Mr SHORTEN (Maribyrnong—Leader of the Opposition) (14:03): I second the motion moved by the Prime Minister. On 1 July, in his eighth year of military service, on his sixth tour of Afghanistan, Lance Corporal Todd John Chidgey died in Afghanistan. He was just 29 years old. Like all of Australia's brave and dedicated service personnel, Lance Corporal Chidgey never sought recognition or reward. But in his six tours of Afghanistan fostering new hope and bringing new stability to that strife-torn nation, his courage, his skill and his loyalty earned him a distinguished record of achievement: the Australian Active Service Medal with Clasp International Coalition Against Terrorism Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Australian Service Medal with Clasp Counter Terrorism/Special Recovery, Australian Defence Medal, NATO Non-Article 5 Medal with Clasp ISAF, Multiple Tour Indicator 3 NATO International Security Assistance Force, Soldiers Medallion, Infantry Combat Badge and Returned from Active Service Badge. As the Prime Minister has said, he earned the deep respect and affection of his regiment, the 2nd Commando Regiment. Members of that elite unit, a regiment recognised the world over for its exceptional courage, professionalism and skill, describe Lance Corporal Chidgey as 'a brilliant bloke to know and work with', a man 'loyal to the core' and someone who 'would do anything for his mates'. His was a character built of qualities that all Australians admire and revere. Lance Corporal Todd John Chidgey served our nation and the cause of peace with honour. On Thursday last week, an honour guard and bearer party of his comrades from the 2nd Commando Regiment escorted his casket from a C17 aircraft to his waiting family at the Richmond RAAF base. Lance Corporal Chidgey was returning to the country he loved, the people he loved and the people who loved him, for the last time. Today our parliament pauses to mark his passing. Our hearts go out to all those who mourn his loss: his partner, his parents, his brothers and his comrades in arms. May he rest in peace. 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 adjourned.