Julia Gillard (Lalor, Australian Labor Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

On indulgence, I note in the parliament that Ricky Ponting has announced his retirement in Perth. I have not had the opportunity to watch any of the coverage about that, but the Perth test will be his last test.

An opposition member: Good example; why don't you follow it!

Opposition Members:

Opposition members interjecting—

Julia Gillard (Lalor, Australian Labor Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I am sure that, even in a parliament ruled with the sort of lack of civility of the opposition, we could spend one moment celebrating what has been a great cricketing career.

Opposition members interjecting—

Ms Anna Burke (Chisholm, Deputy-Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Order! I think the nation would be rather disappointed that, when we are talking about one of our cricket greats, you cannot even allow it to be heard. That is just ridiculous. The Prime Minister has the call and should be heard in silence.

Julia Gillard (Lalor, Australian Labor Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Thank you very much, Speaker. They get judged by that kind of conduct.

Ricky Ponting has announced that he will retire, that Perth will be his last test. This will be his 168th test. That will mean that he is equalling the record of Steve Waugh, which is a very important record. It means he is going to go into the next phase of his life with a lot of gratitude and a lot of thanks from the Australian community, full as it is of cricket tragics. It means that people are going to miss watching his performances, but we do wish him well for whatever the future brings.

Tony Abbott (Warringah, Liberal Party, Leader of the Opposition) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

On indulgence, Madam Speaker, I rise to join the Prime Minister in congratulating Ricky Ponting on a superb innings as an Australian cricketer, as an Australian cricket captain, as someone who has given tremendous pleasure to cricket lovers around the world and tremendous pride to Australians who have followed the team's success under his leadership. He is undoubtedly one of the all-time greats of one of the very great games. I might invite, if I may, Madam Speaker, Ricky's local member, Mr Morrison, to say a few words.

Geoff Lyons (Bass, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I thought he came from Bass!

Scott Morrison (Cook, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Immigration and Citizenship) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I acknowledge that Ricky Ponting may have come from Tasmania, and he is a proud Tasmanian, but he is also now a proud resident of the shire. I am sure my community would like me to pass on our congratulations and commendations to Ricky Ponting as a great cricketer, a great leader and a great inspiration to young men and women all around the country, including in my electorate of Cook. He is someone that all young Australians can look up to and all sports men and women across the country can look up to. His contribution will continue past his time in cricket and in sport. On behalf of the shire community, I say thank you, Ricky.

Geoff Lyons (Bass, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I too would like to pay tribute to the fabulous Ricky Ponting from Bass. He not only played cricket in Tasmania and learnt his skills there but he also played football. He was a great Australian Rules player before he concentrated on cricket, having been best and fairest in North Launceston's junior footy for a number of years. He has been a great contributor not only to Australian cricket but to his local community. The Mowbray Cricket Club in Launceston have really benefited from his continued support of that great club. He has also been a great supporter of the North Launceston Football Club. I thank Ricky Ponting. In the days when North Launceston Footy Club were really struggling, he continued to contribute cricket gear to allow that club to keep going. I really honour him and thank him for his support over many, many years.