Address to the House of Representatives, Adjournment 

Wednesday 27 May 2026

When you first enter this place, there are many parts of this job that come as a surprise. The speeches, media appearances and street stalls were to be expected, but something I did not expect was becoming a part-time radio DJ. That is exactly what I've been given the chance to do for a couple of these past Mondays with Valley FM, one of the fantastic community radio stations servicing the Tuggeranong Valley. I've been able to join Tim Kilby to talk not just about politics but about the music that I've listened to over the decades and the influence it's had on my life. It's the sort of conversation you so rarely get to have in this role—a much more personal conversation, but, perhaps, with a heavy nineties influence. I look forward to joining Tim again this coming Monday 1 June at 3 pm. Make sure to tune in, and, Speaker, let me know if you have any requests.

I also want to take this opportunity to thank Valley FM and their presenters, staff and board members for the service they provide to our community. In particular, I want to give a shout-out to Chris McLeod, who's one of the Bean volunteers of the year for 2025. Chris has been a dedicated radio presenter for over 20 years with Valley FM and has gone beyond that, offering valuable input into the ongoing development of the station. Having held the position of secretary for a number of years, he's played a crucial role in communication and organisation for the station as well as mentoring new members of the board and broadcasters. I know that, on the side, he is also a dedicated bagpipe and violin player and is involved in the Canberra Burns Club Pipe Band. This work, alongside the work of others at Valley FM, is all voluntary. Yet it provides a crucial hub of information and entertainment for our community. I look forward to working with Valley FM well into the future.