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

on indulgence—We have just heard a remarkable valedictory from a great Australian who has given us an insight into his character and the generosity of his spirit, with the way that he spoke about his staff assisting people and refused to take credit, apart from saying his name was on the letterhead and on the door. But what we know is that one has to be a great parliamentarian in order to attract great staff and loyal staff.

I opened Brian's electorate office after he was elected in 2016, and throughout the last almost nine years, whether it was going to a community centre in Deloraine, a footy game in Longford, a pie shop on the road between Launceston and Hobart—

An honourable member: Ross.

In Ross. We want to get that on the record. I very much recommend the scallop pies down in Tasmania. Whether it was those things, whether it was a distillery that was even better than the pie shop, or whether it was New Norfolk, Sorell, Perth or Swansea, I went to all those places with the member for Lyons, because it's an electorate that basically starts when you land at Lonnie airport—that's in Lyons—and you go all the way to Hobart and you're still in Lyons. It includes every bit in between—the valleys and the coastline of what is a remarkable seat with a very diverse community, with agriculture as well as a services sector. Manufacturing is there as well. The tourism area, of course, provides some beautiful spots along the way.

Brian worked really hard to win his seat in 2016 and to hold it in 2019 and 2022. We have an insight today, with this speech, into how much he cares about that community that he was able to represent. During the first of those three election campaigns, he took a seat off the then government, which is, of course, hard to do, as is holding onto it, as he did. We know Tasmanian seats have a bit of a history of swapping around a bit. He can take particular pride in the urgent-care clinic at Bridgewater, the Services Australia centre at Sorell, the Sorell Jobs Hub, the new base for the Royal Flying Doctor Service in Launceston and the New Norfolk community sports upgrade—something he's fought for for a long time—but also, more importantly, the integrity that he's brought to the job.

When Brian and I had a discussion about whether he would contest Lyons again, he was certain that he could win, but he was absolutely certain that Rebecca White was someone who he wanted to see in the House of Representatives, and it's a remarkable thing. I can't think of a precedent for someone saying something like, 'I think I'm a good member, but I think that Rebecca White will make a great cabinet minister in the future.' I have no doubt that she will. As Brian said, Rebecca White is a once-in-a-generation politician.

So, on behalf of the Australian Labor Party, I thank you, Brian, for your contribution. On behalf of the Australian people, I thank you for your contribution as well.

You are a generous, principled, hardworking Australian who wants the best for this country, and you entered into parliament as you leave it: someone who came here to make a positive difference. I have no doubt that, in your future endeavours, you will continue to make a positive difference in the community in which you will continue to reside, but also in whatever endeavours you choose to go into in your future life.

I also take the opportunity to thank your family for their sacrifice, and to thank your staff for their loyalty, to you personally but also to the electorate. And I wish you all the very best for your future.

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