Thursday, 24 September 2026

 The SPEAKER (16:39): Members, with your indulgence, I would like to address the house. A couple of weeks ago, when I announced my retirement, I had a very beautiful email from a constituent. You may recall that it was the Thursday night, and on the Tuesday of that week Dolly Parton had passed away. My constituent told me that when she told her husband that I was retiring, he burst into tears and said, ‘Oh no, first Dolly, now Maree.’ I have to say that was probably the most important moment of my life.

I was pretty excited to be elected in 2010 as the member for Bendigo West. By the way, I may have to interrupt myself at 5 pm for the guillotine, but do not be dismayed, we will continue. That first sitting week in February of 2011, I soon realised that there were only six of us who were excited: Anthony Carbines, Bronwyn Halfpenny, Natalie Hutchins, the late Jane Garrett, my good friend Sharon Knight, and I have forgotten someone – myself, of course. Everyone else had found themselves in opposition for the first time, and the mood around the old chook house was pretty sombre.

The former member for Wendouree Sharon Knight and I decided one of our tasks was to start cheering people up, and the first on our list was Joe Helper, the former member for Ripon. He was particularly miserable. Our campaign was called ‘Get Joe Jumping’, and we managed to get hot chips and dim sims on the menu and bought him a blow-up fish for his office so he would not be sad that he was not out fishing. Unfortunately, it did not really work, because he just remained so miserable for most of his last four years. But we had fun. Then we started the songs, all created in the Bordello, as the office we shared was known thanks to Marsha Thomson. We had a purple flashing light fridge, a CD player and a massage chair, so it was very much the party room. Our first tune was for Shaun Leane’s 50th ‍birthday, to the tune of – think about it – Jolene. Then there was Working for the Dan, with a cameo from Martin Foley dressed as Elvis, and our last was probably our best, and it was later on when we were leaving the chook house to make way for the annexe to be built. It was called There Must Be 50 Ways to Leave the Chook House. It was of course a huge hit. I made up my own song at a caucus conference once for Sharon Knight’s 50th birthday, called Oh, What a Night. Carbs and Jane Garrett were the backing singers, and while the lyrics were great, the tune was very off. Needless to say, when we won government in 2014, things got a little more serious.

The first time I sat in this chair as Speaker and a few times thereafter I was very concerned and alarmed to see my smartwatch flashing out a warning that my heart rate was too high, and four or so years on it now tells me when it is time to stand or get up and move. I am not sure what to make of that.

Many people have been asking me why I have decided to retire from politics and from public life. My standard answer more recently has been because work is getting in the way of my bowls. However, that is only part of the reason. Since Steve died last year, there has been a long period of reflection. Grief must not define us, but it does walk beside you every single day. My health and my family must be a priority into the future. It is time to step back, time to make the most of what life has to offer, and both Lindsay, my late first husband, and Steve would be in total agreement. There are of course other reasons. Social media, for one, has changed the dynamic in politics more broadly and here in the house. Just one example is the propensity for members to speak directly to the cameras in the chamber, rather than through the Chair, and for the editing and misrepresentation of discourse in the chamber by some members on social media. This is a great blemish on the standing orders and one that will need to be rectified by the next presiding officers and the Standing Orders Committee.

On social media, I have a few things to say. This grouping of alternative universes driving algorithms and debate that churns out spiteful, hateful, derogatory and blatantly disrespectful and untrue dialogue and engagement with keyboard cowards is changing political discourse and is, in my view, a direct threat to our democracy and democratic institutions. Trial by social media is now a thing. When the mainstream media are prepared through lazy journalism to publish social media posts from aggrieved members of the public that are defamatory and reproduce them word for word and suggest they are factual, then we clearly have a problem.

The world of social media has become so toxic and so full of misinformation and disinformation and AI-generated fakes that it is impacting on professional and personal reputations in a way we have never seen before. Still in its infancy, however, is a new force: those people who are deliberately and purposely detoxing and disengaging from social media, putting away their phones and devices and re-engaging with the real world. I hope it will become a growing movement, and it is a movement I will be very keen to join.

I have also noticed that since I announced my retirement people around this place have started being really nice to me. To those I have kicked out of the chamber over the years: sorry, not sorry. To those I have looked at too long and too hard: sorry, not sorry. It is a tough gig being Speaker. As I was told at the outset, if both sides of the chamber are grumpy with you, then you are doing your job, so I guess that must be the case. The standing orders of this house belong to you, the members. The Speaker’s job is to enforce those standing orders. These rules cannot be deviated from. Changes to the standing orders can only be done with the consent and approval of the house. Many times I have been asked why particular rulings are made. Rulings from the Chair allows some latitude, but each Speaker casts a different view on presiding over the chamber. Each Speaker brings their own interpretations and purpose. I am a bit of a stickler for rules, so I have quite enjoyed my time in the chair.

As only the fourth woman Speaker in 170 years – and, I was told this morning, the longest serving woman Speaker – I do hope there will be more women in this role in the future. I am also the first woman elected twice to the role – I must be a masochist – and the first woman Speaker to survive a full term since Speaker Jenny Lindell. I have had the privilege to preside over five opposition leaders, three premiers, two Nationals leaders – I have lost count of how many deputy leaders – two leaders of the house, two managers of opposition business, two governors and countless ministerial and opposition reshuffles leading to seat arrangements that have all become a bit of a blur, so thank goodness for the cheat sheet.

It was also a very historic moment to be a Presiding Officer when Queen Elizabeth died. The death of a monarch for the first time in 71 years was sad, but it was also a bit of a dilemma which resulted in quite a bit of scrambling and reading and rereading of the constitution by the clerks and the legal team.

I have taken thousands of points of order, including around 1500 from the Manager of Opposition Business, which have for the most part not been points of order at all. I sincerely thank former Speaker Smith for his rulings on points of order, which have been most helpful, and I never thought I would say that. I confess to sometimes waking myself in the night shouting ‘Order!’, but I do hope this will soon be no longer a problem. And I am reliably informed – thank you, Tom – that I have removed members from the chamber 752 times, not counting today, member for Lowan. Tom assures me this is a record.

All that aside, though, it truly has been the greatest honour of my life to have been the Speaker in the 60th Parliament and at the end of the 59th Parliament. I have been fortunate to meet dignitaries from across the world and to engage with community groups, multicultural communities, multifaith communities, First Nations leaders and members from many community organisations and from many parliaments. I have been proud to deliver the first carers and parents room, Charlotte’s Room, here in the Parliament. Thank you to Liam, Sigrid and Patrick for making this possible, and your mothers too of course. We have overseen the completion of the east wing; new committee rooms at 55 St Andrews Place; significant security upgrades, which were desperately needed; disability access upgrades, many of these thanks to Emma Vulin, the member for Pakenham; the opening up of our dining rooms and our Parliament to more people than ever; greater support for our electorate offices and officers; and the permanent lighting installation for the facade of this building.

The debates I have presided over have been both thrilling and boring; funny and bitter; bipartisan, not often, and partisan; sometimes angry and loud, not looking at anyone in particular; very sad; occasionally happy and cordial; and sometimes enlightening, although not often. For the most part, though, it has been what parliamentary debate should be: respectful, and without the name-calling, it is passionate and robust. I hope that as Speaker I have returned some dignity, grace and respect to the office, and I hope that I have served you well. I also hope that the inaugural Speaker’s bowling competition, which was indeed an unqualified success and the unique start of a tradition, will continue under the next Speaker.

This old building is full of history, ghosts and the smell of stale cigar smoke, but it remains solid and steadfast in its purpose. Every sitting day you and I are watched over by the four angels on the ceiling and the 102 lines that surround us, and if you have not counted them yet, then you have been paying too much attention to the debate. This place has been a bastion of democracy for 170 years and the place of good counsel. We are all beholden to make sure it stays that way.

A former Premier said to me not that long ago that I have the best electorate in the state, and I truly do. Its landscapes, from the Moolort Plains to Leanganook or Mount Alexander; its built environment; its people; its communities – all are exceptional and magnificent. For the past 16 years I have had the great honour and privilege to serve the people of Bendigo West as their representative. This was never a role I took on lightly, and every day I have given my steadfast efforts and hard work to be the best representative I could be. It truly has been quite the journey. There are so many community groups, individuals, businesses large and small, sporting groups, clubs, volunteer organisations and peak bodies that have engaged with me over those 16 years, and I am so very grateful to have been able to support them, engage with them and deliver for them.

Everywhere across Bendigo West there is evidence of the investment that has been made, especially over the last 12 years, from the new schools at Castlemaine Secondary College and Kalianna special school – one of my favourite projects – to the investments in every single school; our new hospital and rehabilitation centre; our new courthouse; the GovHub; the new TAFE centres of excellence; the Bendigo Art Gallery redevelopment and expansion; road safety improvements and rail upgrades; new CFA stations in Kangaroo Flat, Golden Square and Walmer; the Castlemaine Goods Shed redevelopment; the Castlemaine art gallery and museum upgrade; sporting facilities; men’s sheds; investments in our tourism and in our creative industries; and so much more.

Together we have also dealt with the ravages of bushfires – in Harcourt and Walmer just this year; floods across Castlemaine, Newstead, Newbridge, Baringhup and Campbells Creek; and natural storm disasters that have increased with intensity and frequency with climate change. Throughout it all these communities have stood strong and united, and it has been my great privilege to stand beside them during these times of crisis to witness their resilience, their strength and their support for one another. They are truly inspirational.

Many people have asked about what my legacy would be, and while it is easy to point to the built environment and the investments made, which is a very long list, I believe and I hope my legacy will be that I was kind and compassionate, and that I listened and advocated with fervency for every single person or community that engaged with me. Thank you, Bendigo West, for your unwavering support. It has been an absolute privilege, and I hope to stay involved in some way into the future as just another local.

My family means everything to me. They have sacrificed a lot in order for me to do my job. Many times I have had to say no to looking after the grandchildren or missed important occasions. To my four children Keeley, Therese, Rachael and Wes, along with their partners Eliza, Ryan, Brad and Jemma, together with my 12 beautiful, smart, funny and delightful grandchildren Ted, Bill, Elspeth, Jim and Henrietta, Ollie, Piper and Reuben, Ava, Lucy and Myra and Charlie and the next baby who will be born any day now – number 13 – you are all my greatest love, my world, and I am looking forward to seeing you all more often. To Hayden and Angus, it has been so tough for you losing your dad. I know that you are still grieving, but I also know you are building your new lives, and I send my love. There are defining moments in our lives. My children understand death and grief way more than they should, and I am so proud of the way they have been resilient, brave and strong. They have gone on to become the most wonderful adults and parents, and I am truly blessed.

To my colleagues and the friends I have made in this place, someone told me once, ‘You don’t make friends in this place, you only make colleagues.’ But I have friends. Thank you for everything – for your support after Steve died, for your generosity and for all the chats along the way about everything from clothes brands and shoes to mental health support and physical ailments, as we are all getting older, with a special shout-out, no reference intended, to the member for Geelong, my sounding board, buddy and confidante. I will miss our morning coffees and catch-ups, but I will not miss hearing you tell me how much investment Geelong has had or is getting. To Sharon Knight, the former member for Wendouree, thank you for the texts from your journeys across Australia. They have kept me entertained. I acknowledge in fond memory my friend the late Jane Garrett. It has been quite the journey, and I promise the stories I have heard will mostly stay secret.

To my staff in the electorate office: Martyn Stradbrook has been my work husband, my friend, also my confidant and sometimes my handyman for 16 years. His knowledge and experience in the EO and through four campaigns has guided us through some very challenging times and some very successful times. I hope, Marty, that retirement is as good for you as it was the first time before you came back. Your support and friendship, comrade, has meant so much to me. To you and Rose, I trust this second retirement will be the one that you enjoy the most. To Pam Fitton, Lela Bell, Lynda Newton, Sam Kane, Mandy Olszewski and Kaye Petersen, thank you for everything. You have been at the coalface in the electorate through the global pandemic, fires, floods and personal trauma but also through the many good times. I could not be more grateful for your unwavering friendship, dedication and support. Thank you for being there for the people of Bendigo West, especially when they needed us the most.

Thank you to my Labor Party family in Bendigo and Castlemaine, including my friend and colleague the member for Bendigo East and former Premier Jacinta Allan. We have achieved a lot together across Bendigo and the region, delivered record investment and won four elections together. This is something we can be very proud of. With our excellent candidate for Bendigo West, Brenton Baldwin, and our excellent candidate for Bendigo East, Tim Rickwood, we will now go on together to win a fifth. Thank you to the Bendigo Trades Hall and my union friends. You have always been there supporting me, and I am truly thankful. To EMILY’s List, I have been a proud member for many years. The motto ‘When women support women, women win’ has never been truer than it is in this political environment. Thank you for your support.

To my dear friends Helena, Daisy, Pam and Zana and my cousins Marg and Glenda. Marg, you have always been at my side. From the day I was asked to run for office your unwavering support to me and to the Labor Party and the labour movement has been unmatched. You are all so special to me. Thank you for being there for me when I needed you most and for being here today.

To my friends at the Maldon Bowling Club, I know that tomorrow you will probably endorse me as your next president, something I will be proud to take on. I am fortunate to call you all my friends. The club has saved me many times from falling in a heap, even if you did not realise it. I look forward to the pennant season starting next week and improving my bowling skills. To those who might be in a position to assist in the future, we desperately need a new green. The commitment is a small $250,000 that will benefit not just the club and the players from across the region but the whole community. I am open to discussions.

In this liminal space of my life I say thank you, all. It has been my honour to serve.

I need to interrupt business now, at 5 pm, so if you just bear with me, I do have more to say. I may continue my speech when the matter is next before the house.

Business interrupted under sessional orders.

Anthony CARBINES: I move:

That the sitting be continued.

Motion agreed to.

The SPEAKER: As Speaker, members, I add that, as we reach the end of the 60th Parliament, I would like to sincerely thank all of you for your contributions and efforts over the last four years. I would especially like to acknowledge two groups of members. Firstly, those 13 members elected to the 60th Parliament for the first time. Thank you for your willingness to put yourself forward as a voice for your local community. Standing for election to any Parliament is a daunting proposition. Your willingness to make such a sacrifice has been appreciated by us all, and we have been thrilled to count you among us. Secondly, to the 19 members choosing not to recontest at the 2026 election, I want to pay tribute to you for your immense work to make Victoria a better, more prosperous place for anyone that chooses to call it home. Our four longest serving members are all retiring at this election, representing a combined period of service of 109 years. It is an immense contribution and represents a significant passing of the torch. Your institutional knowledge will be greatly missed. To all of you moving on to the next phase of your lives and on behalf of this house, I say thank you.

I want to acknowledge all of our Legislative Assembly staff from the clerk’s office under the incredible and steadfast leadership of Bridget Noonan to the table office, the tours and customer service unit, the education team and everyone that works to support the 88 people represented here in the chamber. Thank you for everything you do to make our lives easier, more informed and better prepared. As an institution, we simply could not function without you. Bridget, Vaughn, Paul, Joel and the team, thank you for everything. Speakers cannot do their job without you and your sage and discerning advice. Members probably know by now who truly wields the power in this place.

I give a particular shout-out to the staff that assist us in the chamber, be it at the table, the doors, in the Hansard boxes and the galleries. Our most sincere gratitude to you all. To the electorate, ministerial and personal staff of the members of the 60th Parliament, your efforts, commitment and dedication could not be thought of more highly. Members are only as effective as the teams that stand with them, and as a former electorate officer myself, I know that working in Parliament is not just a job, it is a vocation. You are often the eyes and ears for us on the ground when we are here at Spring Street. Thank you for strengthening our work and our communities every day.

To the Department of Parliamentary Services under the steadfast leadership of Secretary Trish Burrows, I would like to acknowledge just a few of the things that you do for us every day. The caterers keep us fed and caffeinated. They take care of our guests, ensure that we do not go hungry and always meet us with a smile. A special shout-out to Jacquie, Laurent and Jean Louis – merci beaucoup. And Peter, your smile each morning is worth a million hugs. The IT team are always there to answer our sometimes infuriating questions. They keep our tech running and, in turn, our carefully curated online lives. The security team works every moment of the day to keep us safe and secure, ensuring that we can share our work with the public and bring them into the heart of Victorian democracy. And the property team give us a well-oiled home in our communities and always patiently work with us to guarantee that we get the space we need where we live. I know that a few members have faced catastrophes over these past four years in their electorate offices and the property team have gone above and beyond to rehouse them. Many thanks to you all.

To John and the buildings and grounds team, who really take care of every aspect of the wellbeing of this beautiful historic building, thank you for your custodianship of this place. To the cleaners, who are always there and keep this place immaculate, often forgotten about, you ensure every day that this Parliament puts its best foot forward – here before the sun comes up and working until we all go home. Thank you for showing the best side of this place to the world.

To the Hansard team under the guidance of James Scott, the records that you keep are not just for us. They are not only 10-second social media clips and slabs of text, they are the record that will stand the test of time. You are part of an ancient legacy in all legislatures that provides transparency and accountability. Your role is vital and your work is so appreciated, not only by us, but by the wider community at home and abroad. We know it is the final sitting day as, in keeping with tradition, our Hansard team are looking resplendent in their bow ties.

To the parliamentary library team led by Carolyn Macvean, we are privileged in this place to enjoy an area so richly populated with knowledge curated over 175 years. But in a place so bursting with information, those staff have created a remarkably calm and quiet space that allows all of us to have the chance to take a moment to unwind. Without our magnificent library, this Parliament would not be whole. At a time when libraries face a growing list of challenges, ours feels renewed, strengthened and ready for what lies ahead.

To the Deputy Speaker: Matt, thank you for stepping up when it was needed and for your gracious support to me and the office of Speaker. And thank you to our panel of Acting Speakers; I am grateful for your support.

Finally, to Tom Bennett in the Speaker’s office. Thank you, Tom, for your dedication to the role you have, for traversing all sides of politics with good grace and a professional demeanour. You have been a great support to me over the past few years and I know to many other members, and I sincerely thank you on behalf of all the members for making sure the office of the Speaker has been held in high regard and esteem. I am sure it is the best birthday present ever to be here on the last day of sitting of the 60th ‍Parliament. Happy birthday, Tom.

Members, over the course of this coming election campaign, I ask you all to be kind to one another and look after yourselves. Elections are periods of vigorous debate and thorough scrutiny, but they need not be unnecessarily cruel. They are the start of an exciting journey for some and an end for others. In the pool of emotion that surrounds this time, I ask that you all recognise that each of you are experiencing the same feelings, the same long days and the same challenging moments. Please take care in the coming months, check in with each other regularly, take time for your friends and family and always remember that kindness and compassion are the very best of leadership qualities. My best wishes to you all for whatever the next chapter might bring. Thank you.

Members applauded.