Cory Bernardi (SA, Australian Conservatives) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to amend general business notice of motion No. 1107 standing in my name for today relating to the Invictus Games. The terms have been circulated in the chamber.

Leave granted.

I seek leave to add the name of Senator Dean Smith to this motion.

Leave granted.

I, and also on behalf of Senator Dean Smith, move the motion as amended:

That the Senate—

  (a) welcomes His Royal Highness, Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, and Her Royal Highness, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, to Australia;

  (b) commends His Royal Highness for his initiative in creating the Invictus Games, and the royal couple for their support for injured veterans;

  (c) wishes all competitors from 18 nations well in their participation in the 4th Invictus Games in Sydney from 20 to 27 October 2018; and

  (d) congratulates the Duke and Duchess, and Kensington Palace, on the announcement of the expectancy of their first child.

Peter Whish-Wilson (Tasmania, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

Peter Whish-Wilson (Tasmania, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The Greens will be supporting this motion, as we wholeheartedly support the mission of the Invictus Games, an international sporting event for wounded, injured and ill veterans and active service personnel which highlights the power of sport to inspire recovery, support rehabilitation and generate a wider understanding of and respect for those who serve their country.

I'd also like to put on record and note the concerns of IPAN, the Independent and Peaceful Australia Network, and their statement today that they also support the Invictus Games and wholeheartedly support the mission but are very concerned that seven of the world's biggest weapons and arms manufacturers are corporate sponsors of this event. This, they believe, is a cynical attempt to use the games to build a social licence to operate through sponsorship by these companies. (Time expired)

Question agreed to.