Defence parachute drills resume after soldier tragedy

Jack Fitzgibbon died after being injured in a parachuting incident at the Richmond RAAF base. (HANDOUT/AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE FORCE)

Defence has resumed parachute training two months after the accidental death of a special forces soldier during a drill.

Lance Corporal Jack Fitzgibbon, the son of former Labor defence minister Joel Fitzgibbon, died in March after he was injured in a parachuting incident at the Richmond RAAF base. 

Former minister Joel Fitzgibbon is hugged by PM Anthony Albanese
Federal parliament paid tribute to the son of former Labor defence minister Joel Fitzgibbon.

The Australian Defence Force paused all parachute training and operations following his death.

Special Forces Group Commander Marcus Fogarty said on Tuesday several types of parachute used by the military had been cleared after the accident, except the Military Javelin parachute that was used in the fatal jump.

The incident is being investigated by four separate inquiries including the NSW Coroner and the Inspector General of the Australian Defence Force.

"We must let the investigations run their course and present their findings. Defence is co-operating fully with these investigations," Brigadier Fogarty said.

"All military training involves inherent risk, however we do everything we can to mitigate this risk and keep our people safe, while delivering the required capability."

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