HR0470 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0470 LRB104 14787 LAW 27930 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The House of Assembly of South Australia and the House of Representatives of the State of Illinois are each duly elected legislative bodies entrusted with representing the voices, values, and aspirations of the people in their respective jurisdictions; and

WHEREAS, Both Houses operate within vibrant democratic systems where the rule of law, open debate, and representative government ensure that power derives from the consent of the governed; and

WHEREAS, The legislative process, through which elected representatives deliberate, decide, and enact laws and budgets, embodies the democratic ideal that governments exist to serve the common good; and

WHEREAS, In an era when democratic norms are under threat in many parts of the world, it is more vital than ever that democratic institutions stand together in solidarity, affirming the dignity and rights of all peoples to choose their own leaders and shape their collective future; and

WHEREAS, Billions of people around the globe still live under regimes that do not afford them the right to vote or to elect legislative representatives, and they thus lack the ability to peacefully and lawfully influence the decisions that affect their lives; and

WHEREAS, The House of Assembly of South Australia and the House of Representatives of the State of Illinois believe in the enduring promise of democracy and the universal right of all peoples to be represented through accountable, transparent legislative institutions; and

WHEREAS, The establishment of a formal friendship between our two Houses will promote mutual understanding, legislative exchange, shared learning, and cultural ties that can help strengthen our democracies and inspire others around the world to build their own; and

WHEREAS, This relationship between our two Houses not only affirms our shared democratic values but also opens the door to deeper collaboration across a range of policy areas, including, but not limited to, economic development, trade, tourism, renewable energy, public health, education, Indigenous engagement, and cultural exchange; and

WHEREAS, Through sustained dialogue, reciprocal visits, and mutual learning, we envision new partnerships in fields such as agriculture, technology, climate resilience, youth leadership, emergency preparedness, and arts and culture, proving that legislative cooperation can be a springboard for broader innovation and international goodwill; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we recognize and celebrate the establishment of a legislative friendship with the House of Assembly of South Australia; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we commit to ongoing collaboration, mutual support, and shared advocacy for the cause of representative government as a fundamental human right; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we express our hope that this relationship serves as a model for other legislative bodies around the world to form bonds rooted in democracy, peace, and mutual respect; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the Speaker of the House of Assembly of South Australia as a symbol of our shared commitment to democracy and enduring partnership.