Richard Colbeck (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Finance and Administration) Share this | Hansard source

The incorporated speech read as follows

It is with a mix of emotions that I make my contribution to the valedictory debate in honour of my very good friend and colleague Senator Paul Calvert.

To say that Paul has been anything less than a terrific colleague would be an understatement. When I arrived in this place, in February 2002, following my election at the 2001 poll and subsequent early retirement of another very distinguished Tasmanian, Senator Jocelyn Newman, I had already enjoyed the cut and thrust of the campaign with Paul as ticket leader. His sense of humour and real grass roots method of campaigning.

I don’t think that either of us will forget the evening we spent with a group of fishermen at St Helens on the East Coast of Tasmania. Nothing out of order, but it was a long and convivial night. And Paul did retreat a little earlier than some of us, indicating that he had confidence that we could manage the situation.

When I was sworn in to this place, Paul in the pivotal position of whip, set me up perfectly in respect of my committee appointments, directed me toward other possible opportunities and generally and generously gave me guidance in respect of the workings of the Senate.

I don’t think that any senator could have received a better entree into the senate than I received from Paul, and I will be forever grateful for the assistance and guidance that he provided.

It is obvious that he is highly regarded by his colleagues, you would have to be to hold the positions that he held. As whip in the engine room of daily operations of the Senate and then five distinguished years as president of this chamber.

And while conducting these duties, Paul still maintained his connection to the issues of importance to Tasmania, the agriculture sector in particular including, importation of apples and Atlantic Salmon, the Tasmanian Freight Equalisation Scheme, recycling of wastewater into the Richmond area and a passionate interest in ensuring that the facilities at the Bellerive Oval were of a standard that would be suitable for first class cricket.

Paul is a great friend and as I have said a terrific colleague, he said to me on many occasions, “I never let down a mate” and he never did.

Paul deserves to leave this place with all the accolades that come his way, he has well and truly earned them, and the respect that comes with them.

He can be justly proud of his contribution to his party, his state, country and this place over his twenty years service to the senate.

I wish him, his wife Jill and his family all the very best in retirement, he deserves to enjoy his time on the tractor and with his family. I trust that his retirement is a long enjoyable and prosperous one.

All the best, Paul.