Nick Minchin (SA, Liberal Party, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

I rise on behalf of the opposition to support the motion moved by Senator Evans on behalf of the government. We also extend our sincere condolences to the family of the Australian soldier killed in Afghanistan yesterday. I have no doubt that all Australians, whether they support our presence in Afghanistan or not, were completely shattered to hear overnight of the death of a second Australian soldier just this week. We were saddened to hear of the death of Corporal Mathew Hopkins in Afghanistan on Tuesday and another brave young Australian losing his life yesterday in the service of his country. As Senator Evans said, he was a highly skilled and courageous soldier trying to defuse an improvised explosive device to prevent it causing harm to his fellow Australians and to Afghanis.

Again we are reminded of the incredible danger that our soldiers face in Afghanistan and at the same time of the bravery and courage of the young Australians who so proudly wear the uniform of the Australian Army. This brave soldier’s colleagues would obviously be devastated but I do trust that it is some comfort to them to know that the government and the opposition stand shoulder to shoulder in support of their mission. These two deaths this week weigh heavily on those of us who were part of the cabinet that first committed Australian troops to Afghanistan in the wake of the 9-11 atrocity. But we in the opposition do share with the new government a very firm commitment to this cause. As Senator Evans so rightly said, it does remain absolutely vital to prevent Afghanistan from once again becoming a haven for these mass murderers who seek to export their reign of terror around the world. So we on this side join with the government in honouring the bravery of this great young Australian soldier and we offer our sincere condolences to his family and friends.