Barnaby Joyce (Queensland, National Party, Leader of The Nationals in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

Mr President, I have never had to say so many goodbyes when my full intention is to come back, but, at the end of the 43rd Parliament, I would like to thank you, first and foremost, for the extremely dignified way that you have held the chair. I would like to thank the attendants. I would like to thank government members. I would like to thank those who we do not see but who have so much to do with this place. I would especially like to thank the carpenter who knocked me up a rather neat little statue downstairs.

First and foremost, to every person who is driving and spending the period away: I hope you drive safely. If it is the case, and it seems to be the case, that the next time we see each other is engaged in the field of a political battle, I hope that we can all engage in that battle in such a way that we do the very best in representing our philosophical, personal and political views but leave that engagement in such a way that we can still call on other people as our colleagues and possibly even our friends.

To Senator Crossin: I wish you all the very best for your future. I know that your dedication to this chamber has been exemplary and you will go on to do other things. I am sure that this is merely a corner in the road, not the end of the road, for you.

For Senator Humphries likewise. It is only you and Senator Ursula Stephens, I think, who have the unusual quality that I cannot think of anything you have ever done that has been bad. I do not think you have ever played up. In fact, I think you are quite boring! No, the way you have conducted yourself has been an absolute credit to you through your parliamentary career, and you are something that other people should guide themselves by.

To all the rest: God bless.