22 December 2007
Prime Minister and Defence Minister visit Middle East

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and Minister for Defence Joel Fitzgibbon visited Australian troops and Iraq government officials in the Middle East.

Operation Catalyst is the Australian Defence Force (ADF) contribution to the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Iraq.

Working with the Iraqi Government, the ADF continues to contribute to Multi-National Force efforts to develop a secure and stable environment in Iraq, assist national recovery programs and facilitate the transition to Iraq self-government.

Operation Catalyst currently comprises up to 1575 Australian Defence Force personnel.

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Prime Minister Kevin Rudd (left) and the Minister for Defence Joel Fitzgibbon address members of the Overwatch Battle Group (West) at Ali Air Base, Tallil in the Dhi Qar province of southern Iraq, while on a visit to the Middle East Area of Operations.

(Date taken: 21 December 2007)
Low-Res | Hi-Res

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Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and Minister for Defence Joel Fitzgibbon address members of the Overwatch Battle Group (West) at Ali Air Base, Tallil in Dhi Qar Province, southern Iraq, while on a visit to the Middle East Area of Operations.

(Date taken: 21 December 2007)
Low-Res | Hi-Res

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The Minister For Defence, The Honourable Mr Joel Fitzgibbon MP, meets members of the Overwatch Battle Group (West) at Ali Air Base, Tallil in the Dhi Qar province of southern Iraq, while on a visit to the Middle East Area of Operations.

(Date taken: 21 December 2007)
Low-Res | Hi-Res