Marise Payne (NSW, Liberal Party, Minister for Defence) Share this | Hansard source

Firstly, let me be clear, the issues with HMAS Canberra and Adelaide have not affected Defence's ability to meet its operational tasks. Under the ADF's regular planning cycle, HMAS Choules assumed duties as the online, or ready, ship to support any HADR requirements in mid-March. She is a 16,000-tonne ship that is well suited for disaster relief operations. That is why she is now sailing towards Queensland to assist those impacted by this significant cyclonic event. Navy has directly addressed any misconceptions around this issue in a statement, which is on the ADF 'On the record' web page today. The Australian Defence Force has a very proud history of supporting Australian communities which have been hit hard by natural disasters. In 2009, over 600 Defence personnel worked with the Victorian government after the Black Saturday bushfires. We supported communities in Brisbane and the Lockyer Valley following the floods in January 2011; in 2011, again, in Cyclone Yasi; and again after Cyclone Marcia in 2015. (Time expired)