Page 1923 - Week 07 - Tuesday, 5 August 2014
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I know that all Canberrans support the international effort being led by the Australian and Dutch governments under the auspices of the United Nations Security Council Resolution to provide this closure and to demand accountability. As this process continues, we hope there is some comfort for the loved ones of the victims in knowing that the world is united in its grief and its determination to make sure that such a terrible act does not happen again. MH17 will not be forgotten, nor will the 298 people whose lives have been cut tragically short.
MR HANSON (Molonglo—Leader of the Opposition): I rise today to join with my colleagues in the Assembly, with our friends and families in the community, and with those of compassion around the country and around the world to mourn the loss of life and the ensuing grief and pain following the tragic events of flight MH17.
There were 298 people on the flight; 37 of those were Australians or permanent residents of Australia, and one of our very own from here in Canberra. Each one is a life taken; each one a family shattered; each one an irreplaceable loss. On behalf of the Canberra Liberals, I extend our deepest sympathies to all of the families, the friends, the loved ones and colleagues who had to come to terms with this heartbreaking loss. Our hearts go out to all of those who have been affected all around the globe.
This incident has impacted on the innocent from countries including the Netherlands, Malaysia, Indonesia, the UK, Germany, Belgium, the Philippines, the United States, South Africa, New Zealand and of course at home in Australia. We grieve for all of them, but we feel a special sympathy for those from our own country and especially our own town.
I was moved and honoured to join the Chief Minister and attend the memorial service for the celebration of the life of Liliane Derden, the Canberran lost in this tragedy. Liliane, mother to Cassandra and Chelsea and partner to Craig, was lost at the age of 50. She worked for the last seven years at the National Health and Medical Research Council here in Canberra trying to make the world a better place. She was Belgian born and was visiting family in that country. She was returning home to see her daughter in Perth when she took flight MH17. Seeing the sense of loss for Liliane at the service is a genuine tribute to her life and her contribution to Canberra. It is almost impossible to comprehend the loss that must also extend to so many families around the globe.
It touches us all in so many ways when tragedy such as this strikes. It is the time when we express our sympathies, whether as a direct family friend or as a family as part of our wider community. We all wish to express in whatever way we can our shared sense of grief and loss. I have been moved to have attended many meetings and events here in Canberra where there has been a minute’s silence for all of the victims of MH17. Those who were silent for a minute did not know those onboard personally, but we have all been touched enough to set aside normal business to reflect and recognise this tragedy. I have been proud of my national leaders at this time.
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