Louise Markus (Macquarie, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

I rise to support the motion made by the federal member for Bruce and acknowledge the excellent work undertaken by the Australian naval forces in the Middle East Gulf region. The courageous contribution our Armed Forces make across the globe but particularly in the Middle East is not only admirable but, indeed, should be applauded. It was a privilege to spend several days on board HMAS Melbourne in the Royal Australian Navy in April this year as they were doing duty in the Middle East. HMAS Melbourne has had a commanding influence in the Middle East Gulf region, completing two tours of duty already. On 11 February 2012 HMAS Melbourne departed Australian shores to complete her third tour of duty. Two hundred and thirty-six men and women embarked for a six-month deployment.

During our time on the Melbourne as part of a parliamentary exchange program with my colleagues the member for Bruce and the member for Hasluck, we experienced firsthand the dedicated personnel and the conditions in which they live and work. All personnel work in a particularly challenging environment, not to mention the long periods of time they spend away from their families, the high temperatures and the long days and long nights.

While the total ship's company deserves acknowledgement and praise, I would like to make special mention of some personnel who helped to tell the Australian story. I was inspired by their stories. They paint a picture of the dedication, commitment, passion, professionalism and generosity of Australian sailors. Commanding Officer Rick Boulton is performing an outstanding job, demonstrating calm determination as he leads the ship's company. The team works tirelessly under his leadership to identify and pursue those engaged in arms smuggling. This is a strategic operation that requires the combined skills of all on board. The region is plagued with piracy and arms smuggling, and many ships having to create their own citadels to protect themselves.

Lieutenant Commander Joanna Floyd, the supply officer, hosted me while I was on board. Her diligence and attention to detail ensure that the morale of the ship's company is high. It may seem a small thing to those of us who can pop down to the corner shop to pick up supplies we forgot or need to replace, but it is a long way to shore from the middle of the ocean if you run out of milk or butter, so her job is indeed vital to ensuring the morale of the crew. Her creativity and ability to enlist others in her quests add further value to morale. One such example was Easter Sunday: finding ourselves on board, Joanna and her team had ensured that chocolate Easter eggs had been stored before they embarked for everyone's enjoyment—a small touch, but it made a big difference.

These men and women sacrifice time with their families to serve our nation. It is not a particularly easy job for the families back home, who have increased pressures and responsibilities. With these come significant sacrifices for all. For example, while we were on board, Willem, the eight-year-old son of one of the fathers who cooked hot cross buns for us, was hospitalised. Hearing this dad's story, hearing him talk about the challenges he faced—not being able to visit his son, having to talk to his wife and his other children about how they were coping from a distance, his wife having to cope and respond to the emergency on her own—tells a story that all the Defence Force have to face. I also had the privilege of meeting two mothers on board. As a mother myself I found it inspiring to see the work that these women do on behalf of our nation. One, Petty Officer Collier, works as a supervising avionics technician and has two beautiful children. Leading Seaman Audhem is the mother of a relatively young toddler, and she told me this was the first deployment and the first time that she had left her child at home. We hugged each other. I think that they are amazing.

In true Anzac tradition, three Royal New Zealand Navy personnel are also on board and have been doing a great job driving the boats and supporting the boarding teams.

Finally, I would like to mention that recently, in a newsletter to the families, Commanding Officer Boulton relayed this message: 'I am particularly proud to introduce this letter by announcing that Warrant Officer Fawbert was awarded the Conspicuous Service Medal in the Queen's Birthday Honours List for his exceptional performance as Ship's Warrant Officer.' We all know Bert very well. I would like to congratulate him. His family is very proud. They live in the seat of Macquarie. (Time expired)

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