House debates

Tuesday, 23 March 2021

Statements by Members

Prime Minister

1:56 pm

Photo of Vince ConnellyVince Connelly (Stirling, Liberal Party) Share this | | Hansard source

Like most people, I've had both good and bad leaders, firstly in the Australian Army and then in spending a decade and a half in business. Every leader knows that leadership brings a burden of service, of sacrifice and of intense loneliness. I can tell you, having now spent two years working with my current boss, that this is the best leader I have had. This is a man who is leading our COVID response, to the envy of the entire world. He shut our borders early and kept Australians safe and at the same time kept our national economy afloat and kept Australians in jobs.

Now, in light of disturbing allegations that have arisen around sexual harassment associated with all parties and the media, this PM is again stepping up. He has announced that there will be a Commonwealth parliamentary workplace review led by the Sex Discrimination Commissioner. He's also taken immediate action to expand advice, education and support services to everyone in parliament, and I know that my staff appreciate those efforts. The PM made impassioned comments at this morning's press conference, and I will be sharing that link. Our Prime Minister continues to lead by example. He is listening and acting, and I stand as a fiercely proud member of his team.

Mr Dreyfus interjecting

Photo of Tony SmithTony Smith (Speaker) Share this | | Hansard source

The member for Isaacs will cease interjecting.