The Hon. CHARLIE LYNN [6.16 p.m.]: I served in Vietnam with the Royal Australian Engineers in 1967. I was 21 years of age at that time and, whilst I did not really understand the politics of the war, I was aware of the fear that had been embedded in our minds during our school years about the spread of communism. I volunteered for active service because I thought it was the right thing to do. During my time in Vietnam I observed the destruction brought about by decades of war and the poverty of the people. They lived in squalid conditions and always under a veil of fear from both sides of the war. I often wondered how well they would do, with the work ethic they had, in a free, democratic country. (more…)