INDEPENDENT WA National Tony Crook battled nerves and fought back tears while thanking his parents, during an emotional maiden speech in the House of Representatives last Monday.
Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Opposition Leader Tony Abbott were among those who stood to congratulate Mr Crook after his speech.
He followed up with a less emotive and more decisive display later in the day making his question time debut, asking the Health Minister what the government was doing to address the financial burden on local governments in regional Australia, of general practice doctor provision.
In his maiden speech, the O'Connor MHR acknowledged a range of supporters for their help and advice, including his wife Karen, their three daughters and other family members.
He also acknowledged his proud country heritage, being born and raised on a wheat and sheep property in the WA Wheatbelt town of Merredin before moving to a pastoral station near Kalgoorlie after finishing school.
Mr Crook extended gratitude to his fellow WA Nationals, former Royal Flying Doctor Service board members and personnel, of which he is a life member, his campaign team, electorate staff and close family friends.
He said it was a "great honour" to be the new Member for O'Connor, standing as the first WA National in the House of Representatives for 34 years.
He also acknowledged the longevity of colourful Liberal Wilson Tuckey; the man he defeated at the recent Federal Election, despite polling 28 percent of the primary vote compared to Mr Tuckey's 38pc.
"It is indeed a great honour to be standing before you today as the new Member for O'Connor and in doing so I would like to formally acknowledge the contribution of the former member, the Honourable Wilson Tuckey," he said.
"You do not spend 30 years in public life, being elected term after term without doing something right.
"I wish him the very best for the future."
Mr Crook described the 43rd Federal Parliament as "an unusual one to say the least" and one that would be remembered for many reasons.
Mr Crook's role in that parliament is adding to its intrigue.
His unique position is one that is also likely to provide some testing moments between him and his federal counterparts.
Mr Crook plans to sit on the cross benches as an independent WA National where he could vote with Labor, if the situation warranted.
Speaking to Farm Weekly ahead of his maiden speech, Mr Crook said he was settling into Canberra life and receiving "fantastic" support from the Federal Nationals in the process.
"I've put myself on the cross benches hoping to secure a better deal for WA but I'll preface those remarks by saying, the Federal Nationals have been fantastic," he said.
"I think there are some real opportunities for me in this place, with a State Government that is prepared to push for regional infrastructure.
"There's been some criticism about where I sit from some parts of the electorate but my conscious is totally clear.
"I made that totally clear throughout my campaign and in my campaign launch at Kalgoorlie I specifically stated that.
"I don't think anybody would be surprised that a WA National has taken this independent stance.
"The Federal Nationals clearly want me in their party room and I understand that.
"But they also understand why I'm sitting on the cross benches.
"They understand that the WA Nats have been successful and that we do things differently.
"In a tight parliament the Nats would like to see me support them on every motion and every division but that won't happen.
"There are things I'll support the government on in time.
"But again, it's about getting a result for WA and getting a result for O'Connor."
Several National senators were present for Mr Crook's inaugural speech, including Fiona Nash and Barnaby Joyce.
High profile rural independents Rob Oakeshott, Bob Katter and Tony Windsor played a key role in determining Labor's re-election, by holding the balance of power and are also giving Mr Crook a helping hand to settle into his new home.
The Greens Adam Bandt and Tasmanian independent Andrew Wilkie are also sitting close by the WA National, on the cross benches.
"We speak all the time and in fact I wish they'd be quiet during question time," he said.
"But seriously, they have all been great.
"If I'm sitting on my own, Bob sits alongside me and every time he walks out of the house he says, 'look after things while I'm gone will you Tony'.
"Rob is right in front of me and Adam Bandt is on my left.
"Tony is in front of me to the left and Andrew Wilkie in front.
"I've had three or four semi-formal discussions with them all about committees and process and they are helping me out because I don't know the all processes.
"But having said that, the Nats have been great at that too; the Libs are helping me and so is Labor."
