Chris Hayes (Werriwa, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I too would like to pay my respects to Ian Harris, who has made an outstanding commitment not only to this parliament but to the nation over 37 years, which is an extraordinary contribution by anyone’s standards. I am in one of those exclusive clubs: I came here in a by-election. It was only in about May 2005 that I was admitted into the parliament. I came in here and, not having a class to build around me and to be tutored in what you do as a member of parliament, Ian took me under his wing and tried to explain the niceties of parliamentary life to me. I can remember after one session we had, during which we enjoyed a very nice afternoon tea, he said to me, ‘Chris, do you have any questions?’ I said, ‘I just really don’t know enough to ask the questions yet.’ I have got to say that Ian has been outstandingly patient. My relationship with him was of someone needing advice and Ian and his staff were always there to help. The fact that he had 37 years experience in this parliament and held down the position of Clerk of the House of Representatives did not deter him from sitting down—and it might be on the most paltry of issues—and trying to advise me. Ian, on a very personal note, I would like to thank you not only for your contributions to this parliament but also for your advice to me, my staff and anyone else in this building, quite frankly, who has needed assistance. Ian, I know you have always been there for them.

I would also like to congratulate Bernard Wright on his promotion. Bernard also is an outstanding member of this parliament, a person again who epitomises the principles of professionalism and dedication. These are things we come to expect but are things we should never, ever take for granted.

I will also spend a little time speaking as government whip—and I am now joined by my fellow whip, Jill Hall. Most members probably do not appreciate the level of liaison that does take place between the whips on all sides of this parliament. Roger runs a pretty tight ship, despite what we might say at certain times, and we get the job done. Through his leadership and certainly through the absolutely sensational staff that Roger has in his office—namely, Anna, Joe, Matthew and David—the level of coordination out of that office is exemplary. Roger, apart from being the Chief Government Whip, has been a good friend to everyone on this side of the House and no doubt, having listened to the comments of Alex Somlyay, who similarly expressed the view, is held in high personal regard by the opposition as well. In Roger’s case, without making him sound older than he is—because I do appreciate it is his birthday today and I do not would to embarrass him by saying which birthday—

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