The first sitting day of the Parliament this year will be dedicated to honouring and thanking all those who have so bravely and selflessly served through the ongoing bushfire crisis, in particular those who have lost their lives.
Sadly we have lost too many Australians to this disaster and the Parliament will rightly acknowledge all those who have lost loved ones and those who have suffered injuries or lost their homes or suffered in any way as a result of the recent bushfires.
When Parliament meets for the first day of sitting on February 4, I will move a motion of condolence on behalf of all Members of Parliament.
This motion will also acknowledge the service of all those who have served to protect our communities and those who have provided incredible generosity to those who have been touched by the fires.
These fires have been devastating but through these terrible times we have also witnessed the Australian spirit on display with an outpouring of love, support, courage and generosity.
As a mark of respect, the motion of condolence will be the only formal business considered by the Parliament on our first day, with all members given the opportunity to speak.
The Leader of the Opposition and I have agreed on these bi-partisan arrangements and we will consult on further specifics as needed.
We will also hold a special event at Parliament for those families who have lost love ones fighting to protect communities, alongside representatives from the NSW Rural Fire Service and the Victorian Country Fire Authority.
It is fitting that the Parliament reflects the deep gratitude felt by all Australians.
