[AU] Defence support for Bush visit

Monday, 20 October 2003
134/2003

DEFENCE SUPPORT TO US PRESIDENT'S VISIT

The Australian Defence Force will provide a comprehensive package of
security support for the United States President's visit to Australia
this week, Defence Minister Robert Hill announced today.

"Defence will play a key security role along with other Commonwealth and
Australian Capital Territory government agencies for President Bush's
visit - providing a range of counter terrorism measures," Senator Hill said.

Royal Australian Air Force F/A-18 Hornet fighter aircraft will escort
the President's aircraft and mount an aerial patrol over Canberra, in
arrangements similar to those we had for the Commonwealth Heads of
Government Meeting last year. A Defence radar is also in place at
Tuggeranong to complement a range of aviation security measures.

The heightened security measures will necessitate some airspace
restrictions over Canberra. Defence is working with Airservices
Australia to minimise disruption to aviation activities but the RAAF
operations will not affect routine civilian aircraft movements.

A number of specialist capabilities will also be on standby, such as the
Tactical Assault Group (East). These highly trained military personnel
may be called on in response to an incident that police and emergency
services do not have the capacity to deal with.

"While there is no known specific threat of terrorism in Australia, the
Government has a responsibility to ensure that visiting dignitaries are
afforded appropriate protection," Senator Hill said.

"The F/A-18 fighter aircraft patrols and additional Defence support to
the visit are a prudent security measures to help ensure a safe and
successful Presidential visit."

Senator Hill said the F/A-18 pilots would operate under rules of
engagement, in a similar way to the procedures put in place for CHOGM.
They would also operate on routes and at heights to lessen any noise
impact. In the days leading up to President Bush's visit, Defence will
bring equipment and personnel to the Canberra region. Residents might
notice additional aircraft and helicopter movements, such as the Hornets
overhead today. There is no need to be concerned by this.