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Ch9 Motions / MOTIONS OF THANKS



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House of Representatives                                Ch 9                                                 p 328

 

Motions

 

Motions of thanks

As with motions of condolence, precedence is ordinarily given to a motion of thanks of the House. 1 Motions of thanks (formerly called votes of thanks) have been comparatively rare and are confined to the following cases:

  • to members of the Armed Forces and others following World Wars I and II; 2
  • recording the gratitude of the House to the International Health Board (Rockefeller Institute) for assistance in connection with the public health of the Commonwealth; 3
  • to the United Kingdom Branch of the Empire Parliamentary Association in relation to its offer to present a Speaker’s Chair; 4
  • to presenters of gifts to Australia’s new Parliament House; and
  • to persons and organisations associated with the planning and construction of the new Parliament House; 5
  • on the 60th anniversary of VE day, honouring and remembering Australians who fought in the war and gave their lives, and recording the gratitude of the House for 60 years of relative peace. 6
  • Motions, not being motions of thanks, but containing sentiments of congratulation, appreciation or gratitude, have in practice received similar precedence. Such motions have for the most part been moved by leave, although they have also been moved following a motion being agreed to for the suspension of standing orders. 7 Contrary to the usual practice of such motions being moved by the Prime Minister or a Minister, a case has occurred of such a motion being moved by an opposition leader. 8

    On recent occasions on the retirement of Clerks of the House motions ‘of appreciation’ have been moved without notice or leave of the House and agreed t o. 9



    S.O. 49.



    VP 1920-21/137; VP 1945-46/222. On the former occasion the motion of thanks was presented by the Speaker, accompanied by Members, to representatives of the services in Queen’s Hall (Melbourne), VP 1920-21/184.



    VP 1923-24/197.



    VP 1925/67.



    VP 1987-89/621.



    VP 2004-05/285.



    Such motions have included: a motion expressing congratulations and gratitude to General McArthur at the end of World 

    War II (VP 1945-46/222); motions of congratulation on Australian sporting successes: Americas Cup (VP 1983-84/253), ascent of Mt Everest (VP 1983-84/929, moved after suspension of standing orders); 15th Commonwealth Games  

    (VP 1993-95/1259); a motion congratulating and expressing appreciation of the Royal Military College on the occasion 

    of its 75th anniversary (VP 1985-87/1234); motions recognising the success of the Sydney 2000 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and congratulating athletes, organisers and volunteers (VP 1998-2001/1749-50, 1819).



    A motion congratulating the Navy on the occasion of its 75th anniversary and expressing thanks to allied naval forces for participation in the celebrations, VP 1985-87/1169.



    VP 1980-83/905; VP 1985-87/319; VP 1990-92/598; VP 1996-98/1817.