Ms Julie Bishop (Curtin, Liberal Party, Deputy Leader of the Opposition) Share this | Hansard source

Particularly the introverts like the member for Hume. I admire the effort that they put in on behalf of their constituents. I know their families support the work that they do and it is not always easy with many days and weeks away from home. But they are dedicated to the cause of the Liberal and National parties. They believe in what they are doing and they believe that they offer an alternative that the Australian people want and need, perhaps more than ever before.

I acknowledge the work of the whips in the House—Alex Somlyay, Nola Marino and Michael Johnson. I also want to put on record my thanks to the federal secretariat, Brian Loughnane and his team, and also the state Liberal Party and the team at Menzies House.

While I am talking about Western Australia, I want to pay particular tribute to my colleagues in Western Australia—the Western Australian members and senators who make that trip each week across the Nullarbor and back. The bond that has formed between us is strong. It is not quite true that we hunt as a pack, but we are great friends and colleagues and there is something about that three-hour time difference that bonds us together. The 4 am phone calls from our friends in the Canberra press gallery can sometimes be a little trying; nevertheless, we are prepared to pay that price for living in the greatest state in Australia.

I thank the Liberal supporters who have stuck with us through some very difficult times. I ask that they keep the faith and continue to support our party. In particular, I thank the people of Curtin, my electorate, who have continued to be a great source of support and inspiration to me. I appreciate the input and I encourage them to continue to send me letters, emails, phone calls, tweets—whatever. I need to hear from them and I want to hear from them.

I acknowledge the work of the Prime Minister, the Deputy Prime Minister, the Treasurer and the Leader of the House for their service to this House and to this country, as well as the government ministers and the members of the government. I acknowledge the work that they do for their constituents and the people who sent them to this place.

Mr Speaker, I congratulate you on your calm and measured demeanour. You have somewhat of a cult following among the afternoon question time devotees, and I have had a number of emails about your considered judgments.

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