Luke Hartsuyker (Cowper, National Party, Assistant Minister for Employment) Share this | Hansard source

On behalf of the National Party and the Leader of the Nationals, Warren Truss, who is returning from parliamentary business representing the Prime Minister, I congratulate you on your election as Speaker. It gives me particular pleasure given the fact that you are a member of the class of 2001, of which I am a member. It is great to see a member of the class of 2001 being elected to the high office of Speaker. You have distinguished yourself over many years as an excellent parliamentarian and a dedicated servant of your electorate. You have provided great service on the Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters. You have been a great member indeed. Your extensive experience in this parliament, no doubt, has given you a great understanding and familiarity of the role of Speaker which you will be undertaking in the time ahead.

I would draw to your attention that the member for Wakefield is probably preparing a strategy for question time going forward! I hope that you will deal with him firmly and fairly. You have made a great contribution to this parliament in your service so far, and I certainly wish you well in your role as Speaker. You will be strongly assisted by an able deputy in the member for Maranoa, who has served this parliament over many years and has fulfilled the role of Deputy Speaker with distinction. On behalf of the Nationals, I wish you well in your time as Speaker.

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