In politics, in the end, you're just a mug.
In politics, in the end, you're just a mug.
We leave you with some Christmas gift suggestions from the shop right here at Parliament House.
So after that what have we learned?
The day isn't over for the current PM, who has an impending dinner appointment with the COAG crew here at Parliament House.
But for us, here at the Pulse, we bid you farewell.
Thank you so much for reading and commenting and getting engaged, vibrant-democracy style.
As we've noted before, no blog is an island, and many people contribute and help behind the scenes. Particular shout outs to: Lisa Visentin, Marija Taflaga, Frank Keany, Michael Pachi, Paddy Doulman, Alison Cassar, Damien Nowicki and Gabrielle Hooton.
And a special SO to Stephanie Peatling, who drove the blog through most of the year and the election.
A very merry festive season from Andrew Meares, Alex Ellinghausen and myself.
And John serenaded the girls.
Bronwyn also compared shoes with Tina.
And in a show of festive bipartisanship, Speaker Bronwyn Bishop and her Senate counterpart, Labor's John Hogg, have launched "giving trees" at Parliament House.
Visitors to Parliament House - as well as those who work here - can make a charitable donation in exchange for a decoration on one of the trees.
The money will go to The Red Cross, The Smith Family and the RSPCA.
Visitors Tina Salgado and Sophia Salgado also helped with the tree.
You may remember the fuss over Barry Cassidy's appointment as chair of the Old Parliament House advisory council.
George Brandis asked the ABC journo to step down, because he didn't want anyone currently involved in the political process in the gig.
Brandis has just announced that former Howard government minister David Kemp will fill the spot.
I suppose the emphasis here will have to be on former.
It's about that kind of time of the day.
The House stands adjourned until February 11 next year, having passed the bill to re-establish the building watchdog, the Australian Building and Construction Commission, in the final moments of its year.
The Senate continues to sit, but not for extended hours.
It has been a bumper edition of a sitting day, as promised.
We've had prime ministers old and new, love, loss and words both harsh and kind.
But before we go, a couple of things ...
Julie and I are still good to go (Ian's not sure).
Me too.
Original URL: https://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/the-pulse-live/politics-live-december-12-2013-20131212-2z77c.html