Anniversary of Christchurch Terrorist Attacks
15 March 2020
Today Australia stands in unity and solidarity with New Zealand on the first anniversary of the horrific terrorist attacks in Christchurch.
New Zealanders responded to hate with love in the aftermath of this terrible incident, and that powerful message endures today.
I recently spoke again with survivor Mr Farid Ahmed, who I first met at the remembrance service in the weeks after the attacks. Mr Ahmed, who tragically lost his wife in the attacks, spoke to me again of his message of peace and forgiveness.
That message remains far more powerful and enduring than the hate and violence perpetrated on that day.
Our two nations share an ongoing commitment to peace and freedom and we continue to reject those who seek to spread division and hatred.
Globally, whether it’s the Christchurch Call to Action or last year’s G20 and G7 resolutions to stamp out online hate and violence, New Zealand and Australia will continue our work to ensure something like this does not happen again. We owe it to the memory of the Christchurch victims.
We stand side by side with our Kiwi brothers and sisters, as we remember and honour the victims and their loved ones.
