Bridget Archer (Bass, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

And J Rod. Elections being what they are, we were there to announce a funding commitment for the upgrade of facilities, but the evening turned into so much more than that. Some national commentators called it the turning point of the campaign as it entered the final few days to 18 May. There was a wonderful energy at the club that night, and the Prime Minister and Mrs Morrison were generous with both their time and enthusiasm—indeed, right up until election day, with a surprise visit to Bass on the morning of the polls, which, as it happened, was also my birthday. I take this opportunity to thank the Morrisons for all of their support. It was an attitude displayed by all of the ministers who visited Bass throughout the campaign—genuine, authentic and engaged with the local issues. I thank all of my colleagues in this place for their support and encouragement and for the very warm welcome you have shown me as well.

I would like to acknowledge publicly the work of my predecessor, Ross Hart. Ross is a decent man, a caring and hardworking person with a strong history of community service. Despite the unenviable position of serving his electorate in opposition, I know he worked very hard in his time in office and advocated strongly for his constituents, and I wish Ross every success and happiness in his future endeavours.

Marginal seats speak for the nation and ensure elected members aren't complacent or take their communities for granted. I understand the importance of always listening, finding out exactly what concerns the people of Bass and taking those issues up with ministers and into our party room.

Finally today, I wish to pay tribute to all of those who have helped me on my journey to this place. There are so many people who contributed to the campaign, and it is not possible to thank them all by name here today. But to the Liberal Party state president, Geoff Page, and the members for putting their faith in me, for the fundraisers and the signs and the manning of polling booths, letterboxing and waving signs on the side of the road, I am so grateful for all of your support. For my campaign team, solidly led by state director Sam McQuestin, I am forever in your debt for the support and care you showed me throughout the campaign and for believing in me. A special mention to Ben Jacobson, who is here today, who stood on pre-poll every single day with such good-natured spirit. To Nick Pedley and Nick Carswell, who were always there to help, and Alastair Pullen for his willingness to letterbox in all weather. To Charles Headlam, Jorden Gunton and Simon Wood, who worked tirelessly every day and can always make me laugh, and Bec and Pete De Jong for the help and for the comfy shoes. A special mention to my little friend, Clancy Lilywhite; you are a shining star. My deepest thanks must also go to Tim Robertson, who has understood me from the start and who always has my back.

I would like to make special mention of Liberal stalwart Dorothy Dehays, who has given me the great compliment of travelling to Canberra for my first speech. Dorothy has been a constant source of advice and encouragement, with her many years of campaign experience from the days of Warwick Smith and all of the campaigns since. She is a tireless worker, and I have valued her input enormously.

Thank you to the entire Tasmanian Senate team for their unwavering support and encouragement, and a particular thank you to my fellow northern Tasmanian, Senator Askew. Of course to my friend and colleague, the newest member for Braddon, I look forward to continuing to work closely with you all for the benefit of Tasmania. Likewise, to the Tasmanian state Liberal team: thank you all for your support, encouragement and well wishes. My special thanks to ministers Peter Gutwin, Michael Ferguson, Guy Barnett and to Premier Will Hodgman for your extra campaign efforts and your friendship.

In conclusion, I would like to thank my family—my mother, Marion, sister, Jessica, and brother, Gerald—my extended family and friends, and especially my dear, lifelong friends Sarah Lillywhite and Evelyn Archer. Most importantly of all, I thank my incredible husband, Winston, who always loves and supports me no matter what. To my darling children, Luke, Lauren, Edith, Molly and James: you are my whole world. I love you very much. Thank you.

Debate adjourned.

Ordered that the resumption of the debate be made an hour of the day for a later hour.

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