After paying courtesy calls on Prime Minister John Howard at Parliament House, Canberra on Thursday 19 June 2003, Mr. Jason McCartney visited the Charge d'Affaires of the Republic of Indonesia, Mr. Imron Cotan, at the Indonesian Embassy. Mr. McCartney visited Canberra just hours after returning to Australia from Bali, where he gave evidence in the bombing trial.

Jason McCartney, a 29 year old Australian, was one of the victims of Bali bombing, and well known as a footy player from the Kangaroos in Melbourne. He is still in the process of recovery from his burns and trauma caused by the bomb. Mr. McCartney promises to help build a stronger understanding between Australians and Indonesians, particularly among the Bali bombing survivors, and to work for their better future.

The Indonesian Embassy in Canberra welcomed the visit and the offer of Mr. McCartney, and hoped that his noble mission could be accomplished since he is an idol and a symbol of Australia's spirit in overcoming the tragedy.

During his meeting with the Charge d'Affaires, Mr. McCartney sincerely stated that 'security is no longer an issue' in Bali, especially for foreign tourists, as he has recently witnessed. He also promises to attend the first remembrance of the bombing in Bali in October 2003 and predicts around 1500 Australians, including the victims' families, will participate in it.

Canberra, 19 June 2003