Michael McCormack (Riverina, National Party) Share this | Hansard source

I'm more than happy to come to the member for Lingiari's seat any day of any week. She knows full well that, but for me, her seat would not exist. She is nodding—yes, she knows that—because I supported the Northern Territory having two seats. Capital city people don't get that. I acknowledge the work that she has done, particularly with Aboriginal women and particularly in remote communities. I also want to acknowledge the member for Hunter's contribution to regional Australia, to sport and to the Olympics—thank you—and I want to acknowledge the former mayor of Bega Valley Shire Council and now member for Eden-Monaro for her contribution to local government and now federal politics. Why are we being so nasty? Let's get to the nub of the matter.

The nub of the matter is regional people. I think we can all agree that regional people punch way above their weight when it comes to doing the right thing by this nation.

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