David Bushby (Tasmania, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

I too rise to pay tribute to the three Liberal senators who delivered their valedictory speeches tonight and to make a few comments about the three who did so last week.

Since his election to parliament in 1993 Senator Nick Minchin has had an impressive parliamentary career, culminating in his serving as both leader of the government and the opposition in the Senate and also in cabinet. I believe that this is a testament to the high esteem that he is held in, both professionally and personally, by his colleagues, by his party and by the nation. But of greater importance to me is the fact that Senator Minchin is a true advocate of liberalism, of the free market, of the benefits to Australians of small government, of rewarding innovation and effort and valuing individuals—all ideas which I believe are wholly owned by the people on this side of this place and ideals which are exemplified by Senator Minchin's principled approach to policy issues on issues that have come before him during his time in this place. I personally have no doubt that Senator Minchin will be recorded in history as one of our nation's true statesman and one whose influence and opinion have served to shape a stronger, better and fairer Australia. Can I say, Nick, that I believe your loss to this place—the loss of your wise head and counsel—will leave the nation worse off than it currently is.

Senator Ferguson, you are another one of the Australian parliament's true statesmen. As President of the Senate, Deputy President and Chair of Committees, Senator Ferguson has shown a masterful knowledge of the procedures and processes of parliament and a considered, capable and equitable approach to controlling the people in this chamber—and we certainly need that control some­times. You are a true gentleman, a man of immense gravitas and one who has earned the respect of all senators who have been through this place in this time.

I also acknowledge the longstanding parliamentary career of Senator Julian McGauran. Although also a senator who has had a great impact, I will miss him for entirely different reasons. During my time here, Senator McGauran, you have undoubtedly been the most entertaining debater in this place. This is not to downplay at all your ability to debate well; you are certainly articulate and effective in what you say. But you have the ability to include a degree of comic turn of phrase and delivery that is quite unique and enables you to deliver the points that you make in a way which I think is quite humorous and effective. Your valedictory speech today did not fail in that regard.

Senator Judith Troeth's retirement marks the end of a long and successful Senate career, including time as a parliamentary secretary in the early Howard government. Her passionate advocacy on a wide range of issues, particularly those impacting on rural and regional Australians and women, reflect her commitment to the principles of liberalism and truly highlight how just one individual in this place can make a real difference.

Senator Trood, although here for less time than the other retiring Liberal senators, has nevertheless made a significant impact through his exemplary committee work and his erudite and in-depth contribution to policy debates, particularly in the area of foreign affairs. In his speech last week he mentioned how Canadian senators are appointed for life. If senators here were appointed for life, Senator Trood is just the sort of person who should be appointed.

Last but not least I would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge my fellow Tasmanian Guy Barnett. I recall first getting to know him whilst I was a student politician at the University of Tasmania and he was then the youngest ever senior adviser to a Premier in Australia. I continued that friend­ship over the years, culminating in my going into partnership with him in a public relations and law firm in 2001. That partner­ship did not last long because Senator Brian Gibson retired within months and Guy was soon appointed to replace him in the Senate. I followed his career closely and have no doubt that he was a most passionate, hard-working and committed member of federal parliament, and I had great pleasure in again becoming his colleague, this time in Canberra, some six years later.

In conclusion, to all retiring Liberal senators, best wishes and enjoy the life that your retirement will now return to you.