Keith Wolahan (Menzies, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

The gallery is complaining! They ask, 'How often do you speak to the Prime Minister?' I said I have spoken to him three times in the most unusual circumstances, in the parliament; I've asked him three questions, although yesterday I did bump into him in the corridor and got a nod. Maybe I will speak to him in person one day.

Some ask what I did before politics. They ask questions like, 'What was war like?' I tell them truthfully there were some awful days, but there were many more that I remember fondly, especially the people I got to serve with and the chance to lead young, brave Australians. That was one of the greatest honours of my life. They ask about my time at McDonald's. They say: 'Did you get to make what you like? Is soft serve really made of ice cream?' I won't give away those secrets, but I think it's an important question.

They ask if I have kids and whether I miss them. Yes, I do, and I do miss them. But they know that my coming here is a great honour for our family and for our country. They say, 'What do you enjoy most about being a member of parliament?' It's the chance to serve and to make a difference. It's also the citizenship ceremonies where you see people come to this country, so excited about the opportunities that are before them. Finally I say that I love being here. I love being here and speaking to you and answering your questions. Thank you.

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