Andrew McLachlan (SA, Deputy-President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

'For the faith, in the service of humanity' is the motto of St John. These words not only describe what my St John brothers and sisters do every day but also inspire us to continue to give care to thousands of people around the world. Many of you may think when you see our fantastic St John volunteers at a fete or a sports event that our activities are confined to providing first aid as well as teaching first aid, but the St John family stretches across the world, from Kenya to Hong Kong and from Australia to the north of Scotland.

I recently had the privilege of hosting the global leaders of St John here in Parliament House. They are an exceptional group of women and men who have dedicated themselves to the service of others. It was especially wonderful to spend time with my brothers and sisters from the Pacific. St John's work was discussed at the forum and, in particular, the hospital founded in Jerusalem. In 1882, St John took the courageous decision to found a hospital in the Holy Land. This endeavour was inspired by the highest humanitarian aim to alleviate the suffering caused by eye disease, and it was the first of its kind in the world.

The now styled St John Eye Hospital Group continued to grow and now has clinics in Palestine and the occupied territories. The global St John family raises the money to fund this incredibly important work. This year, the eye hospital opened its newest daycare centre in Nablus, the commercial and cultural hub of the northern West Bank. The hospital brings much-needed services to over 1.2 million people. Since opening, the hospital has treated over 2,500 patients, including 450 children. The new facility stands as a symbol of hope and progress at a very difficult time for the region.

In nearby Gaza, despite the challenges, 28 brave members of staff are continuing to provide care under the most difficult circumstances imaginable. The St John Hospital in Gaza has treated more than 30,000 patients since the war broke out. Our hospital was damaged in the war. It has now been renovated and is operational. This herculean task was achieved in an environment of extreme danger and scarce building resources. Surgical services have recommenced in Gaza City, making St John the only provider of retinal surgery.

Treating St John patients in such distressing conditions is a stark reminder of the imperative of our work in the service of those in need. I thank the leaders and staff of the hospital for their courage and commitment during this dangerous time in the Holy Land. You never leave my thoughts and prayers. In the written history of the hospital, titled Beacon of hope, psalm 146 was given special prominence. I will read it to you:

Praise the Lord …

Who executes justice for the oppressed,

Who gives food to the hungry.

The Lord gives freedom to the prisoners.

The Lord opens the eyes of the blind;

The Lord raises those who are bowed down …

Thank you to everyone in the St John Hospital and satellite hospitals in the Holy Land.

Senate adjourned at 19:48