Guy Barnett (Tasmania, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

I rise to support the statements of my colleagues in this chamber in this condolence motion and to pay tribute to Corporal Richard Atkinson. He was born in Hobart and lived his life in Launceston. He was educated at Trevallyn Primary School and then at Launceston Church Grammar School and was known as a Launceston boy. He was 22 years of age when he died—when he was killed. He was leading his combat engineer section as a search commander. I note that he has been awarded the Australian Active Service Medal with clasp: International Coalition against Terrorism, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal and the Army Combat Badge. In paying a tribute to Corporal Richard Atkinson, it is an honour to note his service, his bravery and his courage and to know that a grateful nation is thankful for that service and that sacrifice. My hope and prayer is that that sacrifice is indeed not in vain, lest we forget.

Words cannot describe the sadness and the grief that is currently being endured by his family and, in particular, his fiance, Dannielle, who he was planning to have a family with; his parents, Ross and Kate, who live in Launceston; and his brother, James, and sister-in-law, Sumah. My heart also goes out to the Grammar community at this time, because only last week they were advised of the death of James Poland, who died in a bushwalking accident in New Zealand. We had a wonderful thanksgiving service for his life last week with the whole school community. The students are now returning to the school at Grammar—this week in fact; grades 11 and 12 yesterday and the rest of the school community tomorrow. It will be a very heavy burden for them to bear. But it will be good for them to know that we stand with them shoulder to shoulder in terms of their condolences and support for Corporal Richard Atkinson’s family and the friends that he knew so well at Grammar during his school days in Launceston. I pay tribute to him and give honour to his courage, bravery and sacrifice. He is the 22nd soldier to have died in Afghanistan.

I note in particular the comments of the principal, Stephen Norris, about him being a leader at Grammar. It has been noted that he was the head of Wilkinson House. Mr Norris also noted that he was highly respected, reliable, kind, considerate and well mannered and showed initiative. I know that the school community will be mourning his loss with his family. Together with other senators and the entire Senate, I pay my respects and give him honour.

Question agreed to, honourable senators standing in their places.