Home Asia Pacific Australian defense forces set up COVID-19 support operation

Australian defense forces set up COVID-19 support operation

Australian Army Reservists
Australian Army Reservists supporting the mandatory COVID-19 quarantine arrangements at Brisbane Airport, Queensland. Photo: Australian Army

The Australian defense ministry announced it would expand 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, the operation will be aimed at coordinating and delivering the military aspects of ADF’s support to civilian agencies.

Australian defense minister Linda Reynolds 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, defense will provide customized support to state and territory authorities, to reinforce and expand their capacity to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.”

“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 defense is well postured to provide scalable support to states and territories, as needed, for the duration of this effort.”