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Defence has agreed to a request from Emergency Management Australia to support the Northern Territory government’s efforts to respond to the COVID-19 outbreak in the Binjari community.
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.”
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