Philip Ruddock (Berowra, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

During the last fortnight break, I had the opportunity of attending one of my schools, the Pacific Hills Christian School, to attend its initiative of Thank You Week. I am sure other members have been approached by their schools who appreciate the work that they do and undertake and have had students wanting simply to say, 'Thank you.' This is a week that involves schools extending invitations to their members, local emergency service personnel and other local heroes to the school to thank them for their contribution to the community.

It may surprise colleagues to know that I was well received by the year 6 students. They are about to go to high school. They took the opportunity to speak about the positive role that they have to play in Australia in the future. I was particularly impressed by their questions, and they were well versed in much of the adversarial nature of our parliamentary system, and its political history. I think this is a great initiative from the school and others, and I commend the organisers. I thank the class for the opportunity to speak to them and for their hospitality. I encourage all members, when their schools invite them, to take up that opportunity.