Stuart Robert (Fadden, Liberal Party, Minister for Human Services) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Almost two weeks ago my northern Gold Coast electorate was rocked by the tragic loss of four lives at Dreamworld on the Gold Coast. To have such a horrific accident at a park that has brought happiness and joy to over 30 million Australians and guests has shocked many people. In the face of that, our response by our community has been overwhelming. Seeing so many local people come out to honour those lost has been nothing short of heartwarming. I sincerely hope this display of support provided some solace to the families in what must have been a very difficult time. Luke, Roozbeh, Cindy and Kate will forever be remembered by our community and I welcome plans to turn the thousands of flowers placed out the front of Dreamworld into a permanent living memorial at the park.

There is no right or easy time to reopen Dreamworld, but reopen it must. Management have indicated that it will be after the four funerals are held as a display of respect. Whenever it opens, I will be encouraging locals, as well as the wider community and Australians, to come out and support what is a great theme park and icon of our region, and one of the greatest employers on the Gold Coast. I will certainly be one of the first people through the gates with my family and I hope many others will follow to encourage the local CEO, Craig Davidson, and all of the staff at Dreamworld to help get the park back up and running as a great theme park on the Gold Coast.