STATEMENTS BY SENATORS

Senator SCARR (Queensland) (13:42): First, might I just associate myself with Senator Pocock's remarks. I wasn't aware of that situation. It is deeply troubling, and I'll certainly be raising it with the good Senator Anne Ruston, our shadow health minister.

But thank you for bringing that to our attention. On 2 August 2026, I was delighted to attend a Thanksgiving service at Vietnam Grace Church to celebrate their 40th anniversary. I want to thank Pastor Hoa My Trinh for her leadership of the church.

Pastor Hoa is an extraordinary woman. Acting Deputy President, the next time you come to Brisbane, I'd love to introduce you to Pastor Hoa. The story of how she fled Vietnam in the seventies involves her floating in the South China Sea, where she promised her life to God if she was rescued.

She was then picked up—was rescued—was given the choice to go to Canada and said, 'No, I want to come to Australia.' After coming to Australia, she's been the driving force behind the Vietnam Grace Church. I want to congratulate her for her service. She's a wonderful, wonderful Australian.

I want to thank the church for its community service, helping people in need in my home state of Queensland, not just in Brisbane but up the east coast of Queensland. I want to thank Vietnam Grace Church for the bonds they've established with other multicultural communities, including members of our African communities and also the Karen community. I'd also like to thank Vietnam Grace Church for their missionary work in Vietnam, where, in particular, they've supported the establishment of a very, very successful drug rehabilitation centre.

So thank you so much, Pastor Hoa. Thank you to Vietnam Grace Church. I look forward to attending your next Thanksgiving service.