New Liberal MP learnt from 'activist' mum

A new Liberal MP has revealed the unique way he learnt teamwork from his mum - when she organised a "black ops raid" against toll booths in Western Australia.

Vince Connelly, the coalition's new member for the seat of Stirling, described his mother Suzelie as a political activist who taught him about working with the local community.

"One night mum co-ordinated a team who snuck up and wrapped the toll booths in plastic and covered them in shaving cream, waving happy motorists through for free," he told the lower house in his first speech.

"Naturally, the local police kindly offered mum a free ride back to the station. After six years of protest activity, the government finally removed those tolls. And 30 years later - they're still too scared to put them back on."

The former army officer and staffer for previous government member Julie Bishop decided to enter politics in order to do the most he can for the community.

Mr Connelly retained the seat of Stirling for the coalition at the May election, after his predecessor Michael Keenan retired from politics.

He reflected on his work in the army, which included deployments to East Timor and the Solomon Islands.

"We have the responsibility - and the resources - to lend a hand to others," he said on Monday.

"Our region of the world continues to face strategic challenges and we will also continue to face humanitarian disasters.

"I am thrilled to now be in a position to leverage my knowledge and experience to help contribute to the strategy which guides Australia's important deployments."

The new MP later worked in crisis management for the mining, oil and gas sectors, experience he plans to use to advocate for small businesses.

The father of three spoke about his love and commitment to Australia, comparing his first speech to a wedding.

"I commit to contributing to the ever unfinished business of democracy," he said.

"I commit to the intergenerational imperative to leave for our children a better world than was left for us.

"And I commit now and for every day ahead of me to do as I have always done, to provide selfless service as part of the team and to give my full measure of devotion to my fellow Australians."