Phillip Thompson (Herbert, Liberal National Party, Shadow Assistant Minister for Defence) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

It's with great sadness that I inform the House of the passing of a 2nd Battalion Royal Australian Regiment veteran—8551468, Adam Patrick Simpson, born 28 December 1989, died 26 February 2026. Adam served at the 2nd Battalion Royal Australian Regiment from 2009 to 2017. He will be sorely missed by his daughter, friends, brothers and colleagues.

Adam served as a mortarman, as an infantry soldier, and his passing has hit personal notes throughout the wider Townsville community and the Australian Defence Force. Businesses have been posting their profound sadness on his passing. I just spoke to one of his former platoon sergeants who informed me he was just a great bloke, a good man and a good soldier liked by all. He had discipline and worked hard. The 2nd Battalion Royal Australian Regiment would be feeling a big hole right now, as one of their veterans is, sadly, no longer with us. I think this does highlight the continued work that needs to happen to make sure that the people we ask to serve in our name, who serve this nation so proudly, get the support and the help that they need and deserve.

I know that Simmo had some injuries when he was in Defence. He worked closely to go through his rehab and get better, to be as good as he could be. I've seen tributes just flow for his passing. I want the 2nd Battalion Royal Australian Regiment to know that when one of us falls—regardless of unit, regardless of location—it affects all of us and hurts all of us. I know that you'll give him a great send-off. You'll make sure that his family is looked after, that the brothers get the support that they need and don't have to go through this on their own. There's been a failure here, and governments need to do better to make sure that we support our most brave.

I just want to say to Simmo's family and loved ones: I'm sorry. I'm sorry you've had to endure this. He was far too young. He should not have died; he should still be here. And, yes, we must do better. Rest in peace, mate.