Craig Kelly (Hughes, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

I rise to contribute to the debate on the Prime Minister's condolence motion on the passing of Lance Corporal Todd Chidgey. Lance Corporal Chidgey was a respected and professional soldier serving his sixth tour of duty in Afghanistan. He served with the 2nd Commando Regiment, based in Holsworthy, in the electorate that I proudly represent here in the federal parliament, as well as with its previous incarnation, 4RAR. The 2nd Commandos are the elite of the elite—a professional team who serve on the front line and beyond; a unit which carries above its weight in combat duties due to their exceptional skill, their professionalism and their courage, for which they are internationally known and respected. The 2nd Commando Regiment has correspondingly suffered a large share of casualties, and with each of those we feel deeply as a family.

Lance Corporal Chidgey lived a life dedicated to serving our nation with distinction. Our thoughts go to his family back in Gosford, who have our deepest sympathies for the loss of their beloved son and brother. Corporal Chidgey was deeply respected by his colleagues who described him as 'a brilliant bloke to know and to work with.' He was someone who was loyal to the core, and someone who I think would do anything for his mates. To my mind, he seemed the kind of man who wanted to make the world a better place. His six tours of Afghanistan will have contributed greatly to that goal.

When the final last soldier departs Afghanistan we should look back at what we have achieved, and I believe the greatest achievement concerns the education of young girls. We know that in 2001 there were only one million children in Afghanistan in school, and almost none of them were girls. We know today there are over three million young girls receiving an education in Afghanistan. This not only brings benefits to those people individually; that education benefits Afghanistan society. What those kids get from being educated will be passed on for years and years down the track. That is perhaps our greatest achievement—something we all should be proud of, just as we should be proud of the sacrifice of Corporal Todd Chidgey.

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