Darwin remembered
At 9.58am on 19 February 1942, Japanese aircraft began the first of two bombing attacks on the city of Darwin, signalling the moment the Second World War was brought to our shores.
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The attack lasted for 40 minutes, with the Japanese sinking eight of the 47 ships in the harbour. Eighty minutes later, the second attack started, this time concentrating on the Royal Australian Air Force station, which was further inland.
Attacks would continue on towns across Australia’s north, including Katherine, Broome, Townsville, Wyndham and Cairns, with the final attack on Darwin on November 12, 1943.
Tragically, Australia and its allies lost around 900 people, 77 aircraft and several ships, with many military and civilian facilities destroyed.
In November last year, Darwin hosted Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe—the first visit to Darwin by a Japanese Prime Minister since the bombing raids during the Second World War.
While Australia, and in particularly the Northern Territory, will never forget the events of 19 February 1942, they will remember this historic visit by Mr Abe as a sign of great respect to those who served and died during the Second World War.
On Bombing of Darwin Day we remember and honour all those who served and died protecting our shores more than 75 years ago. Lest we forget.
Darren Chester, Minister for Veterans Affairs
Question of priorities
While in Canberra for a women’s veterans’ forum, a small delegation of young veterans recently went to Parliament to speak with senators in a bid to grip up support for veterans’ issues including suicide, homelessness and post-service employment. While a number of Liberal and crossbench senators made time to speak with these young veterans, I was very disappointed to hear that not one Labor senator was available over those few days. One Labor staffer proudly advised the delegation that her boss and the other Labor senators working on the refugee medivac legislation “around the clock”. This is undoubtedly an important issue but the question begs asking – is it more important than the welfare of men and women who have served this country? It begs another question – where do our Labor politicians’ priorities lie?
F. Campbell, Bangalee
an empowering move
Self-determination is an important part of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and incorporating collaboration into the Close The Gap target setting is a step in the right direction. It is a move by the government that will empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to establish targets they can work towards. I welcome the government’s changed approach to the Close The Gap targets. The refresh mentioned by our Prime Minister is one that brings Aboriginal communities a step closer to self-determination.
Self-determination is a key value in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and it’s this value that must dominate the Close The Gap refresh in order to truly help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
It’s why at Youth Off The Streets we have an Aboriginal Services team that aims to equip young people and community with the right tools to affect change in their lives. The support offered by our team isn’t one of telling Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people what to do, but one of guidance and collaboration that gives them the opportunity to succeed.
I’m constantly amazed at the strength and resilience displayed by the young people and communities we work with on a daily basis. I know that they’ll succeed if the right approach is taken. Self-determination and empowering communities is the way we move forward and finally close the gap.