Carol Brown (Tasmania, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I too rise to give my support to the motion before the Senate. Tuesday was indeed a historic day for Tasmania and for Australia. As I said on Tuesday, it was a day of great joy and a day of tremendous sadness—joy for the safe return of the Beaconsfield miners, Todd Russell and Brant Webb, but our natural feelings of elation and happiness as they emerged from the mine were tempered by our sorrow as on that same day the family and friends of Mr Larry Knight said farewell. Our hearts, and indeed our condolences, go out to Jacqui Knight, her children and friends.

I, like most here, first heard by way of a news report of the rock fall on Anzac Day that trapped 17 men underground. Fourteen escaped but Todd Russell, Brant Webb and Larry Knight were reported missing and were trapped more than one kilometre underground. My hopes and wishes went out to the families, friends and the Beaconsfield community that those missing would be returned safely to us. Little did we know that this was the start of what was to become a long two-week journey of sadness, courage, frustration and, in the end, tremendous joy.

Sadly, two days after the rock fall, on Thursday, 27 April, Larry Knight’s body was recovered. This was devastating news for Larry’s family, his friends, the Tasmanian community and indeed the nation. While coping with their grief they, like everyone in Australia and around the world, continued to pray for the safe return of Todd and Brant, even to the extent of delaying Larry’s funeral—their farewell to their husband, father, brother and friend—until Tuesday.

On day 6 after the fall the town celebrated as the boys were found alive. Indeed, I remember that when I first heard the news I was actually too overcome with emotion to even put into words my feelings—words could not describe my joy. I tried to ring as many people as I could, as my joy was added to the joy of all in Tasmania. During that time we all believed, I think, that their rescue would be much quicker than it turned out to be. It turned out to be a frustrating nine more days for the trapped men to endure, and it would be hard for us to imagine what the miners experienced down there.

I would also like to support the comments of my colleagues who have put on record their thanks to the many involved. However, to the men, women and children of Beacy, the town’s mayor and councillors, to the Australian Workers Union and the mine manager I say thank you for your compassion and your tolerance, and for bringing the boys home. Be sure that you are in our thoughts as you have been for these past two weeks.