THE VICE CHIEF OF DEFENCE FORCE, VICE ADMIRAL RAY GRIGGS AO CSC RAN FORWARDED THIS MESSAGE TO BE READ OUT AT MILITARY PRIDE BALL SATURDAY 5 SEPTEMBER 2015
Delivered by Major General Gus Gillmore, AO, DSC - Commander Forces Command
I'm sorry I can't be with you tonight due to a conflicting engagement, but I am pleased that Defence Pride is being celebrated tonight and that excellence in LGBTI inclusion is being recognised.
I am totally committed to seeing an Australian Defence Force in which there is a culture of inclusion, not a culture of exclusion. One where prejudice, on whatever issue, is rare and where people are judged on their abilities and values.
I am proud of the contributions that LGBTI people make to Defence and I am proud to be in an organisation that has a senior leadership so committed to inclusion and diversity – we will continue to work hard on this.
The Defence Pride Network, which has been launched tonight, is an important initiative for evolving Defence culture. Defence Pride will provide a network for all Defence personnel who want to help create an inclusive culture and generate inclusive leadership. It will enable Defence to more effectively collaborate to support our LGBTI workforce.
I would like to thank DEFGLIS and congratulate you on the great work that you have done during the past 14 years in supporting our people, providing advice and creating a sense of community.
DEFGLIS and the Defence Pride Network will evolve together and provide a comprehensive support package for our LGBTI personnel and their families.
We need your participation to make this initiative a success, so I encourage you to participate and contribute to creating and shaping the new Defence Pride network.
I hope that you all have a great night tonight. Be proud of who you are, and be proud of the fact that you serve our nation in such a capable way.