Don Randall (Canning, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I am delighted to rise today to congratulate several retired servicemen who reside in the electorate of Canning. Because I am going to be out of time, can I seek leave to have this speech about these two diggers incorporated into Hansard?

Leave granted.

The speech read as follows

Thank you Speaker, I am delighted to rise today to congratulate several retired servicemen who reside in the Canning electorate.

Last week I was most humbled to present a Service to Malaysia Award (Pingat Jasa Malaysia) to Lance Corporal O'Brien (ret) and Private Clark (ret) on behalf of the Malaysian Government and Malaysian Deputy Secretary General.

The Pingat Jasa Malaysia is an award that recognises service by members of the Commonwealth forces during the Malayan Emergency and the Indonesia-Malaysia confrontation.

The award is in recognition of distinguished chivalry, gallantry, sacrifice and loyalty contributing to the independence of Malaysia.

Speaker, I would also like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank Mr Colin Parker who is a past recipient of the Service to Malaysia Award.

Mr Parker now dedicates a significant portion of his time to supporting veterans in Canning and we most certainly appreciate all that he does to support those who have so selflessly served our great country.

Finally, Speaker, to all servicemen and women both past and present I say this: To you, we owe a debt of gratitude that can never be repaid. Your courage, mateship and sacrifice leave us the enduring legacy of a free and peaceful nation.

I also formally acknowledge the contributions of Mr O'Brien, Mr Clark and Mr Parker in ensuring a free and peaceful Malaysia.

Mrs Bronwyn Bishop (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

It being 2 pm, the time for members' statements has concluded. We would normally move to questions without notice, but I think it might suit the House if we now dealt with the condolence motion concerning the Right Honourable John Malcolm Fraser AC, CH.