STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS

Mr GOSLING (Solomon) (13:40): Last Friday, I attended Robertson Barracks in my electorate of Solomon to attend the 5th/7th Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment—or 5/7 RAR—parade commemorating the 57th anniversary of the Battle of Binh Ba in the Vietnam War. The name Binh Ba honours the historic Battle of Binh Ba fought by the 5th Battalion of the Royal Australian Regiment in June 1969.

It was over two days, 6 July through to 8 July, in 1969 in Phuoc Tuy Province in South Vietnam. 5RAR, alongside their brothers from the 6th Battalion, supported by tanks from 1 Armoured Regiment and APCs from 3 Cavalry, confronted a well-entrenched enemy force. One Australian soldier was killed in action, Private Wayne Edward Teeling. Lest we forget.

Ten Australians were wounded in action, with Viet Cong losses estimated to be around 100 soldiers. It was young Australians doing their job for their country. It was a fantastic parade out at Robbo.

I want to thank and acknowledge the Pipes and Drums, who were brilliant. It was great to see some of the veterans from 1969 there—in particular, Jeff Dennis. I want to congratulate the CEO and the RSM and acknowledge 5/7 RAR veteran Sam Weston, who's with us in the chamber today.