THE HON RICHARD MARLES MP
SHADOW MINISTER FOR DEFENCE
MEMBER FOR CORIO
THE HON MARK DREYFUS QC MP
SHADOW ATTORNEY-GENERAL
SHADOW MINISTER FOR NATIONAL SECURITY
ACTING SHADOW MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS
MEMBER FOR ISAACS
APPOINTMENT OF BRIGADIER CHERYL PEARCE TO COMMAND UN PEACEKEEPING FORCE IN CYPRUS
Labor joins with the Government in congratulating Australian Defence Force Brigadier Cheryl Pearce as Force Commander of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP).
Brigadier Pearce, who will be promoted to Major-General, is only the second woman appointed by the UN to lead a peacekeeping mission.
Australia is rightly proud of its history of contributing to UN peacekeeping missions. Australia has had peacekeepers in the field with the UN continuously for more than 50 years, including in Cyprus where we have provided police officers to the mission for the past 53 years.
The appointment of an Australian officer to lead this mission confirms the high regard in which the ADF is held by the international community and is fitting recognition of Brigadier Pearce's distinguished record of service.
Brigadier Pearce was awarded a Chief of Defence Commendation for bravery during her service with the United Nations in East Timor in 2002 and was Commander Task Group Afghanistan in 2016.
Labor congratulates Brigadier Pearce, and the ADF, on this tribute to the professionalism, and respect for Australia's proud record and commitment to UN Peacekeeping operations.
FRIDAY, 9 NOVEMBER 2018
