MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS
The Hon. Kevin Rudd MP
Statement on Indulgence – Mr Scott Rush
I wish to inform the House that our Ambassador in Indonesia has informed me that the Indonesian Supreme Court has today accepted Scott Rush’s appeal against his death sentence and have instead sentenced him to life.
Australians will greet this decision with relief.
The Australian Government welcomes this decision by the Supreme Court.
It is a bipartisan policy in this country that we oppose the death penalty.
The Government remains in close touch with Mr Rush and his family.
Mr Rush’s parents have been informed.
As parents, they have shouldered a heavy burden over these years of waiting.
There are of course another two Australians on death row in Indonesia and Mr Chan and Mr Sukumaran have also lodged judicial appeals against their death sentences.
We will continue to provide consular support to both men and their families.
Madam Deputy Speaker, having spoken to the Rush family who come from Brisbane, on a number of occasions over the last period of time, I’m sure the family will welcome this decision with great relief.
AUSTRALIANS AGAINST CAPITAL PUNISHMENT 