David Bushby (Tasmania, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

I move:

That the Senate—

(a) notes:

(i) the statement by Buckingham Palace on 4 May 2017 that His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh will no longer carry out public engagements from August 2017,

(ii) that, since 1956, the Duke of Edinburgh has been the Patron and Chairman of Trustees of the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award, which encourages the personal development of young people,

(iii) that, over the years, more than four million people in over 60 countries have been involved in the program, including over 250 000 young Australians who have completed their Award since it began,

(iv) that, in 2015 and 2016, approximately 23 000 young Australians commenced either a Bronze, Silver or Gold Award – there are currently over 37 000 active Award participants in Australia,

(v) the 2016 Western Sydney University research report, Research into Outdoor Education Learner Attribution Theory: The Effects of the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award on Learning, which found that participation in the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award led to improvements to participants' self­-confidence, ability to cope with change and leadership skills, and

(vi) that, since 1954, the Duke of Edinburgh has been a regular visitor to Australia having visited 26 times, criss-crossing the nation and meeting people from all walks of life, with his last visit being in 2011 at the age of 90; and

(b) expresses Australia's sincerest gratitude for the long and dedicated service His Royal Highness has provided to his many roles over his many years of service, and for the tremendous service and public dedication His Royal Highness has shown Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Question agreed to.