Mr CAUSLEY (2:49 PM) —My question is addressed to the Minister for Defence. Would the minister outline to the House the extent to which the Australian Defence Force is being utilised to support the United States following the recent terrorist attacks in New York and Washington?

Mr REITH (Minister for Defence) —I thank the member for Page for his question. The government has and will continue to consider closely ways in which to support the United States at this time. Members are of course aware that we have invoked the ANZUS Treaty. In accordance with that treaty, the government will continue to closely consult with the United States in relation to any response, militarily or otherwise, that may be deemed appropriate.

I can advise the House that the ADF has already commenced the provision of support to the United States in various areas. It is public knowledge, for example, that we have extended the deployment of HMAS Anzac in the Persian Gulf; and 160, or thereabouts, Australian crew will continue therefore to make that contribution. We did also over the weekend, in response to a request, make available a C130J Hercules plane, and that was used for the transport of emergency personnel from Atlanta to New York.

In addition to those things, RAAF personnel currently on exchange with US forces have been involved in flying combat air patrols over the continental United States. We have a number of Australians from the ADF serving in exchange and liaison positions with the United States at any one time. Those personnel have been authorised to deploy with US forces in the context of the units in which they have been assigned. That, of course, includes deployments both inside the United States and abroad. Of a total of 295 ADF personnel serving in the US, there are 82 ADF exchange personnel and 40 ADF liaison officers currently deployed with US forces. Approximately 28 of these are currently available for deployment.

The ADF personnel deployed with US units perform a wide variety of duties in combat and combat support functions. Examples typically include pilots and weapons systems officers attached to fighter bomber, tactical airlift and maritime surveillance units; Army personnel attached to infantry, aviation and special forces units; and seamen, officers, pilots and warfare officers attached to US naval vessels. We are also assisting the United States through intelligence efforts and cooperation, although members will appreciate that, in accordance with convention, I am not in a position to provide further details. These are all important contributions that are being made today by Australian Defence Force personnel. We can be proud of the quality of our people and confident and reassured in the important and professional contribution that they are making in the fight against terrorism.