Operation COVID-19 Assist

 Nationally

• Then Minister for Defence, Linda Reynolds, announced Operation COVID-19 Assist on April 1, 2020.

• Current nationwide Defence support includes:

  • ADF personnel deployed as part of Operation COVID-19 Assist.

  • The ADF is supporting law enforcement agencies with mandatory quarantine arrangements.

  • The ADF will not be authorised as law enforcement officers as this remains the responsibility of the states and territories.

• Additionally, the ADF:

  • Has established the COVID-19 Taskforce to coordinate Defence’s internal response to COVID-19 and support the whole-of-government effort.

  • Is supporting Emergency Management Australia-led (EMA) planning for the National Communicable Disease Incidence of National Significance Plan in response to COVID-19.

  • Is supporting the Department of Health with logistics and specialist staff. 

  • Has been supplying clinical and epidemiological support to the Department of Health National Incident Room since early February 2020.

• ADF and Defence APS personnel are embedded in various Australian Government agencies, including the Department of Health and Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.