Scott Morrison (Cook, Liberal Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Hansard source

[by video link] The member for Riverina is currently the Deputy Prime Minister of Australia. As you're aware, the National Party held an election today and the new Leader of the Nationals is the member for New England. I congratulate him on his election by his party today and look forward to working closely with him, as I have indeed worked with the current Deputy Prime Minister.

I want to place on record my deep appreciation to the current Deputy Prime Minister. He and I have enjoyed a close and strong bond, leading two great parties together as part of a strong coalition. I know that will be the case with the new Leader of the Nationals, the member for New England. I particularly want to commend the member for Riverina, the Deputy Prime Minister, for his great integrity, his tremendous dignity, for a work ethic that I think shames most in the chamber. To his wife, Catherine, we extend our great thanks for the wonderful relationship we've shared together, and Jenny does as well.

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