Joel Fitzgibbon (Hunter, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I thank the House. I will quickly say what a wonderful thing it is that the Selection Committee is, these days, working so cooperatively; agreement on the motion I have just moved reflects that, and I want to thank the opposition for that. I think the parliament works best when the Selection Committee is working freely and well, and that has certainly been the case of late. This amendment was necessary because of a mistake on the part of the government—a minor mistake, but still one which had consequences—and the opposition very generously agreed to fix that problem.

On that note, I should offer my best wishes to the Chief Opposition Whip, who is today celebrating a birthday, and, of course, to the member for Reid, who is also celebrating a birthday today—they were born not only on the same day but indeed in the same year. I am sure all members will join with me in extending very warm wishes to both members.

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