30 November 2023

Mr ALISTER HENSKENS (Wahroonga)—It is with a heavy heart that I inform the House of the passing of Lieutenant Maxwell Nugent, who sadly lost his life at only 24 in a military exercise alongside three other Servicemen. Max was born in Wahroonga in 1998, attended West Pymble Public School and Barker College. He was also a member of the Australian Army Cadets. Becoming an officer in the Army was a long-held dream for Max and in 2018, his dream became reality when he was appointed an officer in the Australian Army. Deciding that aviation was the place he wanted to be, Max earned his pilot's wings and qualified on helicopters at HMAS Albatross, then converted to the Taipan at Oakey. It was during this time that his technical inclination came to the fore, knowing the complex aircraft front to back, inside and out. I attended the service at Barker War Memorial Chapel on 19 August. The service was well-supported with a large turnout, a reflection of Max's deep impact on many in his community and strong values of integrity and honour. I extend my deepest condolences to the family including Daniel, Marianna, Sami and Chadine. Vale Maxwell Nugent.