ADF Provides Humanitarian Relief To Indonesia

ADF Provides Humanitarian Relief To Indonesia

Following today's announcement by the Prime Minister, ADF personnel will deploy to Indonesia tomorrow (30 March 2005) to provide humanitarian relief following today's earthquake off the coast of Sumatra.

Defence Minister Robert Hill said that ADF planners were making the necessary preparations for ADF personnel and assets to provide emergency assistance, primarily in the form of medical support.

"At this stage, two C-130 Hercules aircraft will depart tomorrow morning from RAAF Base Richmond carrying medical supplies and an aero-medical evacuation team.

"A third aircraft may depart at a later time.

"HMAS Kanimbla has been diverted back to Indonesia and will provide additional support including helicopter operations.

"The ADF's contribution forms part of the Australian Government's response to this latest incident to affect Indonesia and has been named Operation Sumatra Assist - Phase II.

"I am conscious of the pressure this places on our ADF personnel and their families following on the back of their recent deployment to Indonesia following the Tsunami relief.

"I thank them for their efforts and understanding in this emergency and the need to provide urgent assistance to the Indonesian people following today's tragedy," the Minister said.

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