Mr Speaker, I move without notice:
That the House -
1) notes that Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu was awarded the United States Presidential Medal of Freedom on Wednesday, 12 August 2009;
2) further notes that this award, the highest civilian award in the US, is awarded to people who have made an especially meritorious contribution to the security or national interests of the US, world peace, cultural or other significant public or private endeavours;
3) recognises that he has received this award for being outspoken on issues of concern both within and outside government and for defending the interests of the people of this country;
4) acknowledges the White House statement that he has "an unflagging devotion to justice, indomitable optimism and an unmistakable sense of humour, stirring the world's conscience for decades"; and
5) congratulates Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu not only on this great honour that has been bestowed on him but for making the people of South Africa proud and for continuing to be responsive to and outspoken on matters of national importance.
Agreed to.