Bert Van Manen (Forde, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

I'm honoured and delighted today to second the nomination for the speakership for the member for Fisher, to continue to serve in this House in the role of Speaker. Following the retirement from the Speaker's chair by the member for Casey in November last year, the member for Fisher served as the Speaker for the remainder of the 46th Parliament with dignity and respect.

The working relationship between the parliamentary office holders and the Speaker is quite unique in this place. As Chief Government Whip throughout the 46th Parliament, I had the privilege of working closely with the member for Fisher during his time as Speaker. In order to ensure the smooth running of any given sitting day, communication and working with the Speaker's office are paramount, and we always enjoyed a very close working relationship. I know the work that the member for Fisher put into the role was second to none, and I can attest to his incredible knowledge and passion for our nation's parliamentary processes. This was demonstrated time and again during his decision-making process while in the chair, and I've always found his decisions to be clear, concise and rational.

When he took on the role of Speaker, the member for Fisher was conscious of the need for the chair to be an independent and fair voice within the chamber. I believe that he went above and beyond the expectations placed on him and that the member for Fisher should be very proud of the job that he did in the 46th Parliament. The member executed his responsibilities fairly and constructively, acting with tremendous reverence for the traditions and processes of our parliamentary system. Through thinking through the problems rationally and calmly as they arose, the member for Fisher was fastidious in his approach to the role, utilising his extensive knowledge gained through two years of service on the Speaker's panel prior to his election as Speaker. His time on the panel allowed the member for Fisher to develop a comprehensive knowledge of the standing orders, which he demonstrated time and again as Speaker. A person of the highest calibre, the member for Fisher conducted himself in a manner befitting the office through a continued period of disruption brought on by the pandemic. And taking up this mantle from the member for Casey was no easy task, as we all readily acknowledge.

The ability of our parliament to operate irrespective of the conditions faced by the nation was continually challenged, with our presiding officers responsible for implementing the measures which would allow this to happen in an appropriate manner. The member for Fisher was up to the challenge and performed admirably, serving the parliament with distinction. With the presiding officers once again being called upon to manage the operation of parliament through a period of strain and uncertainty, I can think of no better person to entrust in this pivotal role for our democracy than the member for Fisher.

For many people who know the member for Fisher, these attributes will come as no surprise. Prior to taking on the role of Speaker, the member gained the necessary experience and qualifications by successfully undertaking roles in various committees right across this parliament. As a fellow Queenslander, I can firsthand attest to the manner in which the member for Fisher takes care of his electorate and advocates for his local communities in this place. The people of Fisher have a tremendous advocate in their local member, and I hope this place can continue to benefit from his judgement as chair.

The 47th Parliament will come together during a pivotal time for our country. The challenges are many, both foreign and domestic. It is imperative that the Speaker who oversees the business of the House during this time takes on the role with impartiality, embodying the rich tradition of the office and this place. I know the member will continue to serve the parliament and people of Australia well and judiciously and conscientiously, as he did throughout the 46th term. He's a man of great conviction, and I am proud to call him a friend and colleague. As the member for Moncrieff so eloquently put it in endorsing the member for Fisher's initial nomination during the last parliament, he is simply a great bloke. It's with immense pleasure that I second this nomination of the member for Fisher to the office of chair.

The Clerk: Does the honourable member for Fisher accept the nomination?

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