Jane Prentice (Ryan, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I wish to congratulate the member for Solomon, who continues to promote the interests of her constituents and the city of Darwin. The weekend of 11 and 12 February saw the 70th anniversary of the bombing of Darwin in 1942. However, following the member for Solomon's motion which was unanimously passed by this House last November, this event is now recognised as a national day of significance. I was pleased to join the member for Solomon and other colleagues at the commemorative service, and I congratulate the Mayor of Darwin, Graeme Sawyer, and the hundreds of volunteers who organised such an impressive event. Not many people are aware that the Japanese dropped more bombs on the city of Darwin than they did in their attack on Pearl Harbor. Tragically, more than 250 people were killed and many more were injured. Darwin made a vital contribution to the defence of Australia during World War II. I congratulate all those involved in raising awareness of this significant day.