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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2000 Week 2 Hansard (1 March) . . Page.. 478 ..

MR HIRD (continuing):

In 1942 the Canberra was part of a naval force covering the amphibious landing on Guadalcanal. On the night of 8/9 August 1942 a Japanese force attacked the joint US/Australian escort force. The Japanese force first sighted HMAS Canberra, and consequently she was hit by a large number of shells and torpedoes. She was badly damaged but did not sink immediately. In that action, which became known as the Battle of Savo Island,. 85 personnel were killed or mortally wounded.

The proud tradition of the first HMAS Canberra was revived by the commissioning of the present ship in 1982. Mr Kaine and you, Mr Speaker, will recall that in 1982 I had the honour of serving on the Sister City Ship Liaison Committee to raise funds to supply certain objects from this city for HMAS Canberra.

Today's Canberra is a guided missile frigate. It is less than half the size of the previous HMAS Canberra and has one third the crew. It is customary for a ship to be linked with its city namesake. HMAS Canberra was granted freedom of entry to the city of Canberra by the Hon. Michael Hodgman, Minister for Territories, in 1982, and last exercised that right in 1990.

The granting of freedom of entry to the city is an ancient custom and dates back to William the Conqueror when bodies of armed men were challenged at the city gate and subsequently allowed to enter with arms sheathed to ensure their peaceful intention. This custom has now evolved into a ceremonial event which acknowledges the relationship between the city and the ship.

I am pleased to say that officers and crew of HMAS Canberra will be exercising that right once again as part of the National Multicultural Festival this Saturday, 4 March, commencing at 4.45 pm at Civic Square. Following the challenge, to be issued by the Chief Police Officer, Mr Bill Stoll, and a brief address by the Chief Minister and the captain of the ship, Commander Tony Aldred, HMAS Canberra will lead the festival parade for 2000 through the streets of the city. HMAS Canberra will continue to serve the Australian community and proudly represent our city.

Question resolved in the affirmative.

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