Tanya Plibersek reflects on record-breaking tenure in House of Representatives
Labor MP for Sydney Tanya Plibersek has become Australia’s longest serving female MP, marking her 23rd year in the House of Representatives.
Ms Plibersek admitted to Jim Wilson she didn’t notice she had broken the record, and was instead alerted to the milestone.
“It’s a fantastic privilege to be reelected by my constituents in Sydney.
“What a democracy we have. My parents literally grew up in huts with dirt floors … what other country in the world would have given me these opportunities?”
Jim harkened all the way back to 1998 by playing a clip of the parliamentarian’s maiden speech.
“I feel like I was just a baby,” she reflected.
“The things that motivated me then still motivate me.
“I got into politics because I want everybody to have what I want for myself and my kids – decent job security, a roof over my head.
“That hasn’t changed in 23 years.”
Press PLAY below to hear Tanya Plibersek’s reflections in full