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

At the request of Senator Moore, I move:

That the Senate—

(a) notes that:

  (i) the Brisbane Combined Unions Choir was formed 30 years ago under the inspiration of union organisers, and continues with support from the Queensland Council of Unions, which still provides weekly rehearsal space—the choir was conceived by a dedicated bunch of unionists, intent upon using the arts to create a political message reflective of, and enjoyable to, working people, who took as their motto the saying, "a movement that sings, shall never die",

  (ii) when the Brisbane Combined Unions Choir met for the first time at the Queensland Teachers' Union building, its inaugural members were dressed in the working gear of their union callings—the choir's first performance was on Queensland's Labour Day in 1988, off the back of a truck,

  (iii) across three decades, the Brisbane Combined Unions Choir has had five conductors, commencing with Ms Libby Sara, followed by Mr Michael Roper, Ms Ann Bermingham, Mr Mark Shortis and, since 1997, Ms Marina Thacker—the choir has been involved in many significant events, recorded multiple CDs and produced songbooks of traditional and original political songs, and

  (iv) the Brisbane Combined Unions Choir have travelled widely in Australia, even overseas, to collaborate with colleagues who enjoy singing and have performed with other union choirs—the key to the choir's success, in bringing happiness to so many, has been the commitment of its members to rehearsals, planning events, and, of course, singing for unionism, peace and social justice; and

(b) acknowledges the strong tradition of union choirs as Brisbane Combined Unions Choir celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2018.

Question agreed to.