John Dardis (Progressive Democrats)

I agree with Senator Brian Hayes and others in regard to a debate on the 1916 Rising, the Battle of the Somme and the other events of that time. It is important to reflect on these issues. For too long, we have excluded parts of our history. We must be mature enough to confront all aspects of history, including 1916, the First World War, the Second World War and the atrocities which have taken place since. It is important we confront those issues.

Senator Mansergh made a good point yesterday in regard to the proclamation as being a declaration of what a republic should be and a model which states could follow. In fact, it was a model for other countries. However, we must remember all those who died. What they had in common was sacrifice. By the lights of their own conscience, they made a sacrifice which must be recognised, whether in the GPO or on the battlefields of Flanders. We cannot ignore those matters. This House recognises the President is Head of State. She has our loyalty and our confidence, irrespective of what criticisms we might have of the utterances she might make.

Senator Ryan has descended into the realm of the absurd in making a conjunction between the events of the Ryder Cup and partnership. The Ryder Cup has one of the largest worldwide television audiences of any sporting event. It will have enormous benefits for this country. People in my part of the country close to the K Club, which is an exclusive place, and in many other parts of the country will benefit enormously from the Ryder Cup and the people who will come to see it.