Mitch Fifield (Victoria, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Social Services) Share this | Hansard source

Australia's building partner capacity contingent will include around 300 ADF personnel. This is the total number of ground forces that will be deployed to Iraq, not a number in addition to existing forces there as has been stated incorrectly.

The safety and security of these personnel is of the utmost importance to this government and that is why a significant part of the Australian force will be dedicated to force protection, along with the training, command and support elements. ADF personnel will be operating behind the wire and will not be involved in direct combat operations, consistent with the existing deployment of Australian special forces in Iraq.

No government takes the decision to deploy Australian forces lightly, and the safety and security of our troops are paramount. Australia must continue to play a leadership role to promote international security and to protect civilians wherever possible.