Latest news with #DavidJohnston
ABC News
4 days ago
- Business
- ABC News
Defence must get better at managing big, expensive projects, says chief
The Australian Defence Force must get better at managing taxpayer dollars on massive projects, the nation's highest-ranked military office has acknowledged. Chief of Defence Admiral David Johnston has said the ADF does need to "do better" as the military equips itself to carry forward the mammoth AUKUS project, which is currently under review by the Trump administration. Defence has been plagued by expensive cost and time blowouts on some major projects in recent years, leading to an accumulation of nearly a century of delays across projects, according to some measures. But Australia is also under pressure from its key military ally — the United States — to significantly increase its defence spending to 3.5 per cent of GDP, or up to $287 billion over a decade. Admiral Johnston told the ABC it was clear there have been failures in the past, and improvement was required. "We aim to do better," he said. "We want to see every acquisition project that we are on, deliver on time and capability." But he argued the ADF is also tasked with acquiring complex, cutting-edge technology that inevitably comes with risk. "These are highly complex systems, by nature pushing the edge in capabilities — because that's what you need when you're looking at capabilities that provide for the defence of your country … [But] we do need to spend [public money] well." The defence chief stood by the $45 billion Hunter Class Frigates project, which will deliver the first of six ships in 2032, saying he is "utterly convinced" the ships will be "magnificent". Defence Minister Richard Marles said there was clear pressure on the Department of Defence to improve its management of public funds. "We've been very open about the challenges that Defence has faced historically in terms of its ability to meet delivery," he said. "Delivery has to be a key focus and we will look at everything we need to in terms of sharpening our delivery so that we get the best quality in the defence spend. "And that includes, if needs be, pursuing bureaucratic reform." The ADF is in the middle of a weeks-long showcase of its strengths, conducting massive and complex military exercises across much of the country. The "Talisman Sabre" exercises involve nearly 40,000 defence personnel from 19 different countries, jointly organised by Australia and the US. Early last week, Defence performed the first demonstration of its newly-acquired "HIMARS" long-range missile system, capable of hitting targets up to 500 kilometres away. The ADF has made clear its desire to focus more on defending Australia's northern approaches, shifting from the missions in far-flung destinations that have occupied most of its energy in the past two decades. Admiral Johnston has also recently warned Australians may need to think of the country as a "homeland from which we will conduct combat operations". While the 2022 Defence Strategic Review pointed to the acquisition of nuclear submarines as "transforming (the Australian) navy's capability", the admiral has been eager to highlight Defence's strengths outside of AUKUS. "The submarine is a very important capability, but it's not the only capability that we're progressing," he said. "When you look at our strategy and you understand the breadth of capabilities that we are bringing, prioritising long-range strike capabilities, the work around our own northern infrastructure to enhance capacity, innovation in a range of sectors. "Submarines are key as part of it but they're not the only part of the defence force of the future." The $368-billion AUKUS deal that will provide Australia with nuclear-powered submarines is currently under review in the US, led by a Pentagon official with a mixed history of views on the pact. Admiral Johnston said he maintains constant dialogue with his counterparts in the US, and the Australian perspective would be put forward as the review continues. "Australia has indicated that we'll provide input to that, and we're working through what might be most useful for them, but we remain very confident that the AUKUS deal is a good one for all three countries that are participating," he said. "The logic and rationale that has underpinned the series of decisions that have led to the countries agreeing are as strong and relevant today as they were when that decision was first made." Research prepared for the US Congress last year laid out an alternative option to AUKUS, where Australia hosts US-flagged submarines into the longer term. From 2027, the US and UK will base nuclear-powered submarines at HMAS Stirling south of Perth. Under the idea floated by the Congressional Research Service, rather than having Australia acquire US-built Virginia-Class submarines as planned in the early-2030's, the US would continue basing submarines in Australia and conduct missions on Australia's behalf. Elbridge Colby, who is conducting the AUKUS review out of the Pentagon, has previously aired concerns about whether the US can produce enough submarines to meet both Australian and American needs. Asked about the idea of the US simply basing submarines here rather than providing Australia with submarines of its own, Admiral Johnston said Australian-flagged submarines were vital. "That firmly remains our objective — to have an Australian national capability that brings all of the extraordinary capacity that a nuclear submarine brings, but having one that is under our national control," he said. Mr Marles echoed the case that sovereignty is an important consideration, as Australia pursues a nuclear-powered submarine. "We need a long-range, long-term submarine capability, we only achieve that in the future by having a nuclear-powered submarine capability," he said. "Sovereignty is fundamentally important in terms of that. And being able to acquire the US Virginia-class submarines that will be Australian-flagged in the early 2030s is a critical step in Australia's overall ability to acquire this capability."
ABC News
15-07-2025
- General
- ABC News
Victoria Cross awarded to late soldier Richard Norden for bravery during Vietnam War
He ran into enemy fire three times to rescue a wounded comrade and help recover the body of another. Fifty-seven years after his acts of bravery in the Vietnam War, Private Richard Norden has been posthumously awarded Australia's highest military honour. An investiture ceremony was held in Rockhampton on Tuesday morning, where the Governor-General presented the Victoria Cross medal to his widow, Robynn Freeman. For family, friends and former colleagues, the day has been "a long time coming". Private Norden, from Gundagai in New South Wales, was just 19 years old when he his platoon came under attack during the 1968 Battle of Fire Support Base Coral. The young soldier ran into heavy fire to reach his wounded section commander, who he half-carried, half-dragged back to safety. Private Norden, himself seriously injured, advanced twice more, clearing the area so the body of a second comrade could be recovered. His actions likely saved the lives of other members of the platoon. Chief of the Defence Force, Admiral David Johnston, said the soldier's "complete disregard for his own safety" demonstrated extreme daring and a legacy of mateship. "When Richard chose to run forward into heavy enemy fire, he did not do so with the desire for glory or heroism," Admiral Johnston said. "He did so because he saw two of his mates isolated and wounded. "While Richard is not here with us today, we remember his courage, his dedication, his selflessness, his choice to risk his own life to save an injured man and ensure a fallen soldier could be returned home to his own loved ones." Private Norden returned from the war to serve as a police officer in Canberra. He died in a motorcycle accident while on duty in 1972, leaving behind his wife and two young children. His eldest son, Shane Norden Freeman, said the presentation of the Victoria Cross was an emotional moment for the family. "It's been a long journey and there's been a lot of fighting going on in the background to get this for Dad," he said. "It didn't seem like this day would come. Retired Lieutenant Colonel George Hulse never met Private Norden but was instrumental in campaigning for the late soldier to receive the military honour. "I have a feeling of profound relief," he said of the decision to award the Victoria Cross. "Private Dick Norden did an extraordinary thing — for a quiet country lad, he had done a most courageous thing. "He completely left his own life out of any reckoning as far as self-preservation was concerned." Private Norden has become the 102nd Victoria Cross recipient in Australia's history, and just the fifth Vietnam War veteran to receive the honour. Governor-General Sam Mostyn said the late soldier's heroism would be remembered for years to come. "In a moment of fire and fury, danger and confusion, Private Norden answered that call with a strength, determination, selflessness and valour that we in this place of peace find simply impossible to comprehend," she said. "The resolve of so many … to honour [his] memory … has given new generations of Australians the chance to know and understand the gallantry, the unflinching courage and devotion to duty that has etched his name permanently in our nation's story. "We commit ourselves again to strive to uphold the freedoms for which he fought. "We will not forget. We will remember."
The Herald Scotland
06-07-2025
- General
- The Herald Scotland
The castle rebuilt after decades of struggle and tapestries from eBay
But abandoned for decades by absent owners, its magnificence had long faded; all grandeur deteriorated to little more than a collapsed husk of rubble and weeds. And by the time David Johnston became Balintore's owner, windows were smashed, floors had collapsed and its centrepiece, a dramatic Great Hall that had once echoed with tales of days on the moor and after-hours gatherings, had been silenced by decades of neglect. To some it may have looked like a lost cause; yet another grand Scottish building condemned to ruin. Balintore Castle's Great Hall before undergoing restoration (Image: David Johnston) But the sandstone castle overlooking Glen Quharity, had already stolen his heart. And what happened next would take him on a gruelling journey spanning over two decades: a true labour of love that would take its toll on his health and his pocket, bring immense highs and soul-destroying lows, a lot of frustrations and one or two surprises. Among them is one that's come with the latest milestone in what must be Scotland's most determined castle restoration project: the revival of that magnificent Great Hall. Faced with trying to figure out how to appropriately dress such a daunting space, David would find a solution in, of all places – eBay. 'Certain things are only useful if you happen to have a great hall,' he muses. 'And for first time in my life I have had to think about tapestries. 'I ended up looking on eBay and found these Chinese tapestries. I bought one - and it's really pretty good.' The jacquard-woven fabric was far better than the cheaper, printed silk versions he'd spotted in another unlikely place for kitting out a Scottish castle: Temu. This Great Hall, after all, demands far more - with sweeping balcony views from the upper bedroom corridor and a revived stateliness, it's the room he set his heart on bringing back to life. Read more by Sandra Dick: Now just days away from its grand opening, it has emerged even better than he expected it might: 'And I have pretty high expectations,' he says. Next month will see a reopening celebration that will signify not just the rebirth of the castle's heart, but the closing lines in another chapter in a story of relentless graft, heartbreak, and devotion to a building which, in his own words, only a 'lunatic' would take on. It's one rooted in personal grief as David, a software engineer, navigated life in the wake of losing both of his parents. 'You ask yourself that question, 'what am I going to do with my life?' It's such a hard time. 'I took time out, I did a PhD as a mature student. Then I thought what next?' The newly-restored Great Hall at Balintore Castle (Image: David Johnston) Niggling away was the thought of taking on a building restoration project although, perhaps, not one quite as all-consuming as Balintore Castle would turn out to be... It began when a friend sent him a link to an early first version of Scotland's Buildings at Risk Register. It opened a portal into a world of crumbling but magnificent ruins: manors, mansions, baronial follies – all long forgotten and fading, all in dire need of rescuing. Among them was Balintore. 'I thought, 'That would be insanity,' and put it to the back of my mind,' says David. Instead, he set his sights instead on another castle only for it to fall through after a year of planning. Balintore remained in the background. Before long, he was hooked. Its owner, however, was an absent businessman in the Far East and David's phone calls, letters and emails enquiring over whether it might be for sale went unanswered. After decades of neglect, Balintore Castle near Kirriemuir is being carefully restored to former glory (Image: David Johnston) What followed was an eight-year struggle leading to Angus Council stepping in to carry out a compulsory purchase order – the first of its kind - and David finally having his £80,000 bid to become its new owner accepted in 2007. All the while, Balintore Castle had crumbled further. 'If I'd known how long it would take I would not have started the journey,' says David. 'But once on it, you can't give up.' He's far from the only one to become hooked on the dream of breathing life back into a piece of crumbling Scottish heritage: since the 1950s, around 250 Scottish castles and tower houses have been restored, including around 100 reborn from derelict or ruined state, mostly for private occupation. Among them, Culdees Castle near Muthill in Perthshire, which Tracey and Rob Beaton found as a tumbledown wreck and in just a few years have ploughed around £2.5 million into teasing back to life. Culdees Castle in Perthshire before restoration work to bring it back to life (Image: Culdees Castle Estate/Tracey Beaton) Others include Category B-Listed Cavers Castle, near Hawick – which has a history stretching to the 13th century - at the centre of restoration plans by an American-based owner after years languishing on the Buildings at Risk Register. An American couple, David and Chelom Leavitt, are currently restoring Knockderry Castle in Cove, Argyll. At Torwood Castle, near Larbert, keeper Gary Grant is at the helm of a huge community project to halt its deterioration and bring some of its rooms back into use, and in Lanarkshire, businesswoman Nicole Rudder, has spent £235,000 buying B-Listed Garrion Tower, an imposing Victorian pile in the Clyde Valley that was being consumed by nature. Read more by Sandra Dick: Having spent years waiting to become Balintore Castle's owner, David's first visit was always going to be memorable - except it would be for all the wrong reasons. 'It was terrifying," he remembers. "I asked what am I letting myself in for? But I had already lost my heart to the building. 'It was totally depressing,' he adds. 'The impression was one of intense sadness that this building had declined so much. 'I thought it would be a whole load of money and a whole load of love to turn it around.' First task would be clearing rubble piled six to ten feet high, caused when upper floors had collapsed to the ground. 'I had this very romantic notion I would learn carpentry and do it all myself,' says David. 'But then reality comes in. 'To get it done you need proper builders that can go quicker and move it forward. 'But it was very hard to find a builder. The Great Hall at Balintore Castle pictured in 1968 before it fell into disrepair (Image: David Johnston) 'Some would come and take one look then literally flee. I needed to find a builder who was fearless with a range of skills.' Against the odds, he found Andy, a slater by trade, who helped him with the roof and to reclaim floors in the building. Then came Gregor, whose carpentry skills turned out to be invaluable. He brought his son, Greg who, confronted by one of the castle's round turrets that couldn't be fitted with plasterboard, discovered a hidden talent for plastering. Next arrived George – 'an amazing electrician'. Snow covers the floor of the Great Hall at Balintore Castle, pictured before restoration (Image: David Johnston) The restoration has been without any grant funding; David has paid for most from it from his own pocket, taking work in IT in London's financial sector to help, and some thanks to crowdfunding via a GoFundMe page. But the sheer volume of what needed done was staggering. Designed in 1859 by the architect William Burn as a sporting lodge for wealthy shipping merchant David Lyon, the castle has 84 rooms. Some of them, David only discovered as work evolved and floors reopened, allowing him to explore hidden passages and peek into long shut doors. Read more by Sandra Dick: Along the way, there were always more hurdles to overcome. Such as when he sought planning permission to turn a kitchen wing into holiday accommodation to help fund work on the castle which stalled for seven years. When David had finally managed to get it ready to welcome AirBnB guests, Covid hit and all bookings had to be cancelled. He soldiered on even when the stress took its toll on his heart and then on his own mental wellbeing, leading his friends to urge him to hit pause. At times the restoration of the castle's Great Hall seemed out of reach. Without it, though, Balintore Castle felt hollow and incomplete. In its heyday it was the castle's beating heart, where guests included Hollywood legends Clark Gable, David Niven and Alan Ladd and author J. M. Barrie. Hollywood star Clark Gable was among the 1930s visitors to Balintore Castle (Image: Movie studio, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons) The Queen Mother visited in the 1950s, while the last resident, Lady Eleanor Langman – known affectionately as Auntie Nellie and who believed the building had almost spiritual powers - hosted many parties. 'After 16 years at Balintore, I went to Gregor and said 'let's go for broke, let's go for the Great Hall,' says David. Now finally complete – its grand public opening is planned for Sunday, August 3 – David hopes it will become a venue again for celebrations and gatherings. And having poured heart and soul into Balintore Castle for more than two decades, it's time for a new phase: David hopes it can now 'sing for its supper', possibly run by a charity and with a castle manager in place to keep it ticking along. Builders' materials stored in Balintore Castle's dining room during restoration work (Image: David Johnston) It's also been a time to reflect on a journey that could have been less stressful. With Scotland's wealth of old buildings at risk, David believes it should be far easier for people like him to take on and restore them. 'The whole system should be radically simplified with incentives and removal of barriers to re-use old buildings,' he adds. 'Large old buildings suffer from 'dodgy owner syndrome' who promise the world but do absolutely nothing. 'I'm putting the castle back exactly as it was,' he adds. 'I love historic room settings, I'm not changing anything, it's repairing – it should not be that difficult.' Read more by Sandra Dick: Meanwhile, Balintore's rebirth is still a work in progress: high on the 'to do' list is a drawing room that needs attention, and a missing spiral staircase. Two gate lodges need re-roofed, there's a garden that's mostly bog and a vision that the castle, which once enjoyed the use of an old hydroelectric station, can once again be powered using renewable energy. After more than 20 years, there is still work to be done to restore Balintore Castle (Image: David Johnston) And for any budding castle owners considering their own restoration project, David suggests key to surviving the ups and downs is simple: don't think about it too much. 'To talk about how much has been completed and what's still to do is the path to utter insanity. It will destroy you. 'We are the lunatic fringe,' he adds. 'I know people restoring buildings larger than this castle. 'And if someone is doing a bigger building than this on less money, that makes us the sane ones.'
Business Recorder
28-06-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
CJCSC meets leadership of Australia during his visit
ISLAMABAD: General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) visited Australia to attend 14th session of Annual Defence and Security Talks. During the visit, Chairman JCSC met high-ranking civilian and military leadership of Australia including Admiral David Johnston, Chief of Defence Forces, Andrew Shearer, Director General Office of National Intelligence (ONI), Lieutenant General Simon Stuart, Chief of Australian Army and Gemma Huggins, Ambassador Counter Terrorism at Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, according to an ISPR statement. Defence and Security Talks aimed at strengthening mutual understanding and identifying areas for further expanding defence collaboration between the respective militaries. During the meetings, both sides engaged in discussions on wide range of issues including evolving global and regional environment, security challenges and opportunities to enhance existing bilateral military exchanges. During the visit, CJCSC delivered a lecture in Australian Defence College (ADC) on Pakistan's Security Perspective and highlighted Pakistan's contributions to regional peace and stability; and also visited Australian naval ship HMAS Adelaide. Earlier, upon arrival at CDF office, a smartly turned-out tri-services contingent presented guard of honour to CJCSC. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Daily Telegraph
17-06-2025
- Politics
- Daily Telegraph
More Chinese ships set to enter Australian waters: Defence chief
Don't miss out on the headlines from SA News. Followed categories will be added to My News. Australians should expect more Chinese naval flotillas to enter our waters, says Defence Force chief David Johnston, issuing a veiled warning against more unannounced live fire exercises. Speaking at the Defending Australia summit in Canberra's Parliament House, Admiral Johnston said the defence force had shadowed a Chinese flotilla throughout its circumnavigation of Australia in February in a 'proportionate' response, but did not directly comment on a Virgin pilot notifying authorities of its live fire exercise. Asked if he believed another flotilla would return, Admiral Johnston said: 'Yes ... we do expect that they will be in the Indian Ocean (and) in the southwest Pacific at a more regular rate than we have seen.' Defence Minister Richard Marles said China had 'engaged in the biggest conventional military build-up since the end of the Second World War', which unquestionably was 'at the heart of the complex strategic circumstances that we face'. Early career defence personnel and students also quizzed leaders including Australian Submarine Agency director-general Jonathan Mead, who said there were 'thousands of job opportunities' ahead in the nuclear-powered submarine project but authorities needed to better engage with the public about them. Australian Submarine Agency director-general Vice Admiral Jonathan Mead with students from Findon Technical College at the Defending Australia forum in Canberra. Admiral Johnston echoed Mr Marles, saying China was seeking to demonstrate its dramatically expanded military capability and 'exert the influence they believe is in their national interests'. 'The task group's presence in our waters is a demonstration of that capacity,' he said. Asked how the Chinese navy would respond if Australia conducted live fire exercises in the South China Sea, Admiral Johnston did not directly respond but outlined his expectation of professional naval behaviour. 'We are a very professional Australian Defence Force with a very professional navy capability. We're very clear on what does professional maritime behaviour look like,' he said. 'And avoiding disturbing civil air lanes or civil maritime traffic is not that type of professional behaviour that we see. We manage ourselves in a way that when we do firings, we are very clear on the area of the nature of warnings that are provided in order to achieve our objectives, without causing disruption.' Chief of the Defence Force Admiral David Johnston gave a keynote address at the Defending Australia summit. Picture: Martin Ollman Admiral Johnston said technology had brought 'critical areas of rapid change', saying 'we have to consider how northern Australia might support combat operations'. Asked if China was a military threat to Australia, Mr Marles said its military build-up was bigger than at any point during the Cold War. 'Now to properly nail that down, it is also engaging in a nuclear build up as well, not on the same scale as what we saw during the Cold War but in conventional terms bigger,' he said. 'And it unquestionably is shaping the region in which we live. It unquestionably is at the heart of the complex strategic circumstances that we face.' Mr Marles said this was intensified by the fact that China had not given 'strategic reassurance' about the motivation behind this extraordinary military escalation. But Australia had explained to our neighbours about the decision to acquire and build nuclear-powered submarines under the AUKUS pact. 'Every country has a right to properly invest in its own defences. But what's really important is that you provide strategic reassurance to your neighbours and to the world about what that's about,' Mr Marles said. Commenting on the unannounced live-fire exercise, Mr Marles said: 'It is very much not diplomacy or defensive diplomacy obviously ... none of that provides strategic reassurance.' Mr Marles did not directly answer questions about whether the Chinese flotilla was rehearsing plans to target Australian cities or facilities, but said the unprecedented level of surveillance meant 'we do know exactly what they were doing and exactly what they're rehearsing'. Vice Admiral Mead, a 42-year military veteran, was among leaders giving career advice to students and early career defence and industry personnel. 'If you have a sense of purpose and you're focused and dedicated, you will achieve what you're setting out for,' he said, responding to a question from Findon Technical College student Matthew Goldsworthy. 'There are thousands of job opportunities (in the nuclear submarine industry), and one of the things we need to do better at is engaging with the Australian public and engaging with them.' The 'one thing' that BAE Systems Australia chief executive Craig Lockhart said would help young people to succeed was simple hard work. 'You've got decades worth of opportunity in front of you … it's down to you. If you want that opportunity it's there, grasp it with two hands and in 20-30 years you could be doing what we're doing,' he said. Paul Starick, editor at large of The Advertiser, with ASC chair Bruce Carter, Premier Peter Malinauskas, BAE chief executive officer Craig Lockhart, Australian Submarine Agency director-general Vice-Admiral Jonathan Mead, and Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Mark Hammond at Defending Australia 2025. Picture: NewsWire / David Beach ASC chair Bruce Carter said, for a young person who joins the company, every opportunity and support would be offered – with paid training. Defending defence spending in the face of United States calls to increase to 3.5 per cent of gross domestic product, Mr Marles said Australia would focus on acquiring necessary capability rather than a financial benchmark. 'The strategic threat that we are seeking to meet is to deter any potential adversary that would seek to coerce us. That is our strategic threat, and I am confident in that we have the agency in this country and we are on a path to build up our defence force to meet that threat,' he said. Premier: We will build a subs fleet here By Emily Olle South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas provided one definitive assurance at Defending Australia 2025. 'Australia is going to build submarines,' he said. The premier said it was incomprehensible for any government to conclude otherwise, as a Pentagon-ordered AUKUS review looms over the $368bn project. 'We are an island nation … and we require a sophisticated and advanced submarine fraternity. Any alternative (to building the submarines) would leave us with none at all,' he said. He said, in a worst-case outcome, should the Virginia Class submarines not be transferred to Australian sovereign control, that should simply tell our nation that we must be building them ourselves. Premier Peter Malinauskas at Defending Australia 2025. Picture: NewsWire / David Beach This, he said, was why his government was in unequivocal support of the AUKUS deal. He said a silver lining of the review was that it would mark a 'significant achievement', should the deal survive. 'We should not fear, nor should we resist the review of AUKUS. Responsible governance demands that incoming governments examine such commitments,' Mr Malinauskas said. 'For those who fear that kind of scrutiny, I say: 'Get used to it'. '(Scrutiny and review) should be expected, because it is appropriate.' Mr Malinauskas called for the public release of a comprehensive master plan of the Osborne submarine yard, to provide the market certainty that the multibillion-dollar program was approaching development stage. The premier began his keynote speech pointing to the moment, he believed, the geopolitical landscape shifted for our current age – June 23, 2016. Brexit. 'Post Brexit, everything has changed in domestic politics,' he said. 'In fact, one of the few constants in recent years has been speakers at summits such as this reach for new synonyms for unprecedented and volatile, to recognise that we live in an uncertain geopolitical moment. 'But this shift in the defence landscape must not paralyse us, or force us into panic.' Mr Malinauskas said now was the time for calm and investment. He said while SA was energised by the economic benefit of the deal, its enthusiasm was not driven by state-based parochialism, but by a belief in its necessity. 'We are not short on economic demand. SA does not need to build submarines for economic salvation,' he said. 'We choose to take a leadership role because we believe we have the expertise to lead this long-term, comprehensive and absolutely necessary project. 'But SA does not want, nor can we, deliver AUKUS alone. So I encourage my other counterparts in the states and territories to get on board.' The premier said partnerships between the state, learning institutions and industry would be critical in ensuring the country had the skills required to deliver the project. 'There are few places on earth with our level of security, economic stability and standard of living,' Mr Malinauskas said. 'Retreating into isolation paranoia is not going to make this country safe. Isolation breeds division and delivers yet more fear. 'We are a democratic, multicultural and highly educated nation. We have world-class talent and we are investing everyday to ensure we nurture that even more.' Mr Malinauskas said Matthew, a Findon Technical College student invited to Parliament House today, asked: 'Why this industry?' Because, the premier said, it has purpose and meaning. 'Our defence industry relies on young people like you recognising the gravity of the moment,' he said. 'Our democracy is not an accident, our democracy has been hard fought and won. We have to sustain that commitment, because people put their lives on the line to honour that very cause. 'In today's climate, that work has never mattered more. In uncertain times, the only certainty we can rely on is the one that we can create. 'The global outlook is unpredictable, and that's not going to change anytime soon. But by choosing to do the hard things and the smart things … we can courageously continue to chart our own destiny.' Originally published as More Chinese warships are set to enter Australian waters, Australian Defence Force chief warns
