Mr REPACHOLI (Hunter) (13:56) 

It's almost that time of the year when the big man with the big beard and nicely rounded belly comes to town.

Just to clarify: I'm not talking about myself. It's almost Christmas and Santa—a man with a beard a lot wider than mine—will be visiting the hardworking families of the Hunter.

As 2023 comes to an end, I want to use this opportunity to say thank you to all the people of the Hunter.

Thank you for putting your trust in me to represent you in Canberra. There's nothing I enjoy more than travelling around the Hunter and meeting people every day. You're a kind bunch with a great sense of humour. The cafes, pubs and takeaway shops know how to make great burgers and fantastic food, which definitely comes in handy on my travels.

To everyone in the Hunter, I hope you have a very merry Christmas and a happy new year.

If you're travelling, please be safe on our roads. I hope Santa is nice to you all. Please don't forget to leave out some cookies or maybe even a beer or two for him.

And remember: diets don't apply over Christmas and calories don't count, so eat that third serving of pavlova, finish off that last bit of ham and save all the healthy habits for 2024.