David Johnston (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Defence) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Fawcett for that question and to his reference to Daesh, which is the Gulf States' term for this terrorist group. The Australian Defence Force's contribution consists of up to 600 personnel including our Air Task Group and a Special Operations Task Group. As the VCDF, Vice Admiral Ray Griggs has said, the Air Task Group in Iraq is one of the most capable air packages Australia has ever deployed. It is also the first completely self-contained air task group we have ever deployed and it is integrating seamlessly into the US led coalition.

As of today our Super Hornets have flown 33 missions, each consisting of two aircraft clocking up a total of around 500 hours. Our KC-30A air-to-air refueller has flown 24 missions delivering fuel to Australian and coalition aircraft. These missions have been supported by our Wedgetail early warning command and control aircraft, which plays a vital role coordinating all coalition aircraft. It has conducted 19 missions, accruing 230 flying hours. The CDF has been providing a number of operational updates and has been sensible and judicious with this information to protect our people, but has advised the coalition has the strategic momentum. The adverse effects of air strikes on ISIL are numerous. Apart from degrading ISIL's capabilities, they are affecting their access to revenue, their ability to move freely and resupply their people. Air strikes by the coalition are also having a broader impact on morale and confidence and the notion that ISIL or Daesh is invincible. These air strikes are continuing to make an impact. I want to pause to congratulate our Defence personnel on their superb efforts inside Iraq. I congratulate them.

Honourable senators: Hear! Hear!