Kerry O'Brien (Tasmania, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I will be brief, understanding that many colleagues of the outgoing senators who have given their valedictories tonight will want the opportunity to speak. I did not want to let the opportunity go past without putting a couple of things on the record. I admire the way that Senator Nick Minchin has conducted himself in this place. We have not travelled together. We have not crossed swords so much at estimates committees or in the parliament. It has been through my observation of his performance as a member of the Senate. It was a performance which drew my admiration. I respect the way that you have conducted yourself in this place, Nick. I really do hope that you enjoy your retirement and I am sure your family will enjoy your presence. Unlike other people, I do not wish that you watch the Senate question time again, and I suspect you will not, very often—as I would not.

Senator Julian McGauran and I have crossed paths on committees from time to time. We even travelled together to New Zealand to look at fire blight in apple orchards. We have had our moments. I do have one thing that I need to say and that is, in all of the speeches that I have given in this place attacking the National Party, I really do claim credit for Julian changing from the National Party to the Liberal Party following those attacks. If I influenced no-one, I am certain I influenced Julian McGauran. Yours has been a long period of service in this place and a distinguished career, something which I am sure you are very proud of and your family is very proud of. I wish you well in your retirement. If indeed you do go onto the stage, I am glad you will have a parliamentary pension!

Senator Alan Ferguson and I travelled together once. I made comments in my valedictory speech about the way that we got on, and I suspect the way I got on well with Alan is an experience which is commonly held by many on this side of the chamber. Of course, for many years I was on that side of the chamber and he was here. I recall many hecklings that I received from Senator Ferguson when I was prosecuting the case on the pork industry, apples and various agriculture sector issues which Senator Ferguson was involved in and there was the war on the waterfront issue. I recall attempting to prosecute an estimates case for Lindsay Tanner and having Robert Hill in the minister's chair and Alan Ferguson in the chairman's chair, making it extremely difficult for me to do that. Nevertheless, I have a great deal of respect for the way that Alan Ferguson has conducted himself. He has been loyal and true to his party but a very welcoming person around the corridors of this place and I have greatly appreciated his counsel from time to time.

I recall one event that amuses me. It was an occasion during the taking of note where one senator, whom I will not name, decided that there should be a bit of a game: everyone who spoke needed to mention three words but choose a word which had two meanings. Senator Ferguson, in the chair, ruled it out of order and would not allow people to use it. I must say I got around that by questioning the ruling and was the only one who could. It was a demonstration of the respect that Senator Ferguson had for the procedures here. Alan, I wish you well. I know you have enjoyed travelling. I hear you have a Winnebago or something of the sort. I hope you enjoy that for the future and that you and your family have a great retirement.