Thursday, 24 September 2026

 Lee TARLAMIS (South-Eastern Metropolitan) (10:08): As it is the last day of the 60th Parliament, I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank those who keep this place going and create a supportive environment each and every day. This covers so many, including the clerks, who are always there to provide valuable information and guidance to us – they are the holders of all knowledge when it comes to this place – Robert McDonald, Keir Delaney, Richard Willis and the always-available, always-caring and tells-you-how-it-is Anne Sargent; their dedicated team Linda, Brittany and Chrissy; the super smart and witty Usher of the Black Rod Sally West and her team Michael, Chris, Philip, Theo, Kidist, Greg and Peter; the team in the papers office Annemarie, Vivienne, Juliana, Tom, Savannah, Tash and Kirra; the community engagement team, who connect the Parliament with the wider community; all the committee staff, who have worked tirelessly over the many inquiries this term; the catering staff, who keep us fed and energised; the building and cleaning staff and grounds team, who keep this place looking so wonderful; the Department of Parliamentary Services, who assist us on a daily basis; the always-helpful library and all their staff, led by Carolyn Macvean; the security team and PSOs, who keep us safe; the IT staff, including Chris, who put up with a lot from us but who are always there to assist us to keep our technology working; Hansard and broadcasting, who always do their best to make us sound and look good, which can be quite a challenge at times; also Bridget Noonan and all her team in the Assembly; the amazing team in my office; the many advisers; and anyone else I have missed who plays their part in making this place fire on all cylinders and who do very important work to help us as members of Parliament be the best representatives for the people that we represent. To all of you, I say a huge thankyou. Enjoy this brief respite from members before the whirlwind of the 61st Parliament begins. It will arrive sooner than you think. And to colleagues and friends from all sides in both this chamber and the other place, whether returning, departing or facing an uncertain future, my best wishes to you all. Whilst we have not always agreed on everything and sometimes on anything, I have always enjoyed working collaboratively and productively with you all.