Families of Bali bombing victims have praised as noble the federal government's decision to offer compensation to victims of terrorism since the September 11 attacks.
Standing at the site of the 2002 Bali bombings alongside blast survivor Peter Hughes, Prime Minister Tony Abbott said from October 21, all Australian victims of terrorism overseas and their families can claim up to $75,000 compensation.
Survivor Glenn Cosman says Mr Abbott's pledge was an important and meaningful gesture.
"Quite a few of my friends are still having operations, fixing their limbs that have been injured," he told ABC radio on Wednesday.
"We have had support all the way through with regard to medical, but there's never been an actual compensation payout.
"Many people have always asked that question of me - what sort of compensation did you get. And the answer has always been nothing."
Mr Cosman was holidaying in Kuta with friends when a bomb tore through the Sari Club on October 12, 2002.
Mr Abbott on Wednesday wrapped up his trip to Indonesia for the APEC summit by visiting the site of the bombings, where he made the announcement.
He laid a wreath at the memorial, which marks the spot where 202 people - including 88 Australians - were killed in twin bomb attacks in the popular nightclub district.
"They were targeted because they were citizens of a country where people are free to choose their own way of life," Mr Abbott said in a statement.
"They suffered because they are Australian."
All those affected by terrorism attacks since September 10, 2001 can claim compensation, which will include victims caught up in the attacks in New York, Bali, Jakarta, London, Egypt, Mumbai and most recently Nairobi.
Georgia Lysaght, who lost her older brother Scott Lysaght in the Bali blasts, said she had always appreciated the support given to her and other families of victims by both sides of federal politics.
She said financial compensation wasn't a significant issue for her, but thought it would help others.
Ray Mavroudis, whose cousin David Mavroudis, 29, of Wagga Wagga, died in the blasts, also welcomed the news.
"You never bring the victim back, unfortunately, but it's some sort of consolation to help their families get through it," he said.
Mr Mavroudis said more information should be given to families about counselling services available.
"Money doesn't go that far when it comes to psychological things," he said.
"Their family's lives are wrecked for the rest of their life because they've lost a loved one."
Former Coogee Dolphins rugby league club president Albert Talarico - who lost club members in the blast - said he was very pleased Mr Abbott was honouring his election promise.
Mr Talarico described the compensation announcement as a noble gesture.
"I'm sure that the parents will take some satisfaction out of the fact that they might be able to claim some form of financial benefit," he said.
He said there were many parents who weren't able to work following the 2002 bombing.
"That really caused a lot of distress and added to the pressure that they already had throughout that period of time," Mr Talarico said.
Share
