New ADFA agreement welcomed

UNSW Vice-Chancellor Professor Fred Hilmer has welcomed the extension of the University's agreement to provide academic services at the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA).

Minister for Defence, Senator John Faulkner, has announced that UNSW's agreement to provide undergraduate and postgraduate education to Defence Force personnel through UNSW@ADFA has been extended to 2023.

The new agreement will also see UNSW@ADFA continue its role as an important contributor of research for defence and industry applications.

Professor Hilmer said the new agreement, due to start on January 1, 2010, would strengthen UNSW's longstanding relationship with the Australian Defence Department.

"Our links to Defence go back to 1967, when the University established the Faculty of Military Studies at the Royal Military College at Duntroon. This was followed by the establishment of UNSW@ADFA in 1981," Professor Hilmer said.

"UNSW is very proud of the high quality of the graduates produced at UNSW@ADFA and is deeply committed to continuing its vital role in providing education of the highest standards to Australian Defence Force personnel."

Senator Faulkner said ADFA was focused on developing the best future leaders for the ADF and the work of UNSW staff at ADFA was a key element of that task.

"The extension of the Agreement until 2023 ensures Defence personnel, both military and civilian, have access to high-quality academic services that will enhance their knowledge and understanding in addition to aiding their careers," he said.

UNSW Media Office: Judy Brookman | 02 9385 3249 | j.brookman@unsw.edu.au

UNSW@ADFA Media Office: Natalia Komarova | 0262 688 760 | n.komarova@adfa.edu.au