I associate myself with the remarks of the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition in expressing condolence for Sergeant Brett Wood and in reaffirming our support for our effort and mission in Afghanistan.
This is another tragic blow to the Australian Defence Force, to the Australian Army and to our Special Forces community.
It is also a tragedy for another Australian family and I express my sincere condolences to his wife, Elvi, and to his family.
For a man of only 32 years of age, Sergeant Wood had significant operational experience and was a highly decorated soldier.
In many ways his personal experiences reflect the Australian international security experience over the last decade.
He was first deployed overseas to Bougainville in 2000.
In 2001 he deployed to East Timor and in 2003 to Iraq.
In 2006 Sergeant Wood deployed to Afghanistan for the first time and was awarded the Medal for Gallantry for his bravery and leadership in action.
He returned to Afghanistan, for a second time, in 2009.
In March this year, Sergeant Wood deployed to Afghanistan, for the third time.
Every time his country asked, he responded.
As members know, Sergeant Wood was our 24th death in action in Afghanistan.
For 23 other Australian families this will be a terrible reminder of their own personal loss, their personal and family sacrifice.
In addition to the death of Sergeant Wood, two soldiers were also wounded in the fatal improvised explosive device blast.
In a separate engagement with insurgents, three other soldiers suffered gunshot and fragmentation wounds.
I am pleased to advise the House that the condition of all five wounded soldiers is now listed as satisfactory and our thoughts and wishes go to them also at this time.
Sergeant Wood has our deepest respect and our deepest gratitude.
Working with our partners in the International Security Assistance Force and under a United Nations mandate, he was killed in action, serving his country helping to stare down international terrorism.
Our thoughts are with his wife, his family, his mates and his friends.
