MEDIA RELEASE - Remembering the Voyager disaster

Please find attached a media release from the Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Shadow Minister Assisting the Leader of the Opposition on the Centenary of ANZAC, Senator the Hon. Michael Ronaldson, regarding the anniversary of the sinking of HMAS Voyager on 10 February 1964.

For further information please contact Robert Hardie on 02 6277 3582.

Senator the Hon. Michael Ronaldson
Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Affairs
Shadow Minister Assisting the Leader of the Opposition on the Centenary of ANZAC
Liberal Senator for Victoria

M E D I A R E L E A S E
Thursday, 9 February 2012

Remembering the Voyager disaster

The anniversary of Australia's worst peacetime naval disaster is a timely reminder of the service and sacrifice of Australia's defence forces outside periods of conflict.

Senator the Hon. Michael Ronaldson, Shadow Minister for Veterans' Affairs, paid tribute to the memory of 82 sailors killed on 10 February 1964, and expressed his support for the survivors of the tragedy, and their families.

"The Voyager disaster remains Australia's worst peacetime naval disaster in our history", Senator Ronaldson said.

"At 8.56pm on 10 February 1964, Daring Class Cruiser HMAS Voyager collided with the naval aircraft carrier, HMAS Melbourne. The much larger Melbourne cut the Voyager in two, resulting in the loss of one in four members of the Voyager crew."

"Two Royal Commissions were held into the circumstances of the accident. This is the first time in Australian history that one incident has been inquired into by two separate Commissions."

Senator Ronaldson extended his thoughts to the families of the deceased and the survivors of the accident.

"On behalf of the Coalition I extend my sympathy and thoughts on the 48th anniversary of the sinking of HMAS Voyager", Senator Ronaldson said.


______________________________
Robert Hardie
Adviser
Office of Senator the Hon. Michael Ronaldson
Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Affairs | Liberal Senator for Victoria
Shadow Minister Assisting the Leader of the Opposition on the Centenary of ANZAC
Suite S1.32 | Parliament House | CANBERRA ACT 2600
( 02 6277 3582 | 7 02 6277 5761

Level 17 | 90 Collins Street | MELBOURNE VIC 3000
( 03 9650 0255 | 7 03 9650 9031)
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