‘Make our democracy stronger’: Outgoing Speaker and Member for Mulgrave Curtis Pitt delivers valedictory speech

A retiring Far North MP has reflected on some of the region’s major milestones while warning contemporaries not to be seduced by the “brutality of politics” in a stirring final address to parliament.

Queensland Speaker Curtis Pitt shares a laugh during parliament in Brisbane earlier this week. Picture: NewsWire/Tertius Pickard

A retiring Far North MP has reflected on some of the region’s major milestones while urging contemporaries not to succumb to the “brutality of politics” in a stirring final address to parliament.

Member for Mulgrave Curtis Pitt announced he would retire late last month to spend more time with his three children and care for his ailing parents, ending a 15-year run in state politics.

In his final address, the third youngest Treasurer and second youngest Speaker in Queensland’s history highlighted some of his proudest achievements within his electorate, including the largest road infrastructure project in the Far North’s history.

“After all, none of us can do any of the other things we do if we are not first an elected member for the geographic area we represent,” Mr Pitt said

“Delivering the $120 million Cairns Shipping Development Project in an environmentally sustainable dredging of Trinity Inlet to allow for more and larger cruise ships.

“The $176 million Cairns Convention Centre expansion project – which doubled the capacity of what was already a global award-winning venue … and having delivered the $535 million Edmonton to Gordonvale Bruce Highway duplication.”

Despite delivering three budget surpluses as Treasurer, Mr Pitt endured criticism from both his rivals and within the Labor Party during his time.

He was dumped as Treasurer in 2017 and took mental health leave last year after he missed parts of state parliament’s historic sitting in Cairns due to illness.

While the Speaker didn’t directly address stinging criticisms of him at the time, Mr Pitt encouraged his fellow politicians to be kinder to each other.

“I’m sure I do not have to remind Honourable members that politics can be brutal,” he said. “We have all experienced it and we have all seen it occur to our colleagues.

“However, we should not accept that this behaviour is inevitable, nor should we take the attitude that it is in any way normal.

“By doing so we will open opportunities for more people, who would otherwise resile from being interested in politics, to play a part in public life and make our democracy stronger.”

Member for Cook, Jason O'Brien, Member for Mulgrave, Curtis Pitt, Member for Cairns, Desley Boyle and Member for Barron River Steve Wettenhall celebrate a clean sweep for the ALP at the 2009 state election.

Mr Pitt said his tenure had taught him that progress in politics couldn’t be measured in terms of wins and losses.

“Success in life is about being part of building a better place for others that is enduring,” he said.

“I hope that I have left this place in a better state than I found it.”

Richie Bates is the ALP’s candidate for Mulgrave at next month’s state election.

Originally published as ‘Make our democracy stronger’: Outgoing Speaker and Member for Mulgrave Curtis Pitt delivers valedictory speech