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.

• Current nation-wide Defence support includes:

  • Contact tracing and planning support teams to all state and territory governments.

  • Supporting law enforcement agencies with mandatory quarantine arrangements.

  • The ADF will not be authorised as law enforcement officers as this remains the responsibility of the states and territories.

• Additionally, the ADF:

  • 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.

  • Is supporting Emergency Management Australia-led (EMA) planning for the National Communicable Disease Incidence of National Significance Plan in response to COVID-19.

  • Is supporting the Department of Health with logistics and specialist staff. 

  • Has been supplying clinical and epidemiological support to the Department of Health National Incident Room since early February 2020.

• 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

• 73 ADF personnel are supporting state police with Queensland border controls.

• 61 personnel are providing support to Queensland Police to protect Indigenous communities.

• 27 personnel are supporting self-isolation compliance checks.

• 7 personnel are supporting state police with the reception of international arrivals at airports.

New South Wales - 134 personnel

• 104 ADF personnel are supporting state police quarantine and self-isolation directions at Sydney Airport, local hotels and residences. 

Northern Territory - 71 personnel

• 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