Mark Binskin News

The recent visit to the Philippines, by two Australian Navy ships of the Indo-Pacific Task Group has significantly reinforced the strong defence relationship between Australia and the archipelago. Led by HMAS Adelaide in company with HMAS Darwin, both ships were welcomed to the Port of Manila by the Philippines Navy for a full day of engagements including the visit by the Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte and Australian Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin. The Task Group later sailed to Subic Bay for a four-day visit, where both ships received over several hundred visitors eager to view the new capabilities the Australian Defence Force had on offer.

HMAS Choules has sailed for northern Queensland waters in support of communities which may be affected by Tropical Cyclone Debbie. The amphibious ship, left Sydney on 27 March as part of broader Australian Defence Force support to Queensland emergency services responding to the cyclone, which is expected to make landfall early on 28 March. The Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin said Defence was prepared and ready to respond with immediate assistance to local communities within the storm zone in coordination with state and local disaster management authorities. “Australian Defence Force personnel are highly trained, well equipped and experienced in providing assistance to Australian communities affected by natural disasters,” Air Chief Marshal Binskin said.

Despite the oft sung words in the national anthem, Australians live often detached from the reality that “…our home is girt by sea”. In Canberra on 30 January, senior Defence leaders gathered at the Australian War Memorial to help launch a book that highlights Australia’s reliance on sea trade and a formidable Navy to protect sea lanes and prosperity. In the presence of His Excellency, General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK, MC (Ret’d), Governor General of Australia, Dr Brendan Nelson, Director of the Australian War Memorial, quoted the opening of the national anthem as he spoke at the launch of “Navy and the Nation” written by the Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Tim Barrett.

Throwing their hats in the air today marked not only the end of their time at the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA), but also the start of a new phase in the military careers of 224 officer cadets and midshipmen. The Governor General of the Commonwealth of Australia, His Excellency, General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK, MC, was joined by the Minister for Defence Personnel, the Hon Dan Tehan MP, the Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin, AC, and other distinguished guests and families at the 2016 Graduation Parade. The achievement was extra special for ADFA as it marked the graduation of ADFA’s 30th class. Graduates from ADFA’s first class, who graduated in 1986, were also invited to attend the celebration.

Twenty weeks since walking through the gates of HMAS Creswell to start initial training, 104 naval officers graduated today. Friends and family were on hand to share in the achievements of the 82 men and 22 women. Honouring a long-standing commitment to the New Entry Officers, the Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin, AC, reviewed the parade, hosted by Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Tim Barrett, AO, CSC, RAN. “While we celebrate the achievements of the officers on parade today, our thoughts are also with the family and friends of a sailor who died during a port visit in the Middle East region,” Air Chief Marshal Binskin said. Students on the New Entry Officers Course 54 were introduced to the history and ethos of the Royal Australian Navy in the 20 week course.

The Chief of the Defence Force Parade took on added significance today as the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) marked 30 years since the first trainee officers marched in. Traditionally, the first parade of the year acknowledges the achievements of the Midshipmen and Officer Cadets who have successfully completed their initial military training. Today's parade also provided an opportunity to reflect on ADFA's history. Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin identified a number of similarities between the original class and ADFA's newest cadets. "In 1986, Defence was preparing to deliver a White Paper and a $25 billion defence force development program was under consideration.

The 3rd annual Chief of Defence Force Women in Defence conference in Canberra has reaffirmed Defence's ongoing commitment to improve gender diversity across the organisation. Themed ‘Our People and Capability’, the two day conference brought together leaders from across Defence and other Government agencies, allied militaries and Defence industry to share best-practice policies, challenge myths and build networks. Speaking to the conference via video link, the Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Mark Binskin, challenged participants to consider what steps they will take personally to make the ADF and wider Defence organisation a more diverse and inclusive workplace. “Increasing gender diversity improves capability. “A diverse workforce is the antidote to group-think.