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reflects people of all sorts of nationalities, religions and beliefs. The other letter that Mr Cornwell did not read out was another letter written by Jas Manocha, the president of the Ethnic Communities Council. I think I should read it all because I might be accused of paraphrasing or leaving things out. It is addressed to Mrs Carnell and it says:

My Dear Chief Minister

All societies have a basic religious ethos. Nowhere is this more evidenced than in the cultural diversity of Australia where Christian and non-Christian beliefs including those identified with our original settlers, the aborigines, co-mingle to express the paramount place that God, however adored, has in our lives.

Constitutions and legislative processes in Western evolved countries generally and specifically use exhortatory language and prayers which include a reference to God or the Almighty. That acknowledgment denotes the moral principles by which we should be guided in our daily tasks whether as legislators or members of the community.

In our view it would be a retrograde step not to continue in Assembly prayers or on other formal occasions an appropriate reference to God. It is difficult to accept that text confined to society at large either accommodates adherents to religious beliefs, Christian and non-Christian, or can be inspirational and meaningful.

Most importantly, the last paragraph says:

It is hoped therefore that reference to God will be maintained in the Assembly's prayers. This hope identifies that the minority should not dictate what the majority within a multicultural [society] espouse. As it is for those who oppose or deny religious expression there is opportunity to remain silent.

Mr Moore: Exactly.

MR DE DOMENICO: Mr Moore says, “Exactly”. Let me now go back to what Mr Moore says. Mr Moore says that by using the words “Prayer or reflection” we cater for everybody's views. Mr Connolly nods, and I am delighted that he is nodding. Let us look at the logic of that. If by mentioning the words “Prayer or reflection” we are acknowledging the diverse views, why take away the prayer?

Mr Connolly: We are not.

MR DE DOMENICO: You are.

Mr Berry: We are not.

MR DE DOMENICO: You are. Will the prayer, under your amendment, Mr Berry, be read by the Speaker?

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