Stephen Parry (Tasmania, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

I rise and join with my fellow senators in acknowledging the Beaconsfield mine disaster. I have listened to the speeches this morning, and one cannot help but be moved by each senator’s sentiment and genuine feelings for this particular issue. Anzac Day is a great day for remembering sacrifice—and what a sacrifice people have gone through to rescue Todd and Brant and in the death of Larry Knight. Tasmania held its breath for a number of days, waiting for news of life in the one-kilometre-deep shaft, and it was a joyous occasion when we found that two were alive.

Also during that week, as Tasmania held its breath during that particular time, we paused to remember another great tragedy. That was the 10th anniversary of the massacre at Port Arthur. Tasmanians are certainly not strangers to things that fall upon our community in times of tragedy and disaster. One of the best things about Tasmanians—and I am sure it happens in other communities around Australia but, as a Tasmanian, I am very proud of the fact—is that we are resilient and we certainly bounce back. I know that the community at Beaconsfield, over a period of time, will do that, with a great deal of support from many, many people.

The volunteer efforts from so many deserve commending. I am not going to go through all those people again, because previous speakers have. I will just add my voice of appreciation to everyone in that community. I would like to thank the rescue workers in particular but also the entire community, from anyone providing sustenance and comfort to those in need and rallying as a community to those providing the skills and expertise that go beyond what many of us can even comprehend in rescuing two fellow workers underground. Finally, I would like to express my appreciation for and pay tribute to the family of the late Mr Larry Knight. As a funeral director, I have certainly stood with families and understood the anguish of delaying a service. To delay a service by that length of time is extremely anguishing and causes other problems within families. I really appreciate and understand that. I commend them for doing that, because I know the benefits for all were certainly received.