Brett Mason (Queensland, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Universities and Research) Share this | Hansard source

Perhaps the most famous and the most influential politician of the ancient world was Marcus Tullius Cicero. As you would expect, he was a senator. In the first century BC—just before he was murdered on the orders of Mark Antony and had his hands cut off so that they could be nailed to the doors of the Senate—Cicero wrote, 'A man's own manner and character is what most becomes him.' When the debates are over, when this chamber falls silent, what we remember is not the battles won and lost but how people fought. All the retiring senators are examples of Cicero's attitude to life and politics. What we will all remember about them is how they served. They all served different parties, they all won some battles and lost others, but they made Australia a better place. But what we will remember more than anything else is that they all served honourably.

Acting Deputy President, sadly I had remarks about my six retiring Liberal colleagues. Given the time restraints, I seek leave to incorporate the remainder of my remarks.

Leave granted.

The speech read as follows—

Senator Russell Trood

I know Senator Russell Trood better than any other retiring Senator.

Mr President, the most joyous, successful, indeed euphoric, campaign I have ever participated in was the 2004 Queensland Liberal Senate Campaign. It was by every measure by far the most successful Senate campaign in Queensland Liberal history—despite me leading the ticket.

Russell shone in that campaign as dedicated, hard working and very likable. Fortunately he has never changed. Politics did not corrupt him.

And even in the Senate campaign last year—despite little chance of re-election—he never complained. Not once. Never!

I listened to Senator Brandis description of those campaigns last week and I should add two things. First, from memory, Russell always loved my campaign music. He has eclectic tastes.

Second, how we moved from the Liberal Party's 'deal-breaking' and 'not-negotiable' position of an LNP Senate ticket in 2010 based on the order of election in 2004, which was supported by both the Federal President of the Liberal Party and the then Leader of the Opposition, to the eventual ticket in 2010 is a story now familiar to many of my colleagues but which might be more fully and frankly discussed in my memoirs.

Sure, Russell will be remembered for his expertise in foreign relations, but for me, his legacy will be his honesty, his spirit of generosity and his grace under pressure.

He leaves this place with my great affection and sincere respect.

Senator Alan Ferguson

The greatest Chairman of a Committee I have ever known is Senator Alan Ferguson. As Committee Chair he was always fair—but firm. I still bear the scars of his Chairmanship. And he was always great company. He put me on to green label scotch. I still bear those scars as well. Alan, I will miss your wise counsel, friendship and warm company. Best of luck to you and Anne.

Senator Judith Troeth

The two qualities I admire so much about Senator Judith Troeth are her grace and her strength. She really is the iron fist in the velvet glove, with a wicked sense of humour thrown in. Judith, we didn't always agree. But I always respected you. And , in the end, that is what matters.

Senator Guy Barnett

On this classical theme, Senator Guy Barnett, I think it was the Oracle at Delphi who said, 'Above all, know thy self'. You are Tasmania's greatest legatee of the Oracle of Delphi. I have known no one in the Senate who holds convictions as firmly as you. My only hope is that our country continues to benefit from your service.

Senator Julian McGauran

Julian, you have always been something of an enigma. Your views are rock solid, but you have always charted your own course. I will miss the long flowing locks, the dark coats, the Italian shoes—but most of all I will miss your passion. You never let anyone down, least of all yourself.

Senator Nick Minchin

Yes, Senator Nick Minchin was a great strategist, tactician and campaigner both before and during his time in the parliament. He was the best sort of finance minister; he was miserly but never lost the smile on his face. But I admired Senator Minchin for two reasons. Firstly, he was a man of conviction. Sure, he was conservative, but never reflexively. He holds conservative views, sometimes courageously but always persuasively.

And, secondly, as a leader, he inspired that scarce commodity, very rare in politics, of trust. Whether you were a coalition senator, Labor or the cross-benchers you could trust Nick Minchin.

And I should just add, Mr President, he pulled me out of a few scrapes—but, again, wait for the memoirs.

To all senators—coalition, Labor and Family First—thank you for your public service. Thank you for your service to our Senate and for what you have done for our country. I will miss you all.