Steve Fielding (Victoria, Family First Party) Share this | Hansard source

I join with my fellow senators to congratulate Corporal Benjamin Roberts-Smith on being awarded the Victoria Cross. It is the highest honour that can be awarded to a soldier, and Corporal Roberts-Smith is thoroughly deserving of it. The courage he displayed on 11 June 2010 as he put his life under threat in order to draw fire away from his patrol is unquestionable. His actions saved the lives of his fellow soldiers and were an act of complete selflessness. He is an inspiration to all Australians and embodies the true meaning of the word ‘hero’. On behalf of Family First I congratulate Corporal Roberts-Smith on his great bravery and his VC award.