Defence Minister Robert Hill today met with men and women from the Australian Defence Force contingent who will set sail on board HMAS Kanimbla this evening, taking much needed relief aid for the people of Sumatra in Indonesia.

Senator Hill said the number of Australian Defence Force personnel now in the Indonesian region had grown to over 460, and this number will increase by another 400 once the Kanimbla arrives at Banda Aceh.

"The Government is continually reviewing the ADF contribution to make sure it provides the most appropriate level of assistance to the people of Sumatra," Senator Hill said.

"ADF operations staff continue to meet with their Indonesian, Singaporean and United States counterparts to make sure that military relief efforts are fully coordinated and delivered to where the needs are greatest".

"ADF personnel are doing an outstanding job in delivering much-needed humanitarian assistance".

"The arrival of the Kanimbla with her crew of 250 sailors and an engineer detachment of 150 soldiers with heavy plant equipment will further strengthen our relief efforts".

"We already have Army engineers in Banda Aceh examining the area, identifying and prioritising the reconstruction requirements. The ADF engineering effort is likely to focus on repairing port facilities, clearing debris, and constructing camps and accommodation for displaced people."

Along with much needed relief aid, HMAS Kanimbla will carry the following personnel and assets:

• 250 Sailors;
• Two Sea King helicopters;
• Two landing craft (LCM8’s) capable of carrying 54 tons of cargo each and delivering supplies directly ashore without the use of wharf facilities;
• an engineer detachment of 150 personnel;
• Ten 4WD Unimog Trucks;
• Six Mack trucks;
• Four bulldozers;
• Three front end loaders;
• Twelve Land Rovers; and
• Various other construction supplies.