Ted O'Brien (Fairfax, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

The year 2020 is coming to an end. Thank God for that! Hallelujah! As years go, this one has been an absolute shocker. A global pandemic hit. Lives were lost and livelihoods were shattered. It took a toll on businesses, families, schools and organisations. For those of us who have the privilege to serve, we see the best of it and we see the worst. It reminds us constantly to focus on what's most important. Three things come to mind. They are not awfully insightful things; they are basically truths that become self-evident as time goes on. First and foremost, we're fortunate to live in Australia. Secondly, we're fortunate to be Australians and to live among people who know how to pull together when adversity strikes. Thirdly, our way of life and our values are our greatest strengths and have to continue to be protected.

To you, Mr Speaker, to my colleagues, to those opposite and to the wonderful people of the Sunshine Coast, I wish you a merry Christmas and a very happy New Year.

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