Lisa Chesters (Bendigo, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

It is my privilege to second the nomination of my good friend the member for Oxley for the role of Speaker. I have known the member for Oxley for almost 25 years. Yes, we were members of Young Labor. Back then I was loud, ranting and protesting, as the Left usually does, and the member for Oxley was calm, considered and focused. Some may ask, 'What's changed?' The member for Oxley is still calm, considered and focused on solutions.

The member for Oxley has the skills and the attributes required for the role of Speaker. He is committed to listening to different colleagues for the best possible outcome—no doubt something that he learnt from his late parents: his father, Allan, who served in the Navy in World War II and then owned a small business, and his mum, Joan, a caring nurse and midwife who taught their three children service for others. Members of his family are gathered here today in the gallery: five strong women—sister and cousins; cousins who are more like sisters—and I am told that he is the glue that keeps everyone connected. Everyone in this place who knows the member for Oxley knows this to be true. If you've worked with him on a committee or a delegation you would know that he's inclusive and reaches out across the party spectrum to find common ground, or to just catch up for a cup of coffee.

The member for Oxley has the experience for the role of Speaker. Before his time in this place, he was a Brisbane City Councillor—do not hold that against him—for eight years before becoming the member for Oxley, which he has proudly served for six. He has served on the Speaker's panel and various committees with distinction and with a work ethic that he will bring to the role of Speaker. The member for Oxley embodies what it means to be a member of the House of Representatives. He is a grassroots, hardworking local MP. He is a trade unionist. When he is in his electorate, you will find him at a mobile office, a workplace or at a local community, faith or multicultural event.

The Oxley electorate is a diverse community, with around 50,000 people born overseas. Anyone who follows his socials knows how important multiculturalism is to him and he is not afraid to don the culturally appropriate clothing for any occasion, if asked. During the Queensland floods and the recovery he was there for his community, assisting on the ground with the recovery effort and clean-up. It is hard to find a Facebook post of the member for Oxley where he is not covered from head to toe in mud.

The member for Oxley is an organiser, appointed to the very important role of secretary of the 'Wazza' Thursday night dinner. Colleagues, I can assure you his ability to coordinate, accommodate and manage the many who attended that dinner puts the member for Oxley in good stead for this role. He was not afraid to sit anyone down who spoke for too long at these dinners or eject anyone who was being unparliamentary. He will be a great Speaker in the traditions of this place. The member for Oxley will serve the parliament in a manner that we and the Australian people will all be proud of. I proudly second the motion.

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