Dear Friend,

I wanted to update you on further actions the Government is taking to address these devastating bushfires. 

To date, there have been twenty-three confirmed deaths and more than 1,500 homes lost.

All of our hearts go out to those Australians who have lost loved ones, lost homes and whose lives and communities have been devastated. 

Our firefighters are doing an extraordinary job. I commend all of the state emergency authorities and the level of co-operation between the states and the Australian Government. 

In recent months, Australian Defence Force resources have been deployed, including 2,000 personnel, aircraft and Defence bases. 

Today, for the first time in our history, the Government has enacted a compulsory call-out of the Australian Defence Force Reserve Brigades.

This will provide up to 3,000 Australian Defence Force Reservists, including personnel with skills in engineering, medical, logistics and transport support. This is in addition to our current Defence Force personnel already supporting our response.

The Navy’s largest ship, HMAS Adelaide, will also join HMAS Choules and MV Sycamore in supporting evacuation of citizens.

The Adelaide is fully equipped for disaster relief. It can operate all ADF helicopters. It has 400 crew including medical staff and 300 tonnes of emergency relief supplies.

The Government is deploying ADF air lift and reconnaissance capacity. This includes Chinook helicopters, C-17 Globemasters, C-130 Hercules and C-27 Spartans.

The Government immediately responded to a request for one additional water-bombing aircraft, by providing $20 million for four extra planes. 

For people who have evacuated, Defence bases will provide temporary transit accommodation and support arrangements.

Major General Justin Ellwood will have national authority over the Defence Force effort. Defence will continue to work to support state emergency authorities.

The Government will continue to do everything possible to help combat these devastating fires and support Australians who are affected.

Your sincerely,