Christopher Pyne (Sturt, Liberal Party, Leader of the House) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

On indulgence, Mr Speaker—and the Manager of Opposition Business might wish to comment as well.

Tony Smith (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

No doubt this is on the matter that you raised with me earlier.

Christopher Pyne (Sturt, Liberal Party, Leader of the House) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Indeed, Mr Speaker.

Tony Smith (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Yes, that is right. The Leader of the House may proceed.

Christopher Pyne (Sturt, Liberal Party, Leader of the House) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I wanted to say this on Monday—but I neglected to do so through an oversight—when the Manager of Opposition Business moved a leave of absence for the member for Fowler, who has had a serious accident. On behalf of the government: in spite of him being in the wrong tribe in this place, Chris Hayes is a very decent fellow, and we wish him very much the best in his recovery from his motorcycle accident. We hope he comes back healthier but perhaps less effective as the chief whip for the Labor Party in the future! But he is a very decent fellow, and our heart goes out to him and to his family. We hope that he has a full and complete recovery.

Tony Smith (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

A lot of us have affection for the member concerned. I of course work closely with him. I hope he is recuperating and not listening to the broadcast!

Mr Tony Burke (Watson, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Finance) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr Speaker, I presume that, if he is following your advice, that will help him with his recovery! We wish Chris very well. He has been the most successful Chief Opposition Whip in the House of Representatives for a generation. We have certainly been in touch with his family. It is a difficult time for them, but, importantly, every day Chris is on the mend. We look forward to him returning as soon as possible.

Tony Smith (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I thank both the Leader of the House and the Manager of Opposition Business.