Milton Dick (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I inform the House that the Rt Hon. Gerry Brownlee MP, Speaker of the New Zealand House of Representatives, is within the precincts. With the concurrence of honourable members, I propose to provide him with a seat on the floor of the House.

Honourable members: Hear, hear!

Speaker Brownlee was then seated accordingly.

Members, allow me on your behalf to extend a very warm welcome to my friend and colleague Speaker Brownlee. I have been informed that it has been 21 years since a visiting speaker joined us on the floor. The last was the late Jonathan Hunt, also of the New Zealand parliament. Australia and New Zealand share a uniquely close relationship. On behalf of all members, I wish you a warm welcome to Australia and, in particular, to the House of Representatives.

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

on indulgence—I join with you, Mr Speaker, in welcoming Gerry Brownlee to the Australian parliament, from the New Zealand parliament. Gerry, if I can be so bold as to call him that, is an old mate of mine. We served as transport ministers together and worked together very closely across the ditch, as Australia and New Zealand always do and as I did last week with Prime Minister Luxon at ASEAN and APEC.

We wish you well. We look forward to continuing engagement with our Kiwi brothers and sisters. I thank New Zealand's parliament, as well, for the very warm welcome that I received during the leaders meeting, which we had in Queenstown just a couple of months ago. We wish you well.

Sussan Ley (Farrer, Liberal Party, Leader of the Opposition) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

on indulgence—it's an honour indeed to welcome New Zealand's Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Rt Hon. Gerry Brownlee, to the floor of our parliament today. Being offered a seat on the floor of the House is a rare honour and has not occurred for very many years, but it is a reflection of the respect and love we have for our brothers and sisters across the ditch.

I offer the opposition's deep appreciation for your presence here, Speaker, and for the enduring bond between our two countries. It's more than just shared history and shared values; it's built through families and businesses and through a real commitment to peace and security across our region. Welcome to Canberra.