Senate debates

Thursday, 18 February 2021

Motions

Bombing of Darwin: 79th Anniversary, Fiji: Cyclone Yasa

12:41 pm

Photo of Jonathon DuniamJonathon Duniam (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Forestry and Fisheries) Share this | Hansard source

I move general business notices of motion Nos 1001 and 1006 together:

General Business Notice of Motion No. 1001

That the Senate—

(a) notes that:

  (i) 19 February 2021, which marks the 79th anniversary of the Bombing of Darwin, is a time to learn about the significance of this in Australia's military history, to understand the sacrifices of those who contributed to the defence of Australia during the Second World War (WWII), and to reflect on the value of peace,

  (ii) the Bombing of Darwin was the largest single attack ever mounted by a foreign power on Australia and on that day more than 260 Japanese aircraft, in two separate raids, attacked the town, ships in Darwin's harbour and the town's two airfields in an attempt to prevent the Allies from using them as bases during WWII,

  (iii) during this attack, the American Destroyer USS. Peary was sunk, killing 88 American sailors and wounding 13, the greatest single loss of life on any ship attacked that day, and

  (iv) the Bombing of Darwin was a defining moment in Australia's history, marking the start of 97 raids made on Darwin and northern Australia between February 1942 and November 1943 during WWII, and highlighting the tenacity and spirit of those who bravely fought against the attacks.

General Bu siness Notice of Motion No. 1006

That the Senate—

(a) pays tribute to members of the Australian Fijian community and Australian service organisations who have raised money to assist Fiji to recover from Cyclone Yasa, including:

  (i) the Brisbane Fijian Uniting Church at Annerley who have assisted to raise funds to rebuild the Lekutu Secondary School,

  (ii) Fijian Senior Citizens Association of Queensland Inc and Sunnybank United Multicultural Association of Queensland who raised funds for the Rotary Club of Labasa to assist rebuilding efforts,

  (iii) Archerfield Rotary Club who raised funds for rebuilding in Labasa and provided a shipping container of medical supplies for Labasa Hospital, and

  (iv) MacGregor Lions Club who raised funds to assist in rebuilding efforts; and

(b) thanks members of the Australian Defence Force, including members of the RAAF and the crew of HMAS Adelaide, for their outstanding efforts to deliver humanitarian relief on behalf of the Australian people in the best traditions of the Australian Defence Force.

I wish to inform the chamber that Senator McCarthy is adding her name to general business notice of motion No. 1001.

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