Madonna Jarrett (Brisbane, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

As this is the last sitting day of the year, I thought I would share a little Christmas poem, '9 Newbies from Queensland'.

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through this house

I reflect on 9 newbies from Queensland with nouse.

We fought tough campaigns with grit and care,

And we persuaded the voters to put us there.

We arrived in Canberra with the new team of Feds

While campaigns and chaos still danced in our heads.

With Albo and all, we felt right at home

And soon realised we were not alone.

We learnt the ropes and to never miss a bell

Less the whip would make—our life a living hell.

Then into the rabble of the Question Time pit

It soon became apparent there was plenty of wit.

As the speaker worked hard to manage the crowd,

Interjections and jibes came thick and loud.

With the opposition in tatters, and fighting themselves

the government got very busy like little Christmas elves.

As the opposition frayed and voters saw red

The government kept delivering on what it said:

and pills

Was all in stark contrast to the net zero sobs.

So Now Renee, Now Ali, Now Kara and Jules;

On Emma; on Corrinne; on Rohan and Matt.

It is the end of the year; to our home turf we go.

We have done something good, and have lots to show.

But thanks to you all for a great first run.

And we hope '26 will be just as much fun.