George Brandis (Queensland, Liberal Party, Minister for the Arts and Sport) Share this | Hansard source

Thank you, Senator Webber, and I hear ‘hear-hears’ volleying across the chamber. So Senator Ferris made such a great impact, not only on the place but also on the job, on the role. She really defined the way in which a whip ought to go about their business of corralling fractious, difficult and wilful personalities in order to bring out the best in everyone for the greater good.

I will certainly miss her. She lightened my days. I always loved Jeannie’s company, even when I was in her bad books, as I very seldom though occasionally was. I extend my condolences to her family and, in particular, as others have mentioned, to her very close friend and loyal secretary, Robyn Mills, who I think has borne the brunt of the last few months and whose loyalty, friendship and service to Jeannie—and to all the government senators—has been truly exemplary.