Warren Truss (Wide Bay, National Party, Leader of the Nationals) Share this | Hansard source

I join others in extending greetings of the season to colleagues, those sitting opposite and those people in the parliament who make sure that the day-to-day activities of this place run smoothly. I begin by complimenting you, Mr Speaker, on your role in the House. I know the standing orders suggest that one should not reflect on the chair but I hope that the standing orders would not be offended if I reflect favourably on the way in which you have taken on this role. You obviously came in as Speaker with considerable experience and that has been evident. You have addressed the difficult moments in the chamber generally with good humour. Sometimes even your good humour has been stretched to breaking point. I know that from time to time we on both sides offend in that regard, but we very much appreciate the way in which you have sought to provide effective and smooth running of the House. You have dealt with various issues constructively, helpfully and fairly. May I also acknowledge the members of your panel who help to make sure that your work is done smoothly. It would be a pretty tough job if the Speaker had to spend all day of every day in the chair. I am sure that you appreciate the relief of your deputies and the whole Speaker’s panel. Their role is important to ensure that the House runs smoothly.

This of course is the end of the first year of the new government in parliament. I think it has been a learning experience for us all—for those in government for the first time and also for those of us in opposition, many of whom have not had that experience before. It was not an experience we were looking forward to, but it generally happens in one’s political career. Sadly, I have endured it once previously and I am therefore especially committed to making sure that our sojourn on this side of the House is as short as possible. There is the reality of learning to undertake new tasks. It is especially an exciting time for those who have come into the parliament for the first time. Everything is new and I am sure that they have learned a great deal during this year. From our side as well, one or two have joined us during the time as a result of by-elections and, for them especially, I am sure this has been a great challenge and a great experience.

In acknowledging the people who help us from day to day in the parliament, I recognise Ian Harris and all of the clerks for the work that they do. They are always sought out for advice and it is always given cheerily and in the best possible spirit. We appreciate everyone who works to support the committees and the other activities of the parliament and to make sure that those things go smoothly. Like others, I want to acknowledge the Serjeant-at-Arms and the services that his office provides to all members of parliament. I acknowledge those in the parliament who are here every day: the attendants, the security people, the Comcar drivers, the dining room staff, the nurses, the cleaners and everyone else who ensures that this place is presented immaculately and in a way such that the people of Australia can be proud. Can I also acknowledge the Hansard staff and the library staff. Being now in opposition I appreciate much more how important the library is. Government ministers and their departments have access to an enormous range of information, so the library is especially valuable to those who sit in opposition. Their advice is invariably helpful and constructive.

I would also like to acknowledge the regional officers of the department who look after our electorate offices and make sure that things are done. It is just something over 12 months since the election and my sign has not been altered yet. I am still the Minister for Trade to everybody who drives past my office, but one day I am sure that they will find a painter who is able to make the adjustments—I hope for only a short period of time and then we can go back to the old sign! Nonetheless, regional officers are there to provide the support and assistance that we need and I acknowledge their work as well.

I also extend my greetings and Christmas wishes to the Leader of the Opposition, Malcolm Turnbull. It has been a pleasure to work with him in that task. I acknowledge also Brendan Nelson, who led the opposition during the particularly difficult times following the election. He helped us to get through the period when we needed to reposition ourselves and to get in place the processes of opposition. He did a creditable job in that regard. As the junior partner in the coalition, the National Party have no say as to who is going to be the Leader of the Opposition but the Liberal Party have chosen two very able men to fill that task in the first year and I have found them both very good to work with. I also acknowledge Julie Bishop as the Deputy Leader of the Opposition. We have a particularly close working relationship and I have appreciated the opportunity to work with her.

From my own party, I acknowledge Senator Scullion, my deputy, who has been loyal and faithful and has worked very hard to secure the future of our own party and to look after issues in the Senate. During the year, he was replaced as the National’s leader in the Senate by Senator Joyce, but he still plays a key role as the deputy leader of our party. I acknowledge also the work of Senator Barnaby Joyce. He is a colourful character, as we all know, and no-one is left in doubt as to what his views are on any issues.

Our whips have a thankless job. We always demand a great deal of them. I acknowledge Alex Somlyay, who is my neighbour as the member for Fairfax. Indeed, every election we tend to trade territory one to the other as the boundaries are altered, and I expect it will happen again before the next federal election. We have become particularly close colleagues, having between us represented most of the constituents once or twice because the boundaries have been changed so often. I want to particularly acknowledge Kay Hull, our pocket dynamo, the National’s whip. Kay does an enormous job. She is such a powerful advocate and a determined person. She stands up for so many causes and has all of these chickens under her wing. She is probably in stature the smallest person in the parliament but the biggest in heart. We admire you greatly, Kay, for all that you do. I know you are supported well by Paul Neville, my neighbour on the other side. I have a whip on either side of me in the geography of the country. Their work is particularly appreciated.

To my other National Party colleagues in the House and in the Senate, many of whom are in the chamber today, thank you for the way in which you have helped and supported me as an infant leader. I have needed your advice, it has been forthcoming and I have appreciated that very much. From a party perspective, I acknowledge Brad Henderson, our federal director, who has taken to the task with enthusiasm. It has been a big year for him with the birth of Billy, their first child, but he was only days after that event back in the political scene at conferences and helping to ensure that our party ran smoothly. I acknowledge the cooperative relationship we have had with Brian Loughnane and the people of the Liberal Party secretariat as well.

My own staff I appreciate very much also. When governments lose office, members suffer relevance deprivation syndrome. We suffer all of the indignity of moving out of ministerial offices and into other places. We have phones cut off and all sorts of things happening very quickly and we have to adjust to that. We sometimes forget that the same things happen to our ministerial staff. Almost without exception, they have to take pay cuts if they stay, and frankly there is only one in seven or eight positions available so most of them have to move to other places. I do very much appreciate those who have stuck with us and been prepared to accept the change of role. Many of them have embraced that with enthusiasm. I am very grateful for the personal support that I receive from my staff and the terrific effort that they put in. I acknowledge the sacrifices that they have made to also make this transition to opposition.

I extend season’s greetings to the Prime Minister, the Deputy Prime Minister, my opposite numbers, all of their staff and, of course, the departments who service the whole of the government and the parliament in providing advice and support. I am always grateful for the support and cooperation that I receive from my wife and family. They have to endure the interrupted meal breaks, the promised meal breaks that do not happen at all and the interruptions to what is planned. Fortunately, my wife had worked for my predecessor, so she knew more about this job than I did when I came into it. She is very understanding, and I am very grateful for that and for all that she does for the party and to help keep us on a level playing field.

I join the Deputy Prime Minister in acknowledging the families of those colleagues who have lost loved ones during the year. I would like to take a moment to specifically acknowledge Simon Crean and the Crean family. This will be a Christmas where there will be a gap at their table. The longstanding patriarch of the family, Frank Crean, made a remarkable contribution to our nation and his family can be very proud of his achievements. I am sure that one of Frank Crean’s great prides will be the way his sons have followed him into public life and also have made very significant contributions.

Christmas is a special time of the year. It is a time when families can gather together and enjoy one another’s company. From a parliamentary perspective, it is a time when we are able to have a break and perhaps live slightly more normal lives. But Christmas is more than just decorations, gifts and parties—although a special part of my Christmas is always decorating the family home with Christmas lights so that I can demonstrate what a special time Christmas is for me in my neighbourhood. The celebrations and symbols of Christmas highlight the joyous reason for our festivities—namely, the birth of Jesus Christ, who brought salvation and the message of peace and goodwill to all. Those who seek to take Christmas out of the holidays or Christ out of the Christmas certainly lose the central reason for our celebrations and their meaning and purpose.

We celebrate with families, friends and loved ones, but it is important to remember, in the true spirit of Christmas, those who are less fortunate—the homeless, the jobless, the sick and those spending Christmas alone this year. We should consider what we are able to do to help them. I remember especially the hardship faced by tens of thousands of farming families and their communities because of the ongoing trials of the weather. The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry referred briefly to this in question time today. It is hard to believe that there are some parts of Australia that are now going into their ninth or 10th year of drought. The stoic way these families have endured all of this pain and suffering is to be admired. Their forbearance is incredible and an inspiration to us all. In other places, there has been a lot of rain, and crops have been ruined because of excess rain.

I ask everybody, as did the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government during question time today, to pay special attention on the roads. Not all of the roads are perfect and there are lots of temptations at Christmas time which may impair one’s skills as a driver. Everyone must be conscious of the fact that, even if they are a good driver, there may be others around who are not. So please be patient, and do what you can in the difficult circumstances of crowded roads over this time.

Others have acknowledged the people that we will be relying on to keep the fires burning over Christmas—or, in some cases, probably to put them out. Summer is the time of year when disasters often strike our continent. It is frequently a time of flooding and often a time of bushfires. We particularly recognise the people in the emergency services who will be on hand in the event of there being some kind of disaster of this nature occurring during the Christmas period—our armed forces and others who keep us safe, the police, ambulance and hospital staff, all of whom are required to be there even if other people are on holidays. Those who serve in aged-care homes, childcare facilities and the like are all really special and deserve particular recognition over our Christmas period.

I extend my best wishes to all for a happy Christmas season and a successful year ahead. I hope everyone will enjoy this time of giving and sharing with their loved ones, families and friends and return again refreshed for another busy year.

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