SENATOR JOHN FAULKNER
Minister for Defence
Wednesday, 27 January 2010
007/2010
NORTHERN COMMAND HQ TO REMAIN IN DARWIN
Defence Minister, Senator John Faulkner, today announced that the
Australian Defence Force’s Northern Command (NORCOM) Headquarters
would remain in Darwin.
Senator Faulkner made the announcement at the opening of the Pacific 2010
International Maritime Congress in Sydney.
The Government has considered the roles and functions of NORCOM
Headquarters within the context of previous border protection reviews and has
directed that NORCOM is to be retained in Darwin.
Senator Faulkner said in considering the range of Defence, border protection
and whole of government priorities the Government had formed the view that
the retention of NORCOM in Darwin was in Australia’s best interests.
“Given the strategic importance of the north of Australia and its approaches
and the important role that NORCOM plays across a number of
Defence tasks, I have decided that NORCOM should be retained in Darwin.
“NORCOM has served the ADF and the people across the north of Australia
for over 21 years, making a very significant contribution during that time.”
NORCOM commands and coordinates Australian Defence Force (ADF)
activities across the north of Australia. This includes ADF operations in the
north, controlling Defence’s contribution to border protection operations on
behalf of Commander Border Protection Command, ADF disaster and
emergency management response, major ADF deployments through Darwin
and representing Defence’s interests and engaging with the communities of
the Northern Territory and the Kimberley.
Senator Faulkner said with retaining NORCOM in Darwin he has asked
Defence to examine any opportunities to make savings in support of
Defence’s Strategic Reform Program.
Media contacts:
Colin Campbell (John Faulkner):
02 6277 7800 or 0407 787 181
Defence Media Liaison:
02 6127 1999 or 0408 498 664
NEWS 
