The Minister for Defence has provided the following answer to the honourable senator's question:

(1) There were no Royal Australian Air Force fast jet aircraft airborne during the period 6.30 – 6.45 am on 23 May 2011.

(2) The only fast jet aircraft to take off that day in Queensland or New South Wales were from RAAF Base Williamtown. The first wave departed at 9.00 am and missions were conducted in the local Williamtown training areas, a significant distance from Guyra.