STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS

Ms CLUTTERHAM (Sturt) (13:44): I recently completed the Australian Defence Force Parliamentary Program by spending a week living on HMAS Stirling base in Western Australia. The theme of the week was excellence, in the sense that the men and women I met and who wear the uniform of the Australian Defence Force are intelligent, dedicated, good human beings who are doing excellent things for our country.

A shout-out must go to Captain Ken Burleigh, who oversees the base and who is a fair and courageous leader. My escorts, Sub-Lieutenant Dave Courts and AB Gagandeep Singh, were gracious, hospitable, funny and patient as they showed me everything from the logistics facilities to the submarine simulator. I also met senior submariners Captain Byron Williamson, Commander Justin Cloney and Commander John Lee, whose knowledge, confidence and commitment to the Royal Australian Navy and the Collins class submarines assured me that our maritime capability is in good hands.

Other incredible personnel I met include Lieutenant Commander Amy Brauns, commanding officer of the recently commissioned Arafura OPV, HMAS Eyre and her executive officer, Lieutenant Jaques De Villiers. They are sharp and knowledgeable, and I am glad that they are on my side, on Australia's side. Everyone on HMASStirling, not only those I've mentioned, is doing excellent work in service of our country and we should all be very proud of and grateful to them.