Tony Abbott (Warringah, Liberal Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Hansard source

Earlier today, HMAS Tobruk returned to her home port of Garden Island for the last time. For 34 years, HMAS Tobruk and her crew have served our country with the distinction. I should particularly note that back in 1999 Tobruk was deployed to East Timor and subsequently made 11 trips to East Timor in support of our operations there and in support of the freedom of the East Timorese people. Most recently the Tobruk supported the relief mission to Vanuatu following the devastation of Cyclone Pam.

Back in 1941, when Australian soldiers were besieged in Tobruk, it was the Royal Australian Navy and the Royal Navy that were the garrison's link to the outside world. The efforts of our Navy and the Royal Navy provided what was then known as the Tobruk ferry. HMAS Tobruk has lived up to its namesake. The Tobruk and her company have more than lived up to the ship's motto, 'Faithful and Strong'. As her commander made clear today, while the Navy is losing the Tobruk, the Navy is certainly not losing that capacity, with the HMAS Canberra and the Adelaide either in service or shortly coming into service. Madam Speaker, HMAS Tobruk, as you would well know, has fulfilled her mission, and a grateful nation says thank you.

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