Australia’s Chief of Defence Forces, General Peter Cosgrove, provided delegates with an insight into his experiences with Australia’s many and varied leaders. Having been in the Australian military for 38 years, General Cosgrove is no stranger to leadership. Among his many career achievements, he served as Commander of the International Forces in East Timor (INTERFET) in 1999, for which is he was awarded the Companion of the Military Division of the Order of Australia.
His vast and diverse experiences have seen him come in contact with many of the country’s top leaders, as well as the general community. He said that many situations bring out leaders from within the community, be they predicted or unpredictable disasters, natural or from circumstances created by man “Disasters don’t work on a timetable and are unpredicted,” General Cosgrove said. “It is during this time when the men and women of Local Government undergo the ultimate test in their leadership.”
He reflected on the Bali attacks and the event of 11 September 2001. He described the Bali attacks as an assault on our freedoms, an unthinkable event, and to have thought its occurrence would compromise the very freedoms and opportunities that Australian people take for granted. With Local Government at the forefront of the attacks on New York City on September 11, the figure of Mayor Rudolph Guiliani as a beacon of hope arose.
“He provided a first response to the people and a determined oratory, which gave inspiration against a backdrop of anguish,” General Cosgrove said.
He referred to his military experiences and the leadership qualities he encountered from everyday Australians. He spoke of the determination and hard work of volunteers, social clubs and emergency groups, each having a part to play in society and leaders in their own right who lead by example.
“Community organisations are a source for Local Government foot soldiers,” he said. “These people aren’t just there in cases of emergency. They are an integral part of society. They are among the very first people to rally to the leadership of Local Government.”
General Cosgrove believes that what underpinned these principles of leadership is the Australian national value of mateship.
“Mateship in adversity is an important national character,” he said. “It is the basis and predisposition in forming leaders. As we accept teams, we also accept leaders. United as a nation, we are unbeatable.”
