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

I thank Senator O'Sullivan for his question. Indeed, our thoughts are with the people and communities of North Queensland at this very dangerous time. As Tropical Cyclone Debbie makes landfall in north-eastern Queensland, our ADF—its highly trained personnel, its equipment and their experience—are ready to assist those who are affected. The ADF has pre-positioned its humanitarian assistance and disaster relief assets to provide immediate assistance to local communities who may be affected. We are working closely with the Queensland government and Emergency Management Australia. The ADF has established a joint task force to provide support for the region. This task force is largely made up of personnel from the Townsville based 3rd Brigade. We are also sending additional assets to Queensland in preparation.

HMAS Choules is heading to Queensland to be ready to support recovery efforts if required. She will take on supplies in Brisbane early tomorrow morning and will be ready to sail north as soon as it is safe to do so. Air Force aircraft in Townsville, Darwin and Amberley are on standby to provide airlift capability for the delivery of essential stores and equipment as well as wide area surveillance. Two Navy MRH helicopters have deployed to Oakey and are ready to provide immediate support in addition to the existing Army rotary wing aircraft based in Townsville.

At the request of Premier Palaszczuk, the Turnbull government has agreed that Brigadier Chris Field, currently the commander of 3rd Brigade in Townsville, will act as the recovery coordinator for Tropical Cyclone Debbie. As the Queensland Premier, Ms Palaszczuk, has said in relation to support being provided by the ADF, 'The level of cooperation is unprecedented.' She has thanked the Commonwealth 'very much' for making the Australian Defence Force personnel available to help Queenslanders in their hour of need.

This is a very pressing task for the ADF. We hope that the emergency is not as considerable as predicted—of course we do—but we will be there with the people of Queensland is required. (Time expired)