Jane Hume (Victoria, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for the Public Service) | Hansard source

I am rising today in four capacities, Birmo. The first is as a housemate. This is the longest running house in the parliament at this point in time. It's had a fair bit of turnover. I think I'm actually the most recent addition to that house. There has been everyone from Christopher Pyne to Marise Payne, Michael Ronaldson and Robert Hill—my goodness, the list is going on—but, right now, I speak on behalf of James Stevens, Angie Bell and David Coleman to say, 'Thank you very much to both you and Loretta,' who has just walked out of the room. She is the silent housemate, who has looked after us all. It is always a stress in this place, but coming home to friends—even though you are always the last to get home and always the first to leave in the morning, which speaks to your work ethic—does make a difference to the way we approach the rest of our time here.

I also want to acknowledge the word that dare not speak its name, and that is your role as the leader of the Black Hand. The Black Hand is the ultimate secret society here, but it is not just about the parliamentarians; it's also about our staff and party members who believe, as do you, that the centre of politics is where the real gravitas and responsibilities lie. I thank you very much for the leadership that you've shown in that space. You are a leader here not just to colleagues but particularly to staff. I know that we've mentioned your staff before, but it's not just your staff, it is everyone else's staff around the building too—we look to your office for leadership and guidance. The example that you set in your office is one that we'd like to replicate in our own. Your team is so loyal. They are of an extraordinarily high calibre. They would walk through fire for you, and that's what we all want.

Other than that, I wanted to say thank you as a friend. You have been an extraordinary friend in this place and sometimes at a time when friends are hard to come by. What the future holds for you is so exciting. We couldn't be more pleased for you. What you leave behind is a legacy of service to your country and a nation that has changed because of what you have done here. But what lies behind you and what lies ahead of you pale in comparison to what lies inside you. You are a person, particularly in a profession like this where a good heart is just as important as a level head, who means so much to all. Thank you very much for the service that you have shown here to all of us.