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

Over the past 12 months what Australian naval vessels have achieved in this region is particularly impressive. They have seized around 2.4 tonnes of illegal narcotics with a street value of around $800 million.

During her rotation, HMAS Melbourne patrolled more than 37,000 nautical miles. She conducted more than 50 boarding operations and seized almost a tonne of heroin. Her largest seizure alone was 427 kilograms. In fact, over the past 12 months there have also been no successful pirate attacks reported in the region.

HMAS Melbourne is on her way home for a well-earned rest, and I want to thank her commander and crew for their tireless efforts. They are very close now; they are, in fact, expected in Sydney on Sunday morning. I know that there will be many very happy family reunions, but also a very sincere acknowledgement from the people of Australia for their achievements on their operation.