TERRORIST ATTACK ON THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

12 September 2001

The Governor-General, Dr Peter Hollingworth, has expressed his deep shock at, and abhorrence of, the terrorist attacks in New York and Washington.

On US television, and to the Charge d'Affairs at the United States Embassy in Canberra, Dr Hollingworth has expressed deep sympathy to the people of the United States on behalf of the people of Australia.

Early this morning, the Governor-General received a briefing from the Acting Prime Minister, the Hon John Anderson, MP.

'Australia has stood alongside the United States since the terrible days of the Second World War.' Dr Hollingworth said. 'It was significant that on the day immediately preceding the attack, the Prime Minister had had the opportunity with President Bush to reaffirm the strength of the continuing close relationship between our two countries'.

The Governor-General and Mrs Hollingworth will be attending an ecumenical church service at St Christopher's Cathedral, Manuka, at 5.00 this evening. It is hoped that leaders of other faith communities will take part in the service and that members of the diplomatic community in Canberra will be able to attend.