Mike Kelly and Stephen Smith visit Asia Pacific Civil-Military Centre of Excellence
Media release
17 June 2010
Federal Member for Eden-Monaro Mike Kelly was joined by Minister for Foreign Affairs Stephen Smith this morning, at the Asia Pacific Civil-Military Centre of Excellence in Queanbeyan.
The Centre was established in accordance with a Labor election commitment. It coordinates and builds the capacity of government agencies to contribute to conflict and disaster relief.
Dr Kelly said: Establishing the Centre is something I've been passionate about since my first operational tour to Somalia with the Australian Army in 1993. I'm excited about the work it is undertaking and delighted to be able to host Minister Smith here in Queanbeyan this morning.
Minister Smith said: I am very pleased that the Department of Foreign Affairs is contributing to this key whole-of-government initiative. The Centre's contribution to building the capacity of government agencies to respond to conflict and disaster relief scenarios is critically important. I look forward to DFAT's ongoing contribution to the Centre."
The Centre is administered by the Department of Defence and staffed by officials from government departments and agencies including Defence, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Australian Federal Police, AusAID, and Emergency Management Australia.
New Zealand has also contributed to the success of the Asia Pacific Civil Military Centre of Excellence through the secondment of Dr Jim Rolfe from the New Zealand Ministry of Defence, to serve as the centre's Deputy Director.
Media inquiries
- Minister's Office: (02) 6277 7500
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