The RAN also had at least one and I think two fleet oilers on the books and also the HMAS Jervis Bay which although listed as a training ship was actually a civilian RO-RO transport before being taken up by the navy. While not capable of beach operations it was capable of extended harbour operations.
In regards to Australia being a maritime nation, definitely yes. Targan already mentioned that but to add to what he said, we could easily be self-sufficient but a significant part of our economy for the last 4-6 decades has been derived from export sales - wheat, sheep, beef, bauxite, coal, gas, iron ore, steel, nickel, copper, uranium (even beer but it's only Fosters so not "real" beer!) and also fruit and motor vehicles to a small extent - and all of it sent by ship.
It also means that many of our major imports (textiles, clothing, vehicles, electronics and so on) are brought in by ship.
Stop those cargo ships from coming here and we will face some very tough times until we can establish our own industries again.
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10-11-2012, 11:37 PM
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