Mr NATT - 2006-08-23
It was announced overnight that the Anglican Bishop of the Northern Territory and one of my wonderful Drysdale constituents, Bishop Philip Freier, has been appointed Archbishop of Melbourne. What does his appointment say about his work in the Northern Territory?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, a question from the member for Drysdale about a constituent of whom he is enormously proud. I am sure everyone here would like to join me in congratulating Bishop Philip Freier on his appointment as the Archbishop Elect of Melbourne. He was elected by an overwhelming majority. Describing his election, the Bishop Administrator of the Diocese of Melbourne, Dr John Wilson, said: ‘… a wonderful choice. Bishop Freier brings a very rich experience, coming out of an Australian context’. That says much about his time in the Territory since his appointment seven years ago as Bishop. I know that this appointment has a particular interest for you, Madam Speaker, as Philip and Joy Freier are friends of yours. I count them as friends of mine too.
The appointment is recognition of the work done by Bishop Philip Freier and his seven years in the Northern Territory. He will be remembered for a number of things. However, I would just like to highlight a few. His restructuring of Anglicare in the Territory is very significant. It had fallen on tough times and he really made a restructuring difference in Anglicare. He has worked very closely over his seven years with Aboriginal people right around the Territory. He was very much involved in trying to obtain justice for the Stolen Generation. He has overseen the ordination of a significant number of Aboriginal Territorians to the priesthood, both men and women. He has been closely associated with Nungalinya College, which is the theological college for the training of Aboriginal Christian ministers, as well as his broad commitment to the ordination of women. Six or seven years ago, he was the driving force behind the Council of Churches opposition to the Territory’s mandatory sentencing laws. He was a very loud spokesman on that. He was also the chair of Kormilda College for many years and had a particular interest in Kormilda’s Aboriginal students.
He has made a tremendous contribution to the Northern Territory. We are very sad to lose him, but our loss is Melbourne’s gain. I am sure he will make a very fine Archbishop of Melbourne and we wish him and Joy all the best in the future.
Madam SPEAKER: On behalf of honourable members, I also would like to extend my congratulations to Bishop Freier. I would like to be the first person to say that he will now be known as His Grace the Most Reverend Dr Phillip Freier, Archbishop of Melbourne. Congratulations.
Members: Hear, hear!
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, a question from the member for Drysdale about a constituent of whom he is enormously proud. I am sure everyone here would like to join me in congratulating Bishop Philip Freier on his appointment as the Archbishop Elect of Melbourne. He was elected by an overwhelming majority. Describing his election, the Bishop Administrator of the Diocese of Melbourne, Dr John Wilson, said: ‘… a wonderful choice. Bishop Freier brings a very rich experience, coming out of an Australian context’. That says much about his time in the Territory since his appointment seven years ago as Bishop. I know that this appointment has a particular interest for you, Madam Speaker, as Philip and Joy Freier are friends of yours. I count them as friends of mine too.
The appointment is recognition of the work done by Bishop Philip Freier and his seven years in the Northern Territory. He will be remembered for a number of things. However, I would just like to highlight a few. His restructuring of Anglicare in the Territory is very significant. It had fallen on tough times and he really made a restructuring difference in Anglicare. He has worked very closely over his seven years with Aboriginal people right around the Territory. He was very much involved in trying to obtain justice for the Stolen Generation. He has overseen the ordination of a significant number of Aboriginal Territorians to the priesthood, both men and women. He has been closely associated with Nungalinya College, which is the theological college for the training of Aboriginal Christian ministers, as well as his broad commitment to the ordination of women. Six or seven years ago, he was the driving force behind the Council of Churches opposition to the Territory’s mandatory sentencing laws. He was a very loud spokesman on that. He was also the chair of Kormilda College for many years and had a particular interest in Kormilda’s Aboriginal students.
He has made a tremendous contribution to the Northern Territory. We are very sad to lose him, but our loss is Melbourne’s gain. I am sure he will make a very fine Archbishop of Melbourne and we wish him and Joy all the best in the future.
Madam SPEAKER: On behalf of honourable members, I also would like to extend my congratulations to Bishop Freier. I would like to be the first person to say that he will now be known as His Grace the Most Reverend Dr Phillip Freier, Archbishop of Melbourne. Congratulations.
Members: Hear, hear!
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016