STATEMENTS ON INDULGENCE

Mr ALBANESE (Grayndler—Prime Minister) (15:17): on indulgence—I want to acknowledge Meredith Leigh, who joins us in the gallery today. On Friday, Ms Leigh retires as First Parliamentary Counsel. For more than 25 years in the Office of Parliamentary Counsel Meredith has built a distinguished career in legislative drafting, contributing directly to the development of Commonwealth law through the drafting of literally thousands of bills and legislative instruments.

Appointed First Parliamentary Counsel in 2021, Meredith is only the second woman to lead Commonwealth legislative drafting in our 125 years of federation. Meredith has absolutely embodied the spirit that is at the heart of the great noble calling that is public service. Meredith has developed serious expertise across a range of areas and led the OPC in the successful delivery of numerous high-profile, complex and urgent legislative reforms.

I know that my government has definitely tested Meredith and OPC's capacity with the amount of reform that we are determined to pursue. This place is at the heart of Australia's democracy, a democracy that we should all be very proud of. Meredith has done so much to strengthen the beat of this heart.

On behalf of all of us here, Meredith, I say thank you for your wonderful service. I wish you all the very best as you begin your next chapter. Honourable members: Hear, hear!