Michelle Landry (Capricornia, National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Earlier this month in Rockhampton, something truly profound happened that will remembered not just by our region but by our nation. In a deeply moving and historic ceremony, Private Richard Norden was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross, Australia's highest military honour, for his extraordinary bravery during the Vietnam War, and it was not in Canberra nor in Sydney or Melbourne but in the regional city of Rockhampton, where Private Norden's family call home. The Governor-General of Australia, Her Excellency Sam Mostyn, personally travelled to our region to present the medal to Richard's family. What an honour; what a moment. It was a moment that brought our entire community together. Veterans, children, civic leaders, defence personnel and local residents all gathered to bear witness to something deeply significant—the rightful recognition of a young soldier who gave everything for his country.

Private Richard Norden enlisted in the Australian Army at just 18 years of age. In December 1967, he was deployed to Vietnam with the 1st Australian Reinforcement Unit. His actions on 14 May 1968 in the battle of Coral-Balmoral are now etched in the history books. When his platoon was ambushed, he didn't hesitate. Under relentless and withering enemy fire, Richard advanced again and again. He risked his life to carry wounded comrades to safety. He recovered the body of a fallen mate. Despite being seriously wounded himself, he continued to engage the enemy and protect his platoon. His selflessness, unshakeable bravery and refusal to back down saved lives and turned the tide of battle. His actions went far beyond the call of duty.

Tragically, just a few years later, Richard's life was cut short in a motorcycle accident while serving with the Australian Capital Territory Police. He was only 24 years old. He left behind a young wife, Robynn, and two small sons, Scott and Shane. A number of years later, after Private Norden's passing, Robynn met her now husband, Lance Freeman, who along with Robynn's young boys moved to Rockhampton. So earlier this month, it was at Rockhampton, in the city that welcomed this incredible family, where Robynn accepted the Victoria Cross on Richard's behalf. It's hard to describe the emotion that was in the room—the pride, the reverence, the grief, the love. This wasn't just a medal presentation; this was a nation finally standing tall and saying, 'We see you; we honour you; we are grateful.'

For far too long, Vietnam veterans like Richard were not treated with the respect they deserved. They came home to silence, misunderstanding and rejection, but, with this award, that wrong was in part made right. It took years of tireless advocacy, especially from retired Lieutenant Colonel General Hulse, who formally submitted the application in 2020. Though the Department of Defence initially rejected the request, the veteran community did not give up. The Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal eventually agreed that Richard Norden's actions fully met the criteria for a Victoria Cross. On Remembrance Day last year, Richard Norden was formally awarded the VC. It's the highest honour we can bestow.

Right now, as we honour the bravery of the past, our region continues to serve the nation through Exercise Talisman Sabre, the largest military training exercise since its inception. Shoalwater Bay is once again the stage for a global defence operation, with over 35,000 troops and 19 allied nations, including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, France, the Netherlands and Fiji, training together on our soil. What began as a bilateral Australia-US exercise has grown into a world-class demonstration of unity, readiness and strategic cooperation. From precision missile drills to amphibious landings, Shoalwater Bay has proven time and time again that it is one of the finest military training environments anywhere in the world.

The former coalition government recognised the strategic importance of Shoalwater Bay and, in partnership with the Singapore government through the Australia-Singapore Military Training Initiative, delivered a $1 billion investment for the Shoalwater Bay Military Training Area. This funding enabled the construction of a new field kitchen, dining facility, admin building, medical centre, exercise control centre, landing zone, logistics infrastructure and other vital support systems. Such a significant investment ensures our troops have the world-class training environment they need to remain prepared and capable, particularly in a time of increasing global uncertainty. These brave men and women make immense sacrifices to protect our nation, and it is our responsibility to ensure that they have the tools and facilities to do so.

When we speak of service, sacrifice, bravery and legacy, let us remember Private Richard Norden VC, a soldier of unmatched courage, a young man who gave everything for his mates and his country. Lest we forget.