Kristy McBain (ALP – Eden-Monaro) – Maiden Speech

Aug 31, 2020

Kristy McBain has delivered her first speech to the House of Representatives, following her election as the ALP member for Eden-Monaro at a by-election on July 4, 2020.

McBain

McBain’s maiden speech is the first to be delivered in the House since the imposition of COVID-19 rules. Family members were permitted in the public gallery, but not the usual group of supporters and friends. At the end of her speech, colleagues did not hug her or shake her hand. A few bumped elbows. Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese said the ALP gave her “a giant virtual hug”.

McBain, 37, is the former mayor of Bega Valley Shire. In her speech, she described herself as not of “the political class”.

At the by-election held to replace her predecessor, Mike Kelly, McBain polled 35.89% of the primary vote, a fall of 3.28%, in a field of 14 candidates. The Liberal Party candidate, Fiona Kotvojs, polled 38.33% of the primary vote, an increase of 1.32%. The Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party polled 5.34%. After preferences were distributed, McBain polled 50.39%, to 49.15% for the Liberals, a swing against the ALP of 0.46%.

Watch McBain’s first speech (29m):
[Read more…]

Filed Under: A.L.P., Audio, By-Elections, House of Reps, Maiden Speeches, Video Tagged With: ,

Historic Parliamentary Sitting As Members Given Remote Access Because Of COVID-19

Aug 24, 2020

A historic meeting of the Australian Parliament began today, with members of both houses now able to participate remotely in proceedings, due to COVID-19 restrictions.

The House of Representatives met at 10.00am and formalised the arrangements.

Members are able to participate from their electorate offices via the parliament’s video system. They cannot vote remotely.

The government and opposition agreed on the format of remote access in recent weeks. Negotiations were handled by the Leader of the House, Christian Porter, and the Manager of Opposition Business, Tony Burke.

Statements from House Speaker, Tony Smith, and the Senate President, Scott Ryan, appear below.

Watch the opening proceedings in the House of Representatives (24m):
[Read more…]

Filed Under: Audio, Coronavirus, House of Reps, Parliamentary Reform, Video Tagged With: , , ,

Elizabeth Coker (ALP-Corangamite) – Maiden Speech

Sep 10, 2019

The new ALP member for Corangamite, Elizabeth (Libby) Coker, has delivered her first speech to the House of Representatives.

There were twenty-seven new members of the House elected at the May 18 federal election. Coker is the last to deliver her maiden speech. She is the last of nine new ALP members.

A former teacher and journalist, Coker was a councillor on the Surf Coast Shire Council, having been elected in 2008 and serving as mayor in 2009-10 and 2012-13.

Coker unsuccessfully contested Corangamite at the 2016 election. At this year’s election, she defeated the Liberal Party’s Sarah Henderson, who held the seat for two terms from 2013. Henderson is about to be appointed to fill a casual Senate vacancy.

Coker secured a 1.04% swing, winning Corangamite with 51.07% of the two-party-preferred vote. She polled 35.47% of the primary vote, an increase of 1.41%. The Liberal Party polled 42.33% of the primary vote, a decrease of 1.34%.

Corangamite, a Federation seat established in 1901, is in the south-west of Victoria. It extends from the suburbs of Geelong, through Queenscliff and Colac, and through the towns along the Great Ocean Road.

Listen to Coker’s speech (31m):

Watch Coker (31m):

Hansard transcript of maiden speech by Libby Coker, ALP member for Corangamite.

The SPEAKER (17:18): Before I call the honourable member for Corangamite, I remind the House that this is the honourable member’s first speech. I ask the House to extend to her the usual courtesies. [Read more…]

Filed Under: 2019 Federal Election, A.L.P., Audio, House of Reps, Maiden Speeches, Video Tagged With: ,

Retirement of David Elder, Clerk of the House

Aug 01, 2019

These are remarks to the House of Representatives on the retirement of the Clerk of the House, David Elder.

Elder

On the Clerk’s final day at the table, remarks in tribute were made by Speaker Tony Smith, Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese, Government Leader of the House Christian Porter, and Manager of Opposition Business Tony Burke.

Listen to the tributes (19m):

Watch the tributes (19m):

Hansard transcript of remarks to the House of Representatives on the retirement of the Clerk, David Elder.

The SPEAKER (15:14): Very soon I will call the Prime Minister to move a motion to record the House’s appreciation for the service of its Clerk, David Elder. As I mentioned a few sitting days back, everyone is aware of David’s retirement, but today is his last day here at the table. We, of course, all want to recognise that incredible service. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Audio, House of Reps, Morrison, Parliamentary People, Valedictory Speeches, Video Tagged With: , , , , ,
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