This is the maiden speech to the House of Representatives by David Smith, the ALP member for Bean, Australian Capital Territory.

As a result of a redistribution, Bean was a new, and third, seat for the ACT at the May 19, 2019 elections. Smith was previously an ACT senator. He filled a casual vacancy in 2018, replacing Katy Gallagher, who had been disqualified under Section 44 of the Constitution. Gallagher returned to her previous Senate position at the 2019 elections.

Listen to Smith (29m):

Watch Smith (32m):

Hansard transcript of maiden speech by David Smith, ALP member for Bean.

The DEPUTY SPEAKER (Ms Bird): I congratulate the member on his contribution. Before I call the honourable member for Bean, I remind the House that this is the honourable member’s first speech and I ask the House to extend to him the normal courtesies.

Mr DAVID SMITH (Bean) (11:32): Let me begin by acknowledging that we meet on the most beautiful land of the Ngunawal and Ngambri people; a land I grew up on and know intimately. I pay my respects to the wise and caring elders past, present and emerging. In my time here, I will work tirelessly to ensure that this House does not simply acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians but that it actively empowers their communities, including my own here in the nation’s capital. [Read more…]