Nick Minchin (SA, Liberal Party, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

by leave—The opposition fully supports the remarks of Senator Evans, on behalf of the government, about the tragic death of an Australian soldier in Afghanistan overnight while serving with the Mentoring and Reconstruction Task Force. As Senator Evans properly said, we are again reminded of the significant dangers that our Australian defence personnel do face serving in Afghanistan, where they are performing a vital role in endeavouring to bring peace and stability to that very troubled country. It is tragic that we are here today sending our condolences to the family of the ninth Australian soldier killed serving our country in Afghanistan since 2001. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of this soldier as they come to terms with his tragic death while serving his country. We also fully appreciate why his family would want to keep their privacy at this difficult time.