Statement – Parliament House, Canberra
ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: I wish to make a statement about the tragedy that has unfolded overnight in Greta. All of us know the joy of going to a wedding, a chance to celebrate dear friends and family. They are some of the happiest times that you can have. For a joyous day like that in a beautiful place to end with such terrible loss of life and injury is so cruel and so sad and so unfair. People hire a bus for weddings in order to keep their guests safe and that just adds to the unimaginable nature of this tragedy.
All Australians’ thoughts go out to the family, friends, and loved ones of those we’ve lost in such horrific circumstances. And to all those 25 in hospital – they are at John Hunter Hospital, but many have been flown to Sydney for care – we’re thinking of you and sending our best wishes for a recovery. Daniel Repacholi, who I spoke with this morning, as well as the Premier Chris Minns, he said earlier, and he was right, the Hunter is a tight-knit community and anyone who has been up there knows that is absolutely right. He has had confirmed that there are certainly locals involved, as well, in this tragedy.
I want to give our thanks to the first responders, those who arrived at this terrible scene. I can not imagine what they were confronted with, what they had to deal with. But they did as they always did – their job. They did their best looking after people, trying to do their best to save lives, and to assist in the recovery at this horrific scene. So to them, to the doctors and nurses, to the police and emergency services, to those who transported the injured to hospital, I say once again, thank you. I say also thank you to those people who will continue to assist in the days, weeks, months and years ahead. The mental scars of this will not go away. They are there forever and we need to make sure that when the spotlight leaves the care doesn’t, for people who have witnessed this and for people who have experienced this tragedy firsthand.
I want to say if you’re worried about family or friends, please contact Cessnock Police Station on 02 4991 0199. For those who have any information on the crash, please contact Crime Stoppers, on 1800 333 000. Please do use Crime Stoppers, the police have asked respectfully that we keep the Cessnock Police lines open for the family and friends. For those who need assistance, Lifeline is as always available on 13 11 14.
My government will provide whatever support is necessary to the families as details become clearer. For now, we’re thinking of you. Australia wraps its arms around you. And Australians’ hopes and prayers are with you on this tragic day. Thank you.