Milton Dick (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Before I call the honourable member for the next question, I'd like to make some acknowledgements. I'm pleased to inform the House that present in the gallery today is the Hon. Greg Piper MP, Speaker of the New South Wales Legislative Assembly, and Ms Helen Minnican, the Clerk of the New South Wales Legislative Assembly.

I'm also pleased to inform the House that present in the gallery today is the Hon. Peter Gutwein, a former premier of Tasmania. Mr Gutwein arrived in Canberra today after walking 330 kilometres to raise awareness of the importance of multicultural Australia, with the walk a symbol that, when it comes to diversity and inclusion, every step forward together makes us better.

Also in the gallery are representatives from headspace, who are in Parliament House today to celebrate headspace Day 2024 to remind young people and their families that they are not alone.

I also welcome members from the Work Exposure in Government—or WEX—program. They are in Canberra visiting departments and agencies to learn about careers in the Australian public service. Welcome to you all.

Anthony Albanese (Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

on indulgence—This morning I had the privilege of meeting with the former premier of Tasmania Peter Gutwein. He's on a mission: walking to celebrate the role that migrants have played in Australians' story up to now and will play in Australia 's future. Mr Gutwein has, through his experience and concern that he had in Tasmania, wanted to reaffirm the important role of multiculturalism in this country—in who we are in 2024. He spoke to me today about the extraordinary contribution that people, particularly from the subcontinent, are making in the delivery of health services in Tasmania. We spoke about the range of services and the role that migrants are playing, essentially, in agriculture and in the great story that is modern Australia. I certainly reaffirmed my government's commitment to social inclusion and support for multiculturalism and cohesion as well. It's one of the reasons why I appointed Peter Khalil as the Special Envoy for Social Cohesion, because we can't take it for granted.

I congratulate Mr Gutwein on his leadership in undertaking this big journey. His journey, his walk, is similar to the walk that Australia has taken towards this modern, vibrant, dynamic, multicultural society that we are. We can't take it for granted. We need to cherish it and we need to nurture it. I thank Mr Gutwein for his contribution—post parliamentary life, his ongoing contribution—to public life. Well done!

Peter Dutton (Dickson, Liberal Party, Leader of the Opposition) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

on indulgence—I join the Prime Minister, endorse his fine words and welcome Peter Gutwein to the parliament. I look forward to catching up with him later today. As the Prime Minister points out, it's an incredibly important objective that he has in his heart, and the way in which he's been able to embrace people across Australian communities, from Tasmania to Canberra, is a great credit to him. The message that he spreads and that he seeks to be adopted by all Australians is one that is incredibly important for the fabric of our country today and into the future as well.

Peter, thank you so much for the sacrifice and the awareness that you create. We welcome you as a most honoured guest here today.