Stephen Parry (Tasmania, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

I would like to say to the retiring senators that I am worried about deep vein thrombosis. They have been sitting here for a long time, so this will be very short. I believe I am the last speaker, prior to the President concluding the debate. As Senator Patterson just reminded me, I will be the last one to let you down, and that is probably from my old vocation.

Prior to commencing my remarks, Mr President, I seek leave—and I have canvassed this with the opposition, who are the only other party present in the chamber at the moment—to incorporate two speeches, one each from Senator Helen Coonan and Senator Russell Trood, who also share my concern for the longevity of our retiring senators being in the chamber.

Leave granted.