Senate debates

Thursday, 1 August 2019

Statement by the President

Clerk of the House of Representatives

3:09 pm

Photo of Scott RyanScott Ryan (President) Share this | | Hansard source

I would like to make another brief announcement. Today is the last day that the Clerk of the House of Representatives will sit in parliament. David Elder joined the House of Representatives staff in 1981. He has served the House of Representatives in various capacities now for 38 years and, after serving in senior roles, such as Serjeant-at-Arms, was appointed Clerk in 2013. His official retirement is next week but, given the extraordinary service of Mr Elder, and given that we all in both chambers rely upon and immensely respect the service of all the officers but particularly the senior officers, upon whom we rely for such advice, it is worth noting that. He has given extensive, longstanding and excellent service to the House of Representatives and through that to the broader parliament and to the community of Australia. I note that in the other place there are going to be more detailed mentions of his service.

Honourable senators: Hear, hear!