Parliament House Matters

Rejman, Mr A.

Mr MALINAUSKAS (Croydon—Leader of the Opposition) (18:07): I rise on a matter of indulgence. It has been drawn to my attention that today is the last day for an important staff member here in this house. I understand that Antoni Rejman is having his last day after 13 extraordinary years of service to our parliament. Antoni has had to suffer me both in the upper house and the lower house, so I owe him a particular debt of gratitude.

I think it is true to say that in this place those members who are elected can often take for granted the extraordinary work that goes on behind the scenes of so many dedicated and professional staff who are utterly committed to the smooth functioning of the people's house, the people's parliament. Antoni, I understand, is making his way back to the United Kingdom. All of us on this side of the house are very grateful, as I am sure all members are, for his hard work and diligent service. Humble as it may be to him, it is incredibly important to the state, and we thank him for that.

The caucus whip, the member for Mawson, has arranged a small token of our thanks with a card. I thank the caucus whip for doing that. Most importantly, we thank you for all your service, Antoni, and we certainly wish you all the very best for your travels and future endeavours.

The Hon. D.C. VAN HOLST PELLEKAAN (Stuart—Minister for Energy and Mining) (18:09): I appreciate the words of the leader, and I would just like to make a very short contribution on the same topic. While we are incredibly fortunate to be looked after so well by chamber attendants and many other people in this building, I have found the support of Antoni to be very special. Not that there is anything wrong with anybody else, but he is extraordinarily attentive and has done a wonderful job.

We have also had the opportunity to engage with each other on other non-official matters, and that has developed a bit of a bond between us, which I value and will never forget. Certainly, on behalf of the government, I wish Antoni and his wife all the very best. It is a shame that they are leaving Australia, but we wish them all the very best in their return to the UK.

The DEPUTY SPEAKER (18:10): Thank you, minister. I, too, reiterate those comments. Thank you, Antoni, for your time here and the polite and professional way in which you have carried out your duties, and I wish you well for the coming years.