Michael McCormack (Riverina, National Party, Shadow Minister for International Development and the Pacific) Share this | Hansard source

Today marks the 10th anniversary of the death of Corporal Cameron Baird VC, MG, a digger in the finest Anzac tradition, a hero. Corporal Baird, son of Kaye and Doug, was 32 years young when he laid down his life for his friends. He was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross for gallantry in action during close quarters combat in Afghanistan. Throughout the action, Lance Corporal Baird showed conspicuous bravery, composure and superior leadership under intense fire against a Taliban stronghold deep within enemy held territory. Cameron marched out of Kapooka, at Wagga Wagga, the home of the soldier, in February 2000 with an award. The 1st Recruit Training Battalion's Award for Most Outstanding Soldier now carries Cameron's likeness, as it should. It is an appropriate way to honour and remember the best of the best.

Yesterday I gained leave from parliament to travel to Kapooka to attend the funeral service for a veteran of Malaya, Korea and Vietnam, Alan Evans. It would have been Alan's 93rd birthday. Major General Stephen Jobson delivered an inspiring eulogy in which he praised the late Mr Evans's lifetime of selflessness and service. Kapooka gave Mr Evans a fitting send-off.

Much has been said and written lately about our long line of khaki stretching back to Gallipoli and beyond. We should be proud of the fact so many have for so long been so willing to answer our country's call of duty. And we should always say thank you for your service, not just on 25 April, Anzac Day, or 11 November, Armistice and Remembrance Day, but each and every day. Lest we forget.

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