Christchurch shooting: Scott Morrison at memorial for victims
PM promised to work with NZ against white nationalism online after memorial for victims.
Scott Morrison has promised to work with New Zealand against white nationalism online as he joined hundreds in New Zealand to mourn the 50 victims of the Christchurch terror attacks.
The Prime Minister had his first bilateral meeting with his New Zealand counterpart Jacinda Ardern since the terror attacks at two Christchurch mosques where they discussed their global efforts to tackle white nationalism and other forms of extremism on social media.
He also attended the national memorial service in Hagley Park - along with Bill Shorten Governor General Sir Peter Cosgrove - and where tributes were led by Ms Ardern, the families of the victims and US musician Yusuf Islam, formerly known as Cat Stevens.
“We have worked very closely over the last few weeks, whether it was on gun laws or whether it was on the immediate response and the support that was provided.
“And now working together - and I appreciate her strong support for the G20 initiative, taking forward these measures on social media.
“We’ll continue to form a strong team, a strong Anzac team when it comes to pursuing these issues globally as well as domestically.
Earlier Mr Morrison and his wife Jenny visited the Al-Noor Mosque where 42 of the 50 victims were murdered while they prayed on March 15.
Ms Ardern told the crowd at Hagley Park today that the attacks’ legacy would be to reinforce the nation’s values of tolerance and diversity.
“ Over the past 2 weeks we have heard the stories of those impacted by this terrorist attack,” she said.
“But with that memory comes a responsibility. A responsibility to be the place that we wish to be. A place that is diverse. That is welcoming. That is kind and compassionate.”
Earlier Mr Morrison and Sir Peter Cosgrove paid tribute to the mosque victims at the Al Noor Mosque this morning, where 42 of the 50 victims were murdered.
The Prime Minister and his wife Jenny held hands as they took a moment to look at the many floral tributes and banners which still adorn the gates of the Al Noor Mosque two weeks on.
The Prime Minister, the Governor General, Mrs Morrison and Lady Cosgrove shook hands with local Christchurch worshippers outside the mosque before a tour of inside the place of worship.
Mr Morrison and Sir Peter will be joined by Bill Shorten for a national remembrance service later this morning at Christchurch’s Hagley Park honouring the victims and survivors of the Christchurch massacres, where they will be joined by other Pacific leaders.
The three will meet with New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.
Prince William will also travel to Christchurch next week to pay tribute to the victims on behalf of the Queen and the Royal Family.
Two weeks have now passed since 50 people were killed at two Christchurch mosques by a lone gunman, who livestreamed the massacre on Facebook.
Australian Brenton Tarrant, a suspected white supremacist, has been charged with murder.
The attacks have led to an overhaul of gun laws in New Zealand and global action to ensure social media companies tackle terrorism and white nationalism.
Last week’s attacks have also led to a renewed security focus on white supremacists in Australia and a fierce domestic political debate about Islamophobia.
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