Clare O'Neil (Hotham, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise today to express the deep worry and concern that is being felt in my community about the decision that Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran will face execution in Indonesia. There is absolutely no doubt that these young men did something gravely wrong, which has seen them imprisoned in Indonesia, but we also know that since that time these two young men have shown themselves to be exemplary in their prison life. We know they are deeply engaged as leaders in their community, that they devote much of their time to the welfare of others and that they inspire other prisoners to do better. I do not believe that these two young men deserve to die.

To the people of Indonesia, you show us your great generosity in so many ways. You welcome, every year, thousands upon thousands of Australian visitors. You are our close neighbour and our very good friend and we do ask that you show mercy to these two young men and grant clemency.

To the families of Myuran and Andrew, and especially to their mothers Helen and Raji, what you are going through is beyond comprehension. Your sons did the wrong thing and we know that. But in the dark actions and the dark consequences that have followed they have still made valuable lives helping others and they have so much more to do.

We are praying for your sons. We are thinking of your sons and asking that mercy be shown to them. Helen and Raji, we stand in solidarity with you in what must be the most difficult days of your lives.