Phillip Thompson (Herbert, Liberal National Party, Shadow Assistant Minister for Defence) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

r THOMPSON () (): The electorate of Herbert has a proud defence history, and Anzac Memorial Park in Townsville is a place where those from near and far come to reflect and acknowledge this history. I cannot express enough the importance of recognising the contributions of our service men and women, as well as acknowledging the equipment and facilities that they use. HMAS Magnetic is one of those facilities, a naval depot that was erected along Townsville's coastline. Established in 1942, its purpose was to assist with the allied war effort, and that year was certainly right in the crux of World War II. A presence like HMAS Magnetic was vital to ensure our defence capability on land and at sea.

The Maritime Museum of Townsville approached me to support their application for saluting their service. This program was to recognise HMAS Magnetic with a plaque at our Anzac Park, and it was a no-brainer. This commemoration clearly achieves the intended outcomes of this grant. This facility certainly contributed to the building foundations of what we see in Townsville as the largest garrison city in the nation. It was a true honour to be involved in providing HMAS Magnetic its permanent place at its rightful home in Anzac Park.