STATEMENTS ON INDULGENCE

Mr ALBANESE (Grayndler—Prime Minister) (15:09): 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.