Joe Hockey Retires From Australian Parliament
Joe Hockey, A.K.A Sulky Joe, has officially resigned from Parliament today, making his farewell speech to the House of Representatives this morning.
The resignation of the former Treasurer came as no surprise, with several media outlets reporting that he would do so this week. Hockey endured a tough time since his partner in crime, Tony Abbott was ousted from the throne of top tog in the lower house.
In his resignation speech, Hockey said that “the revolving door in Australian politics needs to be jammed shut”. Hockey also wished new PM, Malcolm Turnbull success for the sake of his constituents and the country.
.@JoeHockey in farewell speech urges against "rapid and unpredictable changes of government" https://t.co/LYLPczCyw1 https://t.co/opXV0uixEb
— ABC News (@abcnews) October 21, 2015
Prime Minister Turnbull thanked Hockey and spoke of his admiration for his good mate. He thanked him for his “enormous contribution over nearly 20 years” and wished him and his family all the best for the future.
Turnbull: We admire you, Joe, we love you, you have made an enormous contribution over nearly 20 years. #auspol https://t.co/g2fiDVDrzH
— Sky News Australia (@SkyNewsAust) October 21, 2015
Opposition leader, Bill Shorten stopped his whinging for a change and actually delivered a generous reflection on a fierce competitor who would crash into you all day and then share a beer with you at the end of the day.
You can see Hockey’s full valedictory speech below.
.@JoeHockey delivers his valedictory speech to Parliament #auspol https://t.co/LYLPczCyw1 #auspol https://t.co/elZVRKr26a
— ABC News (@abcnews) October 21, 2015