Tony Abbott (Warringah, Liberal Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Earlier today, HMAS Tobruk returned to her home port of Garden Island for the last time. For 34 years, HMAS Tobruk and her crew have served our country with the distinction. I should particularly note that back in 1999 Tobruk was deployed to East Timor and subsequently made 11 trips to East Timor in support of our operations there and in support of the freedom of the East Timorese people. Most recently the Tobruk supported the relief mission to Vanuatu following the devastation of Cyclone Pam.

Back in 1941, when Australian soldiers were besieged in Tobruk, it was the Royal Australian Navy and the Royal Navy that were the garrison's link to the outside world. The efforts of our Navy and the Royal Navy provided what was then known as the Tobruk ferry. HMAS Tobruk has lived up to its namesake. The Tobruk and her company have more than lived up to the ship's motto, 'Faithful and Strong'. As her commander made clear today, while the Navy is losing the Tobruk, the Navy is certainly not losing that capacity, with the HMAS Canberra and the Adelaide either in service or shortly coming into service. Madam Speaker, HMAS Tobruk, as you would well know, has fulfilled her mission, and a grateful nation says thank you.

Bill Shorten (Maribyrnong, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition) Share this | Link to 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.

Mrs Bronwyn Bishop (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I would like to add my own remarks on Tobruk's service. It was scheduled to be retired nearly 20 years ago, and then-Minister McLachlan and I, with some good Naval persuasion, decided we could not do without her, and so it is with a sense of sadness that I see her being paid off now.