Senate Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Legislation Committee, , 16:06 to 18:07
The Committee and Department officials acknowledge the tragic death of Corporal Brendan Hannam during a training exercise and extend condolences to his family and colleagues.
Topics: Public safety, Workplace culture
Speakers: Raff Ciccone, Hon Murray Watt, Meghan Quinn, James Paterson, Unknown Speaker
Mari Watt, who is representing the Minister for Defense, just in case anyone is wondering why the Senate is here, but he's representing the Minister for Defense and Minister for Veterans Affairs. Good morning, Minister.
>> Morning, Senator. And I can confirm I am not in the wrong room.
>> We know that. No, thank you. It's good to see you. Um, I'd also now like to welcome uh Megan Quinn, PSM, Secretary of the Department of Defense. Good morning, Secretary.
>> Good morning.
>> And Admiral Mark Hammond, AO RN, Chief of the Defense Force. Good morning. >> How are you? And also, good morning to all your officers and other officials who are here today. Now before we begin, I did um want to acknowledge um the the the service and the sacrifice of uh Corporal Brendan Hannam who tragically as we know died uh during a training exercise uh in DA on the 5th of October. I understand that official at the table will also make uh further statements. Um but I did want to place on the record that uh you know he was a much uh respected soldier who was deeply valued not just by his unit, his mates and his commanders but also his friends and family. And on behalf of the committee, I'd like to extend our deepest condolences uh to the corporal's partner, her children, family, and friends and colleagues, and to the wider defense community. And and I say uh you know, given that number of us here in the committee um have dealt uh with many brave men and women who put on that uniform every day to protect uh our great country, uh it really um it was just really sad to learn about the news that unfolded. Um but we honor his service to Australia and may he uh rest in eternal peace.
>> You here also
>> on that note um I'd like to now ask if the minister or any of the officials at the table would like to have make an opening statement. Minister
>> not from me chair.
>> Um secretary.
>> Yes I would and I'll be passing to the chief of defense forces as well for his
>> Thank you. Thank you secretary.