Australian Air Traffic Controllers to assist in Haiti

The Government has approved the deployment of a small team of Defence Air Traffic Controllers to assist efforts in earthquake ravaged Haiti.

The Air Traffic Controllers will augment the United Stateseffort to ensure a synchronised and effective operation.

They are expected to deploy early next week.

The decision was made after a US request for Air Traffic Controllers.

Air Traffic Controllers provide a highly specialised capability to provide the safe and effective control of military and civil aircraft.

RAAF Air Traffic Controllers have deployed with distinction to Baghdad, Sinai, Somalia, East Timor, Solomon Islands, Banda Aceh and Sudan.

Australia has now pledged A$15 million in emergency relief and rehabilitation assistance in response to the earthquake.

The initial $10 million for immediate response will contribute to life-saving activities.

There will also be $5 million made available for longer-term assistance following UN assessment of the requirements.

The ADF has an excellent reputation internationally for providing humanitarian assistance when emergencies such as this occur.

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