Bill Shorten (Maribyrnong, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition) Share this | Hansard source

The Manager of Opposition Business will make longer remarks. I would just like to make this observation on behalf of Labor. You started your career in the Public Service as an administrative trainee some time ago. You have served this parliament. And, when people look at the conduct of this parliament, they quite often are not as happy with what they see, but what they do not see is that, to the extent that this parliament operates and operates well on many occasions, it is done upon the efforts of you and all your colleagues.

Some people here know you very well and others know you less well, but all would be aware that you are a modest person and that you also believe that much of what you have done is, in a large part, due to all of your colleagues. I think that you are like many modest people: you do not seek praise and you do not seek flowers and recognition, and, like all modest people who are remarkably professional and excellent, you probably do not realise how much you are loved and respected by the people for whom you work. There is a lot often said about our public servants, but I tell you what, Robyn: you are a great public servant. Thank you very much.

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