Fisher Champions of the Veteran Community Honoured in Parliament

Speech to the House of Representatives | 4.36pm, Monday 18 November 2024

I'd like to take a moment to acknowledge three champions of the Sunshine Coast veteran community who have unfortunately passed away over the last couple of months. Bernie Verwayen OAM was a survivor of the HMAS Voyager incident, Australia's worst peacetime naval disaster. He led a decades-long fight for justice in a landmark legal case, and I'm going to be talking about Bernie in a few moments, in my next 90-second speech.

Erica Costigan OAM was a tireless advocate for veterans, campaigning for the commemoration of the Australian Hospital Ship Centaur, which was sunk by the Imperial Japanese Navy in 1943, claiming 268 lives just off the coast of Caloundra.

Adrian Nall was a World War II veteran who defended Australians along the Kokoda Track. I joined him for his 103rd birthday just a few weeks ago. It was very sad to see him pass away just a couple of weeks ago, and it was very special for me to be able to be there.

To Bernie, Erica and Adrian and their loved ones, on behalf of the Australian parliament let me say thank you for your service and thank you for the support that you have given your veterans. Vale, Bernie, Erica and Adrian.