About David
David served in the Australian Defence Force for over 22 years. An Army pilot, he flew helicopters and fixed wing aircraft and was the Senior Flying Instructor at the School of Army Aviation in Queensland.
Graduating as an experimental test pilot from the Empire Test Pilots’ School (UK), he finished his full time career in Defence as the Commanding Officer of the RAAF Aircraft Research and Development Unit.
Elected to the House of Representatives as the Member for Wakefield (SA) in 2004, he served in the Parliament until 2007. David continued to fly as a test pilot and ran a small business working in the Defence and Aviation sectors prior to being elected to the Senate in 2010, 2016 and again in 2019.
In the (45th) Parliament, David was sworn as the Assistant Minister for Defence.
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AUSTRALIA’S MAGNITSKY-STYLE LEGISLATION PASSES INTO LAW![]()
Today, the Autonomous Sanctions Amendment (Magnitsky-style and Other Thematic Sanctions) Bill 2021 has passed into law. ![]()
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Upon royal assent, this law reforms and modernises Australia’s existing autonomous sanctions regime to enable the Australian Government to apply targeted and thematic sanctions and travel bans to perpetrators of serious human rights abuse and corruption.![]()
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I welcome the passing of this legislation as it sees Australia strengthen its commitment to protecting the human rights of people around the world – holding the perpetrators of human rights abuses to account.![]()
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As Chair of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade (JSCFADT), I tabled the Committee’s report on its ‘Inquiry into whether Australia should examine the use of targeted sanctions to address human rights abuses’ in the Senate in December last year. The inquiry was conducted by the JSCFADT Human Rights Sub-Committee, chaired by the Hon Kevin Andrews MP.![]()
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The sub-committee considered submissions from over 160 individuals and organisations from around the world, and benefitted from the contributions of a number of pre-eminent human rights experts, experienced with Magnitsky-style laws at the global level.![]()
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Expanding upon Australia’s current country-based autonomous sanctions framework, the reforms provide the Government with the flexibility to deploy sanctions in response to situations of international concern, as appropriate and when in Australia’s national interest. ![]()
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These measures will prevent Australia becoming a destination of choice for the funds and activities of corrupt individuals and, working with like-minded nations such as our AUKUS partners in the US and UK, as well as the EU, are a significant step forward in protecting the human rights of countless citizens around the world.![]()
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More information on the Autonomous Sanctions Amendment Bill: bit.ly/3Dk7hkJ![]()
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Full JSCFADT report: bit.ly/38gapRx
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Good move
Well done, Australia!
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PM VISIT TO SA’s MICRO-X![]()
While in South Australia last week, Prime Minister Scott Morrison (ScoMo) visited Micro-X to view their Rover, which has been supported by our Government’s Medical Research Future Fund. ![]()
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In December 2020, I joined Peter Rowland, Managing Director of Micro-X and Andy Keough, Managing Director of Saab Australia for the signing of the $1.4 million contract for Micro-X’s X-Ray machines to be included in the Australian Defence Force (ADF)'s new deployable health facilities, built by Saab. ![]()
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Micro-X’s Rover is a full performance digital medical x-ray imager, light enough to be used in deployed medical facilities, and specifically designed in collaboration with Defence Australia through the Innovation Hub program, for use in the Australian Army operational environment. More information: bit.ly/2Rt2qvT![]()
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Saab Australia are working with Defence to develop and sustain deployable military and humanitarian hospitals for the ADF – through a $337 million contract.![]()
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Based at Tonsley here in Adelaide, Micro-X’s world first technology will not only improve health outcomes for our deployed military personnel, but the technology will enhance safety as it is adapted for stand-off imaging of improvised explosive devices and for passenger screening at airports. The innovation by Micro-X also has an enormous economic benefit through job creation in manufacturing and research & development here in SA.![]()
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Micro-X were awarded the National Innovation Award at the Land Forces 2021 Innovation Awards in May.![]()
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Medical Products is 1 of 6 manufacturing priority sectors in our Government’s $1.5 billion Modern Manufacturing Strategy delivered through the 2020/21 Federal Budget – in addition to resources technology and critical minerals processing, food and beverage, recycling and clean energy, defence and space. More information: bit.ly/3xzbi3L
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Last week, as part of the Royal Australian Air Force centenary, I attended the Graveside Acknowledgement and Commemorative Service held by the RSL Salisbury Sub-Branch.![]()
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The service honoured Flying Officer (FLGOFF) Maxwell Pearce - laid to rest in the lone Commonwealth War Grave located at the St Johns Church in Salisbury. ![]()
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Posted at No 1 Elementary Flying Training School (1EFTS) at Parafield as a flying instructor during WWII, following his own graduation through Flying Training School, FLGOFF Pearce was tragically killed during a crash in 1942, while instructing a trainee pilot in DH82 Tiger Moth A17-419.![]()
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Also taking place this morning, a monument dedicated to the P-3 Orion, and those who served in operations with the aircraft including the 92 Wing out of RAAF Base Edinburgh, was unveiled near the Salisbury War Memorial. ![]()
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The P-3 Orion fleet was retired in 2018, replaced with the P-8A Poseidons and MQ-4C Tritons. The P-3 celebrated 50 years in RAAF service in December 2018.![]()
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Special recognition is due for Wing Commander (WGCDR) Marija Jovanovich (pictured) - Commanding Officer for No. 10 Squadron - and Graham Reynolds - Salisbury RSL Vice President and former Chief Engineer for the P3 Orion - who advocated for the creation of this monument. As a former test pilot, it’s great to see WGCDR Jovanovich, a fellow test pilot and distinguished graduate of the USAF Test Pilot School, providing leadership to the men and women operating this venerable aircraft as well as contributing to these commemorations.![]()
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No. 10 Squadron has a rich RAAF history. Formed in 1939, it was the first British Commonwealth squadron to experience active service in WWII and the only RAAF squadron to see continuous active service for the entirety of the war.
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AUKUS TECHNOLOGY SHARING AGREEMENT SIGNED![]()
This week, the Minister for Defence the Hon Peter Dutton, United States Chargé d'Affaires Michael Goldman and British High Commissioner Victoria Treadell CMG MVO met to sign the Exchange of Naval Nuclear Propulsion Information Agreement (ENNPIA) – facilitating the exchange of sensitive and classified naval nuclear propulsion information between Australia and our AUKUS partners.![]()
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This agreement formalises the nuclear propulsion technology sharing as part of the AUKUS partnership – a crucial step on our path towards acquiring nuclear-powered submarines for operation by the Royal Australian Navy. The ENNPIA, and AUKUS partnership more broadly, continues the long tradition of cooperation between the US, UK and Australia in military technology exchange. ![]()
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While news headlines often highlight the nuclear-powered submarines, the real value of AUKUS lies in the joint development of capabilities and the deeper integration of defence-related science and technology, industrial bases and, importantly, supply chains. This partnership is to work towards making each partner more capable and more resilient. AUKUS opens doors to enhanced collaboration that will build collective capability and resilient supply chains, enhancing Australia’s ability to partner with like-minded nations to deter threats and contribute to stability and security in the Indo-Pacific.![]()
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Despite a high level of technological reliance on the US and UK, history shows that the government can and does make sovereign decisions in Australia’s national interests – at the tactical, technical, and strategic level. ![]()
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The Australian Parliament’s Joint Standing Committee on Treaties will now undertake an Inquiry into the ENNPIA. More information on this inquiry: bit.ly/3oWq9RR![]()
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Regarding the AUKUS agreement more broadly, I wrote an opinion editorial published in Australian Strategic Policy Institute’s Strategist in October: bit.ly/30OEEPP
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A step forward for AUKUS as governments to share information
www.themandarin.com.au
Under a legally binding agreement, the US and UK will give nuclear propulsion information to Australia.Comment on Facebook
Questions need to be asked about why we do not yet have an American ambassador in Australia. This situation might have been normal under Trump, but should not happen under Biden
Good update Senator David Fawcett 👏
Great to celebrate the 65th anniversary of St Peter's Lutheran Church, Elizabeth at their service last Sunday, alongside The Hon. John Dawkins MLC and City of Playford Mayor Glenn Docherty.![]()
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The Lutheran Church in South Australia has a long and dedicated history, established in 1838, and St Peter’s has played a role in supporting the community over the last 65 years. Approximately 10,000 regular worshippers attend Lutheran Church of Australia - SA & NT churches each week.![]()
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Thanks to Mayor Docherty for the photos.
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Dear Senator # 23 Senator Senator David Fawcett you say “we must put People before before the profits of big pharmaceutical companies” many Aussies are standing UP and saying NUP to the V but being discriminated against. ⚠️☎️🚨URGENT & IMPORTANT 🚨☎️⚠️ 🇦🇺TO ALL AUSTRALIANS 🇦🇺🙏🌎🇦🇺 CALL TO ACTION Please lobby all the Senators and Members of Parliament 🗣🎤📡🎙☎️📞📲🛎📩📧📬✒️✍️ The Australian constitution & its Sections 109 and 53 -21a) should be upheld by both Federal and State governments at all levels of government and in all of Australian society. Senators, Members of Parliament, Priminister Scott Morrison (ScoMo) & All People of Australia, 🇦🇺if you care about: Australia 🇦🇺 Australians 🇦🇺Freedom 🇦🇺🌎 Democracy 🇦🇺🌎Civil Rights 🇦🇺🌎Human Rights 🇦🇺🌎Medical Privacy 🇦🇺🌎 Medical Freedoms 🇦🇺🌎Anti-discrimination, Here's the list of our 46th Parliament, with 75 of our senators, their email addresses, addresses and phone numbers. Please write to via email, mail and social media, and ring your senators and our members of Parliament to request their support for Pauline Hanson's Please Explain & Pauline Hanson's One Nation Party "COVID-19 Vaccination Status (Prevention of Discrimination) Bill 2021" Please! Thankyou to the 7 senators in favour (out of the other 44 senators against) who voted for Pauline Hansons Anti-discrimination bill on Monday. "Disgusting!" to the rest of the senators who voted against it & especially Jackie Lambie! You've sold out! You've sold out Australia 🇦🇺 You've sold out Australians 🇦🇺 You've sold out Democracy 🇦🇺🌎 You've sold out Freedom 🇦🇺🌎 You've Sold out Human Rights 🇦🇺🌎 You've Sold out Medical Freedoms 🇦🇺🌎 You've Sold out Privacy 🇦🇺🌎 You've Sold out Anti-descrimination 🇦🇺🌎 But worst of all you've sold your Soul! It seems to me that not only have you lost your heart but you no longer have a soul that's your own? Shame on YOU! I praise God for you Senator Gerard Rennick Senator Concetta Fierravanti-Wells Senator Matthew Canavan Senator Dr Sam McMahon and & Senator Alexander (Alex) Antic and especially Malcolm Roberts - Pauline Hanson & her One Nation Party and what she's fighting to hold onto for the remnant of Australians who God forbid still believe in these things! AMEN Gods Will “And what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8) Mans Free Will “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.” Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” (Galatians 5:2) God gave Man One body in His Image There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. (Ephesians 4:4-6) Summary “Do justice, love mercy, walk humbly” Micah 6:8 “It is for Freedom that Christ has set us free” Gal. 5:1 “There is one body & One Spirit” Eph. 4:4 Every man is Sovereign and we should have the basic God given right of free will to choose what we put into our one body! (Without coercion, threats, discrimination, retribution, loss of the rights to work, travel, shop, socialise, worship, seek medical treatments, eat & drink) These are being taken away from Queenslanders from Dec 17 “From 17 December 2021, unvaccinated people will be unable to: visit vulnerable settings, including hospitals, residential aged care, disability accommodation services, and prisons. This does not apply to residents and patients of these facilities, and there will be some exceptions for medical treatment, end-of-life visits, childbirth and emergency situations attend hospitality venues such as hotels, pubs, clubs, taverns, bars, restaurants or cafes attend indoor entertainment venues such as nightclubs, live music venues, karaoke bars, concerts, theatres or cinemas attend outdoor entertainment activities such as sporting stadiums, theme parks or tourism experience like reef excursions attend festivals – either indoor or outdoor – such as musical festivals, folk festivals or arts festivals attend Queensland Government owned galleries, museums or libraries.” This is coercion, discrimination, retribution & retaliation on behalf of the government against its people and their Sovereign Rights and I rebuke it in Gods name. It is against the “International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights 1966” & “The Australian Human Rights Act of 1986 - article 9” & “The Queensland Police Operational Manual” Signed by The Commissioner in Queensland. It also contravenes “The Siracusa Principal - Article 26” & The Nuremberg code 1947” Whether you believe in God or not, I trust you will uphold, fight, and advocate for all those human laws and conventions rather than “mandates, rules, restrictions, and directions” which are not laws. Please & Thankyou! Please share if you care about: Australia 🇦🇺 Australians 🇦🇺 Freedom 🇦🇺🌎 Democracy 🇦🇺🌎 Civil Rights 🇦🇺🌎 Human Rights 🇦🇺🌎 Medical Privacy 🇦🇺🌎 Medical Freedoms 🇦🇺🌎 Anti-discrimination 🇦🇺🌎 Here's link to share: Please share if you care about any one of these things www.aph.gov.au/Senators_and_Members/Guidelines_for_Contacting_Senators_and_Members/los www.aph.gov.au/Senators_and_Members/Guidelines_for_Contacting_Senators_and_Members/los
$111 MILLION GOVERNMENT INVESTMENT TO DEVELOP OUR CRITICAL TECHNOLOGIES![]()
Prime Minister Scott Morrison (ScoMo) has unveiled the inaugural list of critical technologies to be further developed and protected through a $111 million Australian Government investment, in conjunction with investment from the private sector and like-minded nations such as our AUKUS and Quad partners. ![]()
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Recognising technologies of critical value to Australia’s economy and defence, the Government’s Blueprint and Action Plan for Critical Technologies includes artificial intelligence, quantum computing, blockchain, and algorithmic automation, among others – aiming to balance the economic opportunities of critical technologies with their national security risks. As such, the plan includes measures that will prevent foreign governments from collaborating with Australian universities on certain types of research, should their involvement threaten national security. In addition to preventing research collaboration, these measures can extend to blocking exports and investment from firms and universities tied to such foreign governments.![]()
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Through this plan, the Morrison Government announced a $70 million investment in quantum technologies, to give Australia the edge on this strategically valuable field – and the nation’s first-ever national quantum strategy will be informed by a National Committee on Quantum, led by Australia’s Chief Scientist, Cathy Foley. The development, commercialisation and adoption of quantum technologies is expected to deliver Australia $4 billion in economic value and create 16,000 new jobs by 2040. More information: bit.ly/3oD6ZQW![]()
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The list of 63 critical technologies also includes advanced explosives, next-generation networks such as 5G and 6G, cybersecurity technologies, genomics and low-emission fuels such as biofuels and hydrogen. In addition to advancing Australia’s defensive capabilities, the development of these technologies will drive Australia’s economic recovery and future growth.![]()
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This announcement coincides with the release of the Critical Technology Supply Chain Principles – to give businesses and consumers the confidence to take up, invest in, and further develop critical emerging technologies – such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, blockchain, and algorithmic automation. The 10 supply chain principles are grouped under three pillars: security-by-design; transparency; and autonomy and integrity. The principles were developed in partnership with a range of stakeholders, including industry, non-government organisations, state and territory governments, and the community. More information: bit.ly/3DrBgs3![]()
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More information on the Action Plan for Critical Technologies: bit.ly/3CrlXhC
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How Australia is set to be a 'quantum technology leader in the Indo-Pacific'
www.skynews.com.au
Australia will invest $100 million in new technologies to help bolster the nation's defence capabilities and ensure the country remains "strong and safe".Comment on Facebook
Too bad you don’t believe in freedom of choice by not supporting One Nations vaccine discrimination bill
Voters have stopped listening to you. You have stopped representing us. Yesterday you voted with Labor and the Greens for vaccine-DISCRIMINATION. COVID has been a test of intelligence, respect and humanity. You sir have failed all three! For those who want to read Hansard: parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/download/chamber/hansards/25182/toc_pdf/Senate_2021_11_22.pdf;fileTy...
NUCLEAR POWER!! SUNBEAMS AND SEABREAZES ARE NICE FOR PIXIES AND FAIRIES BUT CAN'T KEEP THE LIGHTS ON MOLTEXENERGY.COM
Recently, I learned two Liberal Party Senators, namely Senators Rennick and Antic, have publicly announced they intend to withhold their vote for the Coalition until the below issues are dealt with: From Senator Gerard Rennick: • People who have suffered injuries from the vaccine need immediate financial support • The indemnity scheme needs to be available immediately rather than start next year • Vaccine mandates need to be lifted immediately • Rapid antigen tests are a much better way to manage the risk of Covid Will you work with relevant ministers in order to resolve these issues as quickly as possible? Will you expedite the Senators requests and support removal of Covid mandates, an improved RA testing regime and a satisfactory compensation scheme for victims of Covid vaccine injuries? Will you join Senators Rennick and Antic in withholding your vote from the Coalition until the above matters are resolved? I look forward to your response.