Peter Dutton (Dickson, Liberal Party, Leader of the Opposition) | Hansard source

On indulgence—I want to thank the Prime Minister for the update to the House and, as the Prime Minister points out, there will be a more formal opportunity for remarks in relation to the condolence motion. But it is important that the country hears a very unified message from the government and from the opposition on dark days for our country.

I want to say thank you to the Defence minister and to the Defence officials who briefed us earlier today in relation to this tragedy. The work, as the Prime Minister points out, of the search and rescue effort of those diggers who were onboard the MRH-90 that followed this helicopter that abruptly, violently, hit the water, the tragedy that they experienced at that time and what they will be going through now, is something that we acknowledge as a parliament. Our country comes together during these dark hours to make sure that we can provide support to those in need of it. The Australian Defence Force today, particularly those who are serving in the 6th Aviation Regiment, are worthy of our support, and they should know that this parliament will come together to provide support in this next phase.

To the families of Danniel Lyon, of Max Nugent, of Joseph Laycock and of Alexander Naggs, our thoughts and prayers are with them and with the diggers.

I want to acknowledge the work of the member for Herbert, who I know has been in contact with a number of his former colleagues and has served at one point with Corporal Naggs. Many people will have similar stories.

It is a tragic day for our nation, and I know we will continue to work to provide the recovery effort so that the answers can be provided to the loved ones and to their colleagues. We come together today on an incredibly sad occasion, a tragic occasion for our nation. We stand as one in support of those men and women who bravely wear the uniform of the Australian Defence Force.

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