Linda Reynolds (WA, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister for Defence, Senator Payne. Can the minister please update the Senate on the ADF's assistance to the Northern Territory following the devastating impact of Tropical Cyclone Marcus?

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

I thank Senator Reynolds for her question. The ADF has made a sustained and significant contribution to the clean-up and recovery effort in Darwin following the impact of Tropical Cyclone Marcus. I understand that the cyclone was described as the most extreme weather event to have struck Darwin since Tropical Cyclone Tracy in 1974, and our thoughts are very much with the families who've been impacted by this devastating storm.

As soon as the category 2 cyclone had cleared and the request from the Northern Territory government for assistance was received, our Defence personnel began supporting the local authorities to clear debris. On average, more than 500 Army, Air Force and Navy members have been undertaking the clean-up operations across Darwin each day since 19 March. In the last couple of days, yesterday and today, ADF support has increased to 800 personnel so that we can ensure the worst of the clean-up is finished before Easter. The men and women of the ADF have been clearing roads, schools and key buildings across the city. Under Joint Task Force 659, the ADF has cleared debris from 29 schools, from five government buildings and from other facilities, including a renal clinic and the museum and the art gallery. We have also had members of the Air Force working with civil authorities to make sure that the Darwin airport is able to reopen as soon as possible.

As I mentioned yesterday, in a display of strong alliance relationships, 50 United States marines in Darwin also lent a hand, voluntarily, to the people of the community there, further illustrating that close bond that military forces so often build between themselves and the communities in which they are based. I'd like to acknowledge the efforts of the Australian and the US personnel who've supported that local community in Darwin when it was most needed.

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Reynolds, a supplementary question.

Linda Reynolds (WA, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I thank the minister for the response, and I certainly commend the efforts of the ADF and also the US personnel. Would the minister update the Senate on Defence's preparations to support potential disaster relief operations?

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

It's a very good question, because it is has been a tumultuous few weeks in Australia in terms of fire, flood and cyclone. And while state and territory governments have primary responsibility for responding to national disasters, including the provision of assistance to affected communities, the ADF has well-established procedures to respond to natural disasters both at home and abroad. We monitor weather events and other natural disasters across our region, and we work closely with Emergency Management Australia and international partners to assist when requested and where it's necessary.

We have Defence support staff based in capital cities around the country, and they work closely with disaster management authorities in each of those states and territories to ensure that defence is integrated into emergency planning and response. Following Defence assistance to the civil community requests from a state or territory government, we're able to deploy a range of capabilities, which include troops or equipment or technical support like an engineering team, or major platforms such as amphibious ships, or heavy transport aircraft and satellite imagery. (Time expired)

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Reynolds, a final supplementary question.

Linda Reynolds (WA, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Can the minister also update the Senate on what other humanitarian and disaster relief support the ADF has provided recently to Australia's regional partners?

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

I can. As Minister Fierravanti-Wells reminded us last week, the ADF has also been part of providing emergency relief to the people of Papua New Guinea following the 7.5 magnitude earthquake there on 26 February. We have had over 100 ADF members deployed as part of Operation PNG Assist. We have contributed one C-130J Hercules, three CH-47F Chinooks, a B300 King Air light aircraft and one C-17 heavy transport aircraft, which has been part of delivering supplies to the remote and very badly affected Southern Highlands region.

In total, the ADF has delivered over 310 tonnes of emergency relief supplies and we've provided $5 million in humanitarian aid. While that immediate emergency has passed, there might be a need for follow-on relief support for affected communities in PNG from time to time. We will continue to deliver stores with the ADF efforts over the next couple of months, as required, in coordination with the government and the Australian High Commission. (Time expired)