MinDef inspects Commonwealth Games security arrangements

Australia’s Minister for Defence Marise Payne visited behind the scenes of the Commonwealth Games to inspect aspects of security arrangements – and to thank the men and women of the ADF and Queensland Police for all the work they had done and were doing to keep the games safe and secure.

CAPTION: Minister for Defence Marise Payne talks with Royal Australian Navy officer Lieutenant Manuel McAuley and Australian Army officer Major Scott Leonard during her visit to Australian Defence Force personnel supporting the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games. Photo by Corporal Kyle Genner.

She said she knew of the vast amount of work they had put into the Commonwealth Games security operation and hoped that the Australian public would never really need to know about it – because the games went smoothly.

“It was great to have a chance to show my appreciation for the hard work our ADF are putting in mostly behind the scenes, supporting the Queensland Police Service to ensure a safe and secure Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games,” she said on Facebook.

“Around 1700 ADF personnel are working in close partnership with our law enforcement and security agencies, and it was good to hear positive feedback from those involved about the close cooperation between agencies and state and federal governments.”

 

 

 

Commander Joint Operations Vice Admiral David Johnson accompanied Minister Payne on the visit to the Joint Emergency Services Coordination Centre (JESCC) where ADF and Queensland Police Service personnel are working side-by-side.

JESCC is a high-tech security facility specifically established for the Commonwealth Games to facilitate multi-agency coordination and response should an incident occur.

After receiving a briefing on security arrangements, Senator Payne met with members of the 5th Aviation Regiment who are providing helicopter support to Queensland Police.

A 5th Aviation Regiment MRH90 Taipan helicopter also transported Senator Payne to Gallipoli Barracks to tour the Joint Task Force (JTF) 637 Headquarters.

JTF 637 was stood up to coordinate ADF support to the Commonwealth Games under the Command of Australian Army officer Major General Paul McLachlan.

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