Anne Urquhart (Tasmania, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to amend general business notice of motion No. 739 standing in the name of Senator Moore for today, relating to Dr Morgan Tsvangirai.

Leave granted.

I amend the motion by omitting, wherever occurring, the word 'Mr' and substituting 'Dr'. At the request of Senator Moore, I move:

That the Senate notes—

(a) the recent death of Dr Morgan Tsvangirai, long-term leader of the fight for a democratic and free Zimbabwe;

(b) that Dr Tsvangirai, a mine worker and strong trade unionist for over 30 years, visited Australia in 2001 and 2013, and provided real inspiration for many Australians who shared the hope for a free Zimbabwe, and open democratic government;

(c) that Dr Tsvangirai was the leader of the Movement for Democratic Change opposition, which contested elections against the Robert Mugabe ZANU PF, culminating in a victory in March 2008, and for a term as Prime Minister;

(d) that, despite imprisonment, torture and years of violence surrounding elections and challenges to government processes in Zimbabwe, Dr Tsvangirai provided leadership and resilient opposition and his spirit will continue to inspire his party, and the people of his homeland and around the world; and

(e) that, while Dr Tsvangirai will not see the transition to a new democratic era in Zimbabwe, the commitment of President Emmerson Mnangagwa "to very peaceful, transparent and harmonised elections in July this year" and the statement by United Nations Development Programme administrator Mr Achim Steiner, noting elections are "first and foremost for Zimbabweans" and welcoming "President Mnangagwa's election pledge for a credible and peaceful election" are important milestones for a successful transition to a more democratic Zimbabwe.

Question agreed to.