The Australian Defence Force (ADF) is expanding its support for the national COVID-19 pandemic response with the establishment of Operation COVID-19 ASSIST.
Minister for Defence, Senator Linda Reynolds said the Operation would be led by former Director General of Special Operations and Counter Terrorism Operations, Major General Paul Kenny.
“Its role is to coordinate and deliver the military aspects of ADF’s support to civilian agencies,” Senator Reynolds said.
She said the Operation comprised seven State and Territory-based task groups.
“The ADF is contributing to a national response to protect Australians and support State and Trritory capacity in a time of crisis,” Senator Reynolds said.
“Under Operation COVID-19 ASSIST, Defence will provide customised support to State and Territory authorities, to reinforce and expand their capacity to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.”
She said the ADF’s assistance was being coordinated through the Emergency Management Australia-led whole of Government response to COVID-19.
“There are already around 570 ADF members providing support including contact tracing, planning assistance, and assisting police with mandatory quarantine arrangements for international air arrivals,” Senator Reynolds said.
“The COVID-19 pandemic requires a proactive national response and Defence is well postured to provide scalable support to states and territories, as needed, for the duration of this effort.”
Chief of the Defence Force, General Angus Campbell said Defence capability and capacity was ready, willing and able to assist where required.
“There is no higher priority for the ADF at this time,” General Campbell said.
“We are here for the people of Australia.”