Former Labor leader Rebecca White’s final state parliament speech

‘You find a way to get work done’: In a heartfelt speech, Rebecca White farewelled her state political career as she makes a move for a federal seat. Here’s what she said.

Rebecca White Labor member for Lyons. Final day of state parliament for 2024. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Former Labor leader Rebecca White has said farewell to state parliament with heartfelt thanks for those who supported her over her state political career — and has vowed to continue working for her constituents if she is elected to federal parliament.

Ms White has been preselected at the Labor candidate for the federal seat of Lyons, where she has been a state MP since 2010.

That election has not yet called but is expected to be announced state parliament resumed after the summer break.

Labor candidate for Lyons Rebecca White. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Sorell to announce Rebecca White former state leader of Labor as the Lyons Labor candidate for the next federal election. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

In a speech delivered late on the last day of state parliament for the year, Ms White paid tribute to outgoing member for Lyons Brian Mitchell and thanked her staff and supporters.

“I have strived to meet the expectations of my community as their representative,” she said.

“I’ve endeavoured to act within integrity, to always show up and work hard and to follow through on the things that I’ll say I do and I hope that people feel I’ve done a fair job of that.

“I don’t think there is an adequate way to describe how humbling it is to be elected by your own community to be their voice in this place. It has been the greatest honour of my life and as I step away from this parliament it is with both a mixture of sadness and excitement for the next challenge.”

State Election 2010, Labor Lyons candidate Bec (Rebecca) White, 27, at the New Norfolk Pacing Club

Ms White said she had been inspired to embark on her political career after being a member of a delegation to the USA as part of the Australian Political Exchange Council.

“It was a pivotal moment that gave me self-confidence and bravery that helped me overcome my shyness and nerves,” she said.

Ms White said she had learned the lesson of resilience after failing at her first bid for election as a local member.

“Trying and failing and learning from those mistakes and getting up and having another go has become something of a hallmark of my political career as it turns out.

“Sometimes you don’t succeed, but that doesn’t mean that you stop trying.”

Rebecca White with baby Mavis Perry 3 months. Labor leader Rebecca White in the Elizabeth Street Mall ahead on the final day of the 2024 election campaign ahead of polling day. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Ms White said she drew strength an inspiration from the small rural community she called home.

“In Nugent we all look out for one another, support one another, we stand up for one another and you keep each other going even when things can get really tough,” she said.

“That resilience comes from a place of knowing that in the country you can’t give up, because often there is no backup.

“If the tractor breaks down or stock gets through the fence you have to find a way to fix it. “There is no maintenance department you can call to come help you out.

“You have to find a way to get the work done because your family depends on it.

“That’s why country people are so tough. And that’s why I don’t give up. I’ll keep fighting for my community because these are my neighbours. This is my family. For me, it’s personal.”

Originally published as Former Labor leader Rebecca White’s final state parliament speech