Address on the 10th anniversary of the downing of Malaysian Airlines Flight MH17

298 lives were lost on 17 July 2014 – citizens of countries the world over. 

I acknowledge the representatives from those nations who join us here – together we commemorate a shared grief for the loss of every person who died that day.  

Thank you, Mary, for welcoming us. 

Your candour and insight while reporting on the downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 was deeply appreciated by those affected, and every Australian watching in disbelief as the magnitude of the tragedy became apparent. 

I pay tribute to the Australian police, military, diplomatic and consular personnel who worked so hard – then and in the months and years afterwards – to support grieving families all over Australia. 

Your actions testify to the healing power of courage, care and compassion. 

It is right that this memorial is located here at Australia’s Parliament House. 

This house belongs to all Australians.  

It represents the strength of our democracy and our stewardship of the peace and stability of our nation. 

It is a place owned by all Australians, where all are always welcome, to observe our democracy in action, to celebrate, remember, mourn and – today – commemorate. 

To the families and loved ones of victims – here, in this people’s place, your fellow Australians remember and honour the precious ones lost to you ten years ago. 

Those men, women and children are part of you. 

Each one was cherished for the indelible qualities that defined their essence:  

‘A force to be reckoned with’ 

‘One of those blithe, gentle spirits’ 

‘The quintessential quiet achiever’ 

‘The most amazing person’ 

That they died so far away from home is a profound grief.   

Without them here, all that is left is to find ways to reflect and remember.  

In the aftermath, your acts of care and commemoration have been as different as the dear ones you lost. 

An art centre was established in Perth, inspired by the energy of three darling children. 

In Melbourne, rival suburban footy teams competed fiercely for a cup named in honour of two passionate supporters. 

A smoking ceremony in Arnhem Land united those mourning a treasured young teacher. 

In homes, family gatherings are illuminated by candles lit in memory of beloved parents, siblings, children. 

Here in Canberra, we come together for another ceremony of respect, foreshadowed by former Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove in 2014 with his promise that, 

‘we will never forget the men, women and children on board that fateful flight’. 

The pain and the trauma is yours to carry, we cannot lift it from your hearts.  

But we are here to pay tribute, to offer our compassion and care. 

The poet Mark Tredinnick writes that, 

 ‘Grief lasts as long / As love was deep’. 

The depth of your love binds you forever to those you lost. 

Their deaths are your heartache, and our nation’s sorrow. 

Today’s commemoration is our promise that – even with the passing of time – Australia will not forget you … 

… and those you love and mourn are forever in our hearts.  

May they rest in peace.