Simon Crean (Hotham, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Trade) Share this | Hansard source

Madam Deputy Speaker, on indulgence: today marks the first anniversary of the tragic terrorist attacks in Mumbai. The attacks, which began on 26 November 2008 and lasted until 29 November, involved more than 10 coordinated shooting and bombing attacks across Mumbai. Terrorists attacked the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, the Oberoi-Trident Hotel and the Orthodox Jewish owned Nariman House, as well as the main railway terminal, the Leopold Cafe, cinema and two hospitals. Over the course of 62 horrifying hours, 164 innocent people were killed and hundreds more injured.

Today we remember the attacks and we remember those who lost their lives, including two Australians: Douglas Markell, from Woollahra, and Brett Taylor, from Turramurra. Today our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of the victims of this senseless attack. Our thoughts are also with the survivors who suffered through this ordeal. We also pay tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of all those who risked their lives to save others. In difficult conditions, Indian security forces battled bravely and successfully to rescue hundreds of innocent people who were caught up in the attacks. From across the Indian Ocean, Australia was deeply shocked and appalled by the deadly and horrific Mumbai attacks. Australia applauds the efforts of the Indian government to bring to justice the perpetrators of the callous and despicable attack.

Today, as we remember the victims, we need to remind ourselves that the threat of international terrorism remains. We must remain vigilant and work together to defeat terrorism in all of its forms. Australia and India are united in the fight against terrorism. We share a desire to promote regional and global security as well as a common commitment to democracy, freedom, human rights and the rule of law. Together, we are building a comprehensive and enduring strategic partnership. In recent years we have expanded our cooperation with India in the areas of intelligence, border security, terrorism financing and money laundering. Earlier this month Prime Minister Rudd and Prime Minister Singh announced during Prime Minister Rudd’s visit to India that they had agreed on a joint declaration on security cooperation that will further strengthen our cooperation, including on counterterrorism.

The Mumbai attacks were a grim reminder of the serious threat terrorist groups in Pakistan pose to the international community and to Pakistan itself. Pakistan is making progress in defeating extremism. We commend its recent successes in Malakand division and the ongoing operations in South Waziristan. We welcome yesterday’s indictment by the Pakistani court in Rawalpindi of seven suspects alleged to have been involved in the Mumbai attacks under Pakistan’s Anti-Terrorism Act and Penal Code. Pakistan will need to continue to take determined, sustained and effective action against extremists, including bringing the perpetrators of all terrorist attacks to justice. Australia will continue to do its part to support Pakistan in these efforts. A memorial service will be held in Mumbai on 26 November, organised by the Maharaksha government. The Australian Consul-General in Mumbai will participate in this official commemoration. Today, all of us remember those events of one year ago.

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