Keith Pitt (Hinkler, National Party, Minister for Resources and Water) Share this | Hansard source

on indulgence—Ken is my neighbour. We know him as Kenny, and in the parliament, they know him as the bulldog. Ken is someone where the party would always ring and say, 'We're worried about Flynn; we're worried about Ken.' I'd say: 'I don't know what you're worried about. This is a guy who sponsors a race at every country race club.'

As the Deputy Prime Minister outlined, he's delivered fuel, he's worked in Bougainville, he's had pubs, and he's got this interest in horseracing. I did say to Ken one day: 'You don't mind a punt. How much have you been involved?' He said, 'I've had a couple of horses.' I said, 'What's a couple?' He said, 'I had over 25 in work at one stage.' In fact the tax office used to ring him every fortnight and ask him to declare himself as a professional, to which I'm told he declined. I'm sure it's a great relief for Shirley to know that is still something that he looks at every single day.

But as my neighbour, my friend and my colleague, I thank Kenny for his contribution to our local communities. He's a good man. It's that simple. So thank you to the member for Flynn for his service. He has been a great friend. I hope he enjoys his retirement with Shirley. We certainly look forward to his continued contribution in a different role. Ken, once again, we'll see you in Bundy, in Gladstone, in the regions, because that's your home.

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