Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

Prime Minister John Howard and Defence Minister Robert Hill joined senior military officers, friends and family to farewell the HMAS Sydney which left today for the Middle East.

HMAS Sydney will replace frigates HMAS Anzac and HMAS Darwin in the Persian Gulf. It will join HMAS Kanimbla as part of the Royal Australian Navy element of Australia's contribution to the coalition to disarm Iraq.

HMAS Sydney is equipped with a Seahawk helicopter and its flight crew and maintenance team. It departs after a rigorous training regime to prepare the ship's company for deployment. All personnel will be vaccinated against all likely threats to their health, including anthrax.

Following a traditional farewell ceremony at Fleet Base East, Senator Hill paid tribute to the men and women deploying with HMAS Sydney for their hard work and dedication in preparation for duties in the Gulf.

Senator Hill said the Navy had gained a strong reputation with coalition partners during the Iraq conflict, with clearance divers clearing mines, HMAS Anzac providing gunfire support to British commandos, HMAS Darwin conducting hundreds of boards and HMAS Kanimbla provided a command and control platform for coalition naval forces.

"The Government hopes that the hostilities will be over by the time HMAS Sydney reaches the Gulf in about three weeks," Senator Hill said.

"However, HMAS Sydney will still have important and challenging tasks ahead. The ship will be part of a force in the northern end of the Gulf charged with ensuring a secure maritime environment.

"In rebuilding Iraq, safe shipping will be essential and regrettably there remain those who will seek to disrupt that task. In particular, terrorism remains a constant threat."

Senator Hill acknowledged the sacrifice and support of family and friends of the deploying personnel.