Marise Payne (NSW, Liberal Party, Minister for Defence) Share this | Hansard source

In response to requests from the government of Fiji we are conducting daily C17 Globemaster flights from RAAF Base Amberley to deliver equipment, support personnel and supplies. We have established a joint task force, which consists of members from the Navy, Army and Air Force elements based in Suva, which is coordinating that surveillance activity and humanitarian assistance. We currently have 32 ADF personnel working in Fiji assisting with the relief efforts. There has also been an exchange of liaison officers to better facilitate effective coordination between the government of Fiji and Australia. Finally, our first of the MRH90 helicopters is expected to commence its operations in Fiji tomorrow, and it is assisting in the delivery of personnel and supplies, particularly to remote and very-difficult-to-access locations.