General News
9 December, 2024
Weir embraces new role as 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.
In his maiden speech as Speaker, Mr Weir thanked his Legislative Assembly colleagues for appointing him.
“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,” Mr Weir said.
“I will admit I was rather taken aback at the time but am now looking forward to the challenge.
“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.”
The outgoing Speaker is Curtis Pitt, who retired from politics at the last election.
