President’s Report 2026
I am honoured to be the president of 7 Fd Regt RAA Association particularly in 2026, the 40th anniversary of the formation in May 1986.
The association has been blessed with the very strong and capable steering from our Secretary John B for the entire 40 years.
On a more serious note, I reflect on real issues that Defence is facing in Australia Three major issues are:
1) Victoria Barracks-
The sale of Victoria Barracks would be a National Disgrace and may have a detrimental effect on the wellbeing of veterans. Anthony Roberts MP (a former ARes Officer) and Member for Lane Cove has presented a bill to Parliament- environmental planning and assessment amendment (defence lands parliamentary approval) Bill 2026.
This Bill is designed to prevent the sale of Victoria Barracks by the Federal Government.
2) Parliamentary joint committee on Defence (submissions due 6 November 2026). This is
an enquiry into Australia’s National Civil Preparedness and Resilience (adopted 27
July 2026)
Colonel Sandy MacGregor MC with a group of former CMF, ARA and ARes officers is preparing a submission.
This enquiry demonstrates the need for a new approach to manage the decline of our defence capabilities under successive governments.
3) Defence Regulations Updates
Defence call up has been increased from 5 years to 10 years after discharge, in response to the decline in defence personnel.
Associations such as 7 Fd REGT RAA play an important part of the national defence of Australia and I would like to thank all of our members and members of the committee and as I mentioned above JB.
Your strong turnout on Anzac Day supported by members of 7 Bty is well appreciated.
Our support for 7 Bty and 9 Regt is an important part of our Association .
Hope to see you at the Annual Reunion on Friday 20 November 2026.
Ubique
John Keefe