STATEMENTS ON INDULGENCE

The SPEAKER (15:18): I don't want to detain the House, but I am deeply honoured by the generous remarks from the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition and, on behalf of the crossbench, the member for Kennedy. This election is, of course, an honour for the Australian parliament, but, more importantly, it's an opportunity for Australia to say to the world that we promote democracy at a time, as the Leader of the Opposition said, when democracy is facing significant challenges.

We are seeing backsliding in democratic countries around the world and the rise of authoritarianism. That's why the work of the Inter-Parliamentary Union has never been more important. Democracies don't collapse; they crumble.

I want to use this role to give the strongest voice I can to democracy internationally. I want civics education, particularly the way we do it here in Australia, to help change the conversation across the globe. I want the world to see what we are doing locally, and I want to see the institutions—particularly through civic participation and respect for one another—that make our country so great.

I have never been prouder to stand on the stage in front of thousands of people, in front of every parliament across the globe, and say, 'Australia is the best country in the world.' This victory was long and difficult, but it belongs to the entire parliament. Every member has contributed to this success. The whole parliament had a role to play in this achievement, and I'm deeply grateful for your support that I have received from across every side of this chamber.

The IPU is the world's oldest multilateral organisation. As president, my role is to chair two assemblies for one week per assembly and to help guide the organisation. My commitment is to make the role more accessible and more connected.

I want to be much more as a virtual role so that more participants, particularly those in the Pacific family, can participate. The first person I spoke to about this campaign was the Prime Minister, and without question or hesitation he said it was a team Australia moment. As he always does, he put our country first.

At the same time, I've had the privilege of working alongside three leaders of the opposition who have backed this campaign. Their message, every one of them, was the same: if it is good for Australia, it's good for our parliament. I particularly want to thank the former leader of the opposition, the Hon.

Sussan Ley, for her insights, encouragement and advice throughout the campaign. I also want to thank the shadow foreign minister, Ted O'Brien; Senators Paul Scarr, Jess Collins, Susan McDonald and Sarah Henderson, for their support; and of course the member for Wannon, the manager, for our regular Wednesday political campaign meetings alongside Ministers Rowland, Rishworth and Madeleine King and the member for Paterson.

This campaign was also contributed to by some of the finest campaigners of the National Party, the members for Capricornia, Riverina, Gippsland, Maranoa, Flynn and Page. I also want to make mention quickly of the outstanding support provided on the ground in Tanzania by the Deputy Speaker, Senator O'Neill, Senator McLachlan, the member for Bennelong and the mighty member for Durack.

I thank the crossbench for their support throughout the process, as well as the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, led by the Foreign minister and her office, and the Deputy Prime Minister and the Leader of the House. Thank you also to the members for Corangamite, Chisholm, Macquarie and Bendigo. My campaign also had a broad coalition and was supported by the former foreign minister Julie Bishop and former speakers Bronwyn Bishop and Tony Smith.

Finally, I acknowledge the Clerk and the Deputy Clerk of the House for their wise counsel, professionalism and support, together with the staff of the interparliamentary relations office and of course my own personal staff, led by Shannon Threlfall-Clarke and Natalie van Dartel. This result demonstrates what we can achieve when Australia works together. Now, for me, it's business as usual.

Not much will change. Let's get back to work. I thank the House.

Honourable members: Hear, hear!