A group of senior MPs are currently visiting, to explore Australian thinking on Defence: Jim Murphy (Labour, Shadow Defence Secretary), Claire Perry (Conservative, PPS to the Defence Secretary) and Sir Bob Russell (Lib Dem, Member of the Defence Select committee).
In Canberra they met the Australian Defence Minister and Opposition spokesman, as well as a range of senior military officers and officials. They discussed shared experiences of a decade of intense operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, including the impact on public attitudes towards Defence. Perry and Russell both represent towns with strong army links.
They explored some of the future strategic challenges which Australia will be looking at in its new Defence White Paper next year. And they compared notes on the budgetary pressures both Defence ministries face, which provide an incentive to greater bilateral cooperation on defence procurement. Both sides welcomed the reinvigorated UK/Australia engagement through the AUKMIN process. They are travelling on to Adelaide to visit the Defence supply industry and then to Perth to visit some military establishments.
Sir Bob was impressed to find that among the fine British Ales which I offer guests when hosting official dinners, was his local brew Adnams. He was delighted to find it so far away from home.