John Alexander (Bennelong, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

As a new member of this House, it can be somewhat confronting when you first encounter the tirades of disaffection thrown from one side of this chamber to the other. Each of us entered this parliament as a competitor in a tough battle who came out victorious against political opponents. In my former career, you could be drawn to compete against your best friend or most enduring enemy. You would fight and leave nothing on the court. At the end, you would shake hands and have a beer, maybe two if you had lost.

It is with this background that I entered parliament several months ago. I have a great respect for the need for robust debate in order to construct the strongest agenda for our country and our constituents. We are all colleagues of this marvellous institution. We may have widely differing views on the specifics of policy; however, we are united in our broader values to divine a better future for our country. It is with our tradition of mateship in mind that I say to every member of this parliament, regardless of your party or independence, that I wish you, your families, and all your constituents a wonderful Christmas break and a safe and festive holiday season. I look forward to working together with all of you and arguing, perhaps, with some of you in 2011.