Senate debates Statements
President of the United States of America
Chris Evans WA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Government in the Senate
2:00 pm
by leave—I am pleased to inform the Senate that the President of the United States, Mr Barack Obama, has accepted the Prime Minister's invitation to visit Australia over the period 16-17 November 2011.
Ian Macdonald Queensland, Liberal Party, Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Northern and Remote Australia
Are you sure?
Chris Evans WA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Government in the Senate
He has accepted the invitation. I can advise that President Obama will address a combined sitting of the parliament on 17 November. The President's visit takes place in the same year that we mark the 60th anniversary of the Australia-United States alliance and the 10th anniversary of the 9-11 attacks. It is also a visit in which we will focus on strengthening our long-held alliance and the future opportunities for Australia and the United States in this Asian century. I am sure members and senators will warmly welcome President Obama to the parliament.
Eric Abetz Tasmania, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations
2:01 pm
by leave—The coalition welcomes the announcement of this visit by the head of government of our most important friend and ally in the world, the United States.