Ewen Jones (Herbert, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

I rise to speak on the condolence motion for Lance Corporal Todd Chidgey, a member of the commandos. He was born in 1985. I had been married for 12 months, for the first time, by 1985. We are talking about a 29-year-old man with his whole life in front of him. His family have lost a son, a brother, a father and a partner, and his mates in the Army have lost a colleague and a mate.

I note with great pride that the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition, Bill Shorten, and the Minister for Defence, David Johnston, all attended his funeral yesterday as did the Chief of Army, Lieutenant General David Morrison. I never knew the man but we have covered his career and perceptions of people from around the place. He had completed six tours of Afghanistan ranging from two weeks to anything up to six months, and he was still only 29 years old. We have lost one of our very best soldiers, but we have also lost a great person.

I would like to assure his family that his child will be looked after by Legacy. I think it is appropriate at this time that we pause to reflect on the role that Legacy plays in our community, because people coming through today will deflect the importance of Legacy. We have lost our 41st soldier and the role of Legacy in our community will ensure that his child has a great life, remembers and respects his or her dad, and is given every opportunity, because Lance Corporal Todd Chidgey has lost his life in service to Australia. I think we should always remember the role of Legacy.

My condolences go to Lance Corporal Todd Chidgey's family. To all who serve: those of us in this place have seen the worst of it but we have also seen and heard the best of it. I have a nephew who has just signed up to join the Army. He is doing it with great pride and he is looking forward to it. I think to serve your nation is a great role. But we have lost one of our best. To Lance Corporal Todd Chidgey: you will not be forgotten. You will always be revered. You will have a place in our hearts forever. And to his family, again, my personal condolences and those of everyone in this House. May he rest in peace. Lest we forget.

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