Ursula Stephens (NSW, Australian Labor Party, Parliamentary Secretary Assisting the Prime Minister for Social Inclusion) Share this | Hansard source

I move:

That the Senate—

(a)   notes that:

(i)   Australia will host the visit of Pope Benedict XVI for World Youth Day 2008 from 15 July to 20 July 2008, in Sydney,

(ii)   the Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney, with the support of the New South Wales and Australian Governments were successful in bidding for the World Youth Day 2008 celebrations and all have worked tirelessly to ensure the event showcases Australia to the world,

(iii)   more than 225,000 young pilgrims are expected to take part in the World Youth Day celebrations, including more than 125,000 overseas pilgrims and up to 500,000 are expected to participate in the final mass celebrated by the Holy Father at Randwick Racecourse on 20 July 2008,

(iv)   40,000 Sydneysiders have opened up their homes as home stay accommodation for pilgrims, and

(v)   8,000 volunteers will assist in ensuring that this celebration of spirituality and youth is a safe and successful event;

(b)   welcomes the Holy Father for his first visit as Head of State to Australia;

(c)   congratulates him on his commitment to interfaith dialogue whilst in Australia: and

(d)   wishes all involved in World Youth Day 2008 a successful and uplifting week of celebration.

Question agreed to.