Mrs MARKUS (3:41 PM) —Mr Speaker, on indulgence: I rise to support the Minister for Veterans Affair’s remarks. Such a milestone is worthy of not just our attention but also our recognition. I acknowledge firstly Mr Ross’s service to a nation not just during the First World War but also during the Second World War. I extend to Mr Ross our very best wishes for his 110th birthday. In contrast to the minister’s comments, I would hope that I would reach that milestone.

Mr Ross’s experiences over 110 years, no doubt, would be vast and varied. I am sure he has seen many changes in our great nation over that period of time. As the minister has mentioned already, Mr Ross enlisted at 18 in the AIF in January 1918 and, I understand, trained as a wireless operator. Mr Ross is our last connection with a generation of men who served selflessly, willing to lay down their lives for our freedoms. He knew of the massive casualties and deaths that had occurred on the battlefields of Gallipoli, Palestine and the Western Front, yet he still signed up—willing to go to the frontline and lay down his life. During World War II he served as part of the Volunteer Defence Corps. Now, as has already been mentioned, he lives in Bendigo. I acknowledge his daughter Peggy, son Robert, his four grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Together let us acknowledge with pride the service and great Australian spirit of Mr Ross.