The Islamic terror gang Jemaah Islamiyah was planning to murder two Australian ministers at last month’s memorial service for victims of the 2002 Bali nightclub bombings, but switched to softer targets because security was too tight: JI plot to kill Aussie ministers. (Hat tip: Van Impe.)

MINISTERS Alexander Downer and Chris Ellison were the intended targets of a plot by terror group Jemaah Islamiah to attack a memorial service last month for the victims of the 2002 Bali bombings.

A government source has confirmed that the plot, contained in detailed plans drawn up by terror mastermind Azahari bin Husin, was an attempt to assassinate the Australian Foreign and Justice ministers, who attended the service in Kuta along with 350 other people, including 50 Australian victims of the bombings. Mr Downer confirmed yesterday that there were fears the memorial could be targeted.

“Everybody knew that there were risks involved; it was there, we were all aware of that,” he said.

“We put in place, as did the Indonesians, very substantial security for all those who went to the ceremony in Bali.

”The ceremony was … short, but it was a very moving ceremony and I think it meant a lot to those families. And the fact that there was security ensured that they were safe.”

Senator Ellison’s office said he would not comment on issues relating to his safety.

The plot was abandoned because of the tight security, with JI instead carrying out three suicide bombings at Bali restaurants on October 1. Twenty-three people, including four Australians and the three bombers, were killed.