The Australian Government will further strengthen the capability of the Reconstruction Task Force (RTF) that will soon deploy to Afghanistan. Additional infantry, engineers, communications staff and other specialists will be deployed. Approximately 150 personnel will be added to the 240 strong RTF announced by the Prime Minister on the 8th of May. The Government has decided to increase the size of the RTF by around 30 personnel. The deployment will also include an infantry company group of approximately 120 people to provide force protection during the first six months of the deployment. The additional deployments will bring the total RTF strength to around 400 personnel.

Advance elements of the RTF will start to deploy into Afghanistan during August to commence preparation of base facilities and logistic support infrastructure. These elements will be followed by the majority of the RTF deploying in September with the final elements expected to deploy in November.

The decision to increase the RTF follows a detailed review of the situation in Afghanistan and planning and consultation with the Netherlands Government and NATO. This planning has determined that additional troops are required to provide the necessary level of security and protection to the RTF mission to make an effective contribution to reconstruction and security in Oruzgan Province.

All ADF personnel deployed in Afghanistan remain under Australian national command.

The deployment of RTF further demonstrates the Australian Government’s commitment to Afghanistan’s reconstruction and stabilisation. The RTF will be a key part of the Netherlands led Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) in Oruzgan province under the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force.

All Australians should feel proud of the members of the ADF who are serving their country. This is a difficult time for their families and our thoughts and prayers are with them.

The RTF will work on reconstruction and community based projects. It will be capable of doing construction work, providing project management skills, and conducting trade training for the local population. These activities will ensure that the benefits of the deployment continue long after our personnel have returned home. The RTF will also have a security and protection element to focus on local security at RTF work sites.

The ADF constantly reviews the environment for all deployments and adjusts personnel numbers, tactics and procedures when required. This change to the RTF structure is a product of that review process and ensures that we will have the right people with the right equipment in order to safely provide the best possible outcome.

Afghanistan needs support to achieve stability and it’s in Australia’s interest to help Afghanistan achieve that. Terrorism is more likely to emerge from dysfunctional dictatorships, therefore Australia has a direct stake in ensuring Afghanistan’s transition to democracy is successful. We must stick with our allies and stand up for our values. A failure to do so will inevitably mean leaving the next generation hostage to global forces they will never control.