In 75 years of the ANZUS Treaty, it’s only been invoked once – for Australia to protect America after September 11.
Now 25 years on and reaching the age of 87, former prime minister John Howard has marked many anniversaries but there are few as difficult at this one.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Former PM John Howard on the impact of September 11 terror attacks
Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today Arrow
“The world changed and it’s never been the same since,” he said.
He was in Washington preparing to hold a press conference when two passenger jets struck the World Trade Centre and a third slammed into the Pentagon as he spoke, the first blows in what would become a long and evolving war on terrorism.
A quarter of a century later, Howard believes that fight is far from over.
John Howad and George W. Bush. Credit: 7NEWSHoward recalls the September 11 attack 25 years on. Credit: 7NEWSHoward says the world changed that day and has never been the same since. Credit: 7NEWS
The day before the attacks, Howard had met US president George W. Bush for the first time. During their three-hour discussion, terrorism was mentioned only briefly.
“It was a general reference to the possibility of terrorism, but nothing beyond that, nothing specific,” he said.
The next day, it became the only thing anyone could talk about as New York’s twin towers were reduced to rubble.
7NEWS Political Editor Mark Riley had also been in New York that day, his family’s home for four years as a correspondent.
“It was as if this was an end of times,” Riley recalled.
“Was it the United States one day, then maybe London, Paris, Tokyo, Sydney, Melbourne?” Howard said, reflecting on the uncertainty that followed.
Howard’s wife, Jeanette, and son, Tim, had been sightseeing near the Pentagon and were quickly located and brought to safety.
Later, from a bunker beneath the Australian Embassy, Howard fronted another press conference, his face etched with disbelief.
“There was a vulnerability in you that day as well,” Riley said.
“I was at least very, very concerned. I was scared,” Howard responded.
Then, reflecting on the demands of leadership, he added: “No, no. You can’t allow yourself ever to get scared.”
7NEWS political editor Mark Riley speaking with Howard. Credit: 7NEWSHoward’s planned address to Congress was cancelled. Credit: 7NEWSHoward during a press conference in the wake of the attack. Credit: 7NEWS
His planned address to Congress marking the 50th anniversary of the ANZUS Treaty was abandoned and replaced by an emergency session, where he was the only visiting guest.
“They gave me a standing ovation, which I was quite touched by,” he said.
On the flight home aboard Air Force Two, the first aircraft permitted back into the air after the attacks, Howard called foreign minister Alexander Downer and made the historic decision to invoke ANZUS for the first and, so far, only time.
“We thought if there was any invocation of it being undertaken, it would be the Americans to help us,” Howard said.
Australia subsequently joined the United States in military operations in Afghanistan and later Iraq.
“Are we safer now than we were on September 11, 2001?” Riley asked.
“I can’t guarantee that. Do I feel we are? I think yes,” Howard said. “Let’s hope it doesn’t happen again,” Riley said. “We all agree on that,” Howard said.
Albo faces wild claims from opponent after tennis match win
2 min read
Albo defends housing reforms as $34 billion wiped from market
3 min read
