Australian Defence Force reviews offshore exercises, prepares for biosecurity role as coronavirus worsens

Australia is reviewing its overseas military commitments and the possibility of ‘a worse case scenario’ as the world braces for the coronavirus to be declared a pandemic. This comes as senior brass are warned in a worse-case pandemic scenario, troops could be called on for domestic biosecurity enforcement. The Australian Defence Force currently has hundreds of troops on multinational training exercises including 370 RAAF personnel exercising with counterparts from Japan’s air force, prompting heightened risk fears to coronavirus exposure. The US military today postponed “until further notice” a planned exercise with South Korea after that country reported more than 300 new cases of the virus. News Corp Australia understands Australia is now reviewing its military commitments overseas on the eve of an expected declaration by world health authorities of the virus as a pandemic. The review also includes safety measures to stave off the spread among the thousands of ADF troops deployed to the Middle East as part of Australia’s commitment to train allies in Iraq and Afghanistan in the fight again Islamic State (IS). Additionally, measures are being discussed to address health concerns for those off the coast of Iran where Australia currently has deployed warship HMAS Toowoomba and a contingent of almost 200 personnel. The review to defend the defenders came as in Canberra senior ADF staff and Defence Department officials met with other government agencies including Home Affairs ahead of Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s “emergency response plan” for the virus. It is understood the possibility of having to enact the Biosecurity Act 2015 was flagged including the potential to declare the ADF as a “National Response Agency”, effectively authorising the deputising of military personnel as biosecurity officers for domestic enforcement of safety and security measures and management of risk. Defence today would not comment on specifics of actions it was taking for or with ADF personnel but said it was monitoring the global coronavirus situation closely. “Defence participates in whole-of-government efforts to ensure appropriate plans are in place for all ADF members, Defence civilians and contractors; this is integrated into all planning, both in Australia and on operations,” a spokeswoman said. “Force Health Protection routinely includes deliberate consideration of all health threats, including communicable diseases, such as COVID-19.” A Defence spokesman told News Corp all ADF members returning from operations and exercises abroad were subject to quarantine and protective measures as directed by the Australian Border Force and the Department of Health. Given issues with diseased passenger cruises, Navy particularly was taking precautions. “Navy is actively assessing the risks associated with COVID-19 in regions in which warships are deployed,” he told News Corp Australia. “Cognisant of the unique nature of warships and submarines, Navy has implemented precautions to deployed and deploying units and personnel. These precautions are informed by and aligned with Government advice.” He added: “Defence is closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation in Australia and around the globe, and continues to assess the risk to its operations and exercises.” Defence Minister Linda Reynolds said tonight: “As Minister for Defence, I am fully engaged in discussions with my NSC colleagues on this issue as well as deliberations with Defence and at the Whole-of-Government level.”