Download Fragment  Watch ParlView Video

Thursday, 31 March 2022
Page: 1376

Mr BUCHHOLZ (Wright—Assistant Minister for Road Safety and Freight Transport) (10:25): on indulgence—As the members rightly pay their affirmations to the member for Swan, it is said in this place: if you want to truly understand someone, you need not trawl through the many books of Hansard to understand them; you need only read two documents—their maiden speech and their valedictory speech. In this House this week, we have heard some amazing speeches.

Member for Flynn, Ken O'Dowd: as you say farewell to this parliament, to you and Shirley I give Christine's and my deepest regard. We will see you at the track on regular occasions. To my good, good friend George Christensen, the member for Dawson—the love that he has for April and the life and happiness that young Margaret has brought into his world: Georgie, when we are in Mackay we will come and see you; we will come and stay with you. Our paths are not disconnected because you leave this place. To my dearest and closest friend in the parliament, the member for Swan: before coming to this place, he was a professional athlete. He played professional AFL football. The competitive edge that he had on the paddock he has brought into this place, and it has served him well. In addition to that, the salt-of-the-earth granular authenticity of his character comes from his trade as an electrician. He has always been a grounded soul, and the choice that he has made for his life partner, in the way of Cheryle, and the commitment that he has to Jarrad—we will never be strangers in Western Australia and your home will always be part of our agenda, if not purely for your risotto!

Thank you to those members that have made a contribution. I'm fortunate to have been here, for the three members I've spoken to, to watch their maiden speech and their valedictory. To the member for Swan: you are my brother; I love you.