Angus Taylor (Hume, Liberal Party, Leader of the Opposition) Share this | Hansard source

on indulgence—I rise to join the Prime Minister and his fine words in honouring the life of Les Cook. The coalition notes with deep sadness the passing of Les Cook, who died on 5 March this year at the age of 103. Les enlisted, as we just heard, in the Australian Army in May 1940, just 17 years old. He lied about his age to serve, and what an extraordinary act of determination and patriotism. He enlisted alongside his father, a First World War veteran, and served as a signaller in the 2nd/14th Battalion. Les Cook saw action in Greece, in Crete, on the Kokoda Trail and on the beachheads of Gona. When the war ended, he was in Borneo, and he later served with the British Commonwealth Occupation Force in Japan. After making a significant contribution to our country, he concluded his service in 1947.

When asked why he enlisted to fight Hitler and Tojo, his answer was incredibly simple. He said, 'I don't like bullies.' He was a humble man who never sought recognition. Reflecting on his service, he once said, 'I didn't do anything brave, but I served with many.' Today we acknowledge his life and his service, and we send our deepest condolences to his family, his friends and his fellow veterans. May he rest in peace. Lest we forget.

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