Matt Thistlethwaite, Luke Gosling address ADF future in the NT

The federal government has its eyes on the Territory – and its teenage talent. Read why it says Territorians make better soldiers than ‘southern recruits’.

Assistant Minister for Defence Matt Thistlethwaite as the Top End community gathered at the Darwin Convention Centre to commemorate the Bombing of Darwin. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

As more than a thousand Territorians paused to commemorate the 82nd anniversary of the Bombing of Darwin, something caught Matt Thistlethwaite’s eye.

Stacked at the back and high in the stands were hundreds of high school students, quietly observing the sacred ceremony.

The Assistant Defence Minister said he hoped the event had impacted the students.

“It’s great to see the school kids participating in this commemoration and I hope they come away from this (as) proud Australians,” he said.

“And (that they) understand the sacrifice and the service of those who defended Darwin 82 years ago and we know we need to grow our Australian Defence Force.”

Luke Gosling and Matt Thistlethwaite. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Despite offering $50,000 retention bonuses, in FY 2022-2023 the ADF lost more than 3400 members – moving further away from the organisation’s target of 80,000 personnel by 2040.

Mr Thistlethwaite said he hoped the government’s new toys would entice the Territory’s teenagers.

“I hope that the younger members of the Territory see that there’s a rewarding and fulfilling career in the Australian Defence Force, (that) they can make a huge contribution to some of the most exciting projects that are being undertaken in Australia’s history,” he said.

“AUKUS, bolstering the north, the guided weapons explosive ordnance investments that we’re making, (the) more high tech, high skill, exciting opportunities for people to work and be a part of the defence of Australia’s future.”

Solomon MP and former infantry officer Luke Gosling echoed his colleague’s sentiments and said Territorians were at an advantage over their southern compatriots.

“Territorians make great recruits because they are generally very familiar with Defence, they have initiative and are prepared to innovate and they are more comfortable with the vast spaces and tropical environment than some southern recruits.”

Solomon MP Luke Gosling, Brigadier Doug Pashley and Assistant Defence Minister Matt Thistlethwaite in early 2024.

Mr Gosling said recent visits from Canberra’s front bench underlined the Top End’s strategic value.

“Both the Defence and Assistance Defence Ministers have visited recently and will both be back within the month – this is a reflection of what is happening here in terms of operational and infrastructure development and readiness,” he said.

“(And) we can expect more STEM pathways to emerge through AUKUS pillar 2 projects in areas such as artificial intelligence, cyber security and unmanned platforms.”

• The bullet point summary was created with the assistance of AI technology (PaLM2) then edited and approved for publication by an editor.

Originally published as Matt Thistlethwaite, Luke Gosling address ADF future in the NT