Address to the House of Representatives, Statement by Members - Australian Parliament House: 35th Anniversary

Tuesday 9 May 2023

Thirty-five years ago today this extraordinary building was officially opened. Thank you to the Presiding Officers for recognising this significant anniversary yesterday with our First Peoples, faith leaders and schoolchildren from across Canberra in the Great Hall.

I want to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the over 10,000 people who were involved in the construction of this building and the tens of thousands who have worked here over the last 35 years, with some serving in both this place and Old Parliament House. I hope, and I know, that you are proud of your contribution to this incredible, significant and historic building. There are many who are only commencing their service here this week, or in recent weeks. I wish you well in the time you have here.

I would particularly like to pay tribute to all who work in this building today, particularly those who take good care of it and of us: the clerks and chamber staff, committee staff, cleaners, the gardeners, the tour guides, the library staff, the security guards, the AFP, the attendants, Dom and his team at Aussies, the catering staff, the educators, the post office staff, the gym staff—who don't see me often!—and the list goes on. Thank you for your commitment to our parliament.

We've done good work over the last 12 months to make this a better workplace, and we must commit to continuing that work to make it not just one of the most beautiful workplaces in Australia but a workplace that is fair and safe for all.