SPEAKER: Thank you, members. We've had so far this year two occasions where we've adjourned for elections. It's an unusual occurrence. There's been a lot of thanks that have been made to staff in those times, and I think probably the best thing for me to do would be to endorse the thanks given by the Deputy Prime Minister and by the Leader of the Opposition and by the leader of the Green Party, who were all gracious in their thanks of staff.
David Seymour: So was I.
SPEAKER: Well, I don't think the member was gracious.
David Seymour: I was.
SPEAKER: Well, the member might think that. Our opinions are going to differ quite often, I'm sure. I want to, though, add to that a special thanks to the transition and induction team, who I think did very well this year. I think it was a contrast to what was experienced especially by new Ministers in 2017.
There has been a year of change. There's been a lot of focus on the new MPs, but I do want to acknowledge the fact that there have been some long-term colleagues, and some shorter-term colleagues, who have been lost from the House in this time, and with them some real expertise has gone. What is focused on less, though, is that with them, a number of staff members who have given a lot of service are also not here. It may not be appropriate to single one person out, but I will. I think that Beryl Bright's been round here for just about as long as I have, and to lose her is a loss to the institution. I think it's good to put that on the record.
Some of the change is the result of the implementation of decisions that we have made as to the structure of this place, and I also want to acknowledge the fact that we are going to lose a number of people, including several who I've played rugby with about 25 years ago, as part of the changes to the security team that are occurring over the next month or so. I want to thank them for the service that they've given to the Parliament.
I want to thank members and staff from all parties who are specified parties around the Chamber for the support that they have given to me, both professionally and personally, over the last few months, where I have been making a very difficult decision. I do want this place to be a safe place to work, and I want to thank members who have supported me in my endeavours to do that.
I want to place on record my thanks, again, to the Clerk, to the chief executive of the Parliamentary Service, to Andie Lindsay, who I regard as the glue that helps hold this place together. I want to thank my office—Jessie, Ainsley, and Roland, who has already been mentioned—for the work that they do, for their tolerance for my questions, which are not always predictable or possibly even reasonable. I'm, like many members, looking forward to a rest, to spend time with family and friends. I just want to give members a bit of advice: there's a very good report called the Review of Standing Orders, and if we want to make this place a better place, have a look at it over the holidays.
Motion agreed to.
The House adjourned at 3.55 p.m.