Bali Commemoration Service

Introduction

Thank you [Ambassador David Ritchie/Consul General Brent Hall]

Acknowledge:

Senior Indonesian official/s

Families, friend and loved ones of the victims and survivors who have made the difficult journey to be here today.

Tragically, as we gather here this morning to remember the 202 victims of the 12 October 2002 bombings, and among them the 88 Australians, the grim work of terrorism has taken 20 more innocent souls, and a further 4 Australians, just metres from this place and nearby in Jimbaran Bay.

I extend the condolences of the Australian Government and the people of Australia to the families and loved ones of those innocent victims of the latest attacks.

We come together this morning to mourn, but also to celebrate

in the lives, stories, hopes and aspirations of each person so sadly affected by these attacks.

And as we come together, we draw on our collective resilience - finding comfort and support together, and strength and determination to overcome these challenges, even when they may at times seem insurmountable.

To the people and Government of Indonesia who have suffered these shocking attacks on their soil - attacks on a great nation and growing democracy, and on our friend and neighbour - be assured that we remain by your side, determined to fight the terrorist menace that imperils us all.

In this we can be certain: the attempts of the terrorists to spread disorder and dismay, to drive people, faiths and neighbours apart, and to attack the aspirations of Indonesians for a democratic and prosperous future failed in 2002…

…and they will fail now.

The horrific attacks in Bali have been committed by people who preach a twisted ideology of hate…

…an ideology which has no place in our open democratic and peace-loving societies…

…an ideology abhorrent to all religions…

….and which has been condemned roundly by religious and community leaders in Indonesia and around the world.

In the face of terrorist hatred and nihilism, we must show that the bonds between our countries have only grown stronger.

We share a great hope and purpose for a secure and prosperous future for our two nations and for our region.

To defeat the terrorists, we must continue to nurture our friendship and the understanding among the different faiths of our nations and our region.

Practical cooperation between Australian and Indonesian law enforcement agencies has already helped to secure the arrest, trial and conviction of some 40 people in relation to the October 2002 bombings.

Again, our two police forces are working day and night to track down the perpetrators of these latest atrocities, and ensure they are brought to justice.

Our police are united in outrage and united in purpose and determination.

I want to thank them and the many people who in their professional and private capacities have come to the urgent aid of victims of these attacks - medical staff, emergency authorities, civil servants and those who were otherwise going about their business when the attacks took place.

Your efforts in terrible circumstances have been inspirational.

Our hearts go out to the Balinese who are feeling deep sadness at the tragedy that has befallen their island.

Indonesians and Australians are hardy and resilient peoples.

And I know the people of Bali will rise once again from under the economic and social burden that terrorism cruelly delivered to this beautiful island.

To help our friends on this course, Australia is providing financial assistance to meet the needs of victims and their communities.

I know the passing of three years since the bombings of 2002 does not make gathering here any easier for many of you - and our hearts are all the heavier following the heinous attacks of just over a week ago.

But as we gather here we are determined - as people, governments and in faith - to look to the future.

Rather that drive us apart, these terrible acts of terror continue to bring our countries and our peoples closer together.

Our enduring friendship will be the eventual demise of the terrorism menace.

ENDS