Minister for Defence - Visit to Australian Defence Force Personnel in the Middle East

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Senator the Hon David Johnston

Minister for Defence

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25 September 2014

Minister for Defence, Senator David Johnston, has met with the Australian Defence Force personnel atAustralia’s main support base in theMiddle East.

“The men and women of the ADF who have been deployed to the Middle East have the full support of both the Government and the Opposition.

“They are the very best of us, and I salute them as they prepare to respond to future Government decisions.

“At home, the Government will continue to do all we can to support the families of those deployed,” Senator Johnston said.  

Senator Johnston said the Government would do everything possible to keep people safe.

“Our security measures at home and abroad are directed against terrorism, not religion, not any sector of the community.”    

Australia’s contribution to international efforts is being closely coordinated with the Iraqi government, Gulf nations, and a broad coalition of international partners.

The Special Forces task group includes up to 200 personnel who will be available to support the Iraqi Security Forces in an advise and assist role.

The Air Task Group includes approximately 400 Royal Australian Air Force personnel as well as F/A-18F Super Hornets, a KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft, and an E7-A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft. This deployment is in addition to the RAAF C-130J Hercules and C-17A Globemaster aircraft that are already providing humanitarian and logistic support to Iraq.

Media note:

Imagery is available at http://images.defence.gov.au/S20142880

Vision has been fed to the Parliamentary Press Gallery.

Media contact:

Brad Rowswell (Minister Johnston’s Office) 0417 917 796

Rebecca Horton (Minister Johnston’s Office) 0477 389 554

Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999

 

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