AUSTRALIAN FACE FOR MILITARY SUPPORT TO AFGHAN ELECTIONS 

The Minister for Defence, the Hon. Joel Fitzgibbon MP, announced today that a senior Australian Army officer has been appointed to assume the role of Commander International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) Election Task Force.

Brigadier Damian Cantwell has deployed to Afghanistan to take on the key role as the coordinator of ISAF security support to the Afghan Presidential and Provincial Council elections that are set for 20 August 2009.

“Brigadier Cantwell has deployed into a high profile position in ISAF to coordinate military support to a milestone event for the Afghan Government and its people,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.

“Brigadier Cantwell will also play an important role liaising with the International Electoral Commission, United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, the Afghan Government, and the non-government organisations that are contributing to the election.”

“The Commander of ISAF, General David McKiernan and I discussed this important appointment and I have agreed to a nominee who has the right skills and experience for this demanding position.”

“Australian Defence Force personnel have an exceptional reputation within ISAF and I have every confidence that Brigadier Cantwell will continue to enhance our standing in the international community during this important time,” the Minister said.

Earlier this week, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd announced that an Election Support Force of approximately 120 personnel, to form a company-strength Combat Team will support election security in Oruzgan province.

Brigadier Cantwell was most recently posted to Fort Leavenworth at the United States Army School of Advanced Military Studies as an instructor.

He is a 25-year career officer and was previously deployed to the Middle East in 2002 as a Liaison Officer with the Australian National Command Element.  

Media contacts:

Christian Taubenschlag (Joel Fitzgibbon):             02 6277 7800 or 0438 595 567

Defence Media Liaison:                                           02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664