Chris Evans (WA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

I join with Senator Minchin in making a contribution and wishing people a merry Christmas and a happy New Year, particularly all the Senate staff et cetera who will, no doubt, like senators and members, enjoy the break. I think all the staff of the Senate are much happier when we are not here, and I understand that entirely. I have to be frank: I am much happier when I am not here as well, because I am at home with my family. We wish everyone the best over the Christmas period.

I would like to thank a few people. Firstly, of course I thank the Senate staff, the parliamentary staff, the Comcar people, Senate transport and all the people who make this place work. I express on behalf of Labor senators how much we appreciate what you do. I am the first to acknowledge that it is not what you say at Christmas but how you treat people during the year. I think they know who amongst us appreciates them, but it is important to remind them of that and thank them for their efforts. I also want to thank Labor senators for their support during the year. These have been difficult times for us, with a change in the balance of power in the Senate, and I have received great support from my deputy; from Senator Ludwig, the Manager of Opposition Business in the Senate; from Senator Campbell and from the other senators. I really appreciate that.

I want to also make special mention of Kim Beazley in these difficult times—I hope that he has a good Christmas period—and the staff. A lot of our staff from the leader’s and the deputy’s offices have lost their jobs in the last few days, and I know they are going through a difficult period. I hope that things improve and that they have a happy Christmas.

I also want to say that our thoughts are with people who will be doing it tough over Christmas—those in poor circumstances: fire fighters, the ADF personnel overseas and those who will not enjoy the break that we do. I indicate our best wishes for them and acknowledge that they are serving their country and missing out on the sort of Christmas that we all want to have.

Finally, I want to thank my staff for their efforts and note that Trish Crossin’s daughter Kate has been in the building the last few days. She has been a great reminder of why we ought to get out of here and go and enjoy our families. She is a character of the first order and she has certainly lit up the opposition corridors. As I say, it is a good reminder to keep some balance between work and family. I wish everyone the best for Christmas.