Tony Abbott (Warringah, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

On indulgence, as a former Leader of the House I obviously echo and endorse the remarks made by others. Yes, Ian Harris is an extraordinarily professional person but the roots of that professionalism, if I may say so, lie in a great love of this parliament—an extraordinary love for this parliament. I suggest that perhaps there is no-one in this House who loves the institution of this parliament greater than our Clerk. I think we should acknowledge and nurture the love of the parliament which Ian Harris has displayed throughout his long career.

I also say that I think it is a worthy tradition that this position has invariably been filled by internal promotion. Love of this parliament is necessary for the clerkship to be well discharged. Love of this parliament is helped by familiarity with it—notwithstanding from time to time the delinquencies of its members. Nevertheless, I think it is a very worthy tradition that the clerkship of the House is filled by internal promotion and I would not like this to change.

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