Luke Gosling (Solomon, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Today I want to commemorate two Australians who served our country. The first a great Territorian and Australian, the Hon. Austin Asche AC AK. I attended Austin's state funeral yesterday in Darwin to commemorate his life. I'm thankful to the Australian War Memorial, where a wreath was laid for him on Sunday night's last post ceremony. Austin served in the Royal Australian Air Force during World War II. He was the Chief Justice of the Northern Territory, the chancellor of Charles Darwin University and the 15th Administrator of the Northern Territory.

Secondly, I want to commemorate Corporal Matt Hosking, who sadly lost his life in a car accident at the end of last year. Matt was an infantry soldier with the 7th Battalion of the Royal Australian Regiment and passed away just prior to the relinking of 5 RAR and 7 RAR. I spoke to his commanding officer, Von, who said he was a great junior commander. We asked Von to pass on our condolences to his mum, Sam, and to his dad, Tim, in Moonta Bay, South Australia. Matt's legacy was certainly felt at the battalion's re-linking parade in Darwin in December last year. Thank you to all those who serve. To Austin and Matt: thank you for your service. Rest in peace.