Eric Abetz (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Minister for Employment) Share this | Hansard source

by leave—I thank the Senate on this occasion. It must be getting close to Christmas.

I thought I had an impressive list of people to thank, but I think you have gazumped me, Mr President, so I simply say, on behalf of the coalition, that we fully endorse your remarks in relation to all of the wonderful people who assist us in doing our tasks. That includes, Mr President, yourself. That is one that was on my list, which you left off your own list, and so on behalf of the coalition I thank you for what you do in ensuring the smooth running of the Senate. I do note that, all things being equal, this will be your last Christmas message, but I look forward to your stewardship of this place over the next six or so months until the Senate changes.

I also include in the list the parliamentary chaplain. I thank Reverend Peter Rose for his prayerful support of us individually and also of our collective endeavours and deliberations. I thank my colleagues and my deputy, Senator Brandis, and Senator Scullion and the country cousins from the National Party for providing a good, cohesive coalition. It is a situation where we have this year changed sides in this place, but it is a great testament to the strength of our democracy that these things can happen so smoothly. I thank all of those involved who assisted in that quite extensive logistical manoeuvre. Having been on the opposite end of it a couple of times as well, I am very appreciative, on behalf of all senators I am sure, of those who make those logistical changes for us.

I thank not only all of the personal staff in my office but also all of the coalition staffers for the wonderful job they did leading up to the election, during it and since. Mr President, I simply say it is a genuine privilege to be able to serve in this place, and especially so to serve as the Leader of the Government in the Senate and have the confidence of the Prime Minister, Mr Tony Abbott, to do so.

I conclude by wishing the Leader of the Opposition in the Senate, all opposition senators, the Greens, Senator Xenophon and Senator Madigan a very happy Christmas time and a restful period as we regroup to gather in 2014 to do the people's work. The Christmas period is part of a very rich heritage that we as a society enjoy and it is worthwhile to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas, not only for us personally but also for us as a nation. I wish everybody a very happy Christmas and all the best for 2014.