Mr HARTSUYKER (2:09 PM) —My question is addressed to the Prime Minister. Would the Prime Minister inform the House of progress of military operations in Iraq and, to the extent possible, the part played by Australian forces?

Mr HOWARD (Prime Minister) —I thank the member for Cowper. I inform the House that the government is very satisfied with the progress being made by the coalition forces in the military operation in Iraq. The coalition forces, as I think most members would be aware from media reporting, have already made very rapid progress. Operations against Iraq have now been under way for only five days but already in that time the southern oilfields have been secured. This very significant achievement has averted the major ecological and economic disaster that would have ensued had Iraqi forces been able to carry out the regime's plans for the destruction of those oilfields. That, of course, would have been to the immense cost of the Iraqi people. I take the opportunity to reaffirm our view, which we have held consistently—and I know it is a view expressed and held by President Bush and by the British Prime Minister—that the oil assets in question belong to the Iraqi people. That ownership and that trusteeship of those assets will be fully supported and fully respected by the Australian government and I am sure by the Australian people.

Coalition forces are operating successfully throughout Iraq on the ground and in the air. A wide range of Iraqi military targets have been successfully engaged and significant Iraqi forces have surrendered or otherwise been rendered ineffective. The coalition nations stand ready to deliver massive humanitarian assistance—food, water and medicines—to the Iraqi people in the next few days as the security situation, particularly in the south, stabilises. It is worth pointing out in this context that our own maritime forces are making an important contribution to clearing waterways at the north of the Persian Gulf so that this can take place.

Coalition forces have started to engage Iraqi forces defending Baghdad. There should be no cause for complacency. Many difficult and challenging days for the coalition forces lie ahead. There are pockets of resistance to coalition forces and our coalition partners have sadly suffered a number of casualties in recent days. I know that all Australians will join me in expressing our sympathy to the families of those who have been killed or injured. We have never accepted that this task would be achieved easily or without casualties and loss. The next phase of operations against Iraq's Republican Guard forces deployed outside Baghdad will be very intense and extremely difficult, and nobody should underestimate the intensity of the exchanges or the challenges that lie ahead of the coalition forces.

For our part, Australian forces continue to make a very vital contribution. The Chief of the Army, General Leahy, reported this morning that our special forces continue to conduct highly successful strategic reconnaissance and direct action operations deep behind enemy lines destroying enemy facilities and denying freedom of movement to Iraqi forces. I have noticed in some media outlets perhaps a sense of exasperation about there not being more detail available in relation to the activities of Australian forces. Let me reiterate the longstanding and very prudent practice of all governments that have special forces deployed that details beyond general descriptions are never made available for very good reason. This government and the military in Australia have no intention of departing from that approach in relation to our special forces. I could point out that the extensive and detailed reporting through embedded journalists and the like in relation to the British and American forces has not extended to the activities of the American and British special forces that are also deployed in the operation. The same attitude is taken by the United States administration and the British government and the military in both of those countries towards the particular role of special forces.

Our Navy clearance diving team is operating in the southern Iraqi port city of Um Qasar, where it will be working to clear the port and approaches—vital to allowing humanitarian and military supplies to flow. Our ships remain on interception operations in the Persian Gulf, and of course in recent days they have provided naval cover for the activities of British Royal Marines in that area.

Air operations continue over Iraq. The Australian national commander, Brigadier McMahon, has reported that Australian FA18s have been involved with other coalition aircraft in strikes against Iraqi tanks, defensive positions and a barracks. The C130s are providing vital intra-theatre airlift and our P3s are supporting coalition maritime forces.

As I speak to the House I am pleased to report that all Australian personnel and troops on Operation Falcon are safe and well. I know that all Australians are anxious about their welfare as they contribute to this very difficult and dangerous operation to disarm Iraq and to alleviate the suffering of the people of Iraq. I know I speak again for all Australians in conveying to them our very warm good wishes and expressions of hope for their safe return.