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

I thank Senator Molan for his question and also for his service to our nation. This year has challenged all Australians as individuals but also as a nation. In many ways 2020 has also been a year like no other for Defence, but Defence adapted very quickly in February and continued to work COVID-19 safe. Vital exercises and engagements have continued. There have been 4,800 ADF personnel deployed overseas this year. The Air Force completed more than 53,000 hours of flying. We've had 25 ships at sea throughout the year. The Army undertook more than 100 international engagements and activities involving 900 personnel. We've supported our Pacific family, including during humanitarian emergencies. Our largest regional presence deployment involved five ships and engagements with 11 regional partners. In 2020 we've concluded mentoring and training missions in both Afghanistan and Iraq. We continue to contribute to coalitions dedicated to defeating terrorism, including in Iraq and Syria, and we are supporting our UN partners by contributing to peacekeeping efforts.

I most sincerely thank all Defence and ADF members who have served domestically and internationally in what has been such a challenging year. I especially thank all their families, whose support allowed those in uniform and in the department to serve our nation with such great distinction this year. I ask all Australians to spare a thought for our personnel deployed away from home both domestically and internationally this Christmas. I thank them all for their service.