Senator David Fawcett

6 days ago

STAMP COMMEMORATES AUSTRALIA’S FIRST SCHEDULED AIR SERVICEAustralia Post has announced the issue of a new postage stamp to commemorate the centenary of Sir Norman Brearley creating Australia’s first scheduled air service – from Geraldton to Derby, Western Australia – as a significant milestone in the history of Australia’s aviation industry.I commend AusPost for this initiative and the City of Greater Geraldton for coordinating events in December to mark the centenary.This centenary has a personal connection as my great uncle, Lt. Robert Norman Fawcett (pictured, left), was a pilot for one of the three Bristol tourer aircraft on December 5, 1921 – the inaugural flight of Australia’s first scheduled air service. When Brearley (fifth, from left), Fawcett and Leonard Taplin (not pictured) sought to pilot the three aircraft to Derby – approximately a 2,000 kilometre journey – air travel was less than 20 years old.Tragically, Lt. Fawcett’s plane crashed at Murchison House Station, near Kalbarri, on the mid-west coast of WA during the inaugural flight. He and the mechanic Edward Broad aboard the plane were killed.At just 23 years of age at his death, Lt Fawcett had already served his nation in the 3rd Light Horse Regiment and in the Australian Flying Corps during WWI – training as a pilot while in Egypt.The bravery and sacrifice of these men is celebrated through the release of a collection of stamps, as their actions paved the way for regular commercial aviation and mail transport. More information: bit.ly/3aWwUMP ... See MoreSee Less

Senator David Fawcett

7 days ago

They can’t be serious - Greens’ policy to slash Defence capability despite increasing threat to Australia.The Defence Strategic Update of 2020 highlights that Australia’s security environment is changing rapidly, with militarisation, disruptive technological change and grey zone threats making our region less safe, particularly with authoritarian nation-states becoming more aggressive in both their rhetoric and actions. The Strategic Update explains why Australia needs to continue investment in a sovereign defence capability and local industry that can ensure that our military equipment is available for use when we need it, effective against the threats we face, and affordable in the longer term.Given the Greens held the balance of power before the election of the Coalition in 2013, their policy released this week is deeply troubling as it would undermine our ability to defend Australia and protect our national interests. The Greens propose to reduce defence spending to 1% of GDP – more than halving the Morrison Government’s investment in defence. They also propose to remove critical elements of strategic alliances such as AUKUS and ANZUS. See their plan for yourself: bit.ly/3G2qJ8a ... See MoreSee Less

Senator David Fawcett

1 week ago

70% of Australians aged 16 and over have now received both COVID-19 vaccination doses.Over 2 million COVID-19 vaccination doses have been administered in SA. Over 70% of South Australians have received a first dose, and 60% have received a double dose.While Australia is quickly approaching milestone thresholds as laid out in the National Plan to Transition Australia’s COVID-19 Response, Adelaide’s northern and north-eastern suburbs still have some way to go. I encourage all South Australians to speak with their GP to consider whether a COVID-19 vaccination is right for them.All South Australians over the age of 12 are eligible for a COVID-19 Vaccination. Book your vaccination online here: bit.ly/3jKEgY0 or call 1800 020 080. For more information on the COVID-19 vaccination rollout: www.australia.gov.au/For answers to common questions on COVID-19 vaccines: bit.ly/3edp0Ru ... See MoreSee Less