Maria Vamvakinou (Calwell, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

It is a great pleasure to be given the opportunity to second the nomination of the member for Casey as Speaker of the House of Representatives in the 46th Parliament. The member for Casey and I entered the parliament in the class of 2001. We were two of the seven newly elected Victorians, which was, in fact, a bumper crop that year for the great state of Victoria. A total of 21 members made up the class of 2001. Many colleagues have since left this place, but eight still remain. And although 18 years can make you feel old at times, the member for Casey today does not look a day older than he did when we first met during our induction, otherwise known as 'pollie school', in this place.

Much has happened in this place since our arrival here in 2001. Our side of politics, for one, has fought very hard in the last seven elections to win the federal seat of Casey, and of course each time the member for Casey has prevailed—a sure sign that he is a diligent and popular local member and of course has no plan to budge any time soon!

Today, as we commence the 46th Parliament, I'm really pleased to second the nomination of the member for Casey as our Speaker. As a member of the Speaker's Panel in the 45th Parliament, I had the opportunity to work with the member for Casey as he and the Speaker's office provided strong support and guidance to all the members of the Speaker's Panel. It was clear to us all that the member for Casey was determined to ensure that the integrity of the office of Speaker, and indeed the integrity and dignity of the House of Representatives chamber, was upheld at all times, above and beyond the theatre of political tactics and shenanigans that are a common feature of this place. As Speaker, the member for Casey faithfully adhered to the implementation of the House of Representatives Practice and he was both thoughtful and fair in his deliberations and decisions. There were times when he was truly challenged, but he always managed to remain calm and unfazed. As such, he has earned the respect and confidence of this place.

Now of course is as good a time as any to let the member for Casey know that during our frequent briefing sessions in the last parliament he came across at times as a bit stern and strict in his expectations of us. But that is a reflection of his professionalism, as well as his dry sense of humour. He is actually a very good bloke!

I want to finish by saying that, as much as I respect the member for Casey for his professionalism and demeanour, I by no means share his interest in and enthusiasm for V8 Holden Monaros and restoring panel vans, because, as the member for Calwell, I have to remind him and everyone else in here that we were once Ford! However, we are both Carlton supporters and that places us in a smaller, unique class of people who must stick together as we patiently wait for the glory days!

I want to acknowledge that as a member of the class of 2001 and a fellow of the great state of Victoria, the member for Casey has gone on to distinguish himself as an excellent local member and an excellent Speaker in the best of the traditions in this place.

The Clerk: Does the member for Casey accept the nomination?

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