David Gillespie (Lyne, National Party) Share this | Hansard source

I rise to wholeheartedly second the nomination of the member for Page, whom I first met when we were both callow youths, back in the 2010 election, which unfortunately didn't return us to this parliament. We met up again on the 2013 campaign and we've become very good friends and solid mates since then. Not only has he turned the hypermarginal seat of Page into a well-represented National Party seat, he has been growing in respect and stature throughout the North Coast region time after time. As the member for Nicholls mentioned, people who have run against him have realised that when you are taking on the member for Page you are taking on his family as well, because they are a real campaign team. Not only has he been a good parliamentarian, he has delivered for his electorate. Whilst he was involved in the 45th and 44th parliaments he quite ably served on many committees, including chairing the Standing Committee on Tax and Revenue, was on the Speaker's panel over two parliaments and then assumed the role of Deputy Speaker midway through the last. Everyone who has been in the Federation Chamber or here on the floor of parliament knows that he has been fair and knows his procedures well. Whether you are Labor, Liberal, National Party, Greens or an Independent on the crossbenches, you will get a fair hearing from the member for Page when he's in that role. I have no hesitation in recommending him for the position of Deputy Speaker for the 46th Parliament.

See this speech in context