Page 346 - Week 02 - Tuesday, 12 February 2013
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Firstly, may I address some comments to you, Madam Speaker. I have been elected by my colleagues as Leader of the Opposition, and Mr Coe is the Deputy Leader of the Opposition, but I wish to recognise that we are parliamentarians first. It is important that we all recognise that, regardless of which position or which party we are in.
I acknowledge your role in providing dignity and respect in this place. It is an important role, and I want you to know that I and my team will be recognising your authority as Speaker, and I will be asking you, Madam Speaker, to treat the opposition with no favour. Your role as Speaker is truly independent. That is why you do not sit on the frontbench, and I would ask that you treat us as you would, regardless of whether we are Liberal, Labor or Green.
It is a great honour to lead a political party. I am very humbled by this day today, and anybody who enters politics would understand what this means. The respect and trust of my colleagues have put me in this place. I recognise that, and I will work hard every day to earn that trust.
I am here because Mr Seselja has decided to step down. I would like to commend Zed for the work that he has done in this place, both as a parliamentarian, as a local member for Molonglo and Brindabella, and particularly as Leader of the Opposition. I think I am about to find out what a difficult job it is. We would all agree on this side—no doubt a number on the other side, I would hope, would acknowledge, whether they agree with Mr Seselja’s position on a number of issues—that he has been highly effective and he will be a loss to this place. I understand why you are doing what you are doing. I wish you every success. But I would like to say that it is a loss, and the Liberal Party will feel it. But as with all these things, people will step up.
With respect to Brendan Smyth, the outgoing deputy leader, people are probably aware that Brendan is a good mate of mine. Brendan has been a champion of the Liberal Party for many years. He was a Liberal who won the seat of Canberra. That is no easy thing to do. Hopefully we will do it this year; that remains to be seen. But we will find out. Brendan Smyth has held just about every position in ACT politics except for Chief Minister—and, knowing Brendan Smyth, he will get there one day. Brendan is going to remain on my frontbench—
Mr Corbell interjecting—
MADAM SPEAKER: Order, members! Mr Hanson, could you sit down for a minute. Mr Corbell, this is a serious moment, and I will ask for respect. You have interjected twice now, and I will not tolerate interjection in a statement like this. It is entirely inappropriate.
MR HANSON: Thank you, Madam Speaker. Brendan, the Liberal Party needs you doing what you do best. We need you here in this chamber. As Zed moves on, and as Mrs Dunne has moved from the frontbench to the Speaker’s position, the Liberal Party simply cannot do what it does without you.
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