SENATOR THE HON DAVID JOHNSTON Minister for Defence Visit to Australian Defence Force Personnel in the Middle East Minister for Defence, Senator David Johnston, has met with the Australian Defence Force personnel at Australia’s main support base in the Middle East. “The men and women of the ADF who have been deployed to the Middle East have the full support of both the Government and the Opposition. “They are the very best of us, and I salute them as they prepare to respond to future Government decisions. “At home, the Government will continue to do all we can to support the families of those deployed,” Senator Johnston said. Senator Johnston said the Government would do everything possible to keep people safe. “Our security measures at home and abroad are directed against terrorism, not religion, not any sector of the community.” Australia’s contribution to international efforts is being closely coordinated with the Iraqi government, Gulf nations, and a broad coalition of international partners. The Special Forces task group includes up to 200 personnel who will be available to support the Iraqi Security Forces in an advise and assist role. The Air Task Group includes approximately 400 Royal Australian Air Force personnel as well as F/A-18F Super Hornets, a KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft, and an E7-A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft. This deployment is in addition to the RAAF C-130J Hercules and C-17A Globemaster aircraft that are already providing humanitarian and logistic support to Iraq. SENATOR THE HON DAVID JOHNSTON Minister for Defence Visit to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi Minister for Defence, Senator David Johnston, overnight visited the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi as part of his official visit to the United Arab Emirates. “It was important for me to visit this site of cultural and religious importance while in the UAE. The vision of Sheikh Zayed has resulted in a magnificent landmark where the true meaning of Islam - peace - is evident in its open door policy and its hospitality to visitors of all cultures, religions and backgrounds,” Senator Johnston said. Senator Johnston and the delegation, including Australian Ambassador to the UAE HE Pablo Kang, were taken on a tour of the Grand Mosque to view its unique architecture and design. The delegation was received by Director General of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre, HE Yousif Abdallah Alobaidli. During Senator Johnston’s visit he also met with a range of UAE Defence Officials. |