Helen Coonan (NSW, Liberal Party, Manager of Opposition Business in the Senate) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

As we all agree, all Australians do condemn the perpetrators of these very cowardly and frightful attacks on innocent victims, which, as I said in my remarks, demonstrate in the clearest of terms that terrorist groups are active in South Asia. I ask the Minister representing the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator Faulkner, if he is able to provide any information about this: what steps are being taken by the Australian government to strengthen our security ties with India and her neighbours and, in particular, to support them to identify militant groups and to root out terrorism?

John Faulkner (NSW, Australian Labor Party, Cabinet Secretary) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator, what I can say to you in this very difficult circumstance is that the Prime Minister has ensured that Australian authorities have advised the Indian authorities, the Indian High Commissioner to Australia, that Australia is ready, willing and able to assist India as it deals with this very serious situation. The Prime Minister has ensured that the Indian High Commissioner to Australia has been informed of our solidarity with the Indian government and people in the face of this appalling assault on peace, stability and democracy in India. I can assure Senator Coonan and all senators that Australia stands by India and is ready to assist in any way during this difficult time.