Linda Reynolds (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Defence) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator McGrath for his most important question. Today all of our thoughts and prayers are with those in Queensland and New South Wales who are dealing with the threat, and also now the consequences, of these catastrophic bushfires. Already they've endured days and long nights of anxiety and disruption, not knowing where the fires will strike next.

Firstly, I pay tribute to our amazing emergency services workers who are battling these fires in extraordinary and almost unimaginable circumstances, but I particularly thank our ADF personnel who are supporting the firefighting efforts. Royal Australian Air Force 737 and C-130 aircraft have already transported firefighters and their equipment from Canberra, Adelaide and Hobart to Port Macquarie, an area of high and immediate need. Singleton and Lismore Defence bases in New South Wales are already also providing accommodation and catering to firefighters from the Victorian Country Fire Authority. Today and tomorrow, Army and Navy helicopters will also support firefighter movements, air observers and civilian rescuers as requested.

Yesterday, I asked the Chief of the Defence Force to give an order to all military base commanders, making clear that they have the authority to use local Defence assets and resources to respond to any local contingencies. Defence is also postured to provide further airlift and is prepared to provide assistance in areas such as aerial fire reconnaissance, logistical support and also engineering on request. It is important to remember that our ADF members are not trained firefighters, but they are doing everything that they can to help the community in these current catastrophic circumstances.