Mark Vaile (Lyne, National Party, Deputy Prime Minister) Share this | Hansard source

Mr Speaker, on indulgence, I will make a brief comment about the Black Hawk accident. I am sure all members join with me in extending our sympathy and support to the family and friends that have been affected by this tragedy off the coast of Fiji late yesterday afternoon. I was deeply saddened to learn of the accident involving a Black Hawk helicopter on the HMAS Kanimbla. The helicopter was taking part in a training exercise when it attempted to land on the deck of the Kanimbla and was lost into the sea. One person has lost his life, one serviceman remains missing and seven others have sustained serious injuries. The search for the missing serviceman is continuing.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families and friends of these servicemen. It is a salient reminder to us all that the men and women of the Australian Defence Force and their families live with the knowledge that they put themselves in harm’s way to serve our country and to help our people. The personnel aboard HMAS Kanimbla are preparing and training so that they can provide support to Australian citizens, and I think I can speak on behalf of all Australians in saying that we are certainly proud of the work the ADF does on our behalf and we are always respectful of the sacrifices made by our servicemen and servicewomen.

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