SENATOR JOHN FAULKNER
Minister for Defence
Sunday, 19 July 2009
010/2009
MINISTER FOR DEFENCE EXPRESSES CONDOLENCE
FOR FAMILY OF KILLED SOLDIER
The Minister for Defence, Senator John Faulkner has expressed his deepest
condolences to the family of the soldier killed by an improvised explosive device in
Afghanistan yesterday.
“Our thoughts and sympathies are with the family, friends and comrades of this
young Australian,” Senator Faulkner said.
“Our country has lost a brave and dedicated serviceman, but they have also lost a
loved one, a family member and a friend.
“The nation’s gratitude and sorrow, heartfelt as it is, cannot reach the magnitude of
their loss.
“Our thoughts are also with the injured soldier and his family and we wish him a
speedy recovery.
“We are engaged, with the international community, in a very, very challenging
campaign and I remind you all that this fighting will become more fierce as the
summer progresses.
“Our troops in Afghanistan are doing a dangerous and difficult job. At moments like
this the danger and difficulty is brought home starkly to us all.
“For them, it is everyday reality. And they face those challenges with the
professionalism and dedication that are the hallmarks of the ADF wherever they may
be.
“The continued use of mines and improvised explosive devices by the Taliban is an
insidious aspect of this insurgency. The devices are by their very nature designed to
kill and maim indiscriminately.
“IEDs are responsible for a substantial number of civilian and ISAF casualties each
month in Afghanistan. This tragic loss again demonstrates the indiscriminate and
callous approach shown by the Taliban for their fellow Afghans.
“As difficult as this news is, we must never forget the direct impact that terrorists have
had in our own region, and on the lives of our fellow Australians.
“In the past Afghanistan has been the training ground for terrorists that have killed
innocent Australians in attacks such as Bali.
“That is why we remain committed to stabilising Afghanistan,” Senator Faulkner said.
Media contacts:
Colin Campbell (John Faulkner):
02 6277 7600 or 0407 787 181
Defence Media Liaison:
02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664
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