World Scout Foundation

Mr PRICE (Maitland) [5.30 p.m.]: I wish to advise the House of the successful meeting of the World Scout Foundation in Sydney over the past weekend in the presence of the honorary president, His Majesty King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden. The meetings and functions were chaired by Mr Howard Kilroy of the Republic of Ireland, in the presence of the New South Wales Chief Commissioner for Scouts, David Kinchin, and the Australian Chief Commissioner for Scouts, Mr William Wells. Members of the World Scout Foundation are very philanthropic. They provide funds from their own
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resources to facilitate the spread of youth work worldwide, particularly scouting, with an emphasis on Third World countries. They meet in different countries several times a year, and the King of Sweden has been pleased to be their president for some time.

The organisation was brought to Australia by the Australian international commissioner, Mr Geoff Lee from Sydney. They were able to induct into the movement a very impressive group of people from Australia. People such as Dick Smith and his wife were made members during a presentation dinner on the Saturday night. On the Sunday morning the King and members of the international group visited the Olympic site, travelling by ferry from Circular Quay. They were suitably impressed by what they saw, by the organisation of the Olympic committee, and by the organisation of the scout movement in putting the whole thing together and providing a venue for their meeting and entertainment over the weekend.

The royal party and others also visited a number of scouting sites on the Saturday, including Cataract scout camp, which was the venue for the world jamboree in 1988. Later on the Sunday there was a reception at Government House for leading officials of the organisation. The Governor and his wife were most gracious. Of course the Governor met the group in his capacity as Chief Scout of New South Wales, a role he fulfils very well, and the organisation is very pleased with his association. Later that night a royal gala concert was held at the Opera House. This provided entertainment for everyone and was a further opportunity for fundraising. Most of the artists were young. In fact, one of the tenors was from my electorate of Maitland.

It was interesting to see one of the locals performing on stage as an opera singer of some note at such a young age. Likewise, the principal violinist was a young lady from Newcastle who was equally very well received and who is now the lead violinist in the Australian Opera and Australian Ballet orchestra. Monday brought the event to a conclusion. A business luncheon was attended by the Minister for Community Services and a number of other members of this House, including the honourable member for Canterbury in his capacity as the secretary of the Baden Powell Guild branch of the New South Wales Parliament.

It was an excellent weekend. It was a great presentation for scouting nationally and world wide. It will provide significant funds for underdeveloped countries and a great impetus for people who are financially able to make contributions to a worldwide and worthwhile organisation which has been in existence for many years in more than 150 countries and has a membership well in excess of 25 million young people. The organisation has gone through a time of reduced membership in Australia. However, membership has stabilised and is starting to rise, and the organisation will continue to be of great benefit to our community.