Mr KURRUPUWU - 2014-02-19
Could you update the Assembly on this morning’s Bombing of Darwin Commemoration?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Arafura for his question. I know, as does he, the Tiwi Islands have a unique place in Australia’s war time history, a very important element of what we were commemorating today, and I appreciate his question. It was the Tiwi people who first saw the Japanese planes flying over on their way to Darwin in 1942.
The Bombing of Darwin was perhaps the darkest chapter in the Territory’s history. Japan’s surprise attacks on 19 February 1942 killed hundreds and destroyed the city. It was the day innocence was lost and the day the war came to Australian shores. The day was declared a national day of observance in December 2011 by the Governor-General, and is now officially known as Bombing of Darwin Day. Thanks go particularly to the member for Solomon, Natasha Griggs, for her determination in seeing this happen.
It means new generations of Australians are learning about this difficult chapter in Darwin’s history and the history of the Territory. It is through understanding the true horror of war that future generations can hope to avoid its pain and suffering. Close to half of those who died were Americans, mostly on board the USS Pirie, which took five direct hits when Japanese aircraft launched their surprise attack.
It was moving to see US Ambassador John Berry yesterday, having a chat with him about the commemorations today, along with the Japanese Ambassador to Australia who was in the audience this morning. Our relationships with the countries were forged together in war; however, both countries are now among our most trusted friends, allies and trading partners, particularly in the Northern Territory. It was a true honour to be present at both ceremonies today, at the Pirie memorial and the Bombing of Darwin.
It was also an honour to have the veterans in the hall of Parliament House today. Speaking with those veterans, identifying people who were there on 19 February 1942 - I think there were about 17 people in the hall today who were there - and acknowledging the change in dynamics from the Northern Territory and Darwin from 19 February 1942 - for those who can recall it - where we are today and what those new relationships mean for the Northern Territory, particularly with Japan and the US. It was interesting to hear people talking about their acceptance and desire to see a greater involvement of the US and their Marines’ deployment rotation occurring over the last couple of years, including this year and into next year as well. It was good to hear people welcoming this, particularly those who have seen the change since 19 February 1942.
Today will go down as an important day, as it does every year, and it is important we always maintain it within our curriculum and share with the rest of Australia the impact of war coming to the shores of the Northern Territory.
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Arafura for his question. I know, as does he, the Tiwi Islands have a unique place in Australia’s war time history, a very important element of what we were commemorating today, and I appreciate his question. It was the Tiwi people who first saw the Japanese planes flying over on their way to Darwin in 1942.
The Bombing of Darwin was perhaps the darkest chapter in the Territory’s history. Japan’s surprise attacks on 19 February 1942 killed hundreds and destroyed the city. It was the day innocence was lost and the day the war came to Australian shores. The day was declared a national day of observance in December 2011 by the Governor-General, and is now officially known as Bombing of Darwin Day. Thanks go particularly to the member for Solomon, Natasha Griggs, for her determination in seeing this happen.
It means new generations of Australians are learning about this difficult chapter in Darwin’s history and the history of the Territory. It is through understanding the true horror of war that future generations can hope to avoid its pain and suffering. Close to half of those who died were Americans, mostly on board the USS Pirie, which took five direct hits when Japanese aircraft launched their surprise attack.
It was moving to see US Ambassador John Berry yesterday, having a chat with him about the commemorations today, along with the Japanese Ambassador to Australia who was in the audience this morning. Our relationships with the countries were forged together in war; however, both countries are now among our most trusted friends, allies and trading partners, particularly in the Northern Territory. It was a true honour to be present at both ceremonies today, at the Pirie memorial and the Bombing of Darwin.
It was also an honour to have the veterans in the hall of Parliament House today. Speaking with those veterans, identifying people who were there on 19 February 1942 - I think there were about 17 people in the hall today who were there - and acknowledging the change in dynamics from the Northern Territory and Darwin from 19 February 1942 - for those who can recall it - where we are today and what those new relationships mean for the Northern Territory, particularly with Japan and the US. It was interesting to hear people talking about their acceptance and desire to see a greater involvement of the US and their Marines’ deployment rotation occurring over the last couple of years, including this year and into next year as well. It was good to hear people welcoming this, particularly those who have seen the change since 19 February 1942.
Today will go down as an important day, as it does every year, and it is important we always maintain it within our curriculum and share with the rest of Australia the impact of war coming to the shores of the Northern Territory.
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016