All Australians will mourn the loss of an Australian soldier in Afghanistan.

 

On behalf of the Coalition, I extend our condolences to the soldier’s family, comrades and friends. 

Today, we honour this soldier’s life and his sacrifice. 

This soldier spent his entire adult life in the service of our country, having enlisted in 1990 and having joined the Special Air Service Regiment in 1995. Seven tours of duty in Afghanistan are testimony to his willingness to serve and his commitment to stand with his comrades.

The work in Afghanistan is about making the world a safer place, so that never again will it become a base for international terror. 

The death of this soldier is a reminder of the service and sacrifice of all Australian service personnel past and present.  

All Australians draw pride and strength from the commitment and dedication of the men and women of the Australian Defence Force. We stand with them on this sad day.

 

3 July 2012