John Faulkner (NSW, Australian Labor Party, Vice-President of the Executive Council) Share this | Hansard source

by leave—Today marks the first anniversary of the tragic terrorist attacks in Mumbai last year. The attacks which began on 26 November 2008 and lasted until 29 November 2008 involved more than 10 coordinated shooting and bombing attacks across Mumbai. Terrorists attacked the Taj Mahal Palace, the Oberoi-Trident and the Orthodox Jewish owned Nariman House as well as the main railway terminal, the Leopold Cafe, a cinema and two hospitals. Some 62 hours later, at least 164 innocent people had been killed and hundreds more had been injured. Today the Australian government and people and all senators in this chamber remember the two Australians killed in this attack—Douglas Markell and Brett Taylor.

I would like to pay tribute to all the victims of the Mumbai terrorist attacks. One year on, the families and friends of those killed and injured are trying to rebuild their lives. I also wish to acknowledge the bravery and the sacrifice of all those who risked their lives to save others. In difficult conditions, Indian security forces battled bravely and successfully to rescue hundreds of innocent people who were caught up in the attacks. From across the Indian Ocean, Australia was deeply shocked and appalled by the deadly and horrific attacks. Today, as we remember the victims, we need to remind ourselves that the threat of international terrorism continues. We must remain vigilant and work together to defeat terrorism in all its forms.