Eric Hutchinson (Lyons, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The HMAS Tobruk (II) served our nation proudly for 35 years. Her motto was: faithful and strong. It would be indeed disrespectful, and shameful perhaps, to see this part of our heritage and our nation's history sold for scrap metal. A better alternative is to scuttle the vessel off the east coast of Tasmania, at Skeleton Bay.

I have here with me the proposal and business case to create an artificial reef and marine habitat and a world-class dive tourism site. The report highlights the significant economic benefits that will flow to the community of St Helens, and to Tasmania more broadly. More copies of the report are available in my office.

I must commend the support and commitment of the St Helens community, the Break O'Day Council, the Break O'Day Chamber of Commerce and Tourism, the Break O'Day Business Enterprise Centre and the Tasmanian state government for their strong support.

Tasmania remains the only state in Australia that has not had a decommissioned naval vessel gifted from the Commonwealth. The waters off the east coast are renowned for their high visibility and abundant marine life, which makes Skeleton Bay the ideal location for such a project.

The HMASTobruk (II) deserves better. I am on board and I encourage all Tasmanians also to get on board.