Fiona Nash (NSW, National Party, Assistant Minister for Health) Share this | Hansard source

I, and also on behalf of Senators McLucas, Milne, Lambie, Day, Leyonhjelm, Madigan and Xenophon, move:

That the Senate—

(a) notes that:

(i) 2014 is the centenary year of Red Cross in Australia – a significant milestone in the history of our nation – commemorating 100 years of humanitarian service to the people of Australia,

(ii) for 100 years the Australian Red Cross has enjoyed a unique auxiliary status to the public authorities in the humanitarian field, working in partnership with governments of all political persuasions, both in Australia and internationally, to alleviate human suffering while adhering to the principles of independence, neutrality and impartiality,

(iii) many Australians have a personal connection with the Red Cross: from its humanitarian role during two World Wars and other significant conflicts; to preparing, responding to, and recovering from natural disasters; to helping vulnerable people and communities overcome difficulties; or, through the world class national blood service,

(iv) today, the Red Cross has a network of over one million volunteers, members, staff, donors, aid workers and supporters in Australia,

(v) through this network, the Australian Red Cross mobilises the power of humanity to help transform the lives of people in need right across the country, and

(vi) the Australian Red Cross is part of the world's largest humanitarian movement, with tens of millions of volunteers working in 189 countries, united by the fundamental principle of preventing and alleviating human suffering wherever it may be found, without discrimination;

(b) joins with the Australian Red Cross in celebrating the 100th anniversary of its founding on 13 August 1914, nine days after the outbreak of World War One;

(c) congratulates generations of Australians for their extraordinary contribution to the everyday work of the Red Cross; and

(d) recognises the independent humanitarian mission of the Red Cross to work with and assist the most vulnerable people in need, both in Australia and internationally.

Question agreed to.