Thursday, 20 September 2018

 Mr PAKULA (Keysborough—Attorney-General, Minister for Racing) (16:52): I move:

That the consideration of government business, orders of the day 2 to 4 inclusive, be postponed until later this day.

Could I just by indulgence, Speaker, thank you for your stewardship of this house in what have been very difficult times occasionally. As well as farewelling all of those departing members, I just add my thanks to two particular classes of members who I do not think get enough recognition — and nobody else will do it: the whips, who do so much to keep us all in line, and the Leader of the House and the manager of opposition business, without whom none of what we do would be manageable in any respect whatsoever.

 Mr CLARK (Box Hill) (16:53): In supporting the motion moved by the Attorney-General, can I add on behalf of the opposition our appreciation to table staff in particular for the support they have given everybody in this house. I express my appreciation to my counterpart, the Leader of the House. Hopefully we have conducted ourselves in a reasonably civilised manner in terms of ordering the business of this place. I certainly express my appreciation to the member for South Barwon for his support as whip. I am sure the member for Thomastown has given similar support to her side of the house, and I have appreciated our dealings with her.

I express our appreciation to you, Speaker, in taking on your job in very difficult circumstances and for the labours and effort that you have contributed trying to restore some respect and standards in the office that you hold. Certainly on behalf of all members of this side of the house I express our appreciation to all members of the parliamentary staff for the various supports that they have given us during the life of this Parliament.

Motion agreed to.