Judith Adams (WA, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

Firstly, I would like to wish all retiring senators well. For those on this side, I missed out the other night on con­gratulating Judith, Guy and Russell, so I will quickly run through them. That does not sound good, does it?

Judith Troeth has been a great advocate as far as rural issues go, and of course that has been one of my favourite things. She has been a pillar of strength and a great friend, and I really do hope that everything goes well in her future.

Guy Barnett had to put up with me sitting beside him for about 2½ years. When I first came he really did help me with Senate procedure and, Guy, I do thank you very much and wish you and your family well with whatever comes. Congratulations on being appointed as an ambassador for Diabetes Australia. That is great; you will do very well.

Russell was part of our 2004 class. I am really sad that he is going but I am sure that we will see him back, either here or in some other area that he has great expertise in.

As for Nick and Alan, a word that has not been mentioned tonight is advocacy. I think both of them have given so much in that role. They have been very good. I will start with Nick. As the leader, I really did appreciate your advocacy and your wise counsel when things were going a little bit amiss on a certain subject that I took on when I first came, the single desk. It did not go down very well with my National Party colleagues but Nick was great and he and Alan were certainly great with their counsel. Nick's mother was the same age as my mother, so when things were not going very well he was great and I really did appreciate that. Nick, with a son in the Army as well, I really did feel for you with Oliver. I am so pleased that everything has happened as it has and I am sure that Oliver will go on and be a great officer.

Fergie—and it is very difficult not to turn around to face him but I had better stay with this—has been great, once again with rural issues. He and I bonded right from the start and, as President of the Senate, he was very good and I learnt so much about Senate procedure from him. Also, on the Joint Standing Committee on the National Capital and External Territories, I have made two trips to Norfolk Island with Alan. He has certainly given me great insight into the issues that are confronting the Norfolk Island people, and I am sure that if things do not go quite to plan I will be on the phone to talk to Alan.

Julian, those girls are going to have a wonderful time when you get to the college to actually teach. I would think that in theatre and drama, or whatever they call it now, you would certainly be able to fill that gap as well! I wish you well in many ways and I am sure that you will be a great success with your future endeavours. When Julian was in the National Party we did have a few clashes with him and his brother over the same issue, which was the single desk, but he came to the Liberal Party and he probably saw where I was coming from in the end. Thanks, Julian. You have done a wonderful job.

In conclusion, I wish everyone well. I am sure that colleagues on the other side and Steve Fielding, in their own way, will do well in the future.