Philip Ruddock (Berowra, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

I do not think it would be appropriate if I let this opportunity pass without recording my thanks to Bernard as a friend and as a professional officer of this parliament who has never compromised his role but is still able to work with all of us. As you would all know, I have known most of his relatively recent predecessors—that is, over 40 years—and I would not want to draw invidious comparisons because all of them have been fine, professional officers. But, to me, Bernard Wright has been unique in the way in which he has carried out that role—not just as a fearless adviser but also as a person who brings to the role a very considerable degree of intellectual leadership, as demonstrated in the many volumes of the Practice that some of us have on our shelves. I cannot say I have used the Practice as frequently as Madam Speaker, but it has been invaluable. Bernard, thank you very much for your friendship.

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