Tony Smith (Speaker) Share this | Hansard source

As members would be aware, on 8 March, Australia joined 53 other countries around the world in celebrating Commonwealth Day. The theme, 'Delivering a common future: connecting, innovating and transforming', reflects the strong network of friendship and goodwill which connects the people, the parliaments, the governments and the institutions of the Commonwealth. The Commonwealth's 54 members are diverse but united by shared values of democracy, the rule of law, gender equality, and sustainable economic and social development. Now, more than ever, promoting these values is important to delivering a prosperous future for all.

As is customary, Her Majesty the Queen, as head of the Commonwealth and patron of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, issued a message for Commonwealth Day 2021, and I'm pleased to present Her Majesty's message to the House.

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