Karen McNamara (Dobell, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

I thank my colleague the member for Solomon for bringing this motion to the parliament. The member is a strong voice in the Australian parliament for Australian Defence Force personnel, and I commend her for her support for ADF personnel in her electorate. I am proud to stand with other members today to acknowledge the dedication, bravery and sacrifice of the outstanding men and women of the Australian Defence Force, particularly those currently serving overseas.

Yesterday, I paid my respects at a commemoration service for the 49th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan, held in my electorate of Dobell. Whilst I joined with others across the nation to pay our respects to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice on foreign shores, I could not help but think of the current generation of men and women in our Defence Force who are serving overseas, particularly those whom I was privileged to meet in the UAE and Afghanistan.

Currently, there are over 2,000 Australian Defence Force personnel deployed in overseas operations to protect Australia's national interest, to support our international partners and to help maintain global peace and security. Recent deployments include troops primarily from the Royal Australian Army 7th Brigade in Brisbane, who have been deployed as part of the Building Partner Capacity mission in Iraq, to train Iraqi army personnel in their fight against Daesh. I was privileged to travel with the men and women of this deployment last April, when I participated in the ADF Parliamentary Program. Being able to participate in this program and meet with ADF personnel deployed in the Middle East and Afghanistan was a huge honour and an experience I will treasure forever. Over the week the parliamentary group met with ADF personnel serving at Al Minhad and Al Dhafra and in Kabul. I want to thank those I met for their hospitality, openness and frankness in sharing personal stories and views—and it was great to meet a Dobell local, Ken.

As a mother I could not help but see the faces of my children in these young men and women that we joined during our induction on arrival in the UAE. I am in awe of the professionalism, attitude and dedication of these young people. During our briefings we met with ADF personnel in their places of work. It was inspiring to see the many postcards and drawings which had been sent by Australian children that they had on display. The troops mentioned the excitement of receiving a care package and how much it meant to them to know that people back home were thinking of them. Last Christmas, in conjunction with the Berkeley Vale scouts, my office sent care packages, and I recall our excitement when we received thanks from the troops who had received our packages.

Our troops are an amazing group of individuals who ask for nothing. However, a simple message or a token of care does mean a lot to them. I encourage every proud Australian to let these men and women know how much they are valued and honoured. There are numerous ways in which the Australian public can show their appreciation, including by sending an email message or a postcard to the troops and, as I mentioned before, by care packages, which can be sent via Australia Post. Members of the public can also make a donation to the RSL Australian Forces Overseas Fund, which, in turn, prepares and sends care packages. The Australian Defence Force also encourages the public to consider making a lasting contribution by donating to the RSL, Legacy or Soldier On.

During our many conversations we learnt a lot about the families back in Australia. Whilst we are acutely aware of the sacrifice of those on overseas deployment, it is important that we acknowledge the families of service personnel here in Australia. Recently I was honoured to present a certificate of service to Afghanistan veteran Darren Sharpe. During our meeting I spoke with Darren's wife and met two of their children. Darren's wife spoke of the challenges faced by Defence families, particularly when a spouse is deployed overseas. Many of our ADF service personnel have undertaken numerous overseas deployments, and one can only imagine the strain that this can place on a relationship. I believe we owe it to Defence families to ensure that, in the absence of their loved ones, they receive the ultimate respect and support they deserve.

In addition to expressing my gratitude to our ADF service personnel, I wish to mention and pay tribute to the 41 photographs proudly displayed at the Al Minhad and Kabul military bases. The 41 faces of those who served proudly but did not come home are etched in my memory. On behalf of the Dobell community and all Australians: lest we forget. To these brave men and their families, we are indebted to you forever for your bravery and your ultimate sacrifice. To all our troops overseas: stay safe. I commend this motion to the House.

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