Media Room: Media Releases

ADF SUPPORT TO APEC07 LEADER’S MEETING

The Australian Defence Force (ADF) is providing approximately 1500 people, along with a range of equipment, to support the security aspects of the APEC07 Leader’s Meeting in Sydney in September.

“The ADF is very well placed to support these types of activities,” said Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston. “A range of capabilities will be in place throughout the period of the meeting in support of the New South Wales Police to ensure that Australia stages a safe, secure and successful event for delegates.”

Defence tasks will include general support, as well as assisting the New South Wales Police search venues, operate vehicle checkpoints, and stand ready to respond to calls for assistance if necessary.

Defence’s commitment will include Blackhawk helicopters and a detachment of F/A 18 Hornet fighters, specialised search teams, a special operations task group, and ships from the Royal Australian Navy. The ships and aircraft will be able to divert aircraft and intercept vessels at sea to counter specific threats should they arise.

The ADF will also provide liaison offers in key operation nodes throughout the city, as well as niche security support in and around Sydney Harbour through specialist clearance divers.

Air Chief Marshal Houston emphasized the ADF’s supporting role during APEC: “I want to stress that the New South Wales Government, the New South Wales Police in particular, are responsible for security at APEC07. The ADF’s job is to provide specialised support to the New South Wales Police, as well as support to the Attorney-General’s Department under the Commonwealth’s standing arrangements for counter-terrorism if that is required”.

Once again, our Reservists will play key roles in the ADF’s supporting task force by providing an additional layer to complement standing ADF domestic security capabilities. “I am pleased to see Reserves taking a full part in this operation,” ACM Houston said.

“Some of these troops are part of the Reserve Response Forces that were established three years ago as part of the Government’s commitment to securing Australia against the threat of terrorism. Their contribution to APEC07 will include assisting the New South Wales Police with tasks such as searching venues and operating vehicle checkpoints, showing just how versatile Australia’s Reserve forces are.” 

Air Chief Marshal Houston also congratulated the newly-appointed commander of the ADF’s joint task force supporting Leader’s Week, Brigadier Andrew Smith. “Brigadier Smith has a wealth of experience in this type of operation, having led our Task Force supporting the Commonwealth Games in 2006.

Further information: http://www.defence.gov.au/opdeluge/default.htm

Media contact: Defence Media Liaison (02) 6265 3343 or (0408) 498 664

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