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

I'd like to speak for a moment about a true treasure of the press gallery, Tony Wright, who's with us in the gallery up there. It is appropriate that we acknowledge his presence on a day on which the House of Representatives has acknowledged the importance of journalism by adopting the News Bargaining Incentive. After 50 years in journalism, Tony is calling it a day. Respected, admired and loved, he's been a fixture for readers of the Age, the Sydney Morning Herald and even for a while the Bulletin.

Through his observations of Australian political life and the great sweep of life beyond politics, he has taught us so much. He's made us laugh. He's made us reflect. He's found joy without ever shying away from sorrow. He's been pointed but never barbed. Crucially, he's never lost sight of humanity, not even in this place, which sometimes does. And he's reminded us of the importance of taking the time to stop and smell the flowers—or at least admire them as you fly past on a motorbike. Tony has always been a harvester of moments, finding the small things that so many of us may miss and deftly weaving them into a much bigger picture. Many writers can deliver a pearl, but few have Tony's love for the humble grain at its heart.

Tony, I know that this isn't a full stop and that, when the mood takes you, you'll still be sharing your words with your readers. Until you do, though, we will follow your advice to 'hold our memories close and polish them every now and then'. On behalf of all of us here and on behalf of your many readers, who admire you, respect you and read every word when they see your by-line: thank you—thank you for what you have done. You have done it with good cheer. You have done it your own way, to quote a great Italian American. Bravo on your career. We wish you all the very best for your future, mate.

Angus Taylor (Hume, Liberal Party, Leader of the Opposition) | Link to this | Hansard source

I join with the Prime Minister in acknowledging and commending Tony Wright. More than 50 years in journalism is a thoroughly fine innings. It's a tough innings too, especially so many years in the Canberra press gallery. Tony has been professionally scribing since 1970. As he himself acknowledged, he started on a beaten-up typewriter in the age of ink. Some of you may have seen a quite iconic black-and-white photograph of Tony from the 1970s. Everyone in seeing that photo would be drawn in not only by the young man's inquisitive, journalistic gaze as he peers into and beyond the camera but also by his striking, flowing flock of hair befitting both the times and his profession.

Tony, from that young man in his early career to the seasoned journalist we salute in the gallery today, you've seen so much, done so much and written so much. You've gone from a school holiday freelancer for your small country paper to working for the Albury-Wodonga Border Mail and as associate editor and special writer for the Age and the Sydney Morning Herald, covering stories from the fall of the Berlin Wall and the Soviet Union—iconic events in my lifetime and the lifetimes of so many here—to the fallout of Pol Pot's regime in Cambodia, from the genocide in Rwanda to the ups and downs of Australian politics and elections.

As many have acknowledged, the pieces you've penned have been vivid, informative and a hallmark of clarity. But, more than that, you have a deep appreciation of history. As you've said, if something has happened before, it most likely will happen again. History is often so surprising that it will capture the reader. A reader captured is a reader looking for meaning. You also had wise words for budding journalists in your observation that everyone has a story; you simply have to know the questions to ask, and usually they'll tell you.

Tony, we commend you for more than 50 years of words and stories that have stayed in people's heads and touched people's hearts. In acknowledging your retirement today, we know that no writer ever truly retires, so we wish you well for what's to come.