Reports out of Italy tonight suggest that Pope Benedict XVI is going to retire later this month. That will come as a shock to many people, but on behalf of the Catholics of Australia I would like to wish the Pontiff all the best for the future. The 85-year-old Pontiff says he no longer has the strength to adequately continue the job. He has done a marvellous job as the head of the Catholic Church, and on behalf of Catholics in the Riverina and elsewhere I would like to wish him all the very best.

Order! It being 10.30 pm the debate is interrupted.

House adjourned at 22 : 30