Mr TURNBULL (Leader of the Opposition) (2:04 PM) —I join with the Prime Minister and offer the condolences of the opposition for the death of Lieutenant Michael Fussell. Lieutenant Fussell was serving with the Special Operations Task Group when he was killed by an improvised explosive device while conducting a patrol in Uruzgan province on Thursday, 27 November.

Lieutenant Fussell was 25 years old. He was a member of the Sydney based 4th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment. Two other Special Operations Task Group members were wounded in the explosion but, thankfully, we have been informed that they have made a recovery and have returned to operational duties.

Lieutenant Fussell enlisted in the Australian Army in January 2002 and attended the Royal Military College, Duntroon in 2005. Before his deployment to Afghanistan in January 2008 he had also been deployed on operations in East Timor in 2006 and 2007. The tributes that have flowed since his death described Lieutenant Fussell as not only a very capable, experienced and talented soldier but a very bright, engaging and well-respected young man. His death is a tragic reminder of the enormous danger our forces face in Afghanistan every day.

Lieutenant Fussell made the ultimate sacrifice serving us, serving Australia. He was there defending Australia’s values, wearing our uniform and serving under our flag. As the tragic events in Mumbai remind us, the threat from terrorism is very real and threatens Australians around the world. Our soldiers in Afghanistan are in the front line of the battle against terrorism. So today we mourn and honour a brave man who has given his all in a war against terrorism that Australia and the free nations of the world must win.

Lieutenant Fussell was the oldest of four children. He leaves behind his two parents, his younger brother, Daniel, and his two younger sisters, Nikki and Nyah. On behalf of the opposition I extend our deepest sympathy to Lieutenant Fussell’s family.

The SPEAKER —As a mark of respect I invite honourable members to rise in their places

Honourable members having stood in their places—

The SPEAKER —I thank the House.

Debate (on motion by Mr Albanese) adjourned.