Lucy Wicks (Robertson, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

It is an absolute honour to be able to second the nomination of the member for Casey as Speaker of this House. We know that it is a responsibility of each of us here to contribute to making this parliament a better place. In fact, I think the people of Australia believe and know that, and they expect no less. Since he was first elected as Speaker around 12 months ago, the member for Casey has acted in a most exemplary manner. He served our parliament and our nation with dignity, and he has earned the esteem of members from right across the chamber. He has used his considerable political experience to uphold the traditions of this place, and he has presided over the business of the House in a way that has elevated the tone of the chamber, as well as the respect in which this place is held. He has served in many capacities: as an outstanding community representative for the people of Casey, as the chair of various standing committees in the parliament, as a parliamentary secretary and a shadow minister and as a mentor, leader and friend to many.

He is somebody who has a great love of history and a deep appreciation and understanding of the importance of civics education in our society, especially for our next generations, and I know that this place, and indeed our nation, will be better served with the member for Casey as Speaker. In fact, it was his chairmanship of the Joint Standing Committee on Electoral Matters, and particularly the inquiry into electoral education, that I am sure, in part, led to the member for Casey travelling to different electorates, including more recently Robertson and Grayndler, to share the importance of our parliamentary and democratic history with school students. I recall his words while he addressed a debate about democracy at the Kariong Mountains High School. The Speaker said, 'When you understand our democratic history, you then understand our democratic destiny.' From there, he went on to say, 'You also have a better understanding of your own ability to have a say and to participate in our democratic and political processes.'

And so I thank the member for Casey for both his service and his leadership. I know that he will continue to preside over the business of this House without fear or favour, while also continuing to promote and uphold the importance of our democratic traditions and our processes for the governance and for the future of this great nation. I commend the member for Casey's nomination to the House.

The Clerk: Does the member for Casey accept the nomination?

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