Parliament Calls on International Olympic Committee to Recognise Tragedy at Munich

A private member’s motion moved yesterday by Member for Bradfield Paul Fletcher calling on the International Olympic Committee to observe one minute's silence for the 11 Israelis murdered by terrorists at the 1972 Munich Olympic Games has been passed unanimously by the Australian House of Representatives.

Seconded by Member for Kooyong Josh Frydenberg, the motion calls for appropriate recognition of the terrorist attacks of September 5 & 6, 1972.

“With the 40 year anniversary of the attacks falling in the same year as the 2012 London Olympic Games there is a particularly compelling case for the International Olympic Committee to take this action in memory of the 11 victims of this appalling terrorist attack”, Mr Fletcher said.

“The motion was passed unanimously by the House this morning.

“it is pleasing that this motion attracted bipartisan support”, Mr Fletcher said.

A similar motion has been passed by the Canadian Parliament.

“I hope that the memories of these victims can be honoured at this year’s Olympics, to promote peace and remembrance of these tragic events."

“I will be writing to International Olympic Committee President Jacques Rogge highlighting the passing of this motion, Mr Fletcher said.

A copy of the motion is attached.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

NOTICE OF MOTION

MEMBER FOR Bradfield. : I give notice that on the next day of sitting I shall move—That this House:

1. (1)notes that:
   1. (a)Tragically, at the 1972 Munich Olympic Games, 11 members of the Israeli team were murdered in a terrorist attack
   2. (b)The impact of this event has been seared on world consciousness
   3. (c)For forty years the families of those murdered have asked the International Olympic Committee to observe a minute of silence, in their memory, at each Olympic Games
   4. (d)This request is being made with respect to the 2012 Olympic Games to be held in London
2. (2)calls on the International Olympic Committee to observe one minute's silence at the 2012 Olympic Games in honour of the 11 Israeli athletes murdered by terrorists at 1972 Munich Olympics.