The Northern Command is a joint operational Australian Defence Force formation. Northern Command is responsible for the planning and conduct of operations to the north of Australia during peacetime and wartime. In addition, Northern Command manages the defence aspects of the multi-agency Border Protection Command.
The command's surveillance units include the three army Regional Force Surveillance Units: Norforce, the Pilbara Regiment in Western Australia, and the 51st Battalion, Far North Queensland Regiment.
Northern Command's area of operations covers Queensland and the Northern Territory above 19 degrees south and the Kimberley and Pilbara Districts of Western Australia. Northern Command's headquarters are located at Larrakeyah Barracks in Darwin, Northern Territory. As of 2003 the commander was Air Commodore Steven Walker.
Role
Headquarters Northern Command’s roles and responsibilities include the following as of 2003: