Eric Abetz (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations) Share this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a statement of no longer than two minutes.

Leave granted.

We have just witnessed the last contribution by Senator the Hon. Helen Coonan in this place. Senator Coonan has indicated the wish to depart this place without too much fanfare or valedictor­ies. The coalition respects that wish but cannot allow a former distinguished cabinet minister and a former Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate to leave without a sincere expression of our appreciation and thanks for her commitment and service. We understand her reasons for leaving and respect them. We wish our valued colleague all the best for the future, good health and happiness. We also especially extend that wish to her husband. On behalf of all coalition colleagues, I thank the senator for her 15 years of service to the people of New South Wales, the nation and the Liberal Party. We salute you.

Honourable senators: Hear! Hear!