Milton Dick (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Colin Christian is retiring from the Department of the House of Representatives and is in the gallery today after 43 years of service supporting this parliament. He commenced in 1980 in the Joint House Department down the hill at the provisional Parliament House. As head chef at the old building, Colin provided input into the design of the kitchens for the new building and moved to this building when it opened in 1988, 35 years ago. He had a role in managing formal functions, including for visiting dignitaries. In 2001 Colin was awarded a Centenary of Federation medal for many years of dedicated service to the Commonwealth Parliament in the field of catering. After changes in parliamentary administration, Colin moved to the office supporting parliamentary relations on behalf of both the House and the Senate, where he focused on function coordination and providing admin support for international delegations. Indeed, even today Colin was providing his usual expert support for a visiting international delegation at lunch time.

On behalf of the House and all members, Colin, I want to thank you for your service to the parliament over such a long period, and I offer you our best wishes for a well-deserved retirement.

Honourable members: Hear, hear!