Peter Dutton (Dickson, Liberal Party, Leader of the Opposition) Share this | Hansard source

I join with the Prime Minister in his words of congratulations to the member for Newcastle, who comes to this parliament with a breadth of experience in a number of industries. She has been a really passionate local—a fifth-generation local—and believes very much in her people. In the trials and tribulations that they've been through, which the Prime Minister made reference to, she has been there providing support and leadership to them. Those qualities will serve her well in this role, and on behalf of the opposition I wish her all the very best.

Of course it would've been a much better outcome had my good friend the member for Moore been elected and prevailed in this ballot, but that was not to be the case. It's hard to imagine a more decent or honourable person than the member for Moore. He is a first-generation migrant to our country—he came here as a nine-year-old in 1984. He has an incredible story, he has a small business background, he has a great deal of passion for his electorate and he is widely respected in Western Australia. I'm very proud to call him a friend. He will make a fine contribution, as we've already seen when he has occupied this chair. He has a very soft and quiet demeanour but is an incredibly decent person, as I say, and brings not just a calmness but a command to the time that he occupies the chair. We wish both the Deputy Speaker and the Second Deputy Speaker all the very best in their respective roles.

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