Marise Payne (NSW, Liberal Party, Minister for Defence) Share this | Hansard source

The joint task force, which is task force 661, will be well positioned to supplement a range of Queensland state disaster response options. Our response will include ADF medical teams that can provide support both on the ground and via aeromedical evacuation; airborne search and rescue capabilities, including Air Force Orions, Hercules and King Airs and the Navy's multirole helicopters; transportation of personnel as well as the delivery of supplies and stores through Army Chinooks and Army and Navy multirole helicopters; Army engineering, to support assistance with road clearance and debris removal; emergency military accommodation; amphibious vessels from HMAS Choules for remote coastal stores delivery which may be required; mental health psychological support teams; and Navy expeditionary reconnaissance and clearance teams, who may be required to survey and clear harbours of debris. Our personnel are positioned in the Queensland government emergency management centres in Brisbane and in Townsville and other regional communities, and we will make every effort to meet any requests for additional capabilities. (Time expired)