Minister for Emergency Management, Senator the Hon Bridget McKenzie has today thanked the Commonwealth agencies, and the State and Territories for their roles in the coordinated evacuation and reception of people airlifted from Afghanistan.
"Emergency Management Australia has coordinated this amazing Team Australia operation. The operation involved hundreds of military personnel and government officials working together on the ground in Afghanistan, in Canberra and in the United Arab Emirates.
"This complex, dangerous and difficult operation is one of the largest humanitarian airlift operations in our history," Minister McKenzie said.
The States and Territories worked with the Commonwealth to make quarantine places available to those evacuated or taken extra Australians returning from other countries to free up places.
"As of 8 September, we have brought more than 3500 people from Kabul to Australia, and work is continuing to ensure support services are available throughout their quarantine period and beyond.
"On behalf of all Australians, the Government thanks the Australian Defence Force, and Australian Border Force, front line responders and support staff for their selfless contributions to these rescue missions.
"We also recognise the work behind the scenes of the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Department of Home Affairs including Emergency Management Australia, the Department of Health and the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet.
"The Government is committed to providing holistic support for those who have arrived from Afghanistan, and ensuring they have all the assistance they need," she said.
