Ron Boswell (Queensland, National Party) Share this | Hansard source

One of the sad days on the calendar of the Senate is when we farewell our friends and colleagues. It is nostalgic, particularly with people I have served with, like Julian McGauran. In 1987 he was the only product of the Joh for Canberra campaign. He came in on the Joh for Canberra ticket. We have been friends ever since. I admire the way he stood up for his pro-life issues and his Catholic faith. He never wavered from them. There are some fantastic stories, and there is one I have to tell. Before I met him there was a photo shown on television depicting him and his brother flying into Gabo Island. The caption was 'These guys will go anywhere for a vote'. It was blowing and the plane landed, Julian knocked on the lighthouse door and the guy came down and said, 'Sorry, mate; I vote Labor'. Anyhow, Peter automated that lighthouse sometime later. You explained today how you attended the funeral of the great person in the National Party and Peter Ryan walked down the aisle and shook your hand. That was absolution from the National Party. All was forgiven. I never held it against you; you were always my mate. We will sadly miss you.

Nick and Ferg, you are the cement that binds these parties together. Some people ungenerously describe the National Party leadership as being like the captain of a canoe, but I know that when Barnaby, Wacka and Fiona wanted to cross the floor, there was one thing I could say: 'Don't do this to Nick; we have to look after Nick'. They always said, 'Yes, we have to look after Nick.' That was our call—we had to look after Nick. Fergie, I do not know how to describe you—you are the cement that binds the parties together. You are a great guy. Some people say everyone is indispensable, but you two guys will be hard to replace.

Guy Barnett, it has been lovely to be with you, to spend time with you and to support you in some of your issues. Russell Trood, I wish you the best. I wish all my colleagues the best and I hope that they have a very long and productive retirement and great happiness in the future.