DEFENCE MEDIA RELEASE

MECC 217/11 Tuesday, 31 May 2011

Two Australian soldiers killed in Afghanistan

Two Australian soldiers have been killed in Afghanistan in two separate incidents.

In the first incident, which occurred yesterday afternoon Australian time, a member of
the Mentoring Task Force was shot by an Afghan National Army soldier.

The Australian Army soldier and the Afghan National Army soldier were undertaking
guard duty at a patrol base north of Tarin Kot at the time of the incident.

Despite receiving substantial medical treatment at the base, and being airlifted to a
nearby ISAF medical facility at Tarin Kot in well under an hour, the Australian
soldier died from his wounds.

The Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, said the Afghan
National Army soldier fled the scene and remains at large.

“We will conduct a thorough investigation into the incident and work closely with
our 4th Brigade partners to develop a clear understanding of what has occurred and
what, if anything, can be done to prevent such an incident happening again,”
Air Chief Marshal Houston said.

“We remain committed to our mentoring role and I can’t stress highly enough the
importance of the Mentoring Task Force to achieving our mission in Afghanistan.”

In the second incident, which occurred a few hours after the shooting, an Australian
Army Officer was killed when an Australian Chinook Helicopter crashed while
undertaking a re-supply mission in Zabul Province.

An American Chinook was in close proximity and the crew landed and provided
immediate medivac assistance for the most seriously wounded soldier to the Role II
facility in Qalat, 70 km to the south of the crash site.

Unfortunately, the Officer could not be saved. The other five Australians onboard the
helicopter were subsequently evacuated to the Role III medical facility at Kandahar
and they are in a satisfactory condition.

There is no obvious cause for the incident at this early stage, however, an
investigation is being initiated.

Issued by Ministerial and Executive Coordination and Communication,

Department of Defence, Canberra, ACT Phone: 02 6127 1999, Fax: 02 6265 1545

Media Releases are available via e-mail if you register at www.defence.gov.au/media

 DEFENCE MEDIA RELEASE

Air Chief Marshal Houston said the families of both the soldiers had been notified and
they had asked that the personal details of their loved ones not be released at this time.

“On behalf of all the men and women of the Australian Defence Force, I offer my
condolences for their loss,” Air Chief Marshal Houston said.

“Though I can’t ease their grief at this very sad time, I want them to know the ADF
will be there to provide comfort and support as their loved ones are laid to rest.

“I hope they are able to draw some comfort from the knowledge they are in the
thoughts and prayers of so many Australians who are grateful for the service of their
loved ones to our nation.”

Media contact: Defence Media Operations: (02) 6127 1999 or 0408 498 664

Issued by Ministerial and Executive Coordination and Communication,

Department of Defence, Canberra, ACT Phone: 02 6127 1999, Fax: 02 6265 1545

Media Releases are available via e-mail if you register at www.defence.gov.au/media