31 July 2024
The Women Leaders Study Tour recently saw first-hand the variety of ADF roles it takes to keep an aviation base functioning at peak performance.
Today, RAAF Base Townsville is home to more than 1600 personnel including Air Force, Army, Defence civilians and contract staff, several non-flying Air Force units including 27 Squadron, as well as the Australian Army’s Headquarters 16th Aviation Brigade and 5th Aviation Regiment.
Study tour participants got up close to the CH-47F Chinook and AW139 helicopters, military working dogs and viewed a 3D printing machine, to name a few of the capabilities on display.
Led by former United Nations Special Rapporteur, Elizabeth Broderick, the study tour brought together civilian female leaders from industry, government officials and non-profit organisations, to see the role of women in the ADF.
Ms Broderick said there has been much change in the ADF in the past 10 years.
“What’s important is to bring together civilian female leaders to come and see the role of women in a modern military and particularly the ADF,” she said.
“I want all female leaders to see the incredible work of women in the ADF.”
As at May 1 this year, women comprised 20.7 per cent of permanent ADF personnel and 10.6 per cent of combat and security personnel, with more than 1700 women engaged in STEM programs across the ADF.
Lieutenant General Natasha Fox said the study tour provided a unique opportunity to demonstrate to civilian female leaders the advantages and diversity of ADF employment.
“By bringing industry and ADF female leaders together we are showcasing the rewards to be had in choosing a career in the ADF,” Lieutenant General Fox said.
“Diversity of workforce breeds diversity of thought, creating a stronger, more capable and adaptive force.”
Ms Broderick said increasingly the demographics were changing.
“There is often a perception the ADF is male dominated,” she said.
“[Australia has] as many talented women as men. If we want to build capability in our Defence Force, then we need to bring all the best people here.”
