Out of parliament and on patrol
“I have seen areas that make their job difficult that could be fixed fairly easily” — Federal MP Warren Entsch

Federal MP Warren Entsch and CO of HMAS Townsville LCDR Jeff Goedecke give a wave from the flying bridge as they pull alongside in Darwin.

Federal MP, Warren Entsch and AB Craig O'Malley give the thumbs up from their racks to a successful patrol as HMAS Townsville pulls alongside in Darwin. Photos by CPL Patrina Malone.

By Hilary Tims

Federal MP Warren Entsch stepped ashore in Darwin from the patrol boat HMAS Townsville with some practical ideas for “fixable” ways to make safeguarding Australia’s northern approaches easier.

Mr Entsch is this year’s first visitor to the Top End as part of the Parliamentary Exchange Program where politicians join the military for a week.

“During the four days at sea I’ve taken in almost every emergency scenario, from hazard air, damage control, fire on board, loss of steering, boarding, simulated man overboard, weapons firing, and small arms target shooting,” he said.

“We patrolled along sections of the Australian Fishing Exclusion Zone, 200 nautical miles (400km) out to sea.

“I was just part of the crew and it gave me a whole new perspective of the work these unseen heroes do.

“I believe they are a most under-rated component within our Defence Force.

“I think one of the things people don’t realise with the patrol boats is that every vessel they board is a potentially hostile vessel, it is in fact a foreign national, and you have absolutely no idea of what you’re likely to encounter.

“We have to look at recognition, a medal as for overseas service, for protecting homeland security.

“I have seen areas that make their job difficult that could be fixed fairly easily.

Mr Entsch said it can take from a few minutes to several hours, depending on the situation, for Canberra to impound a boarded vessel. He said this leaves the patrol losing steaming time and the crew facing possible hostilities.

BACKGROUND:

Program Manager AIRCDRE (Rtd) Ray Perry explains the reason behind the exchange:

“Only 14 of our 225 Federal members lay claim to any military experience at all, and only one is a combat veteran.

This means they are being asked to debate and vote on defence issues and equipment programs, but without any personal knowledge of what people really need.

“When a Federal MP joins a unit, it usually takes a day or so for the barriers to disappear. The MPs are given no special rank and the sailors, soldiers and airmen soon learn that it is OK to speak frankly.

Seven Federal politicians will participate, with Mr Peter Lindsay and Mr John Cobb having also spent time in HMA ships Newcastle and Success.

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