Luke Gosling (Solomon, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise to acknowledge a deep loss to our Top End community with the very sad news that one of our soldiers from 1st Brigade was killed in a training accident in the Northern Territory yesterday. My heartfelt condolences go to his family, his friends, his comrades. It is a tragic reminder of the dangers faced by those who serve us, whether that be in the Army, Navy or Air Force. Currently we have members of our Defence Force who are part of our community in Darwin and Palmerston serving us in Iraq, in Afghanistan, in the Gulf, over the skies of the Middle East and in other countries. It is dangerous work and the training can also be dangerous. There will of course be an investigation into this incident. I have been in touch with 1st Brigade and they are providing the appropriate psychological and pastoral support to the mates of this young Australian soldier, who obviously would be doing it tough right now.

We should always commemorate those that pay the ultimate price serving us, serving our country and serving our community, whether it be in uniform or on the front line.