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.
Social Media
ROYAL COMMISSION INTO DEFENCE AND VETERAN SUICIDE TO COMPLEMENT ONGOING WORK OF NATIONAL COMMISSIONER![]()
Prime Minister Scott Morrison (ScoMo) announced yesterday that the Government is establishing a Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, with the findings and recommendations to inform the proposed National Commissioner for Defence and Suicide Prevention’s ongoing work.![]()
![]()
The Royal Commission and the National Commissioner is to be established together and operate in a complementary way to achieve long-term change. The Royal Commission is to systemically investigate past deaths by suicide (including suspected suicides and lived experience of suicide risks), while the National Commissioner is to have a forward-looking role, including overseeing the implementation of the Royal Commission’s recommendations. More information on the Royal Commission: bit.ly/3n0DQh8![]()
![]()
Before the Royal Commission begins, a rigorous consultation process will develop the Terms of Reference for the Royal Commission – including consultation with defence and veteran communities, as well as states and territories. More information and details on how to participate in the upcoming consultation process: bit.ly/32w171g![]()
![]()
As I said in my Maiden Speech in the Senate, “We expected the loyalty of service men and women when they enlisted and if they deployed; they have a right to expect ours now they have returned and retired.”![]()
![]()
Our Government continues its support for veterans and their families. In the 2020/21 Federal Budget, more than $11.7 billion was invested to support more than 320,000 veterans and their families across Australia. Funding for veteran mental health treatment exceeds $230 million each year, and this funding is needs-based and uncapped.![]()
![]()
If you, or someone you know, need support, contact Open Arms - Veterans & Families Counselling - free and confidential support for current and former ADF personnel and families (1800 011 046) or ADF Mental Health All-hours Support Line - for current ADF personnel and families (1800 628 036), Lifeline (13 11 14), or Suicide Call Back Service (1300 659 467).
... See MoreSee Less
Learn More
Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide | Department of Veterans' Affairs
www.dva.gov.au
On 19 April 2021, the Prime Minister, the Hon Scott Morrison MP, announced the Government will recommend to the Governor-General the establishment of a Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide. The Royal Commission will examine the systemic issues and any common themes and past deaths by su...Comment on Facebook
With respect, can we also have a RC into veterans who commit the crime of Domestic Violence against their spouses yet continue to receive TPI pensions & gold cards even though they are convicted criminals. This whilst the VICTIMS live with permanent Injuries, PTSD, and a life of poverty, in many cases. These VICTIMS not only supported the veterans, they enabled their service by sacrificing their own careers. Endured upheaval and displacement due to the demands of military postings. Just to list a few of the stressors by which the supporting spouse endured. Unlike the VICTIMS of DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, who do not CHOOSE to be violated, bashed, abused, left in poverty & some commit suicide, whilst the perpetrator lives a fine life being funded by the taxpayer; veterans who take their own lives make that CHOICE. Violence is a CHOICE. SUICIDE is a CHOICE. Disappointing that the govt has capitulated to the rantings & bullying of a small section of the community. Joining the ADF is a CHOICE. If you don't want to go to war, don't join the ADF. If you have issues, get help. But, cease blaming all your issues and/or vile behaviour, on service in the ADF! Cease playing the illness card & focus on wellbeing. Help IS available! However, one must also help oneself! Show some resilience! An expensive RC will NOT prevent or lessen the CHOICE people make to end their life. Money would be better spent on health & education. A very disappointing call by the Federal Govt.
... See MoreSee Less
Comment on Facebook
... See MoreSee Less
Comment on Facebook
Australia’s economic recovery continues.![]()
![]()
The Australian Bureau of Statistics has released their latest Labour Force statistics which show that 70,700 jobs were created in March 2021.![]()
![]()
The employment participation rate - measurement of the number of working age persons who are employed and unemployed but looking for a job – has also increased by 0.2 percentage points over the month, to a record high of 66.3%. ![]()
![]()
In more positive news, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has upgraded our economy’s growth outlook in its latest World Economic Outlook – confirming our economy is recovering from the COVID-19 crisis faster and stronger than previously expected.![]()
![]()
Australia’s economy is forecast to grow by 4.5% in 2021, one percentage point higher than the IMF’s interim outlook in January. The IMF then expects economic growth to reach 2.8% in 2022.![]()
![]()
Our Government was able to take decisive action and provide targeted, proportionate and effective support during the COVID-19 pandemic because we entered this crisis in a position of economic strength, as a result of our hard work since 2013 to restore balance to Australia’s budget. ![]()
![]()
More information on IMF’s projections: bit.ly/32l71Cg![]()
More information on the ABS Labour Force Figures: bit.ly/3wYYqDk
... See MoreSee Less
Comment on Facebook
DRIVING PROGRAM AT PARA HILLS HIGH SCHOOL AWARDED GRANT![]()
Para Hills High School’s ‘Driving for Success’ Program has been awarded $10,000 through the Australian Government’s Youth Action Project Grant (YAPG) Scheme.![]()
![]()
The YAPG Scheme – administered by the Foundation for Young Australians (FYA) – is being delivered to assist young Australians to bounce back from the impact of the 2019/20 Black Summer Bushfires, COVID-19 pandemic, and the ongoing challenges with employment, mental health, and transportation. ![]()
![]()
In Adelaide’s north-eastern suburbs, the Para Hills High School program offers subsidised driving lessons and access to a vehicle for students unable to afford these resources.![]()
![]()
Given the challenges young people have faced throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, those without an adult in their household able to supervise them or a vehicle to practice in were negatively impacted throughout the year as a result of restrictions. Now restrictions are being eased, programs like ‘Driving for Success’ go some way to bridge the gap for these young people and enable them to pursue their driver’s licence.![]()
![]()
In response to these challenges of 2020, the YAPG scheme provides between $5,000 and $20,000 to projects that support young people, between the ages of 15 and 24, as they navigate and recover from this challenging period.![]()
![]()
More information: bit.ly/3mVb69B
... See MoreSee Less
Comment on Facebook
EXPLORE ADELAIDE’s NEW SPACE DISCOVERY CENTRE![]()
The Australian Space Discovery Centre (ASDC) here in Adelaide was officially launched by Prime Minister Scott Morrison (ScoMo) in late March – enabling the next generation of young Australians to learn more about space, and working in the space industry.![]()
![]()
You can now take a virtual tour of the ASDC, through the video below. The centre opens to the general public in May, following testing with community groups and other organisations throughout April. To book an ASDC tour: discover.space.gov.au.![]()
![]()
Located at Lot Fourteen with the Australian Space Agency HQ, the ASDC provides interactive space exhibits and practical advice for those wanting to pursue a career in the growing space sector. The site also contains the recently-opened Responsive Space Operations Centre – developed by SA-based Saber Astronautics and funded by a $6 million Federal Government grant – enabling our local space businesses to track and control their very own missions and satellites, providing critical new capability here in SA. ![]()
![]()
The ASDC, ASA Headquarters and Mission Control Centre have been made possible through the Australian and SA Governments’ $649 million Adelaide City Deal – cementing SA as the space capital of Australia.![]()
![]()
Since 2018, the Australian Government has invested over $700 million into Australia’s space sector, as part of the Government’s goal to triple the sector’s size to $12 billion and create an additional 20,000 jobs by 2030.![]()
![]()
More information: bit.ly/3rIIC3S![]()
#AusSpaceDiscovery
... See MoreSee Less
Comment on Facebook