Senate debates

Tuesday, 10 February 2009

Victorian Bushfires

2:13 pm

Photo of John HoggJohn Hogg (President) Share this | | Hansard source

I present a message of condolence from the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, Dr Shija, relating to the bushfires in Victoria.

The letter read as follows:

We have followed the sad news in the media about the raging bush fires which have caused death and extensive destruction of properties in some parts of your country.

This has made us feel very sorrowful for you and the people of your good country for this painful incident.

On behalf of the Members of the Executive Committee, Staff and on my own behalf, I wish to convey our heartfelt condolences for the deaths that have been caused by the fires and for the loss of extensive properties by various families. We wish to join you in your prayers for a swift recovery from this incident. Please convey our condolences to the Members, Government leaders and staff of your Legislatures and the public at large.

                  …              …              …

Yours sincerely,

Dr William F. Shija

Secretary-General