Tony Smith (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I want to inform members of the recent death of Mr Bernard Harris. Bernie retired in 2002, having been the Chief Hansard Reporter. He worked in the parliament for 38 years, all of those with Hansard. He dedicated his career and his work to this parliament, and he took an active interest in parliamentary matters after his retirement. I extend, on behalf of the House, our sympathy to his family and friends, and I just wanted to pass on the news to members.

Christopher Pyne (Sturt, Liberal Party, Leader of the House) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Before I present the papers I might just associate myself with your remarks in relation to Bernie Harris. He was well-known to those of us who served in the parliament before 2002. On behalf of the government, I extend my condolences to his family and his friends. Public servants like Bernie Harris, who devote their lives to ensuring that our parliament and our democracy operates successfully and efficiently, should be lauded and praised. We are all very grateful to the staff and the support of all the members of parliament in this place and the cabinet. Bernie Harris was an exemplar of public servants in this building. It is sad that he has passed to a better place, but he can leave knowing that he left the country better off than when he found it.