Thursday, 24 September 2026

 Rachel PAYNE (South-Eastern Metropolitan) (10:02): I would like to take the opportunity to thank my amazing team in my final statement to the 60th Parliament. Politics is a realm like no other. We MPs rely heavily on the people around us for support, encouragement and collaboration, and I can confidently say that I would not have been able to do what I do without my incredible, hardworking team around me. To Hannah Anyoso, thank you for being warm, kind and so organised and being the glue of our little team. We really appreciate you. Karen Carmichael, thank you for your energy and generosity and for bringing that South American sass. Nick Cowan, your conscientious and considered approach brings the right balance to the team, and I am lucky to have you. Millie Howard, it has been a pleasure to see your confidence bloom. You bring good energy and enthusiasm to the team. Paul O’Donoghue, thank you for stepping up when I needed the support. Your brilliance and charisma are exactly what we needed. Nelly Thomas, thank you for believing in me, investing in me and building me up. You have been a great confidante and unwavering in cheering me on. Bee Mohamed, your warm, calm presence is commendable, as is your ability to take on any battle. Your energy and laugh are infectious. I adore you all, and I cannot thank you enough for being on this journey with me. As we head into election time, I promise to be true to myself and continue to stand up for my community and elevate their voices.