Families to visit Bali for anniversary of bombing

Relatives of victims of the 2005 Bali Bombings will be able to return to Indonesia for the first anniversary of the attacks with the help of an Australian Government assistance package.

The Bali bombings of 1 October 2005 resulted in the death of four Australians, with 17 others injured, when several bombs exploded at cafes and restaurants in Kuta Square and Jimbaran Bay.

The Minister for Community Services, John Cobb, today announced eligible families of victims, who may otherwise be unable to attend due to financial considerations, would receive assistance with travel expenses.

‘The Bali Bombing was a tragic event and the Australian Government wishes to enable these families to return for the anniversary to remember their lost relatives,’ Mr Cobb said.

‘The package is similar to that offered in response to the anniversary commemorations of the London bombings and provides for the travel of up to four immediate family members of each Australian who died in the bombings.’

Each eligible person will be able to access:

• One return economy ticket airfare to Bali, including direct connecting domestic flights;
• Accommodation and related costs for one return trip of up to seven nights; and
• Assistance with the costs of passports and visas.

‘Australians who were seriously injured in the bombings are also eligible to travel, with assistance for one additional support person to provide care, where the injured person has special needs.

‘This package is part of the ongoing Australian Government support for victims and their families to help them cope with the aftermath of the attacks and continue their healing process,’ Mr Cobb said.

For more information on accessing this assistance contact your Centrelink Family Liaison Officer or Centrelink directly on 18 02 299.