LOSS OF THREE AUSTRALIAN SOLDIERS IN AFGHANISTAN

The Shadow Minister for Defence Science, Personnel and Assisting Shadow Minister for Defence, Bob Baldwin, has today expressed his grief at the loss of three Australian Army soldiers in Afghanistan.

‘A deep sense of loss has rightly enveloped the nation with the news of this incident, particularly so soon after the tragic loss of Sapper Moerland and Sapper Smith,’ Mr Baldwin said.

‘My thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of Private Tim Aplin, Private Ben Chuck, and Private Scott Palmer, who were tragically killed in an International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) helicopter in Southern Afghanistan early on Monday morning.’

‘My thoughts also go out to the seven Commando soldiers from 2^nd Commando Regiment who were wounded in the incident.’

Mr Baldwin said that the loss of five Australian soldiers in only two weeks should remind all Australians of the dangerous conditions that our troops face on a daily basis.

‘The Ancient Greek historian, Thucydides said: The bravest are surely those who have the clearest vision of what is before them, glory and danger alike, and yet notwithstanding, go out to meet it,’ Mr Baldwin said.

‘Australia’s personnel in Afghanistan are truly worthy of such a description.’

‘To the families of Private Aplin, Private Chuck, and Private Palmer; I hope in time, that the knowledge of their bravery, dedication to helping the people of Afghanistan and commitment to denying terrorist groups a safe-haven in Afghanistan will be of some comfort to you.’

‘They truly made the ultimate sacrifice for their country, and we shall be forever grateful.’