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Defence Boffins Study Concept of Female Warriors |
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Sunday, 28 September 2008 |
 The lifting of gender-based restrictions on defence personnel could see Australian women fighting in combat roles.
The federal government is reviewing the restrictions that prevent women from occupying combat roles, and is considering replacing them with ones based on physical attributes.
The work is being done by the Defence Department's scientific arm, the Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO).
Women now make up more than 13 per cent of Australia's Defence Force and can serve in 90 per cent of its roles. However direct warfighting roles, such as infantry, artillery gunners, armoured corps or combat engineers, remain out of bounds.
While some women may not possess the physical attributes required for the most physically demanding combat roles, the changed restrictions would see them excluded on merit, not gender.
'It is important that we keep working towards removing the barriers to women being eligible to serve in all employment categories,' Defence Minister Joel Fitzgibbon told the media.
'Studies such as the DSTO physical standards project will assist in identifying practical measures to removing such barriers.' |
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Dili Diggers Hurt in Water Truck Accident |
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Sunday, 28 September 2008 |
Two Australian soldiers serving in East Timor were seriously injured yesterday when their water tanker rolled over an embankment, the Defence Department said.
The soldiers, both members of the International Stabilisation Force (ISF), were travelling in a water tanker when the accident occurred about 9.30am (AEST). No other vehicle was involved.
"The accident occurred approximately 50km west of Dili, in the Maubara district,'' Defence said in a statement released last night.
"The tanker rolled down a 15m embankment.''
Two Australian Defence Force helicopters went to the soldiers' aid, providing on-site first aid before taking the pair to an ISF medical facility in Dili.
"Both soldiers will be placed on restricted duties and are expected to make a full recovery from their injuries and return to normal duties,'' the statement said.
"The next of kin of both soldiers have been informed.''
Defence has not released the gender, age or name of the injured soldiers. An investigation is under way to determine the cause of the accident. |
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