Scott Buchholz (Wright, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Road Safety and Freight Transport) Share this | Hansard source

on indulgence—I speak on behalf of the government and in response to the resignation of the former member for Eden-Monaro. When most people tune in to watch the machinations of the parliament they see the gladiatorial combat of the arena. Beyond that visual aspect are some deep-seated friendships that are born, and often those friendships sit beyond opposite sides of the chamber. I think the member for Eden-Monaro first joined the parliament roughly around the same time that I did, some decade ago. He lost his seat, but was still a frequent figure around the parliament as he took on a position as a staffer. So the presence of the member for Eden-Monaro in Mike Kelly was often here—he was never too far away from this place. The reason that friendships blossom is because of a genuine affection for people with common interests. Mike was a genuine bloke and one who was easy to grow a friendship with.

The government offers its absolute regret at Mike's resignation. I think he was the first member for Eden-Monaro, which traditionally was a bellwether seat—whoever held Eden-Monaro would hold government—to buck that trend as the member for Eden-Monaro, and all credit to him. As for the friendships that exist with the other side of this chamber, thus was the relationship that he had with his electorate. The government wishes him every success with his endeavours into the future, and I look forward to his company after the chamber.

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