London Bridge Attack

The Hon. S.G. WADE (Minister for Health and Wellbeing) (16:39): I move:

That this council—

1. Acknowledges the selfless display of courage and compassion of Kirsty Boden who rushed to the aid of victims injured in the terrorist attack at London Bridge on 3 June 2017;

2. Mourns the tragic loss of the eight innocent individuals killed in the attack, including two Australians (Ms Kirsty Boden and Ms Sara Zelenak);

3. Condemns the actions of the three terrorists who drove their van along London Bridge and into pedestrians before attacking people in the Borough Market area;

4. Acknowledges the Kirsty Boden Memorial Nursing Scholarship for regional students at Flinders University, funded by the state government;

5. Acknowledges that Ms Boden has been recognised with a posthumous Queen’s Commendation for Bravery; and

6. Pays tribute to South Australia’s nurses who serve selflessly both nationally and internationally.

For most of us, running from danger—perceived or real—is instinctive. Seeing an aggressive dog, an out-of-control car or a fire, we turn and run in the opposite direction. This is especially true if that danger is an armed terrorist.

Kirsty Boden's instinct was different. A professional nurse, Kirsty Boden took her commitment to care for others to the highest level. Sadly, this commitment cost Kirsty her life. Kirsty was killed as she ran towards danger following the terrorist attack at London Bridge on 3 June 2017. She could have taken cover to protect herself, as would be the instinct of most people. Instead, she rushed to the aid of an injured person and was fatally wounded by knife-wielding terrorists.

Today, this motion gives the council the opportunity to acknowledge Ms Boden's selfless display of courage and compassion and acknowledge that her heroic actions have been recognised with a posthumous Queen's Commendation for Bravery. It is an award granted for acts of gallantry entailing risk to life. It is an apt and solemn recognition of Kirsty's selfless sacrifice of her own life in her quest to save others. All South Australians are immensely proud.

Sadly, terrorist attacks have become all too familiar in our global community. The loss of lives is a terrible consequence of a malevolent agenda. Public places have become a common narrative in the storyline of terrorist attacks, and on this occasion the terrorist targeted pedestrians on London Bridge, driving their van through the crowded sidewalk before attacking people in the Borough Market area. People quickly scattered into the nearby shops, cafes and restaurants, and within eight minutes from the start of the attack, the three terrorists had been shot.

Yet, in just eight short minutes, the terrorists claimed the lives of eight innocent individuals, as well as seriously harming the lives of their families, friends and colleagues. There were also another 48 people injured that night and no doubt countless others left to bear the mental scars. We mourn the tragic loss of the victims, who included two Australians, 28-year-old Kirsty Boden and 21-year-old Sara Zelenak, and condemn the actions of the three terrorists. Both young women were simply doing what so many of us do on a regular basis, enjoying a night with their friends. It simply should not have ended this way.

Australians are travelling abroad in record numbers, with around 10 million exits from Australia every year. The indiscriminate attacks could happen anywhere, at any time, and people of all nationalities, backgrounds, religions and age could become victims. It is important that we continue to promote voices of moderation, tolerance and harmony. While acts such as those on London Bridge enrage us all, we should remember that whilst a terrorist attack demonstrates the worst in people, the reaction repeatedly brings out the best: people such as Kirsty, people who run towards danger to fight for those who are unable to fight for themselves. Amongst the ruins of terrorist attacks across the globe there are countless stories of bravery, courage and self-sacrifice.

Originally from Loxton, Kirsty completed her nursing degree at Flinders University before moving to London to work as a senior nurse at Guy's and St Thomas' hospitals. To commemorate Kirsty's touching sacrifice and ensure that her bravery and compassion are commemorated and continue to inspire others, last year the state government established the Kirsty Boden Memorial Nursing Scholarship for regional students in their final year of study at Flinders University. It is a fitting tribute to an extraordinary woman. I hope both the establishment of the scholarship and the Queen's Commendation for Bravery provide Kirsty's family with some comfort as they continue to mourn the loss of their beloved daughter, sister, granddaughter and partner. They do not mourn alone.

I would also like to recognise South Australia's nurses, who serve selflessly both nationally and internationally. Nurses are the heart and soul of our health system. They are at the front line, responsible for a patient's treatment, safety and recovery. Beyond their formal duties, nurses are mothers, fathers, sons and daughters; they are friends and neighbours and they are strangers on the street.

Every day, South Australian nurses go above and beyond the call of duty, helping loved ones and strangers alike, assisting a person in distress, helping out at the scene of an accident or approaching somebody who is unable or unwilling to control their actions. They do so with courage and determination and do what they can to restore calm and help people along their healing journey. To all of our nurses, we thank you for your commitment to care for others.

Debate adjourned on motion of Hon. I.K. Hunter.