Bernie Ripoll (Oxley, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister Assisting the Leader for Small Business) Share this | Hansard source

I wish to associate myself with the words of the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition and all of the previous speakers on this motion. I express my heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of all those who have, tragically, lost their lives as a result of the disappearance of flight MH370. In particular, my thoughts are with the families of Rodney and Mary Burrows, from Middle Park in my electorate, as well as Bob and Cathy Lawton from Springfield Lakes, also in my electorate.

I can only imagine the emotional journey that these families have been through since the plane was first reported missing, the anxiety and growing sense of dread that they must have felt until they received confirmation of their worst fears. You are in our thoughts and prayers. As you grieve for your loved ones, we also think of you and grieve with you for those you have suddenly and tragically lost. I also want to pay tribute to and pay my respects to the Australian military and service personnel who are doing an incredible and difficult job as part of the search teams with the rest of the world, trying to uncover and find what is necessary to lay to rest the tragedy of this flight. I also want to express my thanks to those who are offering spiritual comfort and guidance to the bereaved and the families not only in my electorate but in Australia and across the world in other countries.

I know this tragedy has stirred many emotions for a lot of people, but I have seen one of the finest displays of humanity with countries assisting each other that would normally not directly assist each other, particularly not in an open manner. I think sometimes through tragedy we see good things as well. This tragedy is a reminder to us all that we are on this planet for only a short period of time and we should all remember that. It is only the way that we leave that may be different. My thoughts are with the families.

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