Joe Hockey (North Sydney, Liberal Party, Manager of Opposition Business in the House) | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr Speaker, on indulgence, can I take this opportunity to thank the staff of the chamber and also the Comcar drivers and a range of others for being here beyond the scheduled hours of the chamber. I know that parliamentary sittings can be unpredictable in their length from time to time. Parliamentary staff have worked very hard as a result of the opposition’s genuine attempt to work closely with the Leader of the House in trying to get legislation through this House in a timely fashion. I know the Hansard staff have worked very hard, until way past midnight the other night, and the attendants also do a great job. They do a great job all the time.

Philip Ruddock (Berowra, Liberal Party) | Link to this | Hansard source

Well, they are public servants, aren’t they?

Harry Jenkins (Speaker) | Link to this | Hansard source

Order! The member for Berowra will not widen this, please.

Joe Hockey (North Sydney, Liberal Party, Manager of Opposition Business in the House) | Link to this | Hansard source

They are great public servants. I also thank the parliamentary broadcasters, who are often forgotten, and security staff, who are also often forgotten, and a range of others. We are very grateful for their contributions. We must also, of course, thank the clerks—we cannot miss the indefatigable clerks—and you too, Mr Speaker.

Harry Jenkins (Speaker) | Link to this | Hansard source

I thank the member for North Sydney. In concurring with the comments made by the member for North Sydney, I would say that the House does appreciate, in a week like this where there have been extended hours, that there has been great cooperation by people who work around this place, and that should be acknowledged. I might take this opportunity to ask members to please be careful with the tapping of microphones. This is a health and safety issue because it does present problems for those who have headphones on in the sound-recording booth. I am indicating this because during the calling of the result of a division I whacked my microphone with a piece of paper, which caused some discomfort, and I acknowledge that.