Parliamentary Christian Fellowship

The Hon. D.G.E. HOOD (15:28): I rise to share with the chamber that yesterday I, along with our President, the Hon. Andrew McLachlan, and a number of other members from this chamber, and indeed from the other place, had the privilege of attending the opening service for the 2019 state parliamentary year at St Peter's Cathedral.

As I am sure members are aware, this is an annual event that provides an opportunity for members and their staff to gather for a time of reflection and encouragement as a new parliamentary year commences. It is just one of the many events that are held by the South Australian Parliamentary Christian Fellowship throughout the year, and is organised in conjunction with the Leader of Christian Churches of South Australia, known as LoCCSA, an organisation with which we have developed a strong relationship over the years.

Traditionally, the Governor of South Australia and the Lord Mayor join us, and they were there yesterday, in addition to other leaders throughout the community. Indeed, the Premier and the Leader of the Opposition are regular attenders at this event. It is open to people who do not consider themselves people of faith but who may wish to just come and have a moment of reflection at the start of the parliamentary year. We note that it is held throughout the commonwealth. The federal parliament also held a similar service yesterday morning marking the commencement of its parliamentary year.

This service has been held each year in the first sitting week of the parliament and, in fact, started soon after the formation of the South Australian Parliamentary Christian Fellowship way back in 1982. It is of course non-denominational. Over the years, many different churches throughout the city have hosted the event, but in more recent times there has been a consensus among committee members that the service should be held at St Peter’s Cathedral, which is not only an exquisite and iconic building in Adelaide, South Australia, but location-wise is perfect, being convenient and close to the parliament and the workplaces of other dignitaries and church leaders in terms of travel to the service, which commences at 8am.

Given the ecumenical approach taken to the occasions we have heard sermons delivered by a variety of vastly different speakers from the Anglican Church, Catholic Church, Uniting Church, Lutheran Church and even the Pentecostal Church. This year, the Reverend Father Peter Zwaans, Director of Vocations for the Catholic Archdiocese of Adelaide and also the parish priest of Brooklyn Park and Richmond, delivered a poignant message directed largely toward the parliamentarians in attendance, of which there were approximately 20.

I also note we had the privilege of Reverend Dr Lynn Arnold officiating the service this year, who members would of course recall served as a member of the South Australian parliament himself between 1979 and 1994 and most notably as premier from 1992 and into 1993. In fact, as he welcomed us to the meeting Dr Arnold made a point of mentioning the pivotal role he played in the formation of the PCF some 37 years ago along with the father of our colleague the Hon. John Dawkins, who I learnt actually suggested the start of a group for like-minded MPs. The Hon. Mr Boyd Dawkins became its first president, with Dr Arnold serving as its first secretary, which is my current role in the organisation.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of those who are involved in arranging this event for the benefit of members year after year. I reiterate that it is open to any member that wishes to attend. I specifically would like to thank the Dean and his staff at St Peter’s Cathedral, members of LoCCSA, the PCF committee and of course our parliamentary staff and in particular Miss Donna Krieg, from my office, who coordinates the event. Many other members and I are very grateful for their commitment to it.

The ACTING PRESIDENT (Hon. T.T. Ngo): And thank you to your office for organising the event, too.