Lance Corporal Jason Marks Memorial Service

Mr MORRIS IEMMA (Lakemba—Premier, and Minister for Citizenship) [2.20 p.m.]: This year we commemorate 90 years since the end of the First World War. It was supposed to be the war to end all wars, but nine decades later Australian forces are still serving abroad, still fighting for the same cause of peace and freedom, and still making the ultimate sacrifice that any citizen can be asked to make. In the small Queensland town of Yeppoon another name is being added to the local cenotaph that most residents probably thought would never need amending again. It is the name of Lance Corporal Jason Marks, a young man of exceptional skill and ability who died last Sunday week in a battle with the Taliban insurgents in Oruzgan province in southern Afghanistan.

Last night at Holsworthy barracks I was deeply privileged to join the Prime Minister, the defence Minister, the Leader of the Opposition, Mr Nelson, and other leaders and service chiefs to remember the life of Lance Corporal Marks and to honour his courage and sacrifice. I was joined at the service by our colleague the member for Menai, who was Lance Corporal Marks' local member of Parliament. As we sat at the service, I was sobered by the thought that this young man's life had ended at just 27 years of age, leaving a widow and two young children, who will mourn his loss for years and decades to come.

Also present were his four brave comrades, who were injured in the attack, and we should also recognise their bravery. Our thoughts and prayers are with them. As I sat listening to the service and heard the details of the attack and what had happened, there is no question that Lance Corporal Marks saved the lives of his four colleagues but tragically lost his. This brave man goes to his rest farewelled by a grateful nation whose people he served so well and in whose name he offered the supreme sacrifice—willingly, loyally and bravely. Like the 100,000 Anzacs who went before him and whose ranks he has now joined, Lance Corporal Marks will be remembered forever. Australia does not forget its own.

Mr BARRY O'FARRELL (Ku-ring-gai—Leader of the Opposition) [2.22 p.m.]: On behalf of the Liberal and National parties I join in this expression of condolence for Lance Corporal Marks. I do not believe that any decision by any politician in a State or Federal Parliament is harder than to send young men and women to war in defence of the liberties that we enjoy in this country. Two weeks ago I stood in front of a remarkable memorial at Isurava on the Kokoda Track. There in granite were four words "courage, endurance, mateship and sacrifice". They are four words that have epitomised those who have served this nation in the defence forces since the earliest days. It is a solemn and fitting memorial, not just for the 2,000 young Australians who died on the Kokoda Track but for people like Lance Corporal Marks who continue to give their lives in defence of places like this Parliament, and the liberties and freedoms that it grants to people in this community and across this nation. The greatest legacy for Lance Corporal Marks is a continuation of freedom and liberty through the world. I extend my condolences to his family, wife and friends.

Members and officers of the House stood in their places.