Tanya Plibersek (Sydney, Australian Labor Party, Deputy Leader of the Opposition) Share this | Hansard source

Thank you, Mr Speaker, and congratulations to you on your reappointment in the role that all of us respect and admire so much. You have been a wonderful speaker, perhaps benefiting by comparison with your predecessor. We have appreciated, very much, your ability to guide the parliament to a respectful tone of debate. Winston Churchill said that democracy was the worst form of government except for all the others, and I think it really does take someone who loves our democracy, who loves our Westminster system and our Westminster traditions, to do your job well. I see that love in you—a respect for our traditions, a respect for the rules that we all abide by, and I wish you all the very best in this term as well.

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