Gary Gray (Brand, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Resources) Share this | Hansard source

I thank the government. I extend my condolences to the families so sadly bereaved by these tragic events. I pay tribute to the families in Canada, the UK and here in Australia and to the great humanity of Mr Sam Morton. The skies should be safe; however, crashes will happen. When near misses or crashes and deaths happen they should be investigated and remedies put in place so that our skies remain safe. This matter will not go away.

I plead with the South African government: justice has already been delayed. Let us not to allow justice to be denied. I again call on the South African authorities to fully investigate and take action on these matters; to properly understand the events leading up to and following the crash; to take action if necessary against individuals; and to prevent a phoenix company from rising from this crash. I have written to the South African authorities seeking further investigation and action to keep the skies safe. I thank successive Australian foreign ministers Downer, Smith, Rudd, Carr and now Minister for Foreign Affairs, Julie Bishop, for their tireless support. I thank governments of the United Kingdom and Canada for their tireless advocacy for justice for their citizens in these matters. I thank the South African authorities for their work and continued attention to this matter.

See this speech in context