Aviation Aid Package for Indonesia

The Australian Government should propose an assistance package for Indonesia that will make a practical and lasting difference to our neighbour's aviation safety standards.

Last week the political divide was forgotten as Government and Opposition joined together to grieve for the Australians who lost their lives in the crash and extend best wishes to the injured Australian survivors. The Federal Parliament also united in an expression of sympathy to the Indonesian people for their loss of life in the Garuda crash.

The value of Australian assistance was highlighted in the wake of the catastrophe. Australia already has in place an agreement that will enable an Indonesian investigator to train with the Australian Transport Safety Bureau for 12 months from the middle of next year.

But we can, and must, do more. Australian assistance must not end at the conclusion of the current crash investigation. In the wake of this tragedy we must do all we reasonably can to prevent future disasters.