Ted O'Brien (Fairfax, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

One of the things you learn when you grow up as the youngest of nine kids is that the world is far bigger than just you. That degree of humility is reinforced when you're in this place. I have to say that listening to the series of first speeches over recent weeks has been truly inspiring. The previous speaker talked about the bubble. Well, I have to say I've actually enjoyed the bubble this last week because of these maiden speeches. The diversity of real-life experience on this side of the chamber, of the Liberal Party, the National Party and the LNP, is second to none. But there is something that binds people together regardless of their background. What binds them together is a common set of values. Values around freedom above all else, and virtues of balancing rights with responsibilities. I want to take this opportunity at the front end of this parliament to not only compliment my colleagues who are making their first speeches but also to renew my pledge, the pledge that I made when I was fortunate enough to enter this place, a pledge to the people of the Sunshine Coast. That is to be the Sunshine Coast man in Canberra and not Canberra's man on the Sunshine Coast.

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