SENATOR JOHN FAULKNER
Minister for Defence
Wednesday, 17 March 2010
025/2010
Royal Australian Air Force supports Australian efforts
for Fiji emergency
The Minister for Defence, Senator John Faulkner said the Royal Australian Air
Force (RAAF) is providing a C130 Hercules aircraft to move emergency relief
supplies to people in cyclone–affected Fiji.
Cyclone Tomas is reported to have caused widespread damage and
destruction across the islands of the region but especially in northern Fiji.
“Following a request from the Fiji Government, Australian Defence Force’s Air
Force is providing strategic airlift support to AusAID to move 18 tonnes of
tarps, water purification tablets, tents and water containers to Fiji today”.
“The Australian Government has responded quickly to the Fijian
Government’s request for assistance. We have also discussed the disaster
response with our New Zealand counterparts and continue to monitor the
situation in the region,” Senator Faulkner said.
The C130 departed RAAF Richmond this morning. It is expected to arrive at
the Fijian airport of Nausori this evening.
A RAAF Mobile Air Load Team will provide logistics support to the C130-
Hercules air-crew. Three AusAID staff have also deployed as part of the
Australian Government contingent to work with Fijian Government authorities.
The aircraft will overnight in Fiji before returning to Australia.
Media note: imagery will be available at TBC.
Vision will be pooled by the ABC Sydney.
Media contacts:
Colin Campbell (John Faulkner):
02 6277 7800 or 0407 787 181
Defence Media Liaison:
02 6127 1999 or 0408 498 664
NEWS 
