The House of Representatives was the scene today of a moving condolence motion for victims of the Black Saturday bushfires in Victoria.
The Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, was not in attendance, having stayed in Melbourne, but his deputy, Julia Gillard, visibly affected, gave a magnificent speech to a silent chamber. She was followed by the Opposition Leader, Malcolm Turnbull, who delivered an equally impressive and moving speech. [Read more…]
The Governor-General, Michael Jeffery, has officially opened the 41st Parliament following the elections of October 9, 2004.
The Governor-General’s speech is written by the government of the day and read to a joint meeting of members of both houses in the Senate chamber.
It is the culmination of a day of pomp and ceremony during which members are sworn in and the Speaker of the House of Representatives is chosen. The day ends with a 21-gun salute. [Read more…]
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