Peter Dutton (Dickson, Liberal Party, Leader of the Opposition) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

on indulgence—On behalf of my coalition colleagues, thank you to our three colleagues who have just delivered exceptional valedictory speeches. In particular, I want to say to Charlie, in his absence, but also to Teresa and to Robyn, thank you very much for your service to your electorates, to this parliament and to our country.

As was pointed out before by the three members, it is a family effort, and families make an enormous sacrifice in this business, and none more so than those who live in rural communities. The absence, given the long hours on the road and the long hours away from home, and the travel to Canberra from remote parts of Australia mean that there are extra burdens on people that come from regional areas. I do want to pay tribute to the families and the sacrifices that they've made; the hours that they've missed out on kids growing up; separation from grandchildren; and missing major events. It is truly a sacrifice that you've made.

To each of our colleagues—to Nola, to Mark and to Rowan: as each of you pointed out, you have a lot in common, having come in in 2007 and having served your respective parties loyally. Not only have you come from rural communities and shared the journey together but each of you share in common an innate sense of decency and trustworthiness and, ultimately, the total respect of your colleagues. To each of you, I wish you every success in the next phase of life. May you enjoy good health, good fortune and lots of time together. Can you also stop for a moment to pause and truly appreciate the contribution that you've made to your electorates and to your country. Of that you should be incredibly proud. Well done.

Maria Vamvakinou (Calwell, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I'd also like to take the opportunity to congratulate the members for Page, Grey and Forrest for their wonderful friendship in this place, and wish them all the very best of luck.