SENATOR DAVID FEENEY
Parliamentary Secretary for Defence

Stronger Civil-Military Links Built between Australia and New Zealand

Parliamentary Secretary for Defence, Senator David Feeney, today congratulated the Asia Pacific Civil-Military Centre of Excellence on the success of its civil-military interaction workshop (CMIW) in New Zealand.

This is the first time the course has been held outside Australia.

Approximately thirty-five civil-military experts and officials from Australia, New Zealand, the Asia–Pacific and Africa, representing government, police, military and non-governmental organisations met at the New Zealand Police College in Porirua, New Zealand from 2-6 May 2011.

Senator Feeney said it was an opportunity for Australia’s civil-military experts to work with and learn from their New Zealand colleagues.

Participants gained a better insight into civil-military affairs and emerging issues in conflict and disaster management.

“It is important that we continue to work closely with New Zealand. The Australian Government offered support following New Zealand’s recent natural disaster and workshops such as these improve everyone’s knowledge about the planning factors that are critical to the conduct of successful civil-military operations,” Senator Feeney said.

“It was a good opportunity for Australians and New Zealanders to share perspectives and best practice.”

Participants heard from subject matter experts from organisations such as: United Nations, specific countries agencies, the International Committee of the Red Cross, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, AusAID, the Australian Defence Force and the Australian Federal Police.

Senator Feeney added that the growing importance of civil-military relations in conflict and disaster management made CMIW a valuable experience for participants.

“Not only has your knowledge of Civil-Military doctrine been enhanced, you have built a valuable network of international practitioners to call on in the years to come,” Senator Feeney said.

The Asia Pacific Civil-Military Centre of Excellence supports the development of national civil-military capabilities to prevent, prepare for, and respond more effectively to conflicts and disasters overseas.

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