Wednesday, 29 November 2023

 David LIMBRICK (South-Eastern Metropolitan) (09:48): There has been a noticeably different feeling around Parliament lately. It is all very mysterious. People seem happier. Government MPs in particular have a spring in their step, and there seems to be more consultation. They are talking in the hallways and negotiating about legislation. I have even seen a few people who were cast into the political wilderness catching up with their old friends in the cafe. It is like the government has woken up from a deep sleep and suddenly remembered how to be human again, which got me thinking about the legacy we leave as politicians.

Some people seem to think political success means surviving politics for a long time and leaving on your own terms, but no matter how many tunnels or bridges a government builds, what people really remember is how they were treated. Calling people names, treating them like second-class citizens or pretending they do not even exist is not leadership. It is just poor behaviour, and there are consequences. Once you leave, the people that you thought were your friends will be glad you are gone and everyone else will just remember how you treated them. So as we end this year in Parliament, here is to new beginnings. I wish you all season’s greetings, a merry Christmas and a happy new year.