Australia news live: Alan Tudge resigns from politics; Sydney man confirmed dead in Turkey earthquakes

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Peter Dutton then takes the floor:

[We might have differences on] policies but people should know that the prime minister is a person who greatly respects this institution of the parliament, as I do. And despite what might be said in the media, what might be reported, the perceptions of this chamber or what conducts itself in this chamber, the fact is it must survive and it must thrive because we live in the greatest country in the world. And we do so because there is a contest of ideas and the ability to exchange in a robust way on occasion, different ideas, but always respecting those who have gone before us those who have served and making sure that this institution is in a fit state for those who will come.

Dutton then moves on to speaking about Alan Tudge:

I want to say a few words about my friend, the member for Aston, Alan Tudge. Alan came into the parliament in 2010. He’s a person of great integrity and of huge intellect. And he brought a career, a very significant career and the experiences over the course of working with Brendan Nelson and with Alexander Downer and with Noel Pearson, and others within the private sector that came to bear around our Cabinet table and around our leadership group and in discussions in our party.

He does have a great intellect and appetite for nothing more than seeing what is in our country’s best interests. And he dedicated himself to that during his time in Aston, for the people in his local electorate. It’s a great area and he has been passionate about making sure that whether it’s for local roads or projects in his local community, he’s been a champion on behalf of those people.

But his interest has extended nationally and he’s been very passionate particularly in the area of Indigenous affairs and education and his contribution to public policy and to advancing the cause of Indigenous Australians and young Australians. As their minds, experiment and explore and grow. That’s been his particular passion.

Updated at 00.03 EST

PM thanks Alan Tudge for his service and ‘sacrifices’

Anthony Albanese:

I thank the member for Aston for showing the respect to this parliament, to this house, for announcing the resignation on the floor of the House of Representatives. That’s appropriate, and it’s consistent with his decision to inform me, and we had a meeting this morning, where he informed me of his decision to leave the parliament.

Serving in this house is an incredible honour for all of us, and it is a difficult day and a difficult decision for the member for Aston to come to.

We had a good discussion this morning, not the least of which is about the conscripts, our children, in particular, and about how difficult it is sometimes for our children, who are sometimes exposed to what should never occur, particularly at a time where people can make anonymous comments through social media, and through other divisive forms.

The member for Aston is, has been very lucky.

One term in opposition and three terms as a minister.

I’m in my third term as a minister, and I’ve been here since last century. [there is a small bit of laughter at this.]

So, I say to the member for Aston, we have political differences, and I’m not going to including about some elements of his service, and there is no point gilding the lily there and he wouldn’t want me to either, but I thank him for his service in this house.

I thank him for the sacrifices that are made to serve in this house, and I, on behalf of the government, say that I respect the decision that he has made, and I respect the manner in which it has been made.

Updated at 23.58 EST

Alan Tudge finishes with:

I wanted to thank my family particularly, and particularly my kids. Cass, Chrissy and Richard, who I am so very proud of. Proud to see my son flourish in his early primary school years, and proud to see my daughters growing to be strong, independent women. Mr Speaker, I leave honoured to have served, and proud of what we have achieved, both for the people of Aston and across Australia, but particularly for Indigenous Australia.

There is always much more work to do and there are always new faces in this place, but I believe that the Liberal party is well served by the emerging talent in Aston, and it is time to pass the baton to someone who can hopefully serve our local community better than anyone before them. It truly has been an honour and a privilege to be in this place. I thank the house.

There is a standing ovation and a small burst of applause.

Then Anthony Albanese takes the floor.

Updated at 23.55 EST

Alan Tudge stops here and hits the dispatch box nervously. He asks Peter Dutton “Could I just grab a glass of water, mate?”

There is then a scramble to get Tudge something to drink.

He eventually gets it, and then spills it.

“I’ve got water everywhere now,” he says.

Bit of a mess in the last moments.

Alan Tudge has a drink mid-resignation speech in parliament. Photograph: Lukas Coch/AAP

Updated at 00.04 EST

Alan Tudge:

Mr Speaker, as you know, nothing in this place can be achieved alone. To start with, I have had brilliant staff in my office over the years, no more so than the leaders of my electorate office, who were with me almost my entire time, Glynis Alan and Sandra Raybould, also Samra Becky, Richard Ryder, Michael Bennett and so many others.

Friends and loved ones who have always been in my corner, and they know who they are. I have had colleagues who are now incredible friends. I’ve had the benefit of a professional public service. To all of you, I simply say thank you. I also think the prime minister and the Speaker for the grace they have shown me. I especially thank Peter Dutton, Scott Morrison and Tony Abbott for their leadership, support and strength. Peter Dutton is a man of incredible integrity, experience and strength, and I greatly admire him, and he would make an excellent prime minister.

I thank the Liberal party and the thousands of members that the party comprises. Locally headed by the amazing Paul Stone.

Our values are as timeless and true today as when Menzies articulated them. Moreover, the future is bright for our side of politics. When we are still recruiting people of the talent of Zoe and Keith and Aaron, just to mention the three Victorians who came in at the last election.

Updated at 23.54 EST

Tudge thanks Labor’s Jason Clare for continuing work on education programs

Alan Tudge continues:

My greatest passion though was and is in education. I would have loved to lead the portfolio but many initiatives are being supported by the Albanese government.

For example, employees legislation has been reintroduced to enact the research commercialisation agenda, what the Business Council of Australia described as crucial for economic success for decades to come.

Equally so, there are reforms to initial teacher education which is absolutely fundamental to lifting school standards. Similarly, the expansion of Teach for Australia, the rolling out of explicit instruction in remote schools, encouragement of independent schools to partner with Indigenous ones.

All are important and I thank minister Jason Clare for the constructive manner he has taken to these programs. I don’t expect the Labor government to be quite as passionate as me as reforming the school curriculum to present a more positive optimistic view of our nation, but I certainly encourage the government down that path.

Updated at 23.52 EST

Alan Tudge says his passion has always been in social policy

Yup.

Alan Tudge:

My passion has always been in social policy rather than economic or security policy, the traditional Liberal focal areas.

I’ve always believed that while the economy is the foundation of our society, that social policies determine whether individuals are given the opportunity and responsibility to realise their potential.

And both of these things are required.

Opportunity and responsibility. Something that I learned deeply from working with Noel Pearson.

It’s why I’ve been passionate about working with colleagues in this house to leave policy reforms over the years such as strengthening the sustainability of our social security systems, including stronger job search obligations which in part has led to the lowest welfare dependency ratio in decades.

The cashless welfare card, which was co-designed, inflated with Indigenous leaders, in areas where welfare-fuelled alcohol abuse was robbing women and children of their safety. Let alone a reasonable life.

There is still so much work to do in this area, as Alice Springs has shown. Policies to support social cohesion and strengthen our successful model of integrated multiculturalism include encouraging the learning, free tuition to do so as well as countering some of the CCP information, misinformation.

Reforming online gambling including banning lines of credit, and other new consumer protections, some of which are still being implemented now.

Updated at 23.49 EST

Tudge says health and family among reasons for resignation

Alan Tudge:

I informed the prime minister and Speaker of my decision earlier today and leader of the opposition has known my likely intent since early January when my decision was cemented following the passing of my father.

It’s not been an easy decision for me but it is necessary for my health and for my family among other reasons. I certainly have not taken this decision lightly.

My daughters, who are 18 and 16, no nothing other than their dad being away.

They’ve had to put up with things that no teenager should have to, including death threats.

The most recent of which was last week.

My son is a bit younger but equally I want to be a good father to him. While this profession can be unforgiving at times, serving as a member of parliament has been one of the greatest honours my life. Select the member I have had opportunities to work with thousands of individuals …

I’ve had the privilege of meeting and recognising the volunteers who have done 20 or more years of quiet work, just helping others. The true heroes of our nation.

This alone makes a role as a representative not just worthwhile but immensely rewarding. And why I continue to encourage others to consider pursuing it.

I thank the people of Aston for putting their faith in me and giving me that responsibility.

Updated at 23.46 EST

Alan Tudge resigns from the parliament

Alan Tudge has asked for the call and is at the dispatch box to confirm his resignation from the parliament from next week.

He says Peter Dutton has known of his intention since January, after the passing of his father.

Updated at 23.42 EST

Question time ends

Anthony Albanese stays at the dispatch box though, to say he has received a report an Australian has died in the Türkiye and Syria earthquakes.

I am deeply saddened to have been given a report just during question time that one Australian has tragically lost their life in the devastation that has occurred in Turkey and Syria. The house will understand I can’t speak further on is utterly appropriate steps have taken place, which I notified the Leader of the opposition. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade continues to provide consular assistance to Australians unaccounted for, of whom tragically there are a number at this point in time. Their safety is our immediate priority and we understand how difficult the situation is for their loved ones back here. We have of course provided initial support of $10m but also we are hopeful that soon the Australian personnel who have such experience, unfortunately, I’ve dealing with tragedies and natural disasters, will be on the ground in the region. Our thoughts are with all those who have loved ones back in Turkiye, Syria, and in the region, and our hope, our hope, is that good news presents itself by the time we come back to the chamber here next week.

Updated at 23.43 EST