The Australian Defence Force (ADF) is expanding its support to the national COVID-19 pandemic response with the establishment of Operation COVID-19 ASSIST.
Led by Major General Paul Kenny, DSC, DSM, its role is to coordinate and deliver the military aspects of ADF's support to civilian agencies.
Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon Linda Reynolds CSC said the operation comprises seven state-and-territory-based task groups.
"The ADF is contributing to a national response to protect Australians and support state and territory capacity in a time of crisis," Minister Reynolds said.
"Under Operation COVID-19 ASSIST, Defence will provide customised support to state and territory authorities, to reinforce and expand their capacity to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic."
On 9 March 2020, Defence established a COVID-19 taskforce led by Lieutenant General John Frewen, DSC, AM to coordinate Defence's internal response to COVID-19 and support to the whole-of-government effort to address the impacts of COVID-19.
Assistance from the ADF is being co-ordinated through the Emergency Management Australia-led whole-of-government response to COVID-19.
"There are already around 570 ADF members providing support including contact tracing, planning assistance, and assisting police with mandatory quarantine arrangements for international air arrivals," Minister Reynolds said.
"The COVID-19 pandemic requires a proactive national response and Defence is well postured to provide scalable support to states and territories, as needed, for the duration of this effort."
Chief of the Defence Force, General Angus Campbell, AO, DSC said Defence capability and capacity is ready, willing and able to assist where required.
"There is no higher priority for the ADF at this time. We are here for the people of Australia," General Campbell said.
Major General Kenny previously served as Director General of Special Operations and Counter Terrorism Operations.
Information about Defence assistance to the states and territories as well as the Whole of Government response is available at: https://news.defence.gov.au/national/daily-update-defence-response-covid-19
