Bob Carr (NSW, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

On 19 August the Prime Minister announced a package of assistance to survivors and the families of victims to attend services in Bali and Canberra. Direct financial assistance has been offered by the Australian government to cover the cost of air fares, ground transfers, accommodation and living expenses. The package is commensurate with assistance provided for the first anniversary in 2003. Close to 800 Australians will attend the memorial service in Bali: family and friends of the victims, the volunteers who assisted them and those who were there at Kuta Beach on that fateful night. During the service, 22 candles will be lit at a remembrance pool to represent the number of countries that lost people in that tragedy. The acquired feedback from people availing themselves of this assistance is that they appreciate it and they see it as a gesture by the Australian people to sustain them in the sorrow that will come to the fore on this sad anniversary. (Time expired)