Bob Brown (Tasmania, Australian Greens) Share this | Hansard source

On behalf of the Australian Greens I support this motion of condolence and send our commiseration, our great respect and our concern for and comfort to the family, the friends and the fellow unit members of Signaller Sean McCarthy. We all have to aspire to a future when the world will be rid of violence, war and destruction. It is no way for human affairs to be handled. But, in the meantime, it is still part of the way in which the world does malfunction.

On behalf of this nation, Signaller Sean McCarthy was in Afghanistan and died in Afghanistan. His body has now been brought home to this nation, which he served bravely and courageously. He was honoured by Australia’s Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, with the words:

On his previous tour in Afghanistan he was recognised by the Special Operations Commander for his courage and mission focus, including a specific commendation for maintaining his presence of mind and excellent soldier skills while in contact with the enemy.

Signaller McCarthy was a sterling and honourable Australian and we regret his loss.

Question agreed to, honourable senators standing in their places.