General News
9 December, 2024
Glowing support as Weir made Speaker
Local Member for Condamine Pat Weir received glowing recommendations from his party’s leaders and the Opposition as he was declared Speaker of the 58th Parliament of Queensland last Tuesday without a contest.
Mr Weir was announced by the new Premier David Crisafulli as the LNP’s choice for Speaker a few weeks ago.
Being appointed as Speaker is not always smooth sailing, as former Premier and now Opposition Leader Steven Miles said in parliament, since 1908 there have been 22 contested ballots for Speaker and 19 uncontested.
Mr Miles and his colleague Cameron Dick, the Deputy Labor Leader, both showed their support for Mr Weir’s appointment.
“...We believe the member for Condamine will live up to the expectations of Queenslanders by being a fair and impartial Speaker—one who allows rigorous debate but maintains order for the benefit of democracy and Queenslanders,” Mr Miles said.
Mr Dick said he believes Mr Weir will do his best to fulfill the difficult and important role.
“There is no CV or past experience that would point to an ideal candidate, but a man from the land who knows how to get some tough old bulls down the chute or through the dip when they do not want to go - I reckon that is a pretty good start,” Mr Dick said.
On the LNP, Premier Crisafulli and Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie were very complementary of their colleague.
Mr Crisafulli said Mr Weir is well respected by members on all sides of this House and will bring a fair and measured approach to the role of Speaker.
“...The member for Condamine is respected within his electorate as a hardworking and diligent member of the parliament,” Mr Crisafulli said.
Mr Bleijie said there is no member in this place that he felt would be better as Speaker.
“There are two things about the member for Condamine: his love for community and his love for this institution,” Mr Bleijie said.
There was also time for a bit of light-hearted humour, with Mr Bleijie joking that Mr Weir should take up with the traditional wig and gown of a Speaker, which Mr Weir politely declined.
The outgoing Speaker is Curtis Pitt, who retired from politics at the last election.
The following is an excerpt of Mr Weir’s maiden speech as Speaker:
“Honourable members, I thank you for the incredible honour that you have bestowed on me today.
I would like to thank the Premier, David Crisafulli, and the Deputy Premier, Jarrod Bleijie, for their kind words - I am not 100 per cent convinced that the words of the Deputy Premier were all kind! - and for nominating me for this position.
I would also like to thank honourable members Steven Miles and Cameron Dick for their words.
I really appreciate the nomination being uncontested.
I can honestly say that this was not on my radar when I entered this place or, indeed, until it was raised with me by party leader David Crisafulli.
I will admit I was rather taken aback at the time but am now looking forward to the challenge.
I believe that I have the honour of being the 37th Speaker of the Queensland parliament since its formation in 1860 and the second from the electorate of Condamine.
Sir Alan Fletcher held the seat of Cunningham - as it was known then - from 1953 until 1974, during which time he served as the Speaker from 1957 until 1960.
He also served as the minister for lands and, late in his time, as the education minister. I recall Sir Alan visiting, during his time as education minister, the Cecil Plains school, where I was a student, and addressing the students as we were assembled on the playground.
I do not recall much of what Sir Alan said in his address, but I do recall that at the end of the address he stated that we were such good students he would give us a holiday on the following Friday.
As far as we were concerned, Sir Alan could come back anytime he liked!
In the electorate of Condamine we have 37 schools, including a number of small schools such as the one I attended.
When I speak to students I tell them that coming from a small country school does not mean they cannot achieve great things in their life.
I would like to welcome returning members to the parliament.
I extend a special welcome to the newly elected members taking their place for the first time.
I well remember taking my seat in this chamber for the first time in 2015, in the farthest corner of the chamber where the member for Stretton is now sitting.
I have slowly moved forward, row by row, over the years to now sit at the extreme opposite end of the chamber from where I started.
We have seen significant changes in this chamber after the recent election, with a change to the government benches after almost 10 years.
There are many members - not just myself - who are starting this term in vastly different circumstances than they ended the 57th Parliament.
I hope that all members settle into their new roles quickly and seamlessly.
I have served in this parliament since 2015.
I have seen this chamber work at its best and, I dare say, at times fall rather short of that standard.
We should never forget or take for granted the immense honour it is to represent the public of Queensland in this chamber and the customs, processes and traditions of this House.
My simple request to all members is to respect the House and respect the Speaker, and that respect will be reciprocated.
Whilst I may have the honour of sitting in the chair, I will need the support of all members of this chamber for it to function at its best for the sake of Queensland.
I hope the bipartisan support shown in electing the Speaker today is an indication of that.”
