Statement – Tragic events in Sydney

Australians are in shock at the tragic and terrifying events which have taken place over the past few days.

The situation at Bondi Junction was a terrible loss of life and a traumatic situation.

As I went around the Toowoomba CBD and out in our community more broadly in recent days, talking to people, there is a heavy sense of sorrow and there remains a deep feeling of shock and sadness.

This is not who we are as Australians.

We were further shocked by the events at a Church in Western Sydney on Monday night. Regardless of this person’s motives, we reject it.

We reject hate and violence.

We embrace unity, we embrace our cultural, religious and social diversity.

We embrace Australia.

We grieve for the people who have been killed, and for all of those families whose loved ones have been caught up in these attacks, you remain in our thoughts.

Thank you to all of those who acted so quickly to help, including the many first responders and fellow citizens who put themselves in harm’s way for the good of others.

Australians are strong, we are resilient and in the aftermath of tragic events on Saturday we come together.