Tony Abbott (Warringah, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

On indulgence, if I may, Mr Speaker: I thank Julia, the Deputy Prime Minister, for those gracious remarks. It is true: we have been sparring partners in quite a few different contexts. I have even been accused from time to time of flirting with the Deputy Prime Minister. That must cease now, of course. I have always enjoyed those contests and I have to say that the Deputy Prime Minister is a formidable opponent. She has wished me a long and not very happy life in my current job. I can say that I hope she does ascend. I would like her to be the Prime Minister because I am sure question time would be much more interesting and much shorter if she were the Prime Minister.

I should also respond on behalf of the former leader, the member for Wentworth, to the Deputy Prime Minister’s particularly gracious remarks. We who have been in this place know that while politics is a high and noble form of public service it is probably the most unforgiving business of all. Everyone comes into this place with high ideals and high hopes. The hopes are sometimes dashed—not always permanently but often for a time—and I think it important that all of us bleed a little for our colleagues in this great pursuit when that happens. I think all of us should take a moment to reflect on what has happened to Malcolm and I think, as you say, Julia, we should all wish him well at this time.

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