Anthony Albanese (Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Hansard source

I thank the member for Aston for showing respect to this parliament, to this House, by announcing his resignation on the floor of the House of Representatives. That's appropriate, and it's consistent with his decision to inform me. We had a meeting this morning, where he informed me of his decision to leave the parliament.

Serving in this House is an incredible honour for all of us, and this is a difficult day and a difficult decision for the member for Aston to come to. We had a good discussion this morning, not least of which was about the conscripts—our children, in particular—and about how difficult it is for our children, who are sometimes exposed to what should never occur, particularly at a time when people can make anonymous comments through social media and through other forms.

The member for Aston has been very lucky. He has had one term in opposition and three terms as a minister. I'm in my third term as a minister, and I've been here since last century. So I say to the member for Aston: we had political differences—I'm not going to include some elements of his service; there's no point in gilding the lily there, and he wouldn't want me to either—but I thank him for his service in this House. I thank him for the sacrifices that are made to serve in this House. On behalf of the government, I say that I respect the decision that he has made and I respect the manner in which it has been made.

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