Phillip Thompson

Phillip Thompson is the 2018 QLD Young Australian of Year who was 20 years old at the time he deployed to Afghanistan where he was Wounded In Action whilst on a dismounted patrol when an Improvised Explosive Device detonated within 1m of him. The blast resulted in his medical evacuation back to Australia with severe injuries. Thompson subsequently developed and was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, a Traumatic Brain Injury, and loss of hearing in his right ear. He was elected as the Liberal National Party candidate for the Division of Herbert, currently hold by Labor MP, Cathy O'Toole in 2019.
Personal
Thompson was born in Australia. Thompson is married to Jenna Thompson, his mother is Carolyn Thompson and he has two siblings - Stephanie Thompson and Timothy Thompson. He grew up on the Sunshine Coast, Australia. Thompson at the age of 17 joined the Royal Australian Regiment as an Infantry Soldier.
Military career
He joined the Army in 2006 as an Infantry Soldier with the 1st Battalian Royal Australian Regiment.
He deployed to East Timor in 2007 for 6 months. In 2009, Thompson was badly injured by an Improvised Explosive Device during operations in Uruzgan Province, Afghanistan. The explosion resulted in Thompson losing hearing in his right ear, a traumatic brain injury and being diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Sporting career
Thompson represented Australia at the inaugural Invictus Games in London, United Kingdom 2014. The Invictus Games is a paralympic styled event for wounded, injured and ill who are still serving or formerly serving defence force members from around the globe. In 2016, Thompson coached the Australian Invictus Games team in Orlando, Florida. He coached powerlifting and wheelchair rugby.
Accolades
* 2009 - Dutch Commanders Commendation
* 2016 - ANZAC of the Year
* 2016 - Nominated for Young Australian of the Year
* 2017 - Inducted as a Great Australian at the Great Australian Gala Dinner
* 2018 - QLD Young Australian of the Year
* 2018 - Medal of the Order of Australia, OAM

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