Port Arthur massacre, 25 years on: PM pays tribute to victims and ‘light from the darkness’

Scott Morrison has paid tribute to the victims of the Port Arthur massacre, ‘that terrible Sunday’ 25 years ago on Wednesday .

Drew and Seisia Myler hold the hand of their mother, Gaye Myler, during a minute's silence memorial service at Port Arthur, Tasmania, on Wednesday. Picture: Luke Bowden/ABC News

Scott Morrison has paid tribute to the victims of the Port Arthur massacre, 25 years ago on Wednesday, as well as to the “strength, resilience and courage” of others impacted.

The Prime Minister said hearts around the nation were shattered “on that terrible Sunday”, April 28, 1996, when a gunman killed 35 and injured many in a “heinous and cowardly” shooting rampage.

“To call to mind the names of those who died is heartbreaking — victims as young as three and as old as 72,” Mr Morrison said.

“Among them (people descried as) ‘a lovely, devoted couple’, ‘the happiest girls in the world’, an ‘adored Nanna’, a ‘humble man’ who ‘simply wanted to serve’. And a woman who ‘brought joy and warmth to all who knew her’.

“Today we remember and send our love to all those who still bear the scars of that terrible day. The families and friends of those who died; the injured, the survivors, the first responders and all those who witnessed and were impacted by the unspeakable horror of that day.” 

As a low-key remembrance ceremony was held at the Port Arthur Historic Site, where most of the victims were shot, Mr Morrison recalled the “incredible bravery and selflessness” displayed that day, including “the family members who sought to shield and protect others”.

Kaye Fox and Kevin Daly from Ambulance Tasmania at the memorial service. Picture: Luke Bowden/ABC News

“We pay tribute to the strength, resilience and courage of the local Tasmanian community and to all those who could never forget but still found a way to heal,” he said. 

“We look to the light that was found from the darkness of that day. Light like the Alannah & Madeline Foundation, which Walter Mikac named for his two daughters he lost that day, and which is dedicated to keeping children safe from violence and bullying.

“We also give thanks for the courageous response to this terrible event by former prime minister John Howard and former deputy prime minister the late Tim Fischer, supported by then leader of the opposition Kim Beazley, who put in place some of the strongest gun laws in the world today, that have served to keep Australians safe.”

Premier Peter Gutwein, criticised for refusing to say what undertakings if any his party has given to gun groups ahead of Saturday’s state election, said the thoughts of all Tasmanians were on the victims and their loved ones.

“Twenty five years ago lives were taken, lives were changed forever and hearts were broken,” Mr Gutwein said. “Our thoughts are also with our first responders, our emergency services and those who gave so much.
“None of us will ever forget the 35 lives lost, and those who still bear the physical and emotional toll.” 

Gunman Martin Bryant is serving 35 life terms in Hobart’s Risdon Prison. It remains Australia’s worst mass shooting.