Mr Tony Burke (Watson, Australian Labor Party, Manager of Opposition Business (House)) Share this | Hansard source

On indulgence, I join with the Leader of the House in expressing thanks for the message. Thirty years—it's extraordinary when we think about it. I myself have been here for just under half that time; you yourself, Mr Speaker, for just more than half of that time; and the Leader of the House for almost every day of that time.

In that time, I think it's fair to say the House has served us very well. There have been some changes in that time. Thirty years ago we never began parliament, as you just did, with an acknowledgement of country. I think it's fair to say that all of us are disappointed that events over the years have forced security arrangements, which means that the original design—where people could just freely walk all over the building—isn't available in the same way these days. We understand why, but the principle of having a parliament that the people could walk on top of is still there. It's a wonderful part of the design of this building, and the principle, going all the way back to traditional beliefs in this land, that the law of Australia would rest within the land is something that is in this very special piece of architecture here.

I was there at the final sitting of the Senate as well, as a uni student, watching Rosemary Crowley and Robert Hill, I think it was, dance on the table as streamers flew and the Usher of the Black Rod looked very unhappy. As I look back on it now, being there was an odd thing to do as a teenager. But, certainly, Mr Speaker, I think your stewardship has been a very important part of this House as it has continued to develop. The traditions we have will continue to develop, and all the work that has been done on this building means that it will, hopefully, continue to serve the people in the way it was originally intended to.

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