23 March 2011
Mr MORRIS (Mornington) — I would like to offer my thoughts, prayers and best wishes to my Japanese friends and to the people of Japan in the wake of the terrible earthquake.
They have endured much in recent days, and they will endure many more tough days before their current trial has ended.
In 2009 I had the privilege of visiting Japan with Speaker Lindell and the member for Yuroke to meet with the governor of Victoria’s sister state Aichi prefecture and with the legislative leadership.
Thankfully Aichi and the beautiful city of Nagoya were not on the front line of the catastrophe, but like the rest of the nation they will feel the effects for a very long time.
In the course of that trip we met with the current Australian ambassador, Murray McLean. Ambassador McLean has discharged his duties in recent weeks in a manner consistent with the highest traditions of the Australian diplomatic corps, and I congratulate him and his staff for the sterling work that they have done.
I have travelled to Hiroshima, I have visited the site of the first nuclear strike and I have seen some of the devastation caused by that primitive nuclear device.
I have no doubt that the Japanese people will not only endure their current trials with great dignity and fortitude but will build again, no doubt bigger, better and stronger than before. They will continue to play a leading role in world affairs, and I wish them well as they commence that journey.
Legislative Assembly 23 March 2011
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