The Senate on Wednesday closed for the Christmas recess with a rare all-of-house agreement.
All senators voted in approval for the passage of the Summary Offences (Amendment) Bill, 2025, following similar unity in the Lower House.
As the senators bade each other farewell for the Christmas break, Leader of Government Business in the Senate Darrell Allahar called on his fellow members to remember the reason for the season.
“It’s brought out the best in all of us, and, Mr. President, to my colleagues I say: let us therefore during this season reach out to those who are less fortunate: to the orphans and the widows, to the elderly and the lonely and let us bring a smile to a child’s face on Christmas morning and cheer to a family.”
Speaking on behalf of the Independent benches, Senator Candice Jones-Simmons said the Christmas season is more than one of worship. It is one of welcome and an annual reminder that unity is possible.
“Alongside gatherings with family, friends, neighbours, and even strangers remind us that we are a people who understand the joy of fellowship. Our customs, simple or elaborate, affirm that at the centre of our national identity is community.”