed: Pollies invited to jump out of aeroplanes

By Max Blenkin, Defence Correspondent

CANBERRA, Feb 12 AAP - Australia's federal politicians are being extended an invitation
to jump out of a perfectly good aeroplane.

The latest Australian Defence Force Parliamentary program - sometimes referred to as
politician bootcamp - offers a variety of new opportunities for MPs and senators desiring
a taste of military life.

That includes an army program in which participants will get to train with the army's
4RAR commando battalion at Jervis Bay, NSW, and undertake a parachute jump.

Fran Bailey, parliamentary secretary to Defence Minister Robert Hill, said it wasn't
the sort of activity that would appeal to her.

But WA MP Kim Wilkie reckoned he would give it a try.

"This year I intend to jump out of a perfectly seviceable aircraft," said the Labor
backbencher who admitted his other military experience included voyages on a patrol boat
and Collins submarine and a flight in an F-111.

The ADF parliamentary program aims to give politicians the opportunity to experience
service life.

It recognises that very few current politicians have served in the armed forces, unlike
two decades ago when a third of all MPs had military experience.

So far 28 politicians have signed on, spending up to a week with the army, navy or
air force, some more than once.

Mrs Bailey said the time members and senators spend with the ADF was rewarding and informative.

"No red carpet treatment will be given to any member or senator. They will be treated
the same as all serving defence personnel," she said.

Those who have done it are enthusiastic.

"If you haven't done mach 1.3 at 90 feet over the water, you haven't lived," Mr Wilkie
told other MPs at today's lauch of the 2004 program. "Please sign up. You won't regret
it."

Northern Territory CLP Senator Nigel Scullion said his time with the RAAF gave him
a far better understanding of those in the ADF and their families.

"Most importantly I was able to see with some satisfaction the very difficult task
that parliament has to make from time to time and and that is to put our men and women
in harm's way," he said.

The current program offers MPs 21 different options through the year for a taste of
military life which can include placements with RAAF squadrons and on navy warships and
participation in major defence exercise in Australia and overseas.

AAP mb/sb/cmc/jlw

KEYWORD: BOOTCAMP

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