Minister Farewells Troops

The Minister for Defence, the Hon. Joel Fitzgibbon MP, officially farewelled 1100 Defence members who will soon deploy on operational service to East Timor and Afghanistan, at a ceremony at Townsville’s Lavarack Barracks today.

“It is a great honour to farewell these brave men and women before they depart on overseas operations in the service of their nation. Although they will encounter difficult and demanding operational environments, I’m certain they will perform with distinction and professionalism,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.

“I would like to thank the families of the Defence members departing on operations, as they are the unsung heroes of the Australian Defence Force. The life of a Defence family is not an easy one, but their support and understanding greatly assists their loved ones while they serve overseas”.

Accompanied by the Chief of Army, Lieutenant General Ken Gillespie, Mr Fitzgibbon farewelled over 500 soldiers from Timor Leste Battle Group Six, led by 2^nd Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment. This contingent will deploy to Operation ASTUTE to assist the East Timorese Government and the United Nations bring stability and security to the Timorese people.

Around 600 Australian Defence Force members from the Mentoring and Reconstruction Task Force Two, led by the 1^st Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment are also departing overseas on operations in Afghanistan.

“On deployment, the Mentoring and Reconstruction Task Force Two will continue to assist the Afghan National Army with mentoring, training and capability development. The deployment will also provide specialist engineering support to local construction projects including skills development and training,” said Mr Fitzgibbon.

A range military professionals make up the Mentoring and Reconstruction Task Force contingent, including infantry, engineering, medical, cavalry, intelligence, logistics and fire-support. In addition, the newly announced Combat Team of approximately 120 will support election security in Oruzgan province.

While most of the troops deploying are based in Townsville with the 3^rd Brigade, there are personnel attached from bases Australia wide including Darwin, Brisbane and Sydney.

Following the parade, the Minister met with a large gathering of Defence personnel, their family and friends at a BBQ lunch at Lavarack Barracks.

The troops will begin deploying out of Townsville from late May on a tour of duty to last eight months.

Media contacts:

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

Defence Media Liaison:                                       02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664