Ms Julie Bishop (Curtin, Liberal Party, Deputy Leader of the Opposition) Share this | Hansard source

On indulgence, on behalf of the coalition, I confirm that we join with the government in expressing our deep concerns about the safety of the passengers aboard the charter flight from Cameroon which failed to reach its destination in the Congo yesterday. The Australian miners on board would be well known to a number of members of this House. Indeed, Sundance Resources is a Western Australian based mining company that is emerging as a global iron ore company. The miners on board epitomise the pioneering and entrepreneurial spirit that has made the Australian mining sector so great in this country. I know, as my West Australian colleagues will know, that the West Australians on board are indeed very active members in our local community.

At this stage we can only hope, and we join with the government in hoping, that tomorrow will bring better news. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of those missing.

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