Linda Reynolds (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Defence) Share this | Hansard source

As I was saying, there are three parts to our contribution. Our forward deployment has now gone to the Middle East, to the IMSC headquarters, to do some more planning for this activity. Australia's contribution to ease tensions in the Gulf builds on our longstanding contribution to the Middle East maritime security. In fact we've had a near-continuous maritime presence in the Middle East since the 1990s. Those opposite might yawn at this, but, I've got to say, Australia's contribution, and Australia's continued contribution by the Royal Australian Navy in particular, is no yawning or laughing matter. We've had a near-continuous maritime presence under governments from both sides of this chamber in the Middle East. When the frigate HMAS Toowoomba deploys, it will be the 68th such deployment of a Navy vessel in the Middle East on similar operations. HMAS Toowoomba will support the safe passage of maritime trade. It is something for us to be proud of, and not to be yawned at. (Time expired)