The Parliamentary Secretary for Defence, Senator David Feeney, today commended more than 200 Army Reserve soldiers who will support Western Australia Police with communications, critical-incident management and search capability when Perth hosts this year’s Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) from 28-30 October 2011.

“The Task Group will comprise approximately 229 Reservists and 130 regular Army soldiers working together as one total force to deliver the required capability,” Senator Feeney said.

“13th Brigade have demonstrated that they are a versatile, competent and adaptive organisation.

“Having recently returned from Operations in the Solomon Islands, the members of 13th Brigade are well placed to meet the challenges that CHOGM 2011 will present.”

Commander 13th Brigade, Brigadier Stephen Cain, who is commanding the land component of the operation, said that soldiers from 13th Brigade had completed months of comprehensive training and planning in low-risk search techniques.

He said the role of the soldiers was to support the Western Australia Police to ensure a safe and secure CHOGM 2011.

“Reserve soldiers from the 13th Brigade, Regular Army soldiers from the Darwin-based 1st Combat Engineer Regiment trained in high-risk search, and a Royal Australian Air Force Explosive Detection Dog team will work together to provide the required support to Western Australia Police,” Brigadier Cain said.

“We will deliver effective security measures designed to support Western Australia Police and other Government agencies while minimising public disruption,” the Brigadier said.

The Australian Government has deployed appropriate ADF assets (maritime, land and air) to be available to support the Western Australia Government, providing a secure environment for the conduct of CHOGM 2011 in Perth.

Media Contact: Lorna Clarke 0408 345 730