Malcolm Turnbull (Wentworth, Liberal Party, Leader of the Opposition) Share this | Hansard source

Mr Speaker, on indulgence: for the second time this week we in the opposition join with the government and all Australians as we mourn the loss of one of our finest. Overnight came the dreadful news that one of our bomb disposal experts in Afghanistan lost his life while attempting to clear a safe path for his mates. He gave his life trying to protect the lives of others. His courage and self-sacrifice will forever be remembered by us.

The Chief of the Defence Force last night paid tribute to this soldier as one of the experts in this field. Explosive ordnance disposal technicians are among the bravest of the brave. They walk straight into danger zones to clear the way of mines, roadside bombs and other suspect items that our enemies strew in our path. They keep safe their comrades in arms. They provide reassurance to the people of Afghanistan that they can go to their local market without the fear of setting off a landmine on the road and being destroyed by it. These men and women, these explosive ordnance disposal technicians, are chosen for their calm, their skill, their mental discipline and, above all, their nerves of steel. They expose themselves not only to the danger of the explosive device itself but also to direct enemy fire. They are part of a dedicated, selfless and courageous group that say to their comrades in arms: keep your head down and let me clear a safe way for you. The prayers and thoughts of the Australian people today are with this soldier’s family and friends.

This is the 10th fatality in Australia’s Afghanistan campaign. It is a heavy toll for the nation to bear. It represents an incalculable sacrifice by 10 soldiers and their families and loved ones. The nation mourns their loss and honours their sacrifice but remains committed to the cause, their cause—the cause for which they gave up their lives. The freedom they have fought for is the freedom the Taliban seek to deny the people of Afghanistan. The terrorism these Australian soldiers seek to destroy in our name is the same brand of terror that we must defeat around the globe and be ever vigilant against on our home soil as well. We cannot resile from this task despite the heavy cost. We honour the fallen by recommitting to the task of liberating the people of Afghanistan and ridding the world of the scourge of terrorism.

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