Page 1314 - Week 05 - Tuesday, 5 April 2005
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difficult times, in delivering that aid, made more grim by the loss of your colleagues and your friends.
Mr Speaker, it is always dangerous to be in a defence force, whether it be army, navy or air force. The training is difficult enough without the prospect of either going to war or overseas service on humanitarian missions. I think the way the crew of the Kanimbla have conducted themselves is something to be congratulated, but I think the memory of these nine young Australians really does need to be rooted in our hearts.
On behalf of the Canberra Liberals, I wish to extend particularly to the family of two Canberrans Paul Kimlin and Matthew Davey our prayers and our sympathies in what must be a tremendously difficult time. These two Canberra men tragically had their lives cut short while working to help others. They were overseas. They were actually volunteers. All members of our defence force are volunteers. They were there doing what they were trained to do—they were there to serve, they were there to make the world a better place.
We also extend our sympathies to the families of the other seven service personnel who lost their lives. To the two survivors who are recovering from this tragic event, we wish you well and a speedy recovery and a swift return to service.
Mr Speaker, on a personal note: we have heard much in the past days from the loved ones of Lieutenant Kimlin that he died doing what he loved. He knew that it was dangerous, but he died doing what he loved. In the short space of time from his graduation from the naval helicopter school, Lieutenant Kimlin served in East Timor, Christmas Island, Iraq and Aceh following the tsunami and then the second earthquake that caused the visit of this crew to the island of Nias. He also flew in support of many national rescue missions since joining the navy in 1996 as a pilot.
To those that knew him, Lieutenant Kimlin was a kind, gentle, generous and caring man. He brought much joy, happiness and laughter to those around him. And you can see that in the celebration of his life by his loved ones who have allowed us to join them in their time of sorrow.
I think the impact of his death hits home to many here in the Assembly as his loving partner, Laura Ryan, actually worked in the ACT public service and worked for now Senator Gary Humphries when he was a minister in the Assembly. Laura would be known particularly to many of the staff, and certainly to all of the members of the Liberal Party she would be well known. To Laura, we offer you our best wishes in this terrible time.
I am told by some of those particularly close to Lieutenant Kimlin that, in his too short 29 years, he did make the most of every minute; he was the sort of guy who did not do something half-heartedly, whether it be flying in the navy or learning how to ski. This was a gentleman who put his entire life into that which he did.
Lieutenant Kimlin, while thriving in his role in the navy, also sought adventure and excitement in his private life. He was never scared to try something new and always wanted to succeed and get better at whatever tasks he undertook in his life. He was a meticulous individual. He was a very special friend to those who knew him as a son, an
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