Media Release

FA42 - 28 April 2003

Bali Memorial Garden opening

Today I will open the Bali Memorial Garden in the Australian Consulate General in Bali in remembrance of our fellow Australians who lost their lives - or were injured - in the senseless and tragic events of 12 October last year.

The events of that day brought home to us all the evils of terrorism.  The Australian Government is committed to fighting terrorism on all fronts.  I know all Australians share my immense gratitude and respect for the Indonesian security authorities who continue to pursue tirelessly the perpetrators of this terrible crime.

I and my colleagues Minister Ruddock and Senator Ellison hope this beautiful garden can provide some small measure of comfort to the family and friends of the victims of the Bali bombings, not only for Australians but also for those Indonesians and other nationalities who lost those dear to them. 

Minister Ruddock, Senator Ellison and I are in Bali to attend the second Regional Ministerial Conference on People Smuggling, Trafficking in Persons and Related Transnational Crime which will be important in developing a plan of action for continued cooperation in combating people smuggling in the region.

Media inquiries: Chris Kenny (Ministerial) +61 02 6277 7500 / Julie McDonald (Departmental) 02 6261 1555