CANBERRA -- There’s been a short break in political hostilities in Canberra as the Prime Minister and Opposition delivered their end of year valedictories.
Both Malcolm Turnbull and Bill Shorten wrapped up 2015 with speeches touching on the ongoing battles against violent extremism and domestic violence, while trumping achievements of national sporting teams and signing the multi-billion dollar Trans Pacific Partnership trade pact.
But it was also a moment, on the last parliamentary sitting day of the year, to offer best wishes to political opponents.
“I want to wish the Prime Minister a restful and happy Christmas with Lucy and the family,” Shorten told parliament.
“As long as the truffles are up to standard, it's never been a more exciting time to be Malcolm Turnbull!”
The Prime Minister also had a seasonal peace offering to the man he ousted two and a half months ago, Tony Abbott.
“He has been a great Prime Minister and I thank him for his service and I thank him for his support today as a member of our party,” Turnbull said.
It has been a different story over in the Senate, with the Greens announcing a deal with the Turnbull Government on its plans to crackdown on multinational tax avoidance.
Labor Senators have been taking turns attacking the Greens as “monumental sell-outs” and “worse than lick spittle.”
Senators Penny Wong and Sam Dastyari have referred to the deal as a “dirty deal, done dirt cheap”.
Meantime, the fate of embattled Special Minister of State Mal Brough is set to dominate parliament’s last day for 2015.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull is standing by Brough, who is being investigated by the Australian Federal Police for his role in the Peter Slipper/James Ashby affair.