Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel have touched down in Papua New Guinea (PNG) to support the country’s national elections.
At the request of the Government of PNG, more than 130 ADF personnel will provide capabilities to support the 2022 national elections – deployed under ADF Operation KIMBA.
The ADF’s support comes as part of the DFAT-led Whole of Government assistance to the national elections and the ADF’s long-standing partnership with the PNGDF, through the Defence Cooperation Program.
Commander of ADF operations in the South West Pacific, Major General Scott Winter, AM said the ADF would be working closely with the Papua New Guinea Electoral Commission, the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) and Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary.
“Our personnel are providing specialist planning, logistics and air transport support to PNG authorities to assist with their national election,” Major General Winter said.
“This mission is enabled by the capabilities of the ADF, particularly the Royal Australian Air Force C-27J Spartan and C-130J Hercules aircraft. These aircraft will support the transportation of election material and personnel prior to, during and post the election period.”
ADF personnel arrived at Jacksons International Airport in Port Moresby on Royal Australian Air Force C-17 Globemaster aircraft.