David Hawker (Wannon, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

Madam Deputy Speaker, on indulgence: I would like to join with previous speakers and pay tribute to Ian Harris, the Clerk of the House of Representatives. I have been very fortunate to have known Ian the whole time I have been in parliament. In fact, I have been fortunate to know, so far, four clerks of the House—and the Clerk in waiting will make five—starting with Doug Blake when I first came in, and then Alan Browning, Lyn Barlin and now, of course, Ian Harris. One of the things that have struck me is the extraordinary professionalism of all of these people. I think people in this chamber do begin to understand the extraordinary work and support that the Clerk gives, but I think, in Ian’s case, he has done an absolutely outstanding job and he should be recognised as one of the great clerks of the Australian parliament. I know that could probably slightly embarrass him, but I think it is deserved.

I think we have been extraordinarily fortunate to have had the services of Ian Harris since he first came to this parliament in 1972. He has seen many things, of course, in that time. Clearly, he started in the old building and knows how different it was in those days, including some of the different working conditions. Then he was integrally involved in the move up here to the new Parliament House in 1988. He has seen many other changes. There was the introduction of the Main Committee, in which he was very much involved and which has been such a success—and I think the ultimate compliment was that Westminster had to copy something that was done out here in Australia. Other changes he has seen are the televising of parliament and, one change that members would think back on with a slight smile these days, the Clerk no longer wearing a wig. I am sure it is much more comfortable without it.

Ian has done many other things. One of the points that ought to be noted is that Ian has been the editor of two editions of House of Representatives Practice. This is unique. Remember, there have only ever been five editions, so the last two, two out of the five, have actually been edited by Ian. I think that shows just how active he has been in so many ways. He has also held the position of President of the Association of Secretaries General of Parliaments, in 2003, which I think is international recognition of his very high standing and of the very high regard in which he is held throughout the world. It is a tremendous credit to Ian that he had that position. He was awarded an AO in the Queen’s Birthday Honours in 2007, which I think was most deserved.

I would like to just add how fortunate I was, when I was privileged to hold the position of Speaker to have Ian Harris as the Clerk. It is one of those roles which again most people are not fully aware of, but one that is absolutely integral to the role of the Speaker. In fact it would be fair to say—and I am sure the current Speaker would agree—that it would be impossible for the Speaker to operate without a very close working relationship with the Clerk, his deputy and his staff. One has to rely very heavily on the Clerk, in so many ways, with regard to not only procedural matters in the chamber but also many other matters within the House of Representatives. So I just want to put on record how much I appreciated the tremendous support that Ian gave me. It is interesting to note that, since he was appointed Clerk in 1997, Ian has in fact seen five Speakers come and, obviously, four go, and I think all of us would have the same very high regard for Ian.

He has upheld the finest reputation and traditions of the parliament in every way. He has recognised and actively promoted in the community the importance of the democratic process. Again, I think that is something that we take for granted, but democracy can be very fragile and it is only by nurturing it, by working on it, that we can ensure that we continue to benefit from the wonderful opportunities that it presents to this country. There are many words we could use to describe Ian: a total professional, totally committed, a man of complete integrity, always impartial and always discreet. I think members have appreciated all of those things.

I want to say a special congratulations to Ian for his extraordinary service to the parliament since 1972, culminating of course in being the Clerk. I would also like to make special mention of his wife, Erika, who is here today. I know she has always supported Ian in what he does and I have certainly appreciated not only the professional support from Ian but the friendship of both Ian and Erika. I know there has been a very close, careful process for selecting Ian’s replacement; it was not automatic. So I would like to also congratulate Bernard Wright, who went through a very rigorous selection process to be appointed the next Clerk. I know that he will uphold all the traditions that Ian has always supported.

I would also like to mention Laraine Brennan, who has been Ian’s secretary the whole time I have known him. She has always been totally professional, the model of discretion. I know Laraine is retiring as well, so I would like to place on the record my appreciation to her and the appreciation of all members.

I know that the Speaker will probably want to say something further, and I would like to take this opportunity, as he is in the chamber, to commend the Speaker on the way he has conducted the affairs of this chamber since his election and particularly this last year. Again, I know more than many some of the pressures that can be on the Speaker, and I think he has at all times acted very fairly and done everything to uphold the very important democratic processes of this chamber.

In conclusion, I wish all colleagues a safe and happy Christmas and all the best for the new year. I again say to Ian and to Erika, congratulations. Ian, you have done a wonderful job. I am sure that you will continue to be very active and will no doubt always be available to assist members in some of the difficult processes that we go through but to always do it in a manner that is discreet, friendly and impartial. Congratulations.

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