Page 2148 - Week 06 - Wednesday, 6 June 2018
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I thank the Chief Minister for the comments that he has made. From the opposition’s point of view, it resolves the issue in relation to setting the record straight and conveying that to the Governor-General. I do take the points raised by Mr Rattenbury. I thank the administration and procedures committee for the work that they have already done on this matter. But I do think that it will exercise our thoughts a bit more in the coming days. I think that this matter has been satisfactorily resolved for the benefit of everyone. I thank members for their participation.
Amendment agreed to.
Original question, as amended, resolved in the affirmative.
Adjournment
Motion (by Mr Gentleman) proposed:
That the Assembly do now adjourn.
Samoan Independence Day
MRS KIKKERT (Ginninderra) (6.16): Earlier this week I had the honour of joining the Samoan community in the ACT in celebrating Samoan Independence Day. This year marks the 56th anniversary since Samoa achieved independence from New Zealand. I would like to express my sincere thanks to the community for their invitation to attend the lotu, a devotional service recognising this meaningful occasion. On 1 January 1962 Samoa became the first small island country in the Pacific region to achieve its independence. Samoan Independence Day, however, is observed on 1 June each year, with a Sunday devotional service near that day forming an essential part of the celebrations.
The Samoan community in the ACT is very active and works hard to forge community connections as well as to preserve and share their unique culture. They sponsor events throughout the year, both big and small, and always play a visible role in the National Multicultural Festival.
History plays a big part in making up who we are. Our traditions, our languages and our identities are all shaped significantly by our histories. At the event last Sunday I was humbled to see that the local Samoan community chose a place of worship to gather together in honour of celebrating their independence day. At this event people of different faiths came together to acknowledge the special day and sing praises to God and everyone was welcomed with hospitality and graciousness. Following the worship, attendees were invited into the hall to continue the celebration through a feast of delicious Pacific Islander food.
There was a lot of happy discussion in the Samoan language, and I was grateful to be able to engage in these conversations with the help of a translator by my side. I wish the Samoan community in the ACT and worldwide a happy independence day.
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