Mr HOLDING(6.00 p.m.) —I rise to reiterate the good wishes which, on this occasion, flow from both sides of the House. It is a fairly unusual exercise, given the way in which this parliament is designed for an opposition to attack the government and for ministers to attack members of the opposition. I want to particularly pay a tribute to the officers of the House because we who live in it on a day-by-day basis often undervalue the importance of the Westminster system. It is a system which has stood the test of time. I firmly believe that in many ways it is a system which, because we get into all sorts of habits here, good and bad, often does not get the respect that it should have.

I also want to pay a tribute to you, Mr Speaker. Of all the difficult jobs in this House, there is probably none more difficult than that of the Speaker. You try to keep us in order when we are disorderly. You try to encourage younger members. You try to balance the difficulties that go with this institution and, at the same time, keep in touch with the standing orders and make decisions often on the run. On the whole, in what is a very difficult situation, you have upheld the traditions of this very important and high office.

I also want to mention, as a travelling companion, your role as the Speaker of the parliament in leading the IPU delegation from this parliament. That also has been a difficult and taxing task and I think you have given leadership to the Australian delegation. Despite the fact that we are not the largest or the most significant delegation in that assembly of parliamentarians, I think we are valued for the stance that we take and the roles that we play there. On behalf of my colleagues, I would like to thank you for the job that you have done, for the leadership that you give this House and for your valiant and often frustrated attempts to keep this place in order.