Latest snapshot of Defence support
National - Approximately 700 personnel are deployed as part of Operation COVID-19 Assist
- The Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon Linda Reynolds CSC, announced Operation COVID-19 Assist on April 1, 2020.
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Current nation-wide Defence support includes:
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Contact tracing and planning support teams to all state and territory governments.
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Supporting law enforcement agencies with mandatory quarantine arrangements.
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The ADF will not be authorised as law enforcement officers as this remains the responsibility of the states and territories.
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Additionally, the ADF:
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Has established the three-star-led COVID-19 task force to coordinate Defence’s internal response to COVID-19 and support the whole-of-government effort.
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Is supporting Emergency Management Australia-led (EMA) planning for the National Communicable Disease Incidence of National Significance Plan in response to COVID-19.
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Is supporting the Department of Health with logistics and specialist staff.
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Has been supplying clinical and epidemiological support to the Department of Health National Incident Room since early February 2020.
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About 100 ADF and Defence APS personnel are embedded in various Australian Government agencies, including the Department of Home Affairs and Services Australia.
State-by-state breakdown
*Note: Personnel in Joint Task Group headquarters, supporting roles, and those preparing for tasks are included in overall state-based figures but are not captured in the list of tasks.
Queensland - 241 personnel
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73 ADF personnel are supporting state police with Queensland border controls.
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61 personnel are providing support to Queensland Police to protect Indigenous communities.
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27 personnel are supporting self-isolation compliance checks.
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7 personnel are supporting state police with the reception of international arrivals at airports.
New South Wales - 134 personnel
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104 ADF personnel are supporting state police quarantine and self-isolation directions at Sydney Airport, local hotels and residences.
Northern Territory - 71 personnel
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35 ADF personnel are providing support to Northern Territory Police to protect Indigenous communities.
Victoria - 28 personnel
- 12 ADF personnel are involved in planning support.
Western Australia - 22 personnel
South Australia - 20 personnel
- 5 ADF personnel are involved in planning support.
Australian Capital Territory - 8 personnel
- ADF personnel are supporting federal agencies, including Austrade, the Department of Health and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Tasmania - 4 personnel
