Mr MILLS - 2012-02-21
Sunday’s Bombing of Darwin commemoration attracted a huge crowd and was broadcast around the nation. The Prime Minister, the Opposition Leader, the federal Opposition Leader, the Governor-General and the Lord Mayor of Darwin all spoke about the significance of that time in our nation’s history. Darwin and the NT were showcased nationally and internationally. There was one notable exception to the speaking roster and that was you. Can you explain to the House why you did not speak?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I spoke at a number of events during the commemorations. I agree with the Leader of the Opposition that it was a very moving weekend. It was a significant weekend for the many veterans who returned to Darwin, and also the families who were caught up in the bombing of Darwin who attended a number of events. The Bombing of Darwin event on the Sunday is run by the Darwin City Council, not by the Northern Territory government. I was not invited by the Lord Mayor or the Darwin City Council to speak at that event. There were a number of events I did speak at.
We had the Prime Minister, the federal Leader of the Opposition and the Governor-General here, and I congratulate those people for coming to Darwin to recognise the importance of the 70th Anniversary. It is one that is beyond politics. For the life of me, I cannot understand why the Leader of the Opposition would use the first question in Question Time today to try to politicise an event that should be beyond politics.
In regard to why I was not asked to speak at an event that was organised by Darwin City Council, I suggest to the Leader of the Opposition that he ask the Darwin City Council and the Mayor.
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I spoke at a number of events during the commemorations. I agree with the Leader of the Opposition that it was a very moving weekend. It was a significant weekend for the many veterans who returned to Darwin, and also the families who were caught up in the bombing of Darwin who attended a number of events. The Bombing of Darwin event on the Sunday is run by the Darwin City Council, not by the Northern Territory government. I was not invited by the Lord Mayor or the Darwin City Council to speak at that event. There were a number of events I did speak at.
We had the Prime Minister, the federal Leader of the Opposition and the Governor-General here, and I congratulate those people for coming to Darwin to recognise the importance of the 70th Anniversary. It is one that is beyond politics. For the life of me, I cannot understand why the Leader of the Opposition would use the first question in Question Time today to try to politicise an event that should be beyond politics.
In regard to why I was not asked to speak at an event that was organised by Darwin City Council, I suggest to the Leader of the Opposition that he ask the Darwin City Council and the Mayor.
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016