Opinion: Reflect on Darwin bombing

THIS past Sunday was 75 years since World War II reached Australia when Darwin was bombed.

More than 240 people died, ships were sunk and buildings destroyed. In the ensuing months Katherine, Broome, Townsville, Wyndham, Exmouth, Derby, Horn Island and Cairns were among 97 air attacks on northern Australia, including 64 on Darwin.

We should reflect on the service and sacrifice of the men and women of our defence forces and the values they fight to defend and we should be grateful that war has not visited our shores since.

DAN TEHAN,

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs.