The Chief of the Defence Force, General David Hurley, has rejected claims that Royal Australian Navy personnel conducting border protection duties mistreat people attempting to enter Australia by boat.
"In my view, our Navy, Army and Air Force personnel conduct themselves in a humane and considerate manner that is a credit to them and to the Australian Defence Force (ADF).
"Defence Force personnel assigned to Operation RESOLUTE are required to conduct operations in an unpredictable and demanding environment under intense scrutiny.
"They are trained to operate with the highest degree of professionalism and integrity and consistently demonstrate great compassion and courage, often at great risk to their own safety," General Hurley said.
Defence contributes to the whole-of-government effort to protect Australia’s borders and offshore maritime interests through Operation RESOLUTE.
General Hurley said Defence operations are consistent with Australian domestic law and Australia's obligations under international law.
Up to 800 ADF personnel are assigned to Operation RESOLUTE at sea, in the air and on land, working alongside their colleagues from the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service and other agencies to protect and maintain Australia's borders and maritime interests.
Media contact:
Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999
Issued by Ministerial and Executive Coordination and Communication,
Department of Defence,
Canberra, ACT
Phone: 02 6127 1999 Fax: 02 6265 6946
