Mr Tony Burke (Watson, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations) Share this | Hansard source

I want to join in with the remarks of the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition in congratulating the member for Newcastle and the member for Moore on their election. I see the member for Newcastle whenever I come to parliament and whenever I go to a music festival. The member for Newcastle represents not only what has become a cosmopolitan and wonderful electorate, but also the home of the Screaming Jets. The member for Moore is liked around the chamber and respected. I wish him well in the role.

I also want to take the opportunity to thank the outgoing Deputy Speaker and Second Deputy Speaker. The outgoing Second Deputy Speaker, the member for McEwen, held that role for a long time. He is very well regarded and respected. Similarly, the member for Wide Bay—who I can say I supported in the role because I nominated him in that one as well—served well in the role.

I think when you look at the issues that are going to have to be dealt with, in particular the response to the Set the standard report, the member for Newcastle in particular is going to be able to play an extremely important role on behalf of the parliament.

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