Senator Barnaby Joyce stated that all of Australia should spare a moment’s thought on the funeral, today, of John Archer, “soldier QXI”.

“From Winton, in the far west of Queensland, John was our state’s first official enlistee for World War II.

“These men and women, who served to protect our freedom, shall never be forgotten. We are all beneficiaries of a world where they fought and suffered but won against the tyrannies of fascism.

“John Archer is not the only one, but he is the first of so many to whom we owe so much respect as their contribution took place at a fork in the road where one path led to oblivion and the other to the freedom we all enjoy today.

“Our thoughts and prayers remain with Mr Archer and his family today.”