The heartbreaking news of Lance Corporal Jack Fitzgibbon’s passing has sent waves of sorrow through the Australian Defence Force and beyond. Jack, a beloved soldier and the son of former federal minister Joel Fitzgibbon, lost his life tragically during a routine training exercise when a parachute malfunctioned.

Brigadier James Kidd, acting special operations commander, described Jack as a “much loved and respected soldier,” reflecting the sentiments of all who knew him. His untimely departure has left a void that will never be filled, yet his father, Mr. Fitzgibbon, expressed enduring pride in Jack’s accomplishments, despite the profound loss.

The incident occurred at the RAAF Base in Richmond, casting a shadow over the tight-knit community of the 2nd Commando Regiment, where Jack’s comrades are grappling with the news. As investigations unfold and parachute training is temporarily halted, the Defence community mourns the loss of a young man who had dedicated himself to serving his nation.

For Jack, serving in the ADF was not just a job but a lifelong dream. Mr. Fitzgibbon finds solace in the knowledge that his son passed while serving his country, wearing the uniform he cherished. Defence Minister Richard Marles, and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton all expressed their condolences, recognizing Jack’s exemplary character and the profound impact his loss has on the entire Defence force.

In this time of profound grief, the nation stands in solidarity with the Fitzgibbon family, honouring Jack’s memory and the sacrifices made by all who serve to defend our country.

“Our ladies in defence” encapsulates the invaluable contributions and sacrifices made by women within the defence sector. On this International Women’s Day, we pay tribute to their remarkable achievements and unwavering dedication.

From the frontlines to strategic command centres, women have played pivotal roles in safeguarding our nations and upholding peace and security. Their resilience, expertise, and commitment are integral to the success of our armed forces.

Beyond their roles in uniform, women also serve as pillars of support as partners, family members, and friends of those in the Australian Defence Force (ADF). Their steadfast encouragement and understanding bolster the morale of our service members and contribute to the cohesion of our military community.

Moreover, countless women work tirelessly to enhance the well-being of our veterans, advocating for their rights, providing essential services, and creating opportunities for their reintegration into civilian life. Their compassion and advocacy embody the spirit of service and camaraderie that defines our military ethos.

On this occasion, we express our deepest gratitude to all the courageous women who have served, those who continue to serve, and those who support our ADF in various capacities. Your selflessness and dedication inspire us all, and we are immensely grateful for your invaluable contributions to our nation’s defence and security.

Thank you for your service and commitment, our ladies in defence. Today, and every day, we honour and celebrate your extraordinary contributions to our nation and the world.

Yesterday I had an appointment to see the urologist for a prostate exam.

Of course, I was a bit on edge because all my friends have either gone under the knife or had those pellets implanted.

The waiting room was filled with patients.

As I approached the receptionist’s desk,

I noticed that she was a large unfriendly woman who looked like a Sumo wrestler.

I gave her my name, and in a very loud voice, she said, “YES, I HAVE YOUR NAME HERE. YOU WANT TO SEE THE DOCTOR ABOUT IMPOTENCE, RIGHT

All the patients in the waiting room snapped their heads around to look at me, a now very embarrassed man.

But as usual, I recovered quickly, and in an equally loud voice replied, “NO, I’VE COME TO INQUIRE ABOUT A SEX CHANGE OPERATION, BUT I DON’T WANT THE SAME DOCTOR THAT DID YOURS.”

The room erupted in applause!

DON’T MESS WITH OLD VETERANS.

Today, both the defence and veterans’ affairs ministers are set to provide sworn testimony in an ongoing inquiry into military suicides, as an organization representing elite special forces soldiers raises concerns about being excluded from participation.

Richard Marles and Matt Keogh will appear before a public hearing of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide (RCDVS) in Sydney, with the commission expected to deliver its final report in September.

The Australian Special Air Service Association (ASASA), representing SAS soldiers, has expressed “extreme disappointment” over not being granted a hearing opportunity, stating that their request was disregarded without explanation. In their second written submission to the RCDVS, the ASASA, representing numerous Afghanistan War veterans, alleges that the commission deliberately excluded them from the list of witnesses.

According to ASASA, this decision has led some SAS veterans to believe that the commission is part of a cover-up in Canberra, avoiding critical issues linking the overuse of Special Forces in war to veterans’ suicides. ASASA chairman Martin Hamilton-Smith emphasized the importance of ensuring all voices are heard for the credibility of the RCDVS.

While some SAS veterans opted not to appear in person and requested representation from ASASA, a royal commission spokesperson asserted that matters concerning the elite Special Air Service Regiment (SASR) were thoroughly examined as part of inquiries into cultural and systemic factors contributing to high suicide rates among defence and veteran populations.

The spokesperson highlighted engagements with ASASA, including a roundtable discussion with commissioners in November 2021 and a meeting with the Royal Commission’s Community Engagement Team in February 2023. Additionally, the commission met with SASR members and ASASA representatives in Perth during early 2023 to hear firsthand about their military experiences.

The RCDVS maintained that submissions from ASASA informed their inquiries, including a special closed hearing on SASR matters in Perth in May of the previous year. The spokesperson also noted contributions from past and present SASR members.

An Albanese government spokesperson declined to comment on the scheduled ministerial appearances, acknowledging only that they would provide evidence. Labor, while in opposition, supported calls for the Morrison government to establish the royal commission, which commenced in July 2021.

A former navy diver has broken down at an inquiry, alleging the ADF breached privacy laws to discredit him after he made a complaint

Story by ABC court reporter Jamelle Wells

The final block of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide sitting in Sydney is focusing on leadership and accountability.

Witness John Armfield told the Commission today that after his brother Andrew took his own life in 2011, it was months before he could obtain a copy of an internal report.

It arrived by registered post, and he sobbed as he read the document alone outside his local post office.

“I was sitting in my car broken. I had loyally served my nation. I had recruited for my nation…..they left me on my own.”

The witness said he received letters dismissing his complaint about the report process and lack of support.

He sought counselling, but alleged ADF officials tried to discredit him.

Mr Armfield said privacy laws were broken after documents about his mental health and his brother’s suicide were placed in an internal electronic document storage system called “Objective.”

“We are not the cause of the ADF’s troubles. Our data analysis has confirmed that their greatest enemy lies within the ADF itself and its resistance to change,” he said.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Richard Marles and Minister for Defence Personnel and Veterans’ Affairs, Matt Keogh are due to give evidence on Thursday.

Date: 1965

Location: Xam Cay Xaoi village, Cong Thanh district, Bien Hoa province, Vietnam

In the thick of the Vietnam War, Australian forces found themselves embroiled in the intricate cat-and-mouse game of guerrilla warfare against the Viet Cong. One pivotal chapter of this saga unfolded in the unassuming village of Xam Cay Xaoi, nestled within the rugged terrain of Bien Hoa province. Here, amid the verdant landscapes and sweltering humidity, Australian sapper Bill Murray from Slack’s Creek, near Brisbane, descended into the depths of darkness, venturing into the unknown abyss of a clandestine underground tunnel system.

The year was 1965, and members of the 3rd Field Troop, Royal Australian Engineers, were on a mission to root out Viet Cong hideouts lurking beneath the surface. Armed with courage and determination, these engineers embarked on a perilous quest to unravel the secrets concealed within the earth. As they combed through the village, their vigilant eyes caught sight of a seemingly innocuous well, its yawning mouth beckoning towards the unknown depths below.

With a sense of trepidation mingled with resolve, Bill Murray, representing the indomitable spirit of the Australian contingent, descended into the abyss. Down, down he went, into the murky darkness, his senses heightened, his heart pounding with anticipation. Around him, the echoes of history whispered through the labyrinthine tunnels, each twist and turn a testament to the ingenuity of the enemy they sought to vanquish.

The discovery that awaited them beneath the surface surpassed their wildest imaginings. A sprawling network of tunnels, meticulously carved into the earth, stretched out before their eyes like a subterranean maze. Each passageway held the promise of danger, concealing booby traps and ambush points crafted by the elusive Viet Cong.

Undeterred by the perils that lurked in the shadows, the Australian engineers pressed forward, their determination unwavering. With meticulous precision, they mapped out the intricate layout of the tunnels, documenting every twist and turn, every concealed alcove that could serve as a haven for the enemy.

Yet, their mission was not merely one of reconnaissance. Armed with explosives and resolve, they set out to neutralize this subterranean threat once and for all. With expert skill, they planted charges at strategic points throughout the tunnel network, preparing to unleash a cascade of destruction upon their hidden adversaries.

As the explosives detonated with thunderous force, the earth shook, and the tunnels collapsed in a symphony of chaos. The once-impenetrable fortress of the Viet Cong lay in ruins, its secrets laid bare for all to see. The Australian engineers emerged from the depths, victorious but humbled, their courage immortalized in the annals of history.

The encounter in Xam Cay Xaoi village stood as a testament to the valour and determination of the Australian forces in the face of adversity. It was a pivotal moment in the long and arduous struggle for control of Vietnam’s contested landscapes, a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who dared to venture into the heart of darkness in search of victory. And though the echoes of that fateful day may have faded into the mists of time, the legacy of those brave men, like sapper Bill Murray, endures as a beacon of hope amidst the shadows of war.