STATEMENTS ON INDULGENCE

Mr CHESTER (Gippsland—Deputy Leader of the National Party) (15:16): I know it's unusual for the Nationals also to comment after the coalition leader has spoken, but I do want to associate the Nationals with the comments made by the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition. It is a great nation, Australia, where the son of a butcher from Brisbane and a nurse and midwife can find himself in this parliament representing the community he loves with an enormous amount of passion.

We all knew him when he was just Milton from Oxley, and now he's El Presidente. We look forward to serving you in this place as best we possibly can, Mr Speaker. But, seriously, Mr Speaker: I have seen you in action on international delegations.

You have covered yourself with great respect. The dignity you bring to the office when you represent Australia, and the way you, in a bipartisan way, encourage other members to participate in those delegations, is a credit to you. I'm sure you will do well in your new role as the President of the IPU.