Today I acknowledge the wonderful group of young visitors from my electorate of La Trobe from Pakenham Lakeside Primary School. It was a great pleasure to welcome the grade 6 students and teachers to Parliament House. The students made their long way from Pakenham by bus, and can I just say they were absolutely delightful, respectful, engaged and eager to learn. They were asking thoughtful questions and taking a genuine interest in Australia's democracy. I thank the teachers and school staff who made the visit possible, particularly Steven Runting, for helping to arrange the visit and for giving these students the opportunity to experience our nation's institutions. Again, it was just a delight with the kids. I've never had so many high fives and handshakes, and they were so pleasant to deal with. It made my day up here. During their time in Canberra, the students visited—

A division having been called in the House of Representatives—

Sitting suspended from 10:43 to 10:53

Before the suspension, I was talking about the visit by Pakenham Lakeside Primary School. During their time in Canberra, the students visited the High Court of Australia and, with parliament sitting that week, had the opportunity to observe the Senate and the House of Representatives during question time. Seeing Australia's democratic institutions in action provides a unique understanding of how our nation is governed and encourages young Australians to become informed and educated citizens. To all the grade 6 students and teachers from Pakenham Lakeside Primary School, thank you very much for visiting Parliament House. You were outstanding ambassadors for the electorate of La Trobe.

I'd also like to acknowledge and recognise another outstanding organisation in my electorate: Fernlea Community House in Emerald. For more than two decades, the non-for-profit Fernlea has supported local families by providing respite services for people across the hills in Melbourne's south-east. Established in 2000 and opening Emerald's facility in 2004, the organisation has grown into a highly respected community service provider. Over that time, Fernlea has provided day respite services to more than 800 people and their families, helping some of the most vulnerable members of our community remain connected, supported and cared for locally. I particularly acknowledge Ross Farmer for his dedication and leadership in helping guide the organisation so it continues to meet the needs of local residents, as well as all the committee members, past and present.

As local member for La Trobe, I've had a long association with Fernlea House, seeing firsthand the difference they make. I was proud to secure an $800,000 Commonwealth funding package back under the Howard government in 2005 to establish support for Fernlea, followed by a further $170,000 in 2007. Those investments helped lay a foundation for the organisation to continue to support local communities and families. Again, I thank Ross Farmer, the board staff and the incredible volunteers. I wish Fernlea all the success. When it comes to Fernlea House, it needs government support, because it can't survive on its own and continue to provide a magnificent and thoughtful service to residents of La Trobe.