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The Australian Defence Force has announced that they will support the flood response efforts in south-east Queensland following a request for assistance from the police.
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As part of the ADF relief efforts on Friday, the Australian Army deployed two MRH-90 Taipans from the School of Army Aviation to conduct rescue missions which are staffed by ADF personnel and contractors.
Defence has confirmed that an additional 200 defence members are on standby to help with additional support tasks.
The confirmation comes following several domestic response operations from the ADF.
On 27 November, Defence personnel commenced assistance to the Northern Territory Police at checkpoints established to support the NT chief health officer's COVID-19 restrictions.
Commander of the Joint Task Group, Colonel Tim Rutherford said the Australian Defence Force were proud to be helping the community.
“We were already providing welfare support including delivery of food, supplies and transportation of community members to medical appointments,” COL Rutherford said.
“We are happy to do whatever we can to support the NT Police in Binjari. The work being done, by all agencies on the ground, is preventing the spread of COVID-19 and will save lives.”
Defence is concerned about the disinformation regarding the ADF support to remote communities in the Northern Territory.
“Our people serve in a supporting role to the NT authorities. They do not conduct enforcement activities,” COL Rutherford said.
“We have deep ties to the Katherine region and our troops are happy to help the people of Binjari and Rockhole in this time of need.”
[Related: British Army onboards new Apache fleet]
