THE HON JOEL FITZGIBBON MP
Minister for Defence
Sunday, 21 December 2008
205/2008
AUSTRALIA’S 24/7, 365 DAY A YEAR NAVY
The Minister for Defence, the Hon Joel Fitzgibbon MP, today commended the crew of
the HMAS Arunta and all Navy personnel involved in rescue work in the Southern
Ocean this weekend.
“The actions of the Ship’s Company, and all those who work in support of the HMAS
Arunta deserve our thanks and congratulations,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.
“Navy’s response to both the events in the Southern Ocean, and recent illegal boat
incursions, demonstrates that our Navy is able to respond 24/7, 365 days a year,
including over the traditional Christmas reduced activity period.
“It was ridiculous and offensive to suggest that the Chief of Navy would put in place
an extended reduced activity period which could jeopardise Navy’s ability to respond
to contingencies. Navy has always been able to allow its personnel well deserved
rest and time with family, while maintaining an ability to meet its operational
obligations. Its response to the 2004 Tsunami is just one good example.
“Australia has an international obligation to carry out search-and-rescue operations in
our assigned area, which is one of the world’s largest areas of responsibility, and we
will continue to do so.
“The men and women of the Navy deserve our thanks for the tremendous work they
do to ensure the safety of those at sea.”
Over the Christmas-New Year period, eight Navy patrol boats will continue to protect
Australia’s borders under OPERATION RESOLUTE, and another will remain ready to
move at reduced notice.
The Royal Australian Navy’s vessels work hand-in-hand with other Government
agencies. Each year they provide up to 3000 patrol days as part of Border Protection
Command’s national surveillance effort.
“Over the Christmas-New Year period, while most of us are spending time resting
with family and friends, the men and women of the ADF will remain busy on
deployments in 11 countries around the world, or protecting our borders at home, or
performing essential other tasks around the country,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.
“For that, we remain a grateful nation.”
Media contacts:
Jack Smith (Joel Fitzgibbon):
02 6277 7800 or 0408 116 423
Defence Media Liaison:
02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664
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