House debates

Thursday, 1 December 2016

Statements by Members

Valedictory

1:39 pm

Photo of Llew O'BrienLlew O'Brien (Wide Bay, National Party) Share this | | Hansard source

On the last sitting day for 2016, I extend to my electors my best wishes for a merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous new year.

I also thank my staff for their work this year. Barbara Morris, my diary manager, has had a rough trot, having undergone bypass surgery. I am pleased that she is now well on the road to recovery and I look forward to her coming back full time. Rae Hurley stepped into Barbara's shoes and has done a fantastic job of running the diary and helping me look to after the Wide Bay constituents. I also thank Ali Hammond for ensuring that constituents' enquiries and needs were addressed. Rebecca Kuhn is leaving my team at the end of the year to take up a position in the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development. My loss is Ministers Chester and Nash's gain. I thank her and know she will make a great contribution to her new department. I also thank Simon Kelly for his helpful advice and dedicated service to Wide Bay, which extends well beyond the wage he is paid.

To the Parliamentary staff—the attendants, cleaners, librarians and researchers, hospitality, security, and COMCAR drivers, I thank you and wish you all a happy Christmas.

Finally, if you are travelling on the roads, please drive safely. As a former police traffic accident investigator, I know the horror, trauma and tragedy that crashes bring.

To friends and colleagues, have a happy Christmas, and best wishes for 2017.