Page 363 - Week 02 - Tuesday, 15 February 2005
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We cannot know the loss for the people he has left behind but we send our condolences to them. His mother said that her son was a man with strength, great courage and a kind heart, and was intelligent and hardworking. She said what I think is the nicest thing you can say about somebody: “We have always been proud of Adam”. His partner said: “He left an imprint on all who knew and loved him.” And I am sure that that is true.
On behalf of the opposition, I thank the Chief Minister for moving this condolence motion today and we join him in acknowledging a young Canberran, someone who grew up in our suburbs, attended our schools, probably shopped with us in our shopping centres and probably travelled on the buses with us—just an ordinary Canberran going about his life, going about his job, the job that he loved, but an ordinary Canberran who actually made a difference, who has helped to change, at least in two parts of the world, something sad to something much better, and someone who should always be remembered by his city.
MR HARGREAVES (Brindabella—Minister for Disability, Housing and Community Services, Minister for Urban Services and Minister for Police and Emergency Services): I rise today to extend my sincerest condolences to the family of Protective Service officer Adam Dunning, who was tragically killed while on duty in the Solomon Islands in the early hours of 22 December 2004.
Adam Dunning joined the Royal Australian Air Force cadets in 1995. I am told that, even at this early time in his life, Adam’s outstanding service was complimented and his positive attitude noted. This work took him to East Timor where he developed a passion for helping those less fortunate than himself. In March 2003 Adam joined the Australian Protective Service and was deployed at the parliament of Australia. Again, Adam demonstrated enthusiasm for his work and, I am told, was a popular member of his team.
In 2004 Adam commenced duty as part of the Australian Federal Police contribution to the Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands, better known by its acronym RAMSI. RAMSI is contributed to by 11 participating police forces in the Pacific region and is an initiative of the Pacific Islands Forum. The people of the Solomon Islands readily acknowledge that they have benefited greatly from the presence of RAMSI personnel.
Adam quickly adjusted to the work of the mission and life in Honiara. On 18 November 2004 he was awarded a commendation in recognition of his efforts in disarming a male person carrying a replica pistol in the precincts of the Honiara Magistrates Court. I am told he reacted with great poise in taking control of the situation.
In the early hours of 22 December 2004, Protective Service officer Adam Dunning was on a routine patrol in Honiara with a colleague, protecting the Prime Minister’s residence and the Governor-General’s residence. At 10 minutes past three in the morning, while continuing his patrol, Adam was fatally wounded by a gunman by the side of the road.
Adam continues to be an outstanding role model to all young Canberrans and, indeed, Australians. He was a dedicated, capable and committed young officer who led by example in everything he did.
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