Ms Julie Bishop (Curtin, Liberal Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

Minister Keenan and I thank the member for Brand for his gracious statement. We fully endorse the sentiments that he expressed here in the House today. I add our condolences, my own personal condolences, those of Minister Keenan and those of the government, to the families and loved ones of these two young Western Australians who were murdered in such tragic circumstances. I monitored the case closely. I was shocked by its brutality. I acknowledge the extraordinary grace with which the family and the loved ones have responded to this most harrowing event.

On behalf of the Australian government, I thank the Mexican government for its efficient handling of the case. I acknowledge the presence in the House of the ambassador and the deputy head of mission from Mexico. I thank the member for Brand for acknowledging the work of the AFP and also the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade consular staff. I pay tribute to them for their tireless work. Our consular staff operate in often very difficult and dangerous circumstances and yet they are always prepared to support Australians who find themselves in difficulties overseas and their families back home. So I thank the consular staff in Canberra and also in our embassies around the world who were involved in this most tragic of cases. I thank the House.

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