Christopher Back (WA, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

No-one wants to see their colleagues leave, but as the most junior senator here for the last 2½ years I cannot wait until 1 July, I can assure you. History is made this afternoon, and I also want to honour those colleagues.

In the case of Senator Minchin, also having a son who has served in active service in Iraq and Afghanistan, we felt keenly for you, Nick, and your speech this afternoon was one of legend.

In the case of Alan, as you said recently, it is better to go when your colleagues do not want you to than to stay when they actually want you to leave. I can only thank you very much for that very long two minutes you gave me when I proposed the motion for World Veterinary Year.

When it comes to Senator McGauran, he could not have had a better schooling than with Bart Cummings, a man who is actually known for not saying too much but whom you listen carefully to. What Julian did do—and it was a great apprenticeship for him—was learn in the horse industry, mucking out boxes, that what you put in at one end, if you do not treat it very carefully, inevitably comes out the other end. Therefore, he had a very good apprenticeship. I believe it was also in riding work. If ever you will get back to that weight, Julian, I do not know. Nevertheless, history is fast coming down, because at this moment there are only four, I think, who have come from the old Parliament House to this one: Senator Boswell, Senator McGauran, Philip Ruddock and Bronwyn Bishop, and one of those four in fact now leaves.

In the few minutes available to me I would like to honour also those from the other side of the chamber and Senator Fielding. Senator Wortley was chair of the first committee I was put onto, and I really valued her for her wisdom and guidance. Senator O'Brien, of course, was on the Rural Affairs and Transport Committee. Senator Hurley will be long remembered in my family and in my office. In fact, heat will be applied because we have bought both of her microwave ovens for those purposes. Of course, Senator Hutchins, I travelled to the Middle East with, and Senator Fielding I wish well. With the Irish ambassador, we will enjoy Senator Forshaw's hospitality on Thursday.

In the few minutes remaining I want to also honour, if I may, my colleague Senator Guy Barnett for the enthusiasm in the areas that I have seen him perform in. Guy, I know that you will have a long career. As a person very interested in diabetes, I can only thank you for prosecuting it.

In the last six months I have sat with Senator Russell Trood on the Select Committee on the Reform of the Australian Federation and have watched his wisdom.

Senator Judith Troeth mentored me from the time I came into the chamber and taught me what I do know. It is not much, I suppose, of procedure, but I feel particularly honoured that I sat beside her when she made her speech on the CPRS at variance with what was the position of our side. I did not agree with what she said; I honoured her for her willingness and her capacity and I felt very pleased to sit here beside her because I believe that is the essence of democracy.

I honour all colleagues who are leaving. I thank them for their contribution.