House debates

Tuesday, 31 August 2021

Statements by Members

Indonesian Republic: 76th Anniversary

1:39 pm

Photo of Luke GoslingLuke Gosling (Solomon, Australian Labor Party) Share this | | Hansard source

'Indonesian Tangguh, Indonesia Tumbuh, Dirgahayu ke-Tujuh Puluh Enam, Selamat Indonesia Merdeka.' Indonesia tough, Indonesia growing, 76 years of independence, congratulations to Indonesia. The Australia Indonesia Business Council NT branch held a gala dinner on the weekend marking the 76th anniversary of the Indonesian republic. Unfortunately, being stuck here in lockdown, obviously I wasn't able to attend, but I sent a video speech. What I said to the gala dinner is that Indonesia is our friend, Australia and the Australian Labor Party in particular were very supportive of Indonesian independence back then, 76 years ago, and we appreciate that Indonesia is a committed and robust democracy and our relationship is stronger than ever. As I've said in this place before, the reason I say Indonesia is tough is that the people of Indonesia are going through a very difficult time with COVID, a devastating health emergency. I acknowledge the federal government has made commitments to provide some AZ vaccines to Indonesia. But none have been delivered as yet, so let's act and help our near and dear friends in Indonesia.