Wednesday, 23 September 2026

 Gary MAAS (Narre Warren South) (10:19): In lieu of a valedictory speech I would like to thank a few people. To the incredible community of Narre Warren South who have placed their trust in me over two terms, thank you for the opportunity. We achieved so much together, from the smallest policy outcomes to the more substantial that made a huge difference to everyday lives. It has been the greatest privilege.

To my 2018 and then 2022 campaign managers Nikki Hayes and Myles McMullen, thanks. We smashed it both times, fuelled of course by the Gary for Narre volunteers; a pool of loving family, including my now late mum Dawn; close mates; community; and Labor movement comrades. To them I say thank you. To my staff over the years, Amrit, Isabella, James, Chalo, Nikki, Laura, Anya, Tamim, Di, Suzanne, Stella and the ballast to the whole operation from beginning to end, the mild-mannered Myles McMullen: thanks for your friendship, support, commitment, dedication and efforts for a better Narre South. Thank you to Myles for his deep intellect, organisational skills and sound political judgement. I am going to miss our daily chats.

A heartfelt thankyou to our clerks, Bridget and all of our parliamentary teams – the hospitality staff, Chris and our IT staff. To our security staff a very big thankyou – thanks, Adam, and thanks, Suzi. Thank you, Hansard. To the committees I chaired – the Workplace Incidents Consultative Committee, the Scrutiny of Acts and Regulations Committee and the Integrity and Oversight Committee – thank you for the hard work and outcomes and thank you to the high-functioning secretariats that supported us.

To my family, in particular my daughters Audrey and Harriet, thank you; I love you so much. To our Premier and caucus colleagues, thank you for your support over an incredible eight years.