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Kate Ellis Always Brought The Outrage To Question Time

Along with the mirth.
Kate Ellis reacts to an answer by Prime Minister Tony Abbott during question time at Parliament House in Canberra on Monday 24 November 2014
Andrew Meares/Fairfax
Kate Ellis reacts to an answer by Prime Minister Tony Abbott during question time at Parliament House in Canberra on Monday 24 November 2014

CANBERRA -- Labor's Kate Ellis has only just indicated she is going to leave politics, and is not gone yet, but talk of the departure of the Member for Adelaide has got us musing on what we will miss.

There's no doubt she has made a serious impact over 13 years in federal parliament, especially in her current portfolio of childcare.

But politics is also theatre, especially during question time.

And Kate Ellis always brought the outrage.

Because, you know, this is how you respond to the Energy and Environment Minister Josh Frydenberg. If you are Kate Ellis.

Shadow Education Minister Kate Ellis can't believe what she is hearing
Alex Ellinghausen/Fairfax
Shadow Education Minister Kate Ellis can't believe what she is hearing

This how you listen to Foreign Affairs Minister Julie Bishop. If you are Kate Ellis.

Shadow Education Minister Kate Ellis listens as Minister for Foreign Affairs Julie Bishop speaks during Question Time on Tuesday 23 February 2016
Alex Ellinghausen/Fairfax
Shadow Education Minister Kate Ellis listens as Minister for Foreign Affairs Julie Bishop speaks during Question Time on Tuesday 23 February 2016

And this is how Labor frontbenchers chat amongst themselves while government types are on their feet. Ellis brought it.

Labor MPs Tanya Plibersek, Kate Ellis and Mark Butler during Question Time on Tuesday 18 August 2015
Alex Ellinghausen/Fairfax
Labor MPs Tanya Plibersek, Kate Ellis and Mark Butler during Question Time on Tuesday 18 August 2015

The Member for Adelaide tested various Speakers over the years and was often punted under "disorderly conduct" standing order 94a.

Shadow Education Minister Kate Ellis listens as Prime Minister Tony Abbott speaks during Question Time on Wednesday 16 July 2014
Alex Ellinghausen/Fairfax
Shadow Education Minister Kate Ellis listens as Prime Minister Tony Abbott speaks during Question Time on Wednesday 16 July 2014

Props are not allowed in question time, but it is important to note that Ellis has always been a team player.

Shadow Treasurer Chris Bowen and Kate Ellis during question time on Monday 2 June May 2014
Andrew Meares/Fairfax
Shadow Treasurer Chris Bowen and Kate Ellis during question time on Monday 2 June May 2014

But now Ellis has made a decision for her family and her young son Sam will now be her focus.

Labor MPs Kate Ellis and Anthony Albanese during the ALP National Conference at the Melbourne Convention Centre on Friday 24 July 2015.
Alex Ellinghausen/Fairfax
Labor MPs Kate Ellis and Anthony Albanese during the ALP National Conference at the Melbourne Convention Centre on Friday 24 July 2015.

It's telling that politicians across the political spectrum have wished her well and have respected what must have been a very difficult decision. And we join them.

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