Linda Reynolds (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Defence) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Paterson for the question and for his tremendous support for our troops in Victoria at this time. I am so proud of the efforts of the Defence department and our ADF—and their family's support—during the COVID-19 pandemic. The ADF very quickly adapted and developed new business-as-usual processes and practices during COVID-19. We did that to ensure Defence keeps our people in Australia, and over 2,000 personnel deployed overseas, safe—safe when on training exercises, when on exercises on operational deployments and also when on routine postings. We did that to make sure that we adapted very early and that we now maintain the best possible health protocols.

Since February, under Operation COVID-19 Assist, Defence has been providing a wide range of support to all states and territories with their COVID-19 response. Defence has demonstrated great capability and great agility in that support. Support has been provided in many forms—in traditional tasks, such as planning, logistics and also in health support, but a number of new tasks, such as contact tracing and also training to drive ambulances.

Today over 3,400 ADF members are supporting all states and territories with their COVID responses. Throughout the pandemic Defence has been postured to respond to requests for support from all states and territories.

Following the Prime Minister's offer to all first ministers on 27 March for assistance from the ADF for mandatory hotel quarantine, the ADF prepared 100 personnel in each large state and 50 in smaller states. The following day in New South Wales ADF personnel began supporting the reception of international arrivals. I say to all colleagues here: we have much to be proud of in how our ADF has responded to Operation Bushfire Assist and Operation COVID-19 Assist— (Time expired)