Tony Abbott has made a quick trip to Newcastle this morning, announcing a policy to support victims of terrorism.
Mr Abbott visited the Labor heartland to pledge compensation to Australian’s and their families who have been the victims of terrorism overseas since September 2001.
If elected the Coalition Government will introduce the legislation within 100 days, which will benefit victims of attacks in New York, Bali, Jakarta, Mumbai and London.
Mr Abbott said about 300 individuals and families will benefit, and will allow a compensation payment of up to $75 000 – with the full policy totalling around $30 million.
The plan extends a Labor scheme introduced in 2012 by making it retrospective.
Newcastle lawyer Paul Anicich, was injured in the second Bali bombing, has welcomed Mr Abbott’s pledge.
“Your role in all this has been extraordinary,” he told Mr Abbott.
Mr Abbott helped arrange for Mr Anicich to be airlifted out of Bali for urgent medical treatment in Singapore.
“You can imagine the gratitude that I have for you,” Mr Anicich said.
Will this open the floodgates for all the immigrants who’ve been victims of terrorism but are now Australian residents?