Scott Buchholz (Wright, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Road Safety and Freight Transport) Share this | Hansard source

on indulgence—While the member is still in the House, I think it's appropriate, as a former government whip, to offer a couple of comments to the member for Fowler for his contribution to the House. I don't want to detain members in offering their affirmation to the member for Fowler.

It's worth noting that when the Australian public look upon this building, and look upon our behaviour, they see it mostly through the prism of question time—this room with its Colosseum-like layout, and the gladiatorial style of conduct that happens between two and three o'clock. I dare say each of us as members are often asked—I am!—by members of the public, 'Who are your friends in the parliament?' When you say a few names they may recall and then you roll on to the names of men and women that sit on the other side of the chamber, you can see their eyebrows rise as they think: 'Why would you be friends with them? You program us that they are your enemy.' But, I can assure you, the member for Fowler is no enemy of mine and no enemy of a lot of people in this building.

Member for Fowler, your simple compassion, the way you conduct yourself, the affirmation you bestow upon your staff—they are all very accurate comments. Bernadette, the time you have given to this parliament, the sacrifices you have made, your presence here in the parliament through the partners groups, and your friendly disposition and your ever-smiling face—he's nothing without you, absolutely.

Member for Fowler, I wish you all the best for the next chapter in your life. Please do this House a great endeavour and sell your motorbike, and live a long and prosperous life. I wish you well for the future, my friend. Godspeed.

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