Time for defence force chief to go before he’s pushed
DEFENCE Minister Peter Dutton has never shirked from hard decisions.
For the first time in some years a defence minister has the temerity to ask the searching questions of the ADF uniformed hierarchy and make contrary decisions to theirs.
It seems, like a certain other politician, they don’t like it.
Dutton is a canny politician who has never been shy about upsetting some community interests when he believes his instincts are better than theirs.
Like the canny copper he once was, he knows when push comes to shove, you only get one opportunity to prosecute a successful outcome. He gathers and assesses the evidence, often in this case a brief prepared by trusted staff, weighs the pros and cons, then acts.
It seems his determination to overturn some decisions made by the CDF Angus Campbell have annoyed some of Campbell’s close associates, not to say the general himself, who some Canberra insiders are now describing as a “lame duck”. Among those contentious issues creating friction are Dutton’s directive the Meritorious Unit Citation awarded to 2 Squadron SAS not be rescinded.
He also seems determined to prevent Campbell’s inner circle from controlling the agenda to reorganise the SAS following allegedly adverse recommendations in the heavily redacted Brereton report, exact details of which are known only be a select few.
Criticism from some in the EX-ADF community that Dutton’s interference in Campbell’s decision making is undermining Campbell’s authority begs the question, what authority Campbell has left? Not to mention credibility.
Informed insiders also claim Campbell has lost the confidence of many ADF personnel by appearing not to accept responsibility for alleged actions that clearly occurred on his immediate watch in numerous command positions in Australia and overseas.
Low morale is hard to quantify but anecdotal evidence of individuals either resigning form the ADF or refusing further service suggests all is not well.
Figures from the SAS suggest the equivalent of a whole operational squadron has simply walked away, losses of specialised personnel neither the SAS nor the wider ADF can continue to absorb without loss of some serious capability.
Even the Australian Defence Association’s Neil James challenged whether it was appropriate for the minister to overturn decisions made by the CDF.
Dutton’s unequivocal response has been as minister he has that right because ultimately the buck stops with him. Having lost the minister’s trust, Campbell should now walk before he is pushed.
state and federal governments, and the council, supported by both the NRL and the Cowboys. The design for the stadium is unveiled.
MAY 2017
Watpac is named the managing contractor for the stadium build.
AUGUST 2017
Premier Palaszczuk, Assistant Minister for Cities and Digital Transformation Angus Taylor, Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill, NRL chairman John Grant and
North Queensland Cowboys chairman Lawrence Lancini turn the first sod of the Townsville Stadium.
SEPTEMBER 2018
The first of the seating platforms are put in place at the stadium.
MAY 2019
Construction of the stadium passes the halfway mark.
JUNE 2019
The North Queensland Stadium is originally launched alongside an announcement that Sir Elton John will bring his tour to Townsville. The installation of the roof begins.
SEPTEMBER 2019
The first of the 25,000 seats is installed at the stadium. Premier Palaszczuk and Cowboys legend Johnathan Thurston put the first seat in together.
DECEMBER 2019
Queensland Country Bank is officially announced as holding the naming rights for six years.
JANUARY 2020
The grass is installed at the new stadium, including certain sections from the old 1300SMILES Stadium ground. FEBRUARY 2020
Music legend Elton John plays at the stadium.
MARCH 2020
Cowboys play their first home game in the new stadium against the Broncos.
JUNE 2020
Cowboys fans return to the venue as stadiums are allowed
to have 2000 people through the gates.
AUGUST 2020
Tim Tszyu and Jeff Horn battle it out at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.
FEBRUARY 2021
The NRL All Stars game is played at the stadium.
MAY 2021
The NRL announces it will host Origin Game One in Townsville.
JUNE 2021
Historic moment as Origin
Game One is played in Townsville.
Oceania Rugby Sevens Challenge to be played at the stadium.
AUGUST 2021
Townsville hosts the Queensland Reds vs Waikatobased Chiefs.
SEPTEMBER 2021
The stadium hosts a double header for the NRL finals.
TONIGHT
The stadium hosts the etoro 2021 Rugby Championship.