Graham Perrett (Moreton, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

Losing a child is every parent's worst fear. When such things happen, it is a fundamental tragedy. We can't make any sense of it. The loss is too great, it's inexplicable and it is raw. No parent should ever bury a child; it is against the rules of nature. Those of us on the sidelines cannot understand the depth of the pain and the grief, but as a fellow parent I have some inkling as to how it might affect Lance Corporal Jack Fitzgibbon's loving parents and family. It can affect people differently, but, nevertheless, we ache alongside you.

So I rise today with a heavy heart to join my parliamentary colleagues to honour Lance Corporal Jack Fitzgibbon, who died on 7 March in that horrific military training exercise. I, along with my wife, would like to offer my heartfelt condolences to my good friend Joel Fitzgibbon, his wife Diane and the rest of their lovely family on this incredible loss.

I know that the Fitzgibbon family are justly proud of Jack's many accomplishments. After joining the Australian Defence Force in 2014, Jack served in a range of postings, including an operational deployment to Papua New Guinea and roles with his beloved 2nd Commando Regiment. Those who understand our ADF know that our commandos are some of the toughest, smartest, bravest and most resourceful people in the world—not just in Australia but in the world—because our ADF is the best military unit in the world, and our commandos are the best of the best. During Jack's time with the commandos, he was awarded the Australian Defence Medal and the Operational Service Badge—Military, as well as the Operational Service Medal—Counter Terrorism/Special Operations.

To volunteer to join the ADF is to volunteer to serve your country. Jack, like his fellow members of the 2nd Commando Regiment, willingly and bravely took on the risks of specialised training and then deployment. As his father had been a defence minister, Jack well and truly understood the risks he was taking on when he signed up. But Jack was an experienced parachutist, with the majority of his jumps being high-altitude military freefall, requiring skill, an incredible amount of courage and commitment. I've heard Joel say that Jack's role in defence was actually Jack's ideal job. As the Prime Minister said in his moving statement in the main chamber:

He was numbered among the extraordinary men and women who volunteer to serve in the Australian Defence Force and do our nation proud every single day.

We thank them, just as we thank Jack for his courage, conviction and commitment to Australia.

I didn't know Jack but I'm proud to know his father, Joel, and I know the strong tradition of service that runs through the Fitzgibbon family. Joel represented the people of the Hunter for 26 years, following in the footsteps of his father, Eric, who then went on to serve in various other roles, including in the high commission in London. Jack's continuation of this tradition of service must make the family so proud.

In the aftermath of Jack's death, I bring them this poem:

Not how did he die, but how did he live?

Not what did he gain, but what did he give?

These are the units to measure the worth

Of a person as a person, regardless of birth.

Not what was his church, nor what was his creed?

But had he befriended those really in need?

Was he ever ready, with word of good cheer,

To bring back a smile, to banish a tear?

Not what did the sketch in the newspapers say

But how many were sorry when he passed away.

Well, we know that for Jack Fitzgibbon St Joseph's Catholic Church in Cessnock was overflowing with those who wanted to pay tribute to Jack and to be there to support his family. And this parliament, a place for the worship of democracy, is also overflowing with tributes from both sides—from all sides—of the aisle.

We know that Jack was well loved. We know that death shall have no dominion when it comes to Jack's legacy of love and loyalty. Those who knew and love Jack will hold special memories forever: memories of a cherished son, a loved brother and a loving partner, and memories of a loyal friend and loyal comrade, with an infectious sense of humour. I hope that being together and remembering Jack is some sort of balm or comfort in these darkest of times for Joel and Diane.

I found it hard to put these words to paper, Joel and Diane, but my wife, Lea, and I are thinking of you all, of all your family, and hoping and wishing that you will eventually find comfort in these memories and these futile, but heartfelt words. Vale Jack Fitzgibbon.

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