Bill Shorten (Maribyrnong, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition) Share this | Hansard source

I join the Prime Minister in saluting the service of the HMAS Tobruk and all who sailed in her. Named for the siege of Tobruk, a famous example of Australian courage and resourcefulness in the Second World War, over 34 years the HMAS Tobruk gave fine military and humanitarian service to Australia and our region. A great leader of our country, Ben Chifley, famously said our duty was to work for 'the betterment of mankind not only here but anywhere we may give a helping hand'. The Tobruk helped Australia do just that. She was there to support Australia's leadership in Timor. She offered assistance to the people of Vanuatu rebuilding after a devastating cyclone. She was proudly an Australian-made warship, from the Carrington Slipways. She has done her duty faithfully and well, and we thank her.

See this speech in context