Tony Crook (O'Connor, National Party) Share this | Hansard source

but I offer no guarantees for the next member. I would like to thank all who make this place run, whether it be Luke greeting us at the airport; the Comcar drivers, and particularly those back in Perth in Western Australia; ushers and attendants; Hansard; cafe and dining staff, who, I must say, have done nothing for my waistline; and everyone who makes this place tick, despite our best efforts. Special thanks to Bernard Wright, David Elder and Robyn McClelland for their unbiased wisdom and support, also Peter Rose for that wink and nod each morning.

I leave this place still deeply concerned about issues like GP and ancillary health services for regional Australia, and I welcome the former health minister Roxon here today. I certainly made her acutely aware of the problem during my time here. WA is still currently 80 GPs short. It is an issue I have raised often with both past and present health ministers. The Closing the Gap policy is not closing the gap as quickly and effectively as everyone would like to see, and I would direct members to Judi Moylan's speech on Monday for some wise and salient advice. I also leave this place disappointed and concerned where WA's GST will fall. If the answer is zero, then there are others in this place who should be deeply concerned as well. To my colleagues in the House, I still remain completely bemused that Bob Katter and I sat alone in support of my motion to place a floor on the GST return, and I am sure that the electors of WA are bemused as well.

Again, I would like to thank everyone who assisted me in getting to this place and those who helped me while I was here. It is a workplace I will never forget, that is for certain. I think the next government will be a coalition government. To Tony Abbott, Warren Truss and all members of the coalition, I wish them the very, very best. There is clearly a lot to do, and there is clearly a lot to undo. WA is a strong state, and I urge all in this place to ensure it remains so. If this is the case, WA will continue to deliver for all Australians.

Finally, the winter solstice approaches and the gods of bonfire look down upon the revered elders of the KBS. I salute them. I wish all in this place the very best for the future, whether it be here or elsewhere, because we know elsewhere is always fine. Good luck. Thank you.

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