Mr HOWARD (Prime Minister) (2:06 PM) —If I could have the indulgence of the House, on behalf of the government I want to offer my condolences to the family of Mrs Nazime Erkmen, who was tragically killed in the terrorist attack against the British Consulate in Istanbul last week. Mrs Erkmen was an Australian citizen and an employee of the British Consulate. She had been living in Istanbul with her elderly mother. She died in hospital on 22 November as a result of injuries received during the bombing of the consulate. Her death is a grim reminder of the continuing threat of terrorism and the innocent victims which it deliberately sets out to kill. Her death also reinforces the urgency of fighting and defeating terrorism. It is a threat that must not and will not prevail.

In concluding, separately, might I join the Leader of the Opposition in extending my congratulations to the Kangaroos. I hope that, at an appropriate time after they have returned to Australia, some bipartisan recognition of their performance can be arranged.