RAAF Townsville Museum: Mustang Aircraft

Mr Lindsay asked the Minister for Defence, in writing, on 26 August 2008:

1. Is he aware that the RAAF Townsville Museum currently performs restoration using recognised curatorial practices with controlled air conditioning and constant humidity control and in a building that is encapsulated to avoid sunlight damage.
   
2. Is he aware that a Mustang aircraft A68-137 scheduled to be sent to the RAAF Townsville Museum is being held at RAAF Point Cook Museum pending confirmation that the RAAF Townsville Museum is able to: (a) complete the aircraft’s restoration; and (b) provide an appropriate display facility.
3. Is he aware that the current Director of the RAAF Point Cook Museum refuses to consider requests for loan of memorabilia even though the Mustang aircraft A68-137 came from the Townsville community.
4. Does he believe it is important that Australians have opportunities to access various museum collections through loaning arrangements; if so, will he intervene to facilitate the loan of memorabilia and the Mustang aircraft A68-137 to the RAAF Townsville Museum.

Mr Fitzgibbon - The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows:

1. No, as the RAAF Townsville Museum is not owned or run by Defence. The museum is owned and run by North Queensland Military Aviation Museum Inc.
2. (a) and (b)     Yes.
3. Yes. The Air Force intends to retain the aircraft at RAAF Point Cook Museum until a suitable and secure environment for it can be guaranteed by RAAF Townsville Museum and a decision is reached as to its restoration.
4. Yes. The aircraft will be loaned to RAAF Townsville Museum once a suitable and secure environment for it can be guaranteed by the museum.

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