Michael Hatton (Blaxland, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

It has been very good of the minister to give that indulgence. I might say, while you are considering that amendment, I have served in this House from 1996 with the member for Cowan. In this last parliament it has been my great privilege to serve with him on the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade. He has been a wonderful deputy chair of that committee. In having the great honour of serving as the Deputy Chair of the Defence Subcommittee, it has been fantastic for me to work so closely with Graham. He has been an absolute adornment to the parliament. He knows how to fight and fight hard. He has always fought at every level for his constituents, and he has fought for his country and given everything that he could. I am glad to be in the chair to thank him for his service to this House. With that, the Deputy Leader of the Opposition might wish to move her amendment.

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