By Darian Macey, August 28 2024
Our collective efforts today will determine the strength and readiness of our Defence Force in the face of an increasingly uncertain global landscape. That was the unambigious message from Phil Thompson OAM MP, at a recent industry summit in Townsville.
The words of the Shadow Assistant Minister for Defence and Federal Member for Herbert, left a lasting impression and motivated me to sit down and share some of the key takeaways.
Thompson began by acknowledging the immense sacrifices made by our servicemen and women, both past and present, reminding us that the freedoms we enjoy today are on the back of hard-fought battles, wars, and sacrifices that they have made. It was a powerful reminder of why we in the Defence industry do what we do—everything we contribute helps safeguard those who protect us.
One of the points that stood out to me was how Thompson emphasised the importance of the support they receive from industry.
“The role of the Australian Defence Force is to fight in and win our wars. How do they do their job? By training hard. And by having the equipment to do so.”
It really drove home the idea that our work is crucial in ensuring our troops are fully prepared and equipped to handle whatever challenges come their way.
Thompson didn’t just speak to those in uniform—he addressed all of us in the industry, making it clear that we’re all part of the same team.
“You’re not just a civil engineering company. You don’t just build SCIFs in Canberra. You don’t just put weapon systems together. You’re a partner.”
This hit home for me, as it reinforced the idea that our contributions, no matter how small they might seem, are vital to the bigger picture.
He also touched on the challenges and frustrations many of us have faced in recent years. He acknowledged these issues but urged us to stay focused on the mission at hand:
“I know that you’ve all been frustrated for the last few years… I feel your pain and I see you. But I need you to be mission-focused so that our people know, when they wake up in the morning, that the quality standard you provide is always at the highest level.”
This was a call to push through the obstacles and keep our standards high, no matter what.
What I found most inspiring was Thompson’s call to think about the future. He asked us to consider how our work today will impact the next generation of Defence personnel.
“I’m trying to inspire you to think about the next generation, that next war, that next conflict, that next peacekeeping mission, humanitarian mission in everything you do, because when they get on that ship or plane, they need to know that what you’ve supplied for them will be the best.”
It was a reminder that our work isn’t just about the present—it’s about setting up the future for success.
Thompson’s message was clear: we need to be vocal and proactive in ensuring that our troops have the best possible resources and support.
“What we do today matters. What we do tomorrow matters. We need the best equipment and the brightest minds to help our people fighting in our wars, and I need you on the journey with me.”
This was a powerful call to action for all of us in the industry to stay engaged and committed.
Leaving the event, I felt a renewed sense of purpose. Phil Thompson’s words were a strong reminder of why our work matters and the responsibility we have to ensure our Defence Force is always ready and equipped for whatever lies ahead. His speech wasn’t just about inspiration—it was about action, and it’s something that will stay with us as we continue on our mission here at DECnet.
Author: Darian Macey
Darian is a former Engineering Officer with the RAE with tertiary qualifications in Engineering and Project Management. He is a leading practitioner within Australia's NSI sector with previous employment in Government, project management and building contractor organisations.
