Australian Sri Lanka bomb victims offered compensation

Suicide bombings on 21 April declared a terrorist act so Australians can seek one-off payment of up to $75,000

The aftermath of an explosion at St Sebastian’s church in Negombo, north of Colombo, Sri Lanka, on 21 April. Photograph: Getty Images

Australian residents who were injured or lost a family member in the Easter Sunday suicide bombings in Sri Lanka can apply to the federal government for compensation.

The home affairs minister, Peter Dutton, said on Sunday the eight suicide bombings on 21 April have been declared a terrorist act for the purpose of the Australian victim of terrorism overseas payment scheme.

“The scheme ensures Australian victims of terrorist events overseas, such as the Easter Sunday bombings in Sri Lanka, have access to financial support,” he said.

“The declaration of these attacks means that Australian residents who were harmed or lost a close family member … may seek a one-off payment of up to $75,000.”

The Sri Lankan bombings targeted churches and hotels. More than 253 people died and more than 485 were injured.

“We condemn those responsible for the horrific terrorist attacks on innocents and have extended our deepest sympathies to the families and friends of those killed and injured, and to the government and people of Sri Lanka,” Dutton said.

The government has also declared the 25 August 2007 attack in Hyderabad, India, a terrorist act for the purposes of the scheme.

Two almost simultaneous bombings occurred at a restaurant and an amusement park in Hyderabad, killing 42 people and injuring more than 50.

The declaration of these attacks brings the total number of overseas terrorist acts declared by the Australian government for the purposes of the scheme to 42.

Australia’s media…

has never been more concentrated, at a time when clear, factual reporting is so desperately needed. Guardian Australia will hold the new Coalition government to account and continue to report on the escalating climate emergency. We are editorially independent, free from commercial and political bias – this means we can promise to keep delivering quality journalism without favour or interference.

More people are reading and supporting our independent, investigative reporting than ever before. And unlike many news organisations, we have chosen an approach that allows us to keep our journalism accessible to all, regardless of where they live or what they can afford.

The Guardian is editorially independent, meaning we set our own agenda. Our journalism is free from commercial bias and not influenced by billionaire owners, politicians or shareholders. No one edits our editor. No one steers our opinion. This is important as it enables us to give a voice to those less heard, challenge the powerful and hold them to account. It’s what makes us different to so many others in the media, at a time when factual, honest reporting is critical.

Every contribution we receive from readers like you, big or small, goes directly into funding our journalism. This support enables us to keep working as we do – but we must maintain and build on it for every year to come. Support The Guardian from as little as £1 – and it only takes a minute. Thank you.