Craig Senger

The only time I've ever been to Hooters in my life was with this man.

Craig Senger was one of the jolliest people I know. He could get you to do anything.

I hired him to be on the donor team at CARE Australia, but he was always better than the job. We both new it, but we really enjoyed working together.

Craig was always up for a party. It was because of him that I met the entire Australian Olympic rowing team.

He visited me twice here in Canada. He was that rare export from a terminally hot country -- a snowboarder. On his second visit, he'd spent nearly 6 weeks in Whistler, learning his craft. Like most things, he was so good at it that it looked effortless.

The second time he visited, he told me about his soon-to-be wife, Kate. They'd been friends -- best friends for years. Craig had been posted to Milan, and he spent the entire time in this beautiful city pining for his friend. One day the switch flicked and they started looking at each other differently. He was gooey. I'd never seen him that way. Love, as you know, is friendship on fire.

They'd married, and his ascent at Austrade continued. He'd been posted to Jakarta, together with his beautiful wife.

This morning I received a message from other friend in Australia.

Family pays tribute to Australian killed
July 19, 2009
The family of Canberra Austrade official Craig Senger, who was killed on Friday's bomb blasts in Jakarta, say he was a wonderful husband and father and a beautiful friend.

Mr Senger was one of three Australians killed in the co-ordinated suicide bombings on the JW Marriott and the Ritz-Carlton hotels in central Jakarta on Friday.

A statement issued by the Department of Trade and Foreign Affairs (DFAT) on behalf of his wife, Kate Senger, and other family members has thanked family and friends for their support.

"We are devastated by the sudden passing of Craig who was not only a wonderful husband, son and brother but also a beautiful friend," the statement said.

"We would like to thank Austrade and the Australian government for the wonderful opportunities and ongoing support provided to Craig throughout his career.

"Craig greatly enjoyed his life in Jakarta. He performed a rewarding job that he loved and he really valued the many friends that he had made there."

Mr Senger was sent to Jakarta a year ago to help oversee the expected expansion of overseas investment into Indonesia's booming mining industry.

The 36-year-old had expressed hope that Australian businesses could exploit reforms due to liberalise Indonesian investment laws.

With huge international experience, Mr Senger was also previously instrumental in bringing Indian mining giants such as Tata Steel to Australia to buy technology and services as well as liaising with Russian officials.

His family has thanked DFAT, Austrade, the Australian Embassy in Jakarta, the Australian Federal Police, and the federal government for their continued support.

"We would also like to thank our dear friends and family for helping us to deal with the extraordinary shock and loss that we are feeling," the statement said.

Perth businessman Nathan Verity, 38, and Brisbane man Garth McEvoy, 54, also died in the blast that killed at least eight people.

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said Mr Senger was the first Australian government official to be killed in a terrorist attack.

"The Department of Foreign Affairs advises me that to the best of their knowledge, apart from military officers and police officers, this is the first Australian government official to be killed by a terrorist attack in the line of duty," Mr Rudd told reporters after attending church in Canberra on Sunday.

Foreign Minister Stephen Smith had spoken to Mr Rudd from Jakarta on Saturday night, where Mr Smith had contacted Mr Senger's wife and the family members of Brisbane businessman Garth McEvoy, 54, who was also killed in the attacks.

Mr Rudd, who said he spoke to Mr Senger's mother in Canberra on Saturday night, said it was a very sad time for the family.

Just one month ago, Mr Senger delivered his father's eulogy, Mr Rudd said.

It is therefore a sad day for the Australian official community, given his loss, Mr Rudd said.

Mr Rudd, who had convened the national security committee for a third time on Saturday, said officials went through a series of "operational matters" concerning the government's best continuing analysis of those responsible for the attacks.

"Can I also say that the Australian government will leave no stone unturned in bringing to justice the perpetrators of this violent, barbaric act of murder," he said.