Luke Gosling (Solomon, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

This past weekend, there were two attempts to raise the Harbour Defence Motor Launch 1321. This patrol boat took Australian Z-unit special forces in behind enemy lines in World War II, and its crew conducted themselves in an exemplary way. This boat is still with us in Darwin. We've tried to get it off the beach twice in the past weekend. I want to acknowledge in particular the not-for-profit organisation Save Motor Launch 1321 and its chairperson, Robert Welfare, a solicitor in Darwin, for all his tireless work. I also acknowledge Scott De La Rue, from Freo Group, who'll be providing cranes and trucks to get a 25-tonne boat trailer down the old Catalina ramp in Darwin. Thanks very much, Scott. I also acknowledge Chris Boyer from Trafficwerx, Ronnie from Flash Tyres, the guys at NT Welding and Michael Foreman from Systems Homes. Thanks very much for your corporate social responsibility and your pro bono work on this project. We will get the Rushcutter up onto the trailer in mid-July. I thank everyone who is helping with this important project to safeguard military history in the Northern Territory.