Live fire, sleeping under the stars, protecting a naval base and putting Australia’s defence capabilities to the test.
The Federal Member for Hinkler, David Batt MP, has spent three days getting a true taste of what life is like for those who serve in the Australian Defence Force.
A former police officer and current member of the Parliamentary Committee for Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade, Mr Batt has just returned home to Hinkler after participating in Exercise Austral Shield in Western Australia.
The scenario-based exercise is the Australian Defence Force’s annual domestic security and crisis response training activity.
As part of his visit to Western Australia, Mr Batt participated in Exercise Austral Shield, where he observed and took part in training designed to prepare the ADF and partner agencies to respond to domestic security incidents and crises.
Held nationwide, Exercise Austral Shield brought together more than 1,500 personnel, including full-time military personnel, Reservists, Space Command and Cyber Command, to practise rapid mobilisation and civil integration in high-pressure environments.
During the program, Mr Batt also participated in Exercise Dernancourt, a live-fire training exercise led by the 11th/28th Battalion, Royal Western Australian Regiment, at the Lancelin Defence Training Area.
Designed to strengthen the foundational warfighting skills of Australian Army Reserve soldiers, Exercise Dernancourt progressed participants through the shooting continuum up to platoon-level attack and defence.
Soldiers conducted live firing with mortars, direct fire support weapons and the Javelin anti-armour missile system, integrating these capabilities into realistic combat scenarios by day and night.
Mr Batt said he joined the training through the ADF Parliamentary Program, which allows elected representatives to experience daily life within the Defence Force.
“It gave me the chance to gain a deeper understanding of how our servicemen and women contribute to Australia’s security and national interests,” Mr Batt said.
“I truly appreciated the unique opportunity to immerse myself in training with members of the 13th Brigade, including the 10th Light Horse Regiment and the 11th/28th and 16th Battalions of the Royal Western Australian Regiment, for three days straight. The experience demonstrated how full-time military personnel, Reservists and other agencies, including the Australian Federal Police and Western Australia Police Force, can come together during crisis response operations to protect critical infrastructure.
“This exposure is particularly valuable in appreciating the complexities and dynamic nature of Defence operations.”
Mr Batt experienced many aspects of service life firsthand, including wearing the uniform of the day and working and living alongside ADF members in their normal operating environment.
“I sincerely thank the Commander of 13th Brigade, Brigadier Damian Bushell, Deputy Commander Colonel Anthony Cattai, Warrant Officer Class Two Matt Deere as my host and all the members who made me feel like part of the team and answered my many questions,” Mr Batt said.
“I have nothing but admiration for all members of the ADF who put their lives on the line to defend Australians’ rights and freedoms and the democratic society that we are fortunate to call home.”
Held nationwide, Exercise Austral Shield brought together more than 1,500 personnel, including full-time military personnel, Reservists, Space Command and Cyber Command, to practise rapid mobilisation and civil integration in high-pressure environments.
The following quote attributable to Director-General Joint Collective Training, Commodore Phillipa Hay:
“Exercise Austral Shield enables agencies to be better prepared to respond when called upon to protect the Australian community. As highlighted in the 2026 National Defence Strategy, Australia faces an increasingly unpredictable security environment, requiring greater preparedness and resilience.”
Photos: David Batt alongside a member of the ADF