Defence: HMAS Parramatta, Yarra and Warrego

Mr Murphy asked the Minister representing the Minister for Defence, upon notice, on 14 May 2002:

1. Were the three River Class torpedo boat destroyers Parramatta, Yarra and Warrego the first Royal Australian Navy (RAN) ships to bear the title HMAS.
2. Was HMAS Warrego first constructed in England, then dismantled and shipped to Australia for reconstruction at Cockatoo Island Docks so that Australian shipbuilders would gain experience in warship construction.
3. Have the names HMAS Parramatta and HMAS Yarra been borne on two subsequent vessels each.
4. Following the decommissioning of the first HMAS Warrego on 19 April 1928, has only one subsequent vessel borne the name HMAS Warrego.
5. Was the second HMAS Warrego decommissioned on 15 August 1963.
6. In view of the historical significance of the first HMAS Warrego, will the Minister give vigorous support for the naming of a third HMAS Warrego when the next suitable vessel is constructed for the RAN; if so, when might this might occur; if not, why not.

Mrs Vale - The Minister for Defence has provided the following answer to the honourable member's question:

1. No. When the then Commonwealth Naval Forces were re-designated the Royal Australian Navy in 1911, all major vessels were then entitled to become commissioned as His/Her Majesty's Australian Ship (HMAS). It should be noted that Warrego was not commissioned into the Royal Australian Navy until 1 June 1912.
2. Yes.
3. Each of the names Parramatta and Yarra have been carried by a total of three ships. Additionally both names will be used again, in the case of Parramatta on an Anzac Class frigate and Yarra on a Huon Class Coastal Minehunter.
4. Yes.
5. Yes.
6. The name Warrego will be considered alongside a number of other names of significance when the construction of the next suitable vessel is authorised.

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