Bob Baldwin, Member for Paterson has pressured the Prime Minister to agree to review compensation measures for victims of terrorism.
Today in Question Time, Kevin Rudd responded to a question by Mr Baldwin saying:
On Tuesday, the honourable member for Paterson asked about compensation for victims of international terrorism. I am aware of the private member’s bill that has been put forward by the Leader of the Opposition on this matter—and about which the member for Paterson has spoken. It proposes the establishment of a compensation scheme for victims of terrorism overseas. We appreciate the spirit in which this private member’s bill has been put forward. I am sure I would speak on behalf of all members of the House when I say that we support victims of terrorism and appreciate the interest that any member of this House takes in their particular and individual circumstances. We are happy to examine the bill which has been put forward and see what practical things could be done to assist Australians in these circumstances. To that end I have asked the Attorney-General to speak further in the course of the next month with the member for Paterson on its details. We condemn, as I am sure all members of this place do, all acts of terrorism. We stand by all Australian victims of terrorism.
This refers to a private members bill which was put forward by Opposition Leader Tony Abbott and seconded by Mr Baldwin. The Bill would provide up to $75,000 in compensation for the victims of international terrorism.
“I have personally witnessed the suffering of Hunter men Paul Anicich and Tony Purkiss who were injured in the Bali bombing in 2005,” said Mr Baldwin.
“These men and their families have had to suffer through extreme pain, loss of income and quality of life.
“Most of us will never understand what they have been through and for that we are lucky.
“But as a Member of Parliament I now have the opportunity to help Australians like Paul and Tony and I will fight hard for them,” said Mr Baldwin.
