Election of Anna Burke as Speaker
Canberra
I congratulate Labor MP Anna Burke on her election tonight as Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Ms Burke has been dutifully presiding over the chamber in recent months, and has performed her role with extraordinary strength and grace in the most challenging of circumstances.
Ms Burke will be the second female Speaker of the House of Representatives, following in the footsteps of Joan Child who served as Speaker from 1986 to 1989.
Her appointment represents a historic day, with women now filling the roles of Speaker, Prime Minister and Governor-General.
I also commend Nationals MP Bruce Scott on his election as Deputy Speaker.
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