Sue has announced that she will retire from Parliament at the 2011 election. I want to take this opportunity, and I am sure it is on behalf of the rest of the Labour caucus to congratulate and thank Sue for her tireless work on her causes.

It would be fair to say that from time to time some of my colleagues have had their moments with Sue, and her relentless advocacy. But it was always on the basis of the issues and the issues that mattered to her. On two issues in particular, safe food and animal welfare I think Sue has led the political debate, and at times has been well ahead of the debate. On animal welfare I think that she is close to some very real change, and certainly Labour is supporting her Animal Welfare bill when it comes up for First Reading.

In recent times I have also seen her hard work along with Winnie Laban on the aged care inquiry, and her sterling contribution in opposing Rodney Hide’s agenda in local government and water privatisation.

To me Sue is a great advertisement for MMP. While we might not agree on every issue she has bought an informed and different perspective to a number of important debates. I particularly enjoyed campaigning alongside her in Wellington Central in our unique and great electorate.

I have no doubt Sue will continue to make significant contributions on the issues she cares about, but she can be proud of her parliamentary career. I wish her and Denis all the best for a (slightly) quieter life after the election next year.