A signal from CDF, GEN Peter Cosgrove

Like all Australians we are all deeply shocked by the recent bomb blasts in Bali. The ADF’s priority has been the evacuation of people injured in the blasts. To date a total of 66 seriously ill evacuees have been transported by the ADF from Denpasar to Darwin.

The focus of our four C130’s is now on transporting casualties from Darwin to other capital cities within Australia. I know that the RAAF Hercules aircrews and the medical teams are doing a magnificent job in very difficult circumstances. I am also very aware of the hard work and effort behind the scenes in the airbases and various Headquarters who are busy managing ADF assets in support of this operation. Our people in Jakarta have also made tireless efforts working non-stop to assist Australians on the ground. I am sure that all Australians appreciate and are very proud of the ADF’s efforts to date. The Government certainly is. As always I know that all ADF members rise to meet the challenge faced by our nation.

Defence has become aware that there were a number of our people in Bali at the time of the bomb blasts either working there or on leave.

It is early stages, however, we know that two Army members received injuries from the bomb blast. One is in a serious condition and the other has sustained minor injuries. We believe that there are also some ADF members who were on leave somewhere in Bali at the time of the blasts. We believe we have a good knowledge of the welfare of our people.

As you are aware, Defence has been at a heightened level of security alert since September 11 last year. The tragic events of the weekend are a reminder that we need to stay vigilant. However at this stage, our level of alert is at the right level. We are keeping this situation under review in consultation with other parts of Government.

I will provide updated details of the situation when more information becomes available.

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