Crashed Helicopter Minister Extends His Condolence

Crashed Helicopter: Minister Extends His Condolences

Defence Minister Robert Hill has today expressed his sympathy to the family and friends of the Australian Defence personnel who died in last night's helicopter crash in Indonesia.

Senator Hill, who is currently in Thailand, said he was shocked and saddened to hear the news of the tragic accident

"To lose so many young lives is such a terrible tragedy and I pass on my deepest sympathy to the family and loved ones of the nine personnel who died in the crash", Senator Hill said.

"Australians will always remember the sacrifice they made while providing much needed emergency medical assistance to the people of Indonesia."

Senator Hill today laid a reef at the Cross of Remembrance at the Kanchanaburi Allied War Cemetery outside of Bangkok, the last resting place of 1200 Australians who died in World War 2.

"Hearing last nights tragic news and visiting the graves of earlier service personnel is a reminder of the supreme sacrifice Australians have made over the years on operations. We must always be grateful for their service, respect their memory and support their family and friends in their grief."

Media Note: Photos of the Minister will be made available on the defence website later this afternoon.

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