Macavity
12 June 2003, 21:39
Minister for Defence Media Mail List
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Saturday, 6 June 2003
77/2003
$90 MILLION FOR NEW SPECIAL OPERATIONS EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES
Australia's new Special Operations Command will be equipped with $90 million worth of new weapons, equipment and facilities, Defence Minister Robert Hill announced today.
Our Special Forces soldiers will get new assault rifles, machine guns, anti-tank weapons, mortars, grenade launchers, vehicles, optical equipment such as binoculars, thermal imaging equipment and night vision goggles, radios and communication equipment, safety equipment, generators and other support equipment.
New facilities will also be built and existing facilities upgraded at Holsworthy Barracks.
"The money will be spent over five years to significantly enhance the capabilities of our Special Forces soldiers," Senator Hill said.
"Australia's Special Forces are among the best in the world, admired for not only their skill and professionalism but also their supplies and equipment.
"This project will ensure they remain able to respond rapidly to terrorist threats at home and abroad."
This project continues the Howard Government's commitment to build on the Australian Defence Force's counter-terrorism capabilities in response to the increased international threat of terrorism.
The 2003-04 Budget included $156.8 million over four years for the formation of the Special Operations Command, which will increase our Special Forces by about 330 highly-trained combat personnel.
The Special Operations Command includes a joint headquarters with offices in Canberra and Sydney, the Special Air Service Regiment, 4th Battalion the Royal Australian Regiment (Commando), the Tactical Assault Groups on the east and west coasts, 1 Commando Regiment, the Incident Response Regiment and a Combat Service Support Company.
Media contacts
Catherine Fitzpatrick
(Senator Hill)
02 6277 7800
0405 351 245
www.defence.gov.au
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday, 6 June 2003
77/2003
$90 MILLION FOR NEW SPECIAL OPERATIONS EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES
Australia's new Special Operations Command will be equipped with $90 million worth of new weapons, equipment and facilities, Defence Minister Robert Hill announced today.
Our Special Forces soldiers will get new assault rifles, machine guns, anti-tank weapons, mortars, grenade launchers, vehicles, optical equipment such as binoculars, thermal imaging equipment and night vision goggles, radios and communication equipment, safety equipment, generators and other support equipment.
New facilities will also be built and existing facilities upgraded at Holsworthy Barracks.
"The money will be spent over five years to significantly enhance the capabilities of our Special Forces soldiers," Senator Hill said.
"Australia's Special Forces are among the best in the world, admired for not only their skill and professionalism but also their supplies and equipment.
"This project will ensure they remain able to respond rapidly to terrorist threats at home and abroad."
This project continues the Howard Government's commitment to build on the Australian Defence Force's counter-terrorism capabilities in response to the increased international threat of terrorism.
The 2003-04 Budget included $156.8 million over four years for the formation of the Special Operations Command, which will increase our Special Forces by about 330 highly-trained combat personnel.
The Special Operations Command includes a joint headquarters with offices in Canberra and Sydney, the Special Air Service Regiment, 4th Battalion the Royal Australian Regiment (Commando), the Tactical Assault Groups on the east and west coasts, 1 Commando Regiment, the Incident Response Regiment and a Combat Service Support Company.
Media contacts
Catherine Fitzpatrick
(Senator Hill)
02 6277 7800
0405 351 245
www.defence.gov.au