Anthony Albanese (Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Prime Minister) Share this | Hansard source

I rise on that to, firstly, say congratulations to the Leader of the Opposition. It's a great honour to lead a major political party, and I congratulate him on becoming Leader of the Liberal Party. In the other place is the deputy leader; as well, I congratulate her.

I do want to say I spoke with the former opposition leader Sussan Ley last week. I offered her the opportunity, of course, to give a valedictory speech to the House in which she served her community for a long time, for 25 years, but I fully respect her decision. It has been a difficult time for her. Nevertheless, I think she has shown grace and dignity as a result. She can take pride in the fact that she represented the Farrer electorate for a quarter of a century. She gave her community, our parliament and our nation her best. She will take her place in history as the first woman to lead the Liberal Party, and nothing will take that away from her. I wish her the best in whatever she does in the next chapter of her life.

Honourable members: Hear, hear!

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