The Australian Defence Force (ADF) is expanding its support to quarantine compliance efforts after National Cabinet’s decision to raise incoming passenger caps.
Additional ADF personnel will support quarantine arrangements following requests from New South Wales, Queensland and Western Australia.
- In NSW, additional ADF personnel will support airport arrivals and transfers, and provide quarantine compliance monitoring at six hotels. Currently, there are about 200 ADF personnel supporting airport arrivals.
- In Queensland, ADF personnel will support quarantine compliance at an additional eight hotels. This brings the total number of hotels being supported by the ADF in Queensland to 22. Currently, there are about 350 ADF personnel providing quarantine assistance at airports and hotels.
- In Western Australia, additional ADF personnel will support airport arrivals, planning tasks and hotel quarantine compliance. Currently, there are about 115 ADF personnel providing quarantine assistance at airports and hotels.
This additional support will be available from 1 October.
Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon Linda Reynolds CSC said Defence remains committed to supporting state and territory COVID-19 responses based on operational need.
“The Morrison Government is determined to ensure vulnerable Australians overseas can come home safely while protecting our communities,” Minister Reynolds said.
“The hotel quarantine system has been an important part of preventing the spread of COVID-19 in Australia, and Defence stands ready to support the states and territories as more Australians return home.
“In addition to its operational commitments overseas, the ADF has now been providing continuous support to the states and territories since the bushfires began in September 2019, and is preparing for another high-risk weather season. We are proud to support the communities in which we live.”
There are currently around 2,800 ADF personnel deployed across Australia on Operation COVID-19 Assist. Exact ADF support numbers are determined in consultation with state and territory authorities to achieve the effect and tasks required.
