Tony Zappia (Makin, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

On Tuesday, 7 June I attended a service at the Salisbury War Memorial to recognise military working dogs. On the day, a belgian shepherd named Ankcon and his handler, Paul Keily, laid a wreath at the memorial, as they had done at the Anzac service earlier this year. Military dogs and their handlers from the Air Force, Army, Navy and police were also at the service. I understand a similar service was held at the RAAF Base Amberley. The Salisbury RSL has had a long association with military dogs and hopes to make this an annual event. The 11 Australian military dogs from South Australia that served in the Vietnam War, helping to detect enemy soldiers and bombs, were trained by the Commonwealth Police at Salisbury dog kennels. Sadly, none of them returned home.

Australia has been well served by animals in combat zones. John Simpson and his donkey left their mark in World War I Anzac history as did the Australian Light Horse Brigade. The work of our military dogs has been, and continues to be, just as important and equally dangerous. The date 7 June was chosen to recognise the work of our military dogs and their handlers because it marks the anniversary of the deaths of explosives detection dog handler Sapper Darren Smith and his dog, Herbie. Both were killed after having detected a remotely controlled explosive device.

Five military dogs have now been killed in Afghanistan since they were first deployed in 2005. Military dogs provide invaluable service to our defence forces. The discipline and precision of the dogs on parade at the Salisbury service was a credit to their handlers. The service was a fitting recognition of them.