Following Barnard’s return from the United States, the formalities of a revised North West Cape agreement with the Americans were concluded. He announced several decisions: the intended location near Duntroon of a Tri-Service Academy originally endorsed by Fraser as Minister but put aside by the Gorton Government; the revised threat assessment that I described earlier; and the intention to adopt my recommended reorganisation after preparation of draft directives, arrangement with the Public Service Board and preparation and eventual passage of the necessary legislation.

Labor’s new settings for its defence policy were now in place and were, in my view, a formidable achievement after 18 months in office.

There were other decisions reflecting Labor’s social philosophy. The civil defence organisation was converted into the Natural Disasters Organisation for relief work in the community as required. Army support for school cadets was terminated (readily accepted by us, as this charge on the Defence vote showed no evidence of later delivering recruits).

He was keen to revitalise the volunteer Citizen Military Force. He established a Defence Force Ombudsman and pushed for better housing for the rank and file.